By George Thomas
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan -- One-hundred-thousand Christians are murdered because of their faith each year. In many cases, governments are to blame because they pass laws that restrict religious freedom.
Recently, CBN News gained exclusive access to a gathering of secret believers inside a former Soviet Republic to get a close-up look at what life is like for Christians who face daily persecution.
Secret Strategy
The setting in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan could not have been more ideal.
"This is a beautiful location," Vitaly, a secret believer, said. "Seventy percent of the country is mountainous. Locals call it the second Switzerland of Asia. Our goal was to find a safe place away from the city to not draw attention of the authorities."
For a few days Vitaly and a handful of Christians gathered in a secluded villa tucked away in the mountains about a two-hour drive outside the capital city Bishkek.
"We worship, pray, and strategize how to effectively share the love of Christ in our countries," Vitaly said.
CBN News cannot show you their faces or reveal their real names for security reasons, but in a room inside a secret getaway are underground believers from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. All are former Soviet Republics in Central Asia experiencing a rising tide of hostilities against believers.
They are members of a Christian ministry that's reaching young people in the former Soviet Union.
"It's practically impossible to openly share about Jesus Christ. Doing so will get you beaten, arrested, or killed," Vitaly warned.
Youth Not Allowed
But that has not stopped Marat, a youth leader from Uzbekistan, who said last year was a difficult year for him.
"Fortunately I wasn't arrested," Marat said. "But I was repeatedly interrogated by secret police accused of gathering people in my house. They said what I am doing is illegal."
Marat runs an informal Christian school training Uzbek leaders. He told CBN News that "the pressure is unrelenting."
"You can't relax. You are constantly under stress," he said. "You cannot trust anyone because you don't know if they'll turn you in or accuse you of proselytizing."
Doud is from Kazakhstan, the largest of the five Central Asian countries. There were no Kazakh Christians in 1990. Today there are about 15,000. But strict religious laws make it difficult for churches to register.
"According to our law you cannot attend church until you are 18 years old. That means we cannot hold youth meetings, discipleship classes or Bible study," Doud said.
One Life at a Time
Firuz is from Tajikistan. He gave CBN News exclusive access to home video of his secret house church that was smuggled out of the country. The meetings are small and typically held in a believer's home.
"The people in this video know exactly what's at stake," Firuz told CBN News in an undisclosed location. "Our parents taught us from childhood that one day we may have to sacrifice our lives."
Seven million people live in Tajikistan and only 1,000 are Christian.
"Each life counts," Firuz said. "God says, 'Be thankful every day, rejoice in every soul that comes into heaven.' That's what keeps us going: one life at a time."
Radical Islam On the Rise
Religious freedom exists in all five countries under the constitution, but barely. While Islam is the dominant religion, a more radical expression is taking root in Central Asia.
Dmitry Kabak is a human rights lawyer in Bishkek. He said fear of radicalism has led governments to adopt laws controlling all religions, including Islam and Christianity.
"Groups from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and elsewhere come in with a different interpretation and practice of Islam. That worries the authorities. Some of the radical groups have engaged in terrorist activities," Kabak told CBN News.
Oleg works in remote villages of Kyrgyzstan. He remembers what it was like spiritually after the fall of the Soviet Union.
"There was a lot of freedom in the 90s. People could openly share the gospel. But eventually, Islam started to make a move and gain influence," he said.
An Oasis from Persecution
All throughout the mountain areas of Kyrgyzstan the horse is another popular mode of transportation, especially to get around some of the tough terrain and step hills.
For the believers, the mountains are a spiritual oasis because it is an opportunity to get away from the almost daily routine, harassment, and persecution from the authorities and to come together in a safe place, a beautiful place, and to get spiritually energized.
"The beauty, the backdrop, (and) the scenery (are) wonderful distractions from (their) daily challenges," Marat said.
"To see Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Kazakh, and Tajik believers in the same place at one time is so encouraging," Firuz said. "We draw strength from each other. We know we are not in this spiritual battle alone."
After being encouraged, refreshed, and re-energized, the believers must travel back home to the uncertainty of the days ahead.
Yet they stand boldly, convinced of a calling to make the name of Jesus Christ known -- no matter the cost.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Syrian rebel commander: "Islam must be the single source of authority of the state"
By sending lethal weapons to these "rebels," Obama is aiding in the creation of yet another Sharia state that will be unremittingly hostile to the U.S. "Syrian Rebel Commander Ahmad 'Issa: Iran Will Always Be Our No. 1 Enemy, Syrian People Will Decide about Israel," from MEMRI, June 12:
Following are excerpts from an interview with Ahmad 'Issa, commander of the Syrian Suqur Al-Sham Brigades, which aired on the Al-Jazeera network, on June 12, 2013:Interviewer: Does Suqur Al-Sham, or do you personally, hope for a political role, in the event that the regime is toppled?
Ahmad 'Issa: We do not want to serve as a bridge, to be passed over and then thrown away.
Interviewer: So you do aspire for a political role?
Ahmad 'Issa: Definitely.
[...]
We have been providing the minorities with their rights ever since the establishment of the state of Islam, since the beginning of the Caliphate in the days of the Prophet Muhammad, and in the days of the Righteous Caliphs, and to this day. Throughout history, nobody has suffered injustice under the state of Islam – the state of truth and justice.
Interviewer: In some Islamic emirates in the course of history – I could mention the Abbasid caliphate, for example, and Andalusia, Christians and Jews held ministerial posts, and even the position of prime minister. What is your position on a Christian becoming a minister, for example?
Ahmad 'Issa: We will have three preconditions for joining the government. The first is that Islam must be the single source of authority of the state. We are not infringing upon the rights of others – this is our right, because 85% of the Syrians are Sunni Muslims.
[...]
We demand that the president and parliament speaker be Sunni Muslims, and that the state's sole source of authority be Islam. Beyond that, you can call it a constitutional state, a parliamentary state, a monarchy, a republic – whatever you like.
Interviewer: You would not object to a Christian becoming a minister, for example?
Ahmad 'Issa: Our only concerns are the head of state and the state's source of authority.
Interviewer: Would you object to a Christian becoming head of state?
Ahmad 'Issa: Yes, we would not accept that.
[...]
Interviewer: What is your position with regard to democracy?
Ahmad 'Issa: We are talking about a state of justice and truth. We want the people to be ruled by an infallible law – the law of Allah. We do not want people to be ruled by man-made laws....
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Stand to for June 24, 2013
Push Back with Prayer
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
1. Opening Prayer
2. Round the Table Individual Prayers
3. Morning Psalm: 31
4. Breakfast Reading: Luke 14:25-33
5. Breakfast is served
6. Breakfast Discussion Topic: What is our mission statement?
7. After Breakfast Voluntary Testimonies
8. Round the Table Individual Prayers
9. Closing Prayer
Syrian Christians Plan 'Sit-In' to Protest Syrian Rebel Kidnapping of Bishops
June 21, 2013 - 4:18 AM
By Patrick Goodenough
(CNSNews.com) – Two months after two senior church leaders in Aleppo were kidnapped by rebels, their whereabouts and condition remain unknown at a time when Christians in Syria’s largest city are increasingly fearful about the future.
The Obama administration announced last week that it will begin arming the Syrian rebels.
On Saturday, Aleppo’s St. Elias Greek Orthodox church will hold a “cry for prayer and sit-in” vigil to mark the April 22 abduction by armed men of Greek Orthodox Bishop Boulos Yazigi and another Aleppo church leader, Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim. Neither has been seen since.
Attempts to reach officials at the two affected dioceses were unsuccessful this week.
At the time of the kidnapping, the two churchmen reportedly were on a humanitarian mission. Their driver, a church deacon, was shot dead.
Why they were kidnapped remains unclear, although different theories have circulated.
Holding a synod in Lebanon this week, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch John Yazigi said the church was in touch with “all concerned parties” but had not been in direct contact with the kidnappers, the Beirut Daily Star reported.
While the patriarch declined to speculate about a motive for the abduction, the paper quoted a source close to him as saying the kidnapping was seen as intended to pressure Christians to support the anti-Assad opposition, deter them from supporting the regime, and send the message that “Christians are no longer welcome in the Middle East.”
Because of the Greek Orthodox connection, the Greek foreign ministry has been involved in behind-the-scenes efforts to secure information about the bishops.
Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos last month discussed with E.U. officials in Brussels “Greek actions and initiatives aimed at [securing] their release,” the foreign ministry said at the time, without elaborating.
In the days immediately following the kidnapping there were conflicting reports about their status.
On April 23, State Department spokeswoman Patrick Ventrell welcomed word that they had been released, but the following day he acknowledged there had been “contradictory information,” saying “we understand the Syrian opposition coalition is condemning their capture and urging their release.”
On April 26, four days after kidnapping, Ventrell again called for their release.
On April 27, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him “to immediately call for and actively work towards” the release of the two men.
By the time the bishops had been missing for almost a month, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chair Katrina Lantos Swett in a statement said the U.S. and international community “must leave no stone unturned” in securing their freedom.
“These two religious leaders put aside their own safety by traveling to one of the worst areas of fighting to help those Syrians left with few basic necessities after more than two years of war,” she said.
Several days later, 72 members of Congress signed a bipartisan letter to Kerry on May 21, asking him to make the bishops’ “immediate release and safe return to Aleppo a priority in our efforts in the region.”
'No way out'
Meanwhile, amid new fighting in and around Aleppo – different parts of which are held by rebel and regime forces – international organizations that are involved in relief efforts there are drawing fresh attention to the Christians’ plight.
“After the opposition fighters in Syria in the beginning of June lost their stronghold in the city of Al-Qusayr, many in Aleppo fear that this biggest city of Syria will be the next battlefield,” said Open Doors USA. (The strategic town of Qusayr fell to Syrian regime and Hezbollah forces early this month, after being held by rebels for more than a year.)
The organization quoted a contact in the city as saying, “Aleppo is under siege by gangs and fanatic rebels.”
Rebel fighters at times prevent food from entering government-held parts of Aleppo or levy taxes that push up the prices drastically, according to a church volunteer. Open Doors is partnering with churches to help the neediest people.
“People talk a lot about the war and expect more war is coming,” said the contact, named Samuel.
“People are afraid. Especially now the head of church isn’t here; there is still no news about our kidnapped bishop. People want to leave, but there is no way out. People are afraid of being kidnapped when they think of leaving the city by car or bus.”
Barnabas Fund, a U.K.-based charity working with Christians in Islamic societies, said a senior Christian leader in Aleppo reports that Islamist militias have taken over mosques in the city and “use Friday sermons to stir up hatred, calling for the killing of anyone who does not follow Islam.”
“Christians are terrified by these militias and fear that in the event of their victory they would no longer be able to practice their religion and that they would be forced to leave the country,” it quoted him as saying.
By Patrick Goodenough
(CNSNews.com) – Two months after two senior church leaders in Aleppo were kidnapped by rebels, their whereabouts and condition remain unknown at a time when Christians in Syria’s largest city are increasingly fearful about the future.
The Obama administration announced last week that it will begin arming the Syrian rebels.
On Saturday, Aleppo’s St. Elias Greek Orthodox church will hold a “cry for prayer and sit-in” vigil to mark the April 22 abduction by armed men of Greek Orthodox Bishop Boulos Yazigi and another Aleppo church leader, Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim. Neither has been seen since.
Attempts to reach officials at the two affected dioceses were unsuccessful this week.
At the time of the kidnapping, the two churchmen reportedly were on a humanitarian mission. Their driver, a church deacon, was shot dead.
Why they were kidnapped remains unclear, although different theories have circulated.
Holding a synod in Lebanon this week, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch John Yazigi said the church was in touch with “all concerned parties” but had not been in direct contact with the kidnappers, the Beirut Daily Star reported.
While the patriarch declined to speculate about a motive for the abduction, the paper quoted a source close to him as saying the kidnapping was seen as intended to pressure Christians to support the anti-Assad opposition, deter them from supporting the regime, and send the message that “Christians are no longer welcome in the Middle East.”
Because of the Greek Orthodox connection, the Greek foreign ministry has been involved in behind-the-scenes efforts to secure information about the bishops.
Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos last month discussed with E.U. officials in Brussels “Greek actions and initiatives aimed at [securing] their release,” the foreign ministry said at the time, without elaborating.
In the days immediately following the kidnapping there were conflicting reports about their status.
On April 23, State Department spokeswoman Patrick Ventrell welcomed word that they had been released, but the following day he acknowledged there had been “contradictory information,” saying “we understand the Syrian opposition coalition is condemning their capture and urging their release.”
On April 26, four days after kidnapping, Ventrell again called for their release.
On April 27, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him “to immediately call for and actively work towards” the release of the two men.
By the time the bishops had been missing for almost a month, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chair Katrina Lantos Swett in a statement said the U.S. and international community “must leave no stone unturned” in securing their freedom.
“These two religious leaders put aside their own safety by traveling to one of the worst areas of fighting to help those Syrians left with few basic necessities after more than two years of war,” she said.
Several days later, 72 members of Congress signed a bipartisan letter to Kerry on May 21, asking him to make the bishops’ “immediate release and safe return to Aleppo a priority in our efforts in the region.”
'No way out'
Meanwhile, amid new fighting in and around Aleppo – different parts of which are held by rebel and regime forces – international organizations that are involved in relief efforts there are drawing fresh attention to the Christians’ plight.
“After the opposition fighters in Syria in the beginning of June lost their stronghold in the city of Al-Qusayr, many in Aleppo fear that this biggest city of Syria will be the next battlefield,” said Open Doors USA. (The strategic town of Qusayr fell to Syrian regime and Hezbollah forces early this month, after being held by rebels for more than a year.)
The organization quoted a contact in the city as saying, “Aleppo is under siege by gangs and fanatic rebels.”
Rebel fighters at times prevent food from entering government-held parts of Aleppo or levy taxes that push up the prices drastically, according to a church volunteer. Open Doors is partnering with churches to help the neediest people.
“People talk a lot about the war and expect more war is coming,” said the contact, named Samuel.
“People are afraid. Especially now the head of church isn’t here; there is still no news about our kidnapped bishop. People want to leave, but there is no way out. People are afraid of being kidnapped when they think of leaving the city by car or bus.”
Barnabas Fund, a U.K.-based charity working with Christians in Islamic societies, said a senior Christian leader in Aleppo reports that Islamist militias have taken over mosques in the city and “use Friday sermons to stir up hatred, calling for the killing of anyone who does not follow Islam.”
“Christians are terrified by these militias and fear that in the event of their victory they would no longer be able to practice their religion and that they would be forced to leave the country,” it quoted him as saying.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Quote #1
“Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end all his disciples deserted him. On the Cross he was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause he had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes. There is his commission, his work. 'The kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing who would ever have been spared' (Luther).”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community
Stand to for June 17, 2013
Push Back with Prayer
0700 at BJ’s
Restaurant
1. Opening
Prayer
2. Round the
Table Individual Prayers
3. Morning
Psalm: 46
4. Breakfast
Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-13
5. Breakfast is
served
6. Breakfast
Discussion Topic: How do we expand our veterans prayer group?
7. After
Breakfast Voluntary Testimonies
8. Round the
Table Individual Prayers
9. Closing
Prayer
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Stand to for June 10, 2013
Push Back with Prayer
0700 at BJ’s
Restaurant
1. Opening
Prayer
2. Round the
Table Individual Prayers
3. Morning
Psalm: 84
4. Breakfast
Reading: Luke 18:18-30
5. Breakfast is
served
6. Breakfast
Discussion Topic: How do we as a small community of Christian Veterans combat fear?
7. After
Breakfast Voluntary Testimonies
8. Round the
Table Individual Prayers
9. Closing
Prayer
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