Persecution is Rising in India, but Christianity  Standing Strong

It's more dangerous now than ever before to be a Christian in India.

Open Doors has officially released its 2018 World Watch List, and India ranks number 11 out of the top 50 countries where Christian persecution is at its worst.

"Persecution of Christians is rising in India. More than ever before, the growth of radical Hinduism in the nation is fueling violent attacks, with even greater impunity for attackers as the government sides with radical groups," the organization wrote in its report.

Pastor Joseph D'Souza, who works tirelessly for human rights in India told CBN News Hindu extremists are spreading dangerous propaganda against Christians in the country.

"The propaganda that continues to go on which is absolutely not correct that Christians are involved in false and forced conversions. Nothing of that sort is happening," he explained.

"The propaganda that somehow Christians are working against India, against the interests of India by trying to be Christians, is propelling this. And a lack of control of these groups that seem to commit crimes and attack minorities with impunity," he continued.

D'Souza said radical Hindu extremists aren't just targeting India's Christians, but anyone who does not adhere to their ideology.

"It's not just related to the Christians. It's also related to the Muslims, Dalits, and now also Hindus," he said.

The situation is especially hard for Dalits -- people who rank the lowest in India's caste system and are considered "untouchable."

"India cannot continue with a caste system," D'Souza said. "While many Dalits have found freedom and dignity through Christian work and education and spiritual work, the problem is not over."

Despite the growing persecution of Muslims, Dalits, Hindus, and Christians, D'Souza said God is still at work in India.

"Persecution has never stopped the growth of the church. In fact, when we are attacked, when we are persecuted, we become stronger," he said. "They're standing strong and they're not recounting."

Pastor Murdered, Church Burned, Anti-Christian Violence on Upswing in India

India may be the world's largest democracy, but the government often falls short when it comes to protecting Christians and other minorities from attack by militant Hindus.

In 2017, Christians experienced almost as many attacks against them during the first half of the year than during all of 2016. So far this year, there are  no signs that the religious intolerance and persecution is letting up.

Just within this past week, two major incidents occurred: one in Tamil Nadu state, and another in Jammu Kashmir.

Last Saturday, parishoners of Maknayeem Church near Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu attempted to enter their church for a prayer and fasting meeting. When they arrived, they discovered the church gate was locked.
After unlocking the gate, they entered the church and found 43-year old Pastor Gideon Perisyaswamy hanging form the rafters of the church.

According to Wilson Chowdhry of the British Asian Christian Association, when police arrived on the scene they appeared "whimsical" and failed to initiate an investigation of the crime scene. Instead, they labeled the pastor's death a suicide.

Chowdhry says the church members suspected foul play because a gold ring was missing from the pastor's finger and there were signs of welts, bruising and torture on Pastor Gideon's body. 

"This was a particularly special day in which a large number of the church were about to attend for prayer an fasting. It would seem very unusual for a man to commit suicide before that without leaving a note," he said.

According to Chowdhry, the church and pastor had received several death threats from militant Hindus who were angry about the church evangelizing and converting Hindus to Christianity. Pastor Gideon had reported the threats to local police.

On January 16, 2018 in Jammu Kashmir, a Hindu mob burned Sehal Christ Church of Seri Panchayat. Several Christian businesses were also set ablaze.

Chowdhry says the militants were upset because a former Hindu was given a Christian burial. 

The woman, Seema Devi had converted to Christianity before she became ill and died. Her parents wanted her body to be cremated which is the Hindu custom, but her husband wanted the Christian ceremony because his wife was Christian.

The parents accused Rinku Kumar of murdering his wife Seema, but Chowdhry says Kumar actually prayed regularly for her healing.

Many Christians from Sehal Christ Church have fled into the woods because Hindus are forcibly re-converting many of them to Hinduism. Chowdhry says his organization has helped the pastor find refuge in a safe house about 200 miles away from the village.

We are happy to intimate to you the forthcoming 4^th anniversary celebration of National Worship Centre. 17238 slots have been completed so far .We are going to celebrate the anniversary for 7 days from 7/4/18 to 13/4/18.

2 Chr 30:21, 22 In this verse we see King Hezekiah celebrating 7 days feast for the Lord. For that he called all the people of Israel. They joined together and worshiped our Lord for 7 days.

2 Chron 30:21 “..For seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests sang to the Lord every day, accompanied by the Lord's instruments of praise”.

In the same way we are going to celebrate 7 days of special worship. In the end i.e. on 13/4/18 we join together and worship our lord. We are glad to invite you for this programme. BFF trainees, troop churches, NWC regular worshipers must take part in it. Come worship our lord as a team.

2 Chron 30:27 “..God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place”.

In the same way those who attend and worship the Lord these days - their prayer will reach heaven. They will receive from the hands of the Master special blessing and promises. No doubt the nation is going to be shaken during our worship. Be ready and prepare for that, Book your Slot.

Praise God for the successful completion of 17338 slots in National Worship Centre with a Non Stop Worship (24/7)

China Pledges to Protect Religious Freedom, Days after Bible Ban

China presented an official ‘white paper’ on religion on Wednesday, 4 April, guaranteeing “protection” for religious freedom, just four days after banning the online sale of Bibles.

The policy paper, titled ‘China’s Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief’, was presented by the State Council Information Office at a press conference and followed the disbandment of the Religious Affairs Bureau.

A local source said they had not been able to find or download Bibles from a popular Amazon-like online platform and that other people had reported similar experiences on social media. Others, however, still seemed to have access to online Bibles earlier this week, the source said.

The latest developments follow the implementation of new regulations on religion in February, which some religious leaders in China said violated religious freedom.

‘ACTIVE GUIDANCE NEEDED’

According to Bernardo Cervellera, writing for AsiaNews, the ‘white paper’ signalled a shift away from the Marxist philosophy that defined religion as the “opium of the people”, defining China as a “multi-religious country since ancient times”. However, the government’s policy document added that “active guidance” was needed so religions could “adapt to socialist society”.

The ‘Sinicization’ of religion has long been a core message of President Xi Jinping. Under his rule, control of religious life has increased, causing more pressure on Christians, Muslims and Buddhists.

Five Years on, Central African Republic Crisis Deepens

A UN spokesperson has called for a new approach to end the still-deepening crisis in the Central African Republic.

The situation in CAR has been deteriorating for five years now, and in the next six months may grow even worse, according to the head of the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in CAR, Joseph Inganji.

Speaking to World Watch Monitor last week, Inganji called on “all actors to sit around the table to have a shared analysis and joint planning, in order to cut the vicious cycle of violence, and respond according to each other and everyone’s mandate”.

CAR fell into chaos on 24 March 2013 when a predominantly Muslim coalition of rebels, known as Séléka, ousted President François Bozizé and took power.

Six months later, in September 2013, Séléka’s leader, Michel Djotodia, who had proclaimed himself president, disbanded the group and in January 2014 resigned as president, to be replaced by Catherine Samba-Panza.

 “Since 2013, children are no longer going to school in some regions,” he said. “Which kind of future are we preparing for this country with a whole generation sacrificed?”

Meanwhile, Imam Omar Kobine Layama, the president of the Islamic Conference in CAR, said “all our efforts remain vain because of the lack of security”.

The imam called on the reinforcement of the state, notably the national army, to accompany the UN peacekeepers already deployed in the country.

Finally the representative of CAR’s Evangelical Alliance, François Ndeckere Nzogbia, welcomed the contribution of the international community towards the resolution of the crisis in CAR, but said more needs to be done:

“We need to be supported strongly in order to stop the acts of these warlords and criminals, who continue to kill central Africans on a daily basis. But unfortunately the echo is not raised loud enough to enable the world to know that somewhere in that world, men and women continue to be killed cowardly.”

The Geneva briefing was organised jointly by the World Evangelical Alliance and the Catholic charity Caritas International.

It was also attended by various key stakeholders, including the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, Marie-Thérèse Keita Bocoum, who stressed the key role of the religious leaders:

“I want to insist on the importance of interreligious dialogue, which will enable each locality of CAR to move forward to listening, forgiveness and reconciliation.”

5 Countries Where Christians Celebrated Easter Despite Persecution

Easter this year was a time of mixed emotions for the Christians who live under pressure for their faith. While political and religious leaders called for peace, reconciliation and brotherhood, Christians in countries like Syria and the Philippines continued to face violence and its consequences.

Below, World Watch Monitor gives a snapshot of what Easter 2018 looked like in some of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/elinedesignservices

1. SYRIA

In war-torn Syria, the Catholic community in the city of Aleppo celebrated Holy Week with a mixture of hope and scepticism, Bishop Georges Abou Khazen told AsiaNews. The Apostolic Vicar of the Catholic Church said: “We have experienced death and destruction but at the same time we have lived great testimonies of love and solidarity. The war continues and new victims die every day, an exaggerated number of deaths. People continue to flee from the country. Faced with all this suffering we cannot remain deaf and impassive; even after eight years we cannot resign ourselves to the logic of violence and war.”

2. PHILIPPINES

In the Philippines, 7,000 of Marawi’s 400,000 displaced citizens were able to visit their homes on Easter Sunday for the first time since the Philippine army liberated the city, which is on the southern island of Mindanao, from Islamist militants in October.

It followed a day of protests on Good Friday when, according to Catholic news site UCAN, thousands gathered to demand the opportunity to visit and pray in their devastated city. The protestors also claimed displaced residents had been mistreated by the government.

3. INDONESIA

People in Indonesia defied fears of growing Islamist extremism when Muslims joined Christians in celebrating Holy Week. Following dance performances by dozens of young Muslims during a procession on Good Friday in Ambon, capital of the south-eastern Maluku Province, Bishop Canisius Mandagi told the UCAN: “This is an example of where religion becomes a unifying tool and this religious celebration becomes a bridge to strengthening relations”.

Meanwhile Jakarta’s Catholic Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo toldChristians they “should go out and mingle with people from different backgrounds. This is a very important thing to do right now”. In his Easter message he also challenged the “money, power and prestige” that, he said, have become “serious challenges to national unity in Indonesia”, as “money is spent to gain power through bribery and corruption."

4. VIETNAM

For Catholics in the mountainous north-western part of Vietnam, Holy Week was marked by the first ever visit by a bishop since Catholic communities were established in the area over a century ago, reported UCAN. Bishop John Mary Vu Tat of Hung Hoa, in Hanoi, travelled 160km north-west to Yen Bai Province, where he visited nine parishes, sub-parishes and mission stations.

He baptised and administered Confirmation to members of the ethnic minority Hmong people group during an Easter Mass at Vinh Quang Church, which was attended by 2,000 people. A Paris-based Vietnamese human rights group recently expressed concern about an increase of attacks against religious minorities, like the Hmong Christians, in the Southeast Asian country.

5. ISRAEL

In Israel, 13 church leaders in Jerusalem issued a joint Easter message on Good Friday as violence erupted between Palestinians and Israeli security forces along the Israeli-Gaza border. “We pray to almighty God that people who are walking in the way of the cross may find it the way of hope, peace, and life,” they said.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christianity’s holiest site, was visited by hundreds of pilgrims on Easter Sunday. This following its closure in Februarywhen churches protested against the municipality’s plan to end the tax-exempt status with regards to commercial properties the churches hold.

Iraqi Christian Woman is Reunited with Father after 3 Years in ISIS' Captivity

An Iraqi Christian woman who was kidnapped by ISIS in 2014, raped and sold as a sex slave, has been reunited with her father.

Rita Habib called the emotional reunion a “dream,” as there were many times during her captivity when she never expected to see her father again.

“I am very happy that after three years I reunited with my father. It is a joyous moment because he is the only family I have left," Habib said.

The Christian Post reports that Islamic extremists overran Habib’s hometown of Qaraqosh, southeast of Mosul, three years ago. Thousands of people were killed and hundreds of woman, including Habib, were taken captive.

Habib was held captive in Mosul for several months before being sold as a sex slave to Syria.

She recounted some of the horrors she saw and experienced while in ISIS’ captivity:

"I was bought and sold four times. They did evil things to us. They beat us and raped us. The worst of all was girls aged nine who were raped. Girls would be sold for 4,000 to 15,000 dollars."

Habib was rescued several months ago as ISIS' stronghold in the region began crumbling. Now that she is back home and reunited with her father, she says she wants to begin rebuilding her life and community. She also hopes to help other women who were kidnapped.

The World Against Israel - 70 Nations Call For Creation Of Palestinian State

On Sunday, the 70 nations that gathered in Paris for a conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict unanimously agreed to call for the creation of a Palestinian state.  The joint declaration that was issued at the conclusion of the conference also endorsed UN Security Council Resolution 2334 which was adopted on December 23rd and the six principles that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry laid out in his 71 minute speech on December 28th. 

The good news is that this conference did not immediately recognize a Palestinian state, nor does it appear that additional action will be taken at the UN Security Council before Donald Trump is inaugurated on Friday.

It had been feared that this conference may attempt to impose some sort of a solution on the Israelis and the Palestinians, but that didn't come to pass. Instead, the conference participants agreed to work toward "a negotiated solution with two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security".

So the global community has clearly reaffirmed their commitment to a Palestinian state, but the outcome of this conference was not nearly as bad for Israel as many had been anticipating.

On Tuesday, the UN Security Council will meet to further discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but the Jerusalem Post is reporting that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has promised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that there will not be any more UN Security Council resolutions regarding Israel before Trump takes office...

Israeli sources said Kerry called Netanyahu from the conference to brief him on the efforts the US was taking there to soften the language of the final statement. According to the sources, Netanyahu told Kerry that damage had already been done to Israel by the anti-settlement resolution that the US allowed to pass in the Security Council last month, and that no more harm should be allowed to be caused from the Paris summit.

Kerry assured Netanyahu that there would be no follow-up to the Paris conference in the Security Council, according to the sources. Even though that bullet has been dodged, we should still acknowledge that what just happened in Paris, France was extremely significant. It seems a very odd coincidence that exactly 70 nations gathered in Paris. It could have easily been 69 nations or 71 nations, but instead it was precisely 70.

According to Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, the author of The Harbinger and The Book of Mysteries, the number 70 represents all the nations of the world in ancient Jewish tradition..."It is interesting to note that the rabbis spoke of the world consisting of 70 nations," he observed. "This is linked to the 70 sacrifices offered in the Feast of Tabernacles. So now to have the nations of the world, specifically 70 nations, gather together over the issue of Jerusalem, is most striking. 

One could say that the 70 nations are a representation of all nations, and coming together clearly set against the word of God which clearly ordains that Jerusalem is given by God to only one nation - Israel.  "As to the Abrahamic Covenant, that what a nation does to Israel will be done to that nation, what America under Obama did to Israel at the United Nations - namely abandon it - was significant," he said.

Without a doubt, all of the largest and most powerful countries were represented at the conference. So what we just witnessed in Paris was essentially the whole world coming together to decide what should be done with the land of Israel. And by unanimously agreeing that the land of Israel should be divided and that a Palestinian state should be created, these global leaders are in great danger of literally cursing the entire planet.

Just a few weeks ago, I wrote an entire article about how those that bless Israel will be blessed and those that curse Israel will be cursed. I would venture to say that now the entire world is on the wrong side of that equation as a result of this conference in Paris. In a previous article I detailed 10 specific steps that Trump should immediately take to try to reverse the curse that Obama has put on America. One of the steps that I recommended was moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, and this is something that Trump's team is actively talking about.

However, other global leaders are warning Trump not to do this. For example, on Sunday French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told the press that such a move would have "very serious consequences"... A "stubborn" proposal by President-elect Donald Trump to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem would involve "very serious consequences" and damage efforts for peace in the Middle East, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Sunday.

And of course the Palestinians are threatening widespread violence if the U.S. embassy is moved to Jerusalem, but meanwhile the Palestinians have no problem opening up new embassies of their own. In fact, on Saturday the Palestinians just opened up a brand new embassy at the Vatican. Donald Trump may never have anticipated this, but the truth is that the relationship between the United States and Israel is likely to be one of the defining issues of his presidency.

Allowing UN Security Council Resolution 2334 to pass without a veto was the worst decision that Barack Obama made during his entire time in the White House, and it represented the greatest betrayal of Israel in the history of the United States.

In just a few days, Donald Trump will have an opportunity to begin repairing the immense damage that was done by that resolution, and it sounds like he wants to have a very positive relationship with Israel.

But it can't just be words. Politicians have a habit of telling us what we want to hear, and now Donald Trump will get his chance to show the world that he is not just another typical politician. The Times of London is already reporting that Donald Trump plans to task his Jewish son-in-law Jared Kushner with mediating a peace agreement to end the conflict. Trump has previously suggested that Kushner could take on a role as Middle East peace envoy, telling The Times in November that he would be "very good at it." "I mean he knows it so well. He knows the region, knows the people, knows the players," Trump said.

My hope is that Donald Trump will truly be a friend to Israel in both word and deed, because that is what is desperately needed at this moment in history.

PNW Staff

He made you go hungry, He did this to teach you - _{Deut: 8-3}

It is written in Exodus chapter 15 and 16 that the Israelites walked through the desert for three days and did not find any water. It is also written that they starved in the desert without food for some time. Have we ever starved for food? Have we ever gone without water after a long walk? How will we respond if we starve and thirst with uncertainty surrounding our survival? Isn’t it natural for an unbeliever to complain at this point?

Exodus : 16 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.

Why did the almighty God allow his people to starve and thirst? The Lord was definitely with the Israelites and still they went starving and thirsted for a while. If the Lord is with you is it possible for you to starve and thirst? Will Jesus allow this to happen?

The book of Deuteronomy, chapter 8 verse 3 says “He made you go Hungry, and then he gave you manna to eat, food that you and your ancestors had never eaten before. He did this to teach you that man must not depend on bread alone to sustain him, but on everything the Lord says”.

In the desert when the Israelites thirsted and found bitter water they complained. It is written in Exodus 15:25 that the Lord made it fit to drink and then he gave them the law to live by. The Lord is commandments are to be learnt. The people would not have learnt the commandments if they were satisfied with food and water. The book of Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 11 says “make certain that you do not forget the Lord your God when you are sufficient with everything”.

This gives us serious thought.A self sufficient Christian tend to forget the Lord and a starving person tend to learn the way of the Lord! And the Lord allows his children to be tested.

The book of Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 5 says “remember that the Lord your God corrects and punishes you just as a father disciplines his children”. The book of Hebrews chapter 12 verses 7 and 8 says

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 

The above verses say hardships are for legitimate children of God If we are without hardships then we are in the danger zone of forgetting our Father! But if the Lord has permitted some hardships we are sure we are learning his decree.

The Israelites after learning the decree of the Lord the hard way were ready to take over the entire land of Canaan. The book of Joshua chapter 2 verse 9 says “all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you”.

The above is true for us; we have to endure hardships to become strong and to learn the decree of the lord, so that the people of the land may know that the Lord is with us, he will give us this land. Very soon the land will become our Lord’s possession (Genesis 48:20).

Paul while teaching Timothy says that a good soldier of Jesus Christ will endure hardship(2 timothy 2:3), because a battle field is not a comfortable place and only a person who has learned to endure hardship can sustain in the battle, hence hardships are training given by God for battle against the evil one. People who cannot endure hardship are unfit for battle.

One of our brothers used to say “the most uncomfortable place for a true Christian is a comfortable place”. I used to think why he says such a thing? But now I understand that a good Christian is used to the battle against the dark forces and he is trained for hardships hence he is not comfortable in a comfortable place.

Battle and warfare is inevitable for a true Christian. So without undergoing training he will not be ready to face any warfare.If we are undergoing hardships, it is nothing but training given by God to us. Hence let us endure hardships as a good soldier for Christ. Let us not complain about our hardships like the Israelites did, Even the hair in our head is counted; the Lord knows our needs even before we pray! So let us leave our hardships to Jesus and prepare ourself for battle for the Kingdom of heaven is near.

                                                                                                                             -    Dr Benedict Aruldas

We are happy to intimate to you the forthcoming 4^th anniversary celebration of National Worship Centre. 17238 slots have been completed so far .We are going to celebrate the anniversary for 7 days from 7/4/18 to 13/4/18.

2 Chr 30:21, 22 In this verse we see King Hezekiah celebrating 7 days feast for the Lord. For that he called all the people of Israel. They joined together and worshiped our Lord for 7 days.

2 Chron 30:21 “..For seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests sang to the Lord every day, accompanied by the Lord's instruments of praise”.

In the same way we are going to celebrate 7 days of special worship. In the end i.e. on 13/4/18 we join together and worship our lord. We are glad to invite you for this programme. BFF trainees, troop churches, NWC regular worshipers must take part in it. Come worship our lord as a team.

2 Chron 30:27 “..God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place”.

In the same way those who attend and worship the Lord these days - their prayer will reach heaven. They will receive from the hands of the Master special blessing and promises. No doubt the nation is going to be shaken during our worship. Be ready and prepare for that, Book your Slot.

Praise God for the successful completion of 17338 slots in National Worship Centre with a Non Stop Worship (24/7)

Father’s House,

Brotherhood Missions,

4/364 E, Anna Salai 1st Cross Street,

ECR, Palavakkam, Chennai 600041.

 Tamil Nadu, India.

National Worship Centre is a centre where the Lord of hosts, the Lord God Almighty is worshipped in His majesty all the 24 hours. Per day 12 worship teams come to worship from different parts of the Nation. One slot consists of 2 hours. The opening of NWC also turns to be the trumpet sign to start the fatal war against satan to this Nation for Christ! Do you want to join this praising Army?

Book your slots

Tel : 7708505152

Email ID: worshipcentreindia@gmail.com

This Month in NWC we are worshipping for “Chennai”. Book your slot for worship. No doubt the nation is going to be shaken during our worship. Be ready and prepare for that.

Testimonies

1) Riya : I learnt how to pray and hear the voice of God

2) Rithisha : I learnt God can talk to us.I frequently use my father's mobile now I decided not to use whatsapp and my father's phone

3) Kamatchi : I accepted Jesus Christ and removed all idols from my house but fearing my house owner I kept all the idols again now have decided to remove them permanently after a strong warning from God..I have decided to live for Christ

4) Santhosh : I came to this class with a lot of problems.After this class God taught me the way and the solution to sort out my problems

5) Indhuja : I came to this class with a lot of confusion .God warned me to leave the company of bad friends and frequently I used to hear the music and used whatsapp I have decided to stop using them

6) Tamilvanan: I never used to read the Bible now I have decided to read the Bible

7) Iniya: I used to think that prayer is  making requests.Now I have learnt that prayer is also listening to the voice of God

8) Guru prasad: I had lot of anger inside me. Now I decide to control my anger and learnt about prophecy

9) Vishwa : Now I have learnt how to transform the city and nation  by sealing with the blood of Jesus (decree).

10) Ranganathan:  I learnt that God will talk to me

11) Pavitra : I understood about fear of God and I have decided to control my anger

12) Manimozhi: I used to disrespect my husband by calling him by name. Now I have realized my mistake. I have decided to control unnecessary word from my mouth

13) Velvizhi: I used to hate worship now I have realized that Jesus is true God and God spoke to me about forgiveness

14) Maryamma: I just wanted to see what is going  on in this class.Now my faith in God has increased.

15) Vanaja: I used attend prayer in my Office in which I have seen people prophesy. But today I learnt I can also prophesy and God talks to me.

16) Ayesha: After coming to this session I realised that Jesus is the only true God.That prophecy is real and God talked to me.

17) Leelama: I'm happy for today's session. I'm eager to conduct more classes in the future. God revealed to me that I should control my mouth.

18) Cyril: God warned me about the company of bad friends.

Father’s House,

Brotherhood Missions,

4/364 E, Anna Salai 1st Cross Street,

ECR, Palavakkam, Chennai 600041.

 Tamil Nadu, India.

National Worship Centre is a centre where the Lord of hosts, the Lord God Almighty is worshipped in His majesty all the 24 hours. Per day 12 worship teams come to worship from different parts of the Nation. One slot consists of 2 hours. The opening of NWC also turns to be the trumpet sign to start the fatal war against satan to this Nation for Christ! Do you want to join this praising Army?

Book your slots

Tel : 7708505152

Email ID: worshipcentreindia@gmail.com

This Month in NWC we are worshipping for “Chennai”. Book your slot for worship. No doubt the nation is going to be shaken during our worship. Be ready and prepare for that.

Praise God for the successful completion of 17170 slots in National Worship Centre with a Non Stop Worship (24/7)

Somalia: Impoverished Secret Church Reaches Out to Persecuted Orphans

Orphans in Somalia whose parents were killed for their faith by Islamic extremist, Al Shabaab rebels are becoming more numerous – and hungrier, an underground church leader said.

The pastor started a care center for the orphans three years ago in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, as more children of secret Christians were orphaned.

“Last year we lost a Christian family killed by the Al Shabaab, and the number of children rose from 30 to 35,” he said. “The Al Shabaab are now hunting down the children in Mogadishu, and we have moved the care center to a bit safer location.”

The leader has taken the children in because they had nowhere else to go, but he lacks resources to take care of them – the Christian orphans are crying for food, he said.

“The children look devastated and malnourished, so we as a secret church do appeal to our brothers and sisters in the free world to consider extending a hand to these persecuted children,” the pastor said.

The children receive little support from Somalia’s impoverished underground Christian community, and their needs are increasing as some have begun attending school, he said.

“If we can get at least $1,000 dollars a month, that will really lighten our burden,” he said. “Please pray for the future of the Somalia underground church. The orphaned children will form the future of Somalia's underground church.”

The death penalty for apostasy is part of Islamic law according to mainstream schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and Al Shabaab and Al Qaeda adhere to the teaching.

Somali law and societal tradition create an atmosphere of hostility toward non-Islamic faiths similar to that created in regimes that execute apostates. The country’s Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) does not explicitly prohibit Muslims from converting to other faiths, but leaving Islam remains socially unacceptable in all areas, according to the U.S. State Department’s latest Report on International Religious Freedom. 

The PFC provides for the right of individuals to practice their religion but prohibits propagation of any religion other than Islam, and it makes Islam the state religion. All laws must comply with the general principles of sharia (Islamic law), the report states.

The past few years Al Shabaab has lost ground to government and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeeping forces.

Rebels from Al Shabaab, which is allied with Al Qaeda, in February 2017 shot to death an underground Christian woman and her son and seriously wounded her husband. The family was asleep at their home at dawn in Afgoi, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Mogadishu, when at least four armed men attacked them shouting the jihadist slogan, “Allah Akbar [God is greater],” and, “We cannot allow the defiling of our religion with a foreign, Western religion,” according to the wounded husband.

The assailants killed his wife, 35-year-old convert Faduma Osman, and the couple’s 11-year-old son, Ahmed Suleiman. The couple’s two daughters, 13 and 7, and their 9-year-old son were able to escape out a backdoor.

Somalia is ranked third on Christian support organization Open Doors’ 2018 World Watch List of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian.

Xi Jinping, Lifer: Bad News for Christians and the World

In the wake of Mao Zedong’s disastrous 27-year rule over the People’s Republic of China, his successors pushed through a series of reform measures to ensure that Chinese history wouldn’t repeat itself.

At the heart of these reforms was a provision that the Chinese “state chairman,” or in other words the state leader, could only serve two five-year terms.  The system worked as intended for three decades. While China’s human-rights record remained abysmal, at least the cult of personality that grew around Mao never developed under his successors.Until now.

China’s “well-choreographed annual parliament,” is set to remove the two-term rule for president in order to allow president Xi Jinping to rule for life.

Given the importance of China in the world’s economy and on the global stage, its slide towards one-man dictatorship is troubling enough. But even more troubling is the kind of dictatorship Xi seems intent on creating.

Xi’s subordinates and Chinese media have begun to refer to him as “lingxiu,” [ling-zyoo] a reverential term for “leader” not heard since the days of Mao Zedong. The German media translates lingxiu as “Führer.”

The Communist Party proclaimed Xi as lingxiu last October. Since then, state organs have been using the honorific in ways that approach self-parody. In late February, a puff piece on Chinese television told viewers that the “People’s lingxiu is loved by the people!”

Someone seems to be trying too hard.

But it’s not just titles. The same Party Congress also enshrined Xi’s political thought in the Chinese constitution. It’s officially known as “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.”

That just rolls right off the tongue, now doesn’t it?

This emerging cult of personality has even led to a ban on images of Winnie the Pooh because of jokes about Xi resembling “the bear of very little brain.”

But seriously, this is no laughing matter. Jerome Cohen of New York University and the Council on Foreign Relations has written that Xi’s dictatorship “will have a profound effect on world order.”

Under Xi, China has assumed a more aggressive posture towards its neighbors and the United States. Recently, China came close to a shooting war with India over a remote part of the Himalayas. And it’s trying to turn the South China Sea into a Chinese lake.

The situation is even more grim for Chinese Christians. As the Washington Post reported, Christians in southern China were recently told that, “Jesus Christ won’t drag you out of poverty or cure your illnesses, but the Chinese Communist Party will, so take down those pictures of Christ and put up a nice photograph of President Xi Jinping.”

It was part of a campaign aimed at “melting the hard ice in the hearts of religious believers” and “helping turn them into believers in the party.” By “the party” they mean Xi Jinping.

So what does all of this mean? Well, we certainly should expect more crackdowns on house churches, and maybe even registered churches. There’s little room for Christianity in “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” And as the Economist recently put it, we can go ahead and say that “the West’s 25-year bet on China has failed.”

The belief that China would become more democratic as it became wealthier has proven false. Instead, “repression, state control and confrontation” is on the rise, again.

Of course, this comes as no surprise to Chinese Christians. It’s the rest of us who are now catching up with reality.

Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping: The Threat to Christians

President Trump shocked the world last week when he accepted North Korea’s invitation for direct talks with Kim Jong-un, to be held in May. We were less shocked when China’s government voted yesterday to make Xi Jinping president for life.

Both developments carry enormous implications for Christians in these two countries and for the larger body of Christ around the world.

North Korean Christians risk their lives for Jesus

Let’s start with North Korea. Some analysts believe that talks between the two leaders are a positive step forward; others are far more skeptical.

In a previous article, I gave a brief overview of North Korea’s history and its drive for nuclear weapons. My purpose today is to focus on the state of the church under Kim, a dictator described by one commentator as “the criminal proprietor of the world’s largest open-air prison.”

Open Doors, an organization that advocates for persecuted Christians around the world, ranks North Korea as the worst nation on earth for believers. According to their analysis, followers of Jesus are viewed as direct threats to the government and its continued power.

As a result, North Koreans who are found to be Christians are typically deported to labor camps as political criminals or even executed on the spot. Their families share their fate as well. Meeting with other Christians for worship is almost impossible.

People can be sent to horrific labor camps simply for being in contact with a religious person. In these camps, prisoners are forced to stand on their toes for twenty-four hours in tanks filled with water up to their noses. They are stripped and hanged upside down while being beaten. Food rations leave inmates on the brink of starvation, so many prisoners hunt rats, snakes, and frogs for protein.

There are an estimated three hundred thousand Christians in North Korea. Every one of them risks his or her life to follow Jesus.

Chinese Christians face growing persecution

Meanwhile, China’s National People’s Congress approved a plan yesterday to abolish presidential term limits, paving the way for President Xi Jinping to stay in power indefinitely.

According to one expert on Chinese politics, the move “means that Xi is now unquestionably a Leninist strongman.” Another warned: “Throughout history, only Chinese emperors and Mao Zedong had lifelong tenure until their deaths. And what came out of that was a disaster for the society and many painful lessons.”

What will this historic move mean for Christians in the world’s most populous nation?

Previous indications are not good. Xi has stated that religions which inadequately conform to Communist ideals threaten the country’s government and must become more “Chinese-oriented.” Last fall, Communist party officials reportedly visited Christian households in Jiangxi province, forcibly removing dozens of Christian symbols and replacing them with pictures of Xi.

Government authorities demolished a well-known Chinese megachurch in January. Last month, the government imposed regulations requiring all religious groups to gain government approval for any kind of religious activity, including using one’s personal home for a religious practice, publishing religious materials, calling oneself a pastor, or studying theology in school.

The Communist government’s move to monitor all citizens through technology is especially frightening. The State Council, China’s governing cabinet, has begun building a system that tracks the reputations of individuals, businesses, and government officials.

The aim is for every Chinese citizen to be identified by a Social Credit Score, an electronic file compiling data from public and private sources. The goal is to encourage behaviors ranging from energy conservation to obedience to the Communist party.

Those with high scores will be rewarded with shorter wait times in hospitals, cheaper public transportation, and even free gym facilities. Those with low scores can face restrictions on jobs, mortgages, travel, public service access, and schools their children qualify to attend. Several provinces are already using TV and LED screens in public places to shame those with low scores.

It is easy to imagine the effect of such a totalitarian system for Christians who choose Christ over Communism. Now that President Xi has secured dictatorial power unencumbered by accountability, the threat to believers in China is likely to increase.

Three ways we can help

How can American Christians respond to the persecution of our fellow believers in North Korea and China?

One: Pray for them.

God’s word commands us to “keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). It is vital that we pray every day for our persecuted sisters and brothers.

We should also pray for Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping to come to Christ. Scripture requires that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Imagine the impact on the world if these two men met Jesus and began serving him as modern-day Apostle Pauls. Will you stop and pray for such miracles right now?

Two: Seek ways to serve them.

You may be able to help those who help persecuted Christians in these countries. You may be able to influence government officials who can influence North Korean and Chinese leaders.

Ask the Lord how you can serve our persecuted brothers and sisters. And remember that what we do for Christians in need, we do for their Lord (Matthew 25:40).

Three: Learn from them.

Many Christians in North Korea and China pay a price for their faith that believers in America cannot imagine. But the totality of their commitment to Jesus calls us to follow their example.

Oswald Chambers notes: “The only way to be obedient to the heavenly vision is to give our utmost for God’s highest.” The more we are yielded to God, the more we are usable by him.

How usable are you today?

Persecution is Rising in India, but Christianity Standing Strong

It's more dangerous now than ever before to be a Christian in India.

Open Doors has officially released its 2018 World Watch List, and India ranks number 11 out of the top 50 countries where Christian persecution is at its worst.

"Persecution of Christians is rising in India. More than ever before, the growth of radical Hinduism in the nation is fueling violent attacks, with even greater impunity for attackers as the government sides with radical groups," the organization wrote in its report.

Pastor Joseph D'Souza, who works tirelessly for human rights in India told CBN News Hindu extremists are spreading dangerous propaganda against Christians in the country.

"The propaganda that continues to go on which is absolutely not correct that Christians are involved in false and forced conversions. Nothing of that sort is happening," he explained.

"The propaganda that somehow Christians are working against India, against the interests of India by trying to be Christians, is propelling this. And a lack of control of these groups that seem to commit crimes and attack minorities with impunity," he continued.

D'Souza said radical Hindu extremists aren't just targeting India's Christians, but anyone who does not adhere to their ideology.

"It's not just related to the Christians. It's also related to the Muslims, Dalits, and now also Hindus," he said.

The situation is especially hard for Dalits -- people who rank the lowest in India's caste system and are considered "untouchable."

"India cannot continue with a caste system," D'Souza said. "While many Dalits have found freedom and dignity through Christian work and education and spiritual work, the problem is not over."

Despite the growing persecution of Muslims, Dalits, Hindus, and Christians, D'Souza said God is still at work in India.

"Persecution has never stopped the growth of the church. In fact, when we are attacked, when we are persecuted, we become stronger," he said. "They're standing strong and they're not recounting."

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India: Mob Wounds 13-Year-Old Christian Girl, Threatens to Burn Mother

Tribal animists upset that Christians tried to bury one of their dead in a village in eastern India seriously injured a 13-year-old girl and others who tried to protect a Christian woman the villagers threatened to burn alive. On Feb. 26 Christians in Chitrangapalli, Tamguda village, were about to bury the body of a 3-year-old girl who had died of natural causes in Odisha’s state’s Malkangiri District, when villagers reached the field where they were performing last rites. The mob insisted they would not allow a Christian to be buried in their village, even though the burial site was on land owned by one of the Christians, area sources said.

They demanded that the Christians take the body outside the village for burial. After the land owner argued that he was free to bury his dead on his land, the villagers left, only to return at midnight with weapons. About 20 to 25 villagers carrying wooden sticks surrounded the houses of the three Christian families in the village of nearly 35 families and ordered them to come out. The mob was shouting loudly, reviling them for changing their faith.

Some Christians came out of their houses, and the villagers told them to renounce Christianity. When they refused, the attackers entered their homes, dragged the rest of their family members out and beat them, area residents told Morning Star News.

Savagely beating 45-year-old Nandi Madkami, an aunt of the girl who had died, the assailants threatened to burn her with gasoline they were carrying. “As they were attempting to burn her, Nandi’s 13-year-old daughter ran to her rescue,” Enka Pusham, a Christian from a neighboring village who gave refuge to the Christian families after they spent the night hiding in the forest, told Morning Star News. The villagers began to beat Madkami’s daughter, Savita Madkami, with wooden sticks, leaving her bleeding from head wounds. Savita’s father, Deba Madkami, was beaten when he came to his daughter’s rescue, as was his father, Ganga Madkami, and brother, Jaga Madkami. The elderly Ganga Madkami sustained a broken right hand.

The attackers proceeded to burn the houses of the Christians, destroying a roof. “The mob also looted 10,000 rupees (US$153) from Jaga Madkami’s house and destroyed his cycle,” Pusham said. The Christians ran to the jungle to save their lives and spent the night there. One badly injured Christian who could not run was secretly taken in by some kind villagers and kept safe. The next morning Pusham, from nearby Kalimela village, and other Christians went in search of the Christians hiding in the forest.

“News reached our village that the villagers assaulting the Christians had actually burnt Nandi alive, and we were horrified,” Pusham told Morning Star News. “We started to send messages for help and prayer support on social media.” Pusham and the others rescued the displaced Christians, who have now taken refuge at an undisclosed location.

That day (Feb. 27) the Christians went to a local police station to file a complaint but were refused, as officers told them to contact the main police station in Kalimela. Police did not help them obtain medical treatment as they customarily would, Pusham said. “Anti-tetanus injections were all that the Christians were given in the name of first aid,” she said.

After the Christians filed a complaint on Wednesday (Feb. 28) at the Kalimela police station, officers took the wounded to a hospital. Savita, Ganga Madkami and Jaga Madkami are still receiving hospital treatment. Nandi Madkam, who was threatened with being burned alive, sustained injuries on her legs and back, while Deba Madkami and Jaga Madkami have injuries on their legs, face and back. Savita has a severe wound on her head.

“The police had assured us that they would arrest the attackers, but we have not heard from them since,” said Pusham.Christian leaders from Malkangiri approached police, resulting in a First Information Report being filed against the assailants. Those assaulted are members of the Indian Missionary Society Church in Pulimtla village, six kilometers (less than four miles) from their home. After the attack, the villagers are not allowing the Christians to return to their homes or enter the village. “We had sent a known person to the Tamguda village to assess the situation there,” Pusham said. “He returned to report that the villagers are waiting to attack these families if they try to return to their homes.”

The three families had already been boycotted in their village, she said. “They were not allowed to fetch water nor associate with the other villagers,” she said. “In September of last year, animals belonging to the Christian families were taken away and were slaughtered. But they have stood strong in their faith.”

On Friday (March 2), Christian leaders from Malkangiri area, along with the police, arranged for a peace meeting between the leaders of the attackers and the Christians. It may be possible for the Christians to return to their houses soon, but at this writing the area remains tense, and the assaulted Christians are still waiting to return home. 

Christians in Malaysia to Fight for Rights after Court Ruling on Conversion

In the wake of the highest court in Malaysia refusing to hear an appeal by four Christians wanting to officially convert out of Islam, Christian leaders continued to hold hope for change. In a country where there is no legal way to leave Islam, the four people were asking the Federal Court to have their names and their faith changed on their national identity cards. On Tuesday(Feb. 27) the court held that the four people were Muslims and hence fell under the jurisdiction of the Sharia (Islamic law) Court system, and that it must adjudicate matters of Islamic law.

The five-member panel of the Federal Court unanimously ruled that civil courts had no jurisdiction to decide on apostasy cases. The four converts held that the Shariah Courts had no power to decide apostasy cases under state laws because they are no longer Muslims. Court of Appeal President Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin wrote that although no such legal provision for deciding apostasy cases existed in the law, there were clauses in it that Shariah Courts could apply.

The Federal Court decision helps clear up a gray area in apostasy cases in Malaysia, but bewilderment remains as Shariah Courts are state courts subject to different state laws. Furthermore, the Federal Court ruled in January that the federal civil court has the final say on legal matters even as they pertain to Muslims. Hence after the verdict, Joshua Baru, son of the four converts’ attorney, Baru Bian, said the decision “seems to suggest a double standard of the jurisdiction of the civil courts and the interpretation of [the federal constitution].”
 
Christian leaders, meantime, held out hope. The Metropolitan Archbishop of Kuching, capital of Sarawak state, Simon Peter Poh Hoon Seng, issued a statement asserting Christians should not give up. “Next, we should pray that the lawmakers will table a just law to face this issue,” Poh said. “Do not lose hope. By the way, I was at the court hearing yesterday, and I testify that the judges were very neutral and fair. Pray, continue to pray. With God, nothing is impossible.’”

Gracious words amid the emotions that ran high on all sides; the Malaysian Insight noted that the archbishop was indeed present at the hearing, and then was heckled by demonstrators trying to jostle him as he exited the court. At the same time, Christian organizations, including the Association of Churches in Sarawak, have reportedly appointed senior lawyers Leonard Shim and Libat Langub as amicus curae(friends of the court) to monitor their interests. The Sarawak Dayak Iban Association, which represents the state’s largest ethnic group, and the Methodist Church in Malaysia, the Sarawak Ministers Fellowship and the Sarawak Evangelical Churches Association have appointed lawyers to hold a watching brief.

Three of the four appellants were raised as Christians but converted to Islam in order to marry Muslims. Jenny Peter divorced her Muslim husband in 2006 and returned to Christianity. Salina Jau was divorced by her Muslim husband in 1992, and then she returned to Christianity. Tiong Choo Ting began to practice Christianity after his Muslim wife died in 2007. All three signed “statutory declarations” that they intended to return to Christianity

The fourth person, Syarifah Nooraffyzza, is an ethnic Malay raised as a Muslim. According to the Malaysian Constitution, all ethnic Malays are Muslims – a principle upheld in the case of Lina Joy, who was denied her right to leave Islam in 2007 and convert to Christianity. Syarifah filed a document stating that she no longer practices Islam, and she was baptized in 2009, according to published reports. She is asking to change her identity card from Muslim to Christian and to change her name to Vanessa Elizabeth.

She as well as the other three people are “still Muslims on papers,” according to an appeals court. For the moment, they must take their cases back to Sharia Court to try to get letters of apostasy.

Bible Burning in Southern India Shows Depth of Hostility toward Christians

Hindu extremists in southern India issued harsh threats to Christians distributing Bibles before snatching their car keys, taking Bibles out of their vehicle and setting the Scripture on fire, sources said. Christians associated with Gideons International, all senior citizens, told Morning Star News that their advanced age did not temper the vitriol they received in Singotam village, Nagar Kurnool District, in Telangana state on Jan. 21.

“From now on, if any of you distribute Bibles, we will attack you brutally [till your genitalia are damaged],” one of the Hindus warned the Christians, according to a video the extremists took of the attack. “How dare you promote Christianity?” The video shows the group harassing Christians after one of the group snuck into the car, took the keys and tossed the Bibles out, which the group then began kicking.

“You are useless people, and all your activities are useless,” the video shows one saying. “You will give a Bible to whoever you want? How dare you …You shameless idiots. Get the hell out of here.” One of the assailants then poured fuel as his colleagues instructed him to pour it on the copies; he then lit a matchstick and set the Bibles on fire. The hostilities come after “one of the most traumatic” years of persecution of Christians, according to a report released last week by the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI).

The Christians had obtained permission to distribute the Bibles at government-aided school in Singotam village from the headmaster. They had set out from Nagarkurnool at 11 a.m. and reached Singotam 90 minutes later, waiting another half hour for four other Christian associates, the group’s Richard Nixon told Morning Star News. “Eight of us were travelling in two different cars,” he said. “Before distributing the Bibles, we prayed together, and we had first asked the school administration that we will place the Bibles there, that the students may take them, but we were told to distribute them by ourselves. It was such a joy! The children came to us few at a time with their friends and received the Bibles happily. 

They distributed nearly 170 Bibles, Nixon said. Five cartons remained with 80 copies of the New Testament in each, and they proceeded towards the town distributing the Bibles to shops and passers-by. “There was a Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy temple in that area called Kollapur, and a man came out from the temple and asked us if we can give him some copies of New Testament, and we gave some 20 copies to him,” Nixon said. “Each of us was carrying handful of Bibles and were walking on the road adjacent to the temple.”
 
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess for wealth, and Narsimha is the Hindu lion god. They are regarded as husband and wife in Hindu mythology. A group of at least 10 Hindu extremists approached and ordered them to stop distributing the Bibles, Nixon said. “We didn’t want to argue with them and just kept calm,” he said. “But they started badgering us with questions: ‘Who sent you here? Why are you distributing Bibles?’ They soon slipped into filthy language. We told them that we will move on from here, and requested let there be no fight.”

Counter-Charge against Christians

The Christians had distributed Bibles in the area for 30 years without any opposition, said another member of the group, K.J. Anandham, a retired police sub-inspector. “The Hindus harassed us and even threatened to beat my wife,” he said. “We are all retired employees and senior citizens; they did not have courtesy for age. Their language was uncivilized and brutal.” The extremists told them to leave, and they resumed their journey, stopping the car after about 800 meters to wait for their colleagues in the other car.

“We found the same man who picked a fight with us in the town following us with 10 more,” Nixon said. “They started abusing us in extreme vulgar language. One of them sneaked into the car and picked up the copies of Bibles and threw them out. They started kicking the Bibles.” While their driver was about to start the car, another extremist jumped in and pulled the keys from him, he said. 

“They started tearing the Bibles savagely. They got the cartons we had not even opened yet from the boot of the car, threw them down and started kicking and stamping the copies. We tried to stop them, saying, ‘We will not distribute them here, but please don’t tear the Bibles. It’s the Holy Word of God,’ but they paid no heed. They also started videotaping.” The extremists then set the Bibles ablaze. Area resident A. Navanitham saw the video and informed Kollapur police. Circle Inspector of Police Saida Babu told Morning Star News that officers registered a case, First Information Report No. 12/2018, based on Navanitham’s complaint and the video, and took the assailants into custody. A counter-charge, however, has been filed against the Christians, Sub-Inspector of Police G.V. Satyanarayana told Morning Star News.

“This case will not be produced before the court as yet,” he said. “We are waiting for the orders of the District Collector.” District Collector E. Sridhar was unavailable for comment. A legal expert who requested anonymity said police have taken the tactic of registering an FIR against “unknown” assailants.

“There is no name – that simply means they have not charged anyone, and no assailants were produced before the court,” the legal expert said. “Had the police been serious, they would have made arrests, and the accused according to legal procedure should have been produced before the court of law since Section 295-A is a non-bailable offense.” Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) outlaws “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings,” punishable by a fine, prison terms or both. There is no chance of intervention by the District Collector, since it is police who levy charges depending on the evidence, the source noted. Asked what the charges had been filed against the Christians, Police Inspector G.V. Satyanarayana said, “We are yet to decide that, but a case has already been registered under section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code.” 

Gideons associate Anandham said that three days after the incident, he and his wife were summoned to the police station. “Because of the complaint given by Navanitham, the police joined hands with Hindu extremists and are after us,” he said. He and his wife, both diabetics, were held at the police station all the day, he said. “We were exhausted, without food and water,” he said. “On the day of attack, we discussed the matter and decided to pray and forgive the assailants, and to not file any case against them. But Navnitham has shown interest, and his motives are still not known.” Asked to comment, Navnitham told Morning Star News only, “The police have already arrested the assailants, the matter is over.”

Sharing Christ’s Love

Navneet Chhabra, executive director of Gideons International in India, told Morning Star News that there have been several instances of people telling workers to stop distributing Bibles, though the workers are not assigned to religious conversion. “The book has got Proverbs, which are written by Solomon, and it speaks about wisdom,” he said. “It has got several things, and we do not know in which state the people are when they receive a copy. We only believe that when they read it they will receive some peace in their heart.” Gideons workers politely stop distributing when people decline, he said.

“There have been testimonies where people who have themselves burned the Bibles have invited Christ into their lives,” he added. “There are instances where people have picked up torn papers of Bible from garbage, and their lives were transformed.” The organization has received letters from hospitals and jails from people who received the Bibles and whose lives the Lord has touched, Chhabra said. “Whoever has done this act of burning the Bibles, we will pray for them that the Lord wipe away the hatred from their hearts,” he said. “We belong to the same country and share as much patriotism as they do, then why this animosity? We don’t retaliate, we don’t hold any animosity, and we forgive them. We love them.”

Palestinian Indoctrination Has Raised A Generation That Feeds On Hate

It has become a platitude repeated ad nauseam by former Israeli security officials: The Palestinian Authority must not be weakened because this might imperil Israel. The reasoning is that even though the P.A. is bad, at least it cooperates, to a greater or lesser degree, with their Israeli counterparts, whereas Israel does not know what kind of potentially radical monster would take over after a collapsed PA. This Sunday, the Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved a bill that would deduct salaries given by the P.A. to convicted terrorists and their families from the tax revenues Israel transfers annually to the P.A. 

Israel transfers millions of dollars each year to the P.A in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports. If passed by the Knesset, the proposed legislation would enable Israel to either deduct the funds from the revenues or "freeze" the payments. "Soon, this theater of the absurd will come to an end, and the salaries of the terrorists that we will withhold from [Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud] Abbas will be used to prevent terrorism and compensate victims," said Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman about the proposed bill.

Predictably, parts of the Israeli security establishment were opposed to the proposed legislation, fearing that it could weaken the P.A. Similar fears have been expressed by a group calling itself Commanders for Israel's Security, which reportedly represents hundreds of retired Israeli military officials, regarding the U.S. Taylor Force Act. The Taylor Force Act, which thus far has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would end American funding of the P.A. unless it stops paying salaries to terrorists and their families. However, Commanders for Israel's Security have voiced concerns that the Taylor force Act would "undermine P.A. stability; expand the circle of frustration and hostility; erode the security coordination;" and deny the P.A. funding for "vital economic projects." All this, say the retired military personnel, would "compromise Israeli security."

Today, that figure would be pure science fiction. Poll after poll shows that a majority of Palestinian Arabs hold deeply ingrained anti-Semitic beliefs (according to a 2014 ADL poll, 93 percent of Palestinian Arabs held anti-Semitic beliefs) and support terror against Israelis. That is what decades of the P.A. indoctrination has fostered or reinforced. A generation of people has been raised on an unadulterated diet of hatred of Israel and the Jewish people, courtesy of Arafat, Abbas and their ilk. In kindergartens and schools, in the written and electronic press, on TV and especially on children's TV, Jews have been called monkeys and pigs that need to be killed.

Schoolbooks show Israel erased from the map, history lessons deny the existence of Jewish nationhood and never teach the Holocaust, (Abbas, after all, has a Ph.D. in Holocaust denial) monuments are erected in honor of terrorist murderers of Jews in city squares, and terrorists are rewarded with fat salaries. While the P.A. has been raising "shahids" for the past 25 years--ensuring that there will be no peace for at least a generation--retired Israeli military personnel would have you believe that the P.A. is the guarantor of Israeli security.  The kind of "security" where you have--as was the case in January 2018--some 332 terrorist incidents in a month, resulting in one murder and 16 injured, including two stabbings/attempted stabbings, two shootings, one ramming attack, four roadside bombs, 251 stone-throwing attacks and 45 thrown Molotov cocktails.

Coddling terrorists and pretending that they are "cooperating" with one hand, while they stab Israel in the back with the other, is ludicrous. A "weakened" P.A. might just be what is needed to turn the vicious circle around. If the P.A. has no intention of stopping the incitement on TV and radio, such media can be shut down. Other sanctions could be also imposed by Israel. If they know not to mess with Israel because there will be actual financial consequences might actually weaken terrorist resolve. Why does it not occur to former Israeli security officials to suggest showing the P.A. that Israel will not put up with even a single terrorist incident, nor the incitement and rewarding of terrorism?

What if Israel tries an approach of strength for once--the only currency respected in the Middle East--instead of trembling at the thought of what the international community could or will say? Aft all, it might just work.

- By PNW Staff

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Email ID: worshipcentreindia@gmail.com

This Month in NWC we are worshipping for “Chennai”. Book your slot for worship. No doubt the nation is going to be shaken during our worship. Be ready and prepare for that.

Praise God for the successful completion of 16901 slots in National Worship Centre with a Non Stop Worship (24/7)

Visions and Revelations

• When I was worshipping I saw a vision of a dove with millions of doves flying towards the land. One lion with burning eyes seen walking on the land and the voice said come down and sat on the right side of the lion
• When we were worshipping I saw a big angel and small angels standing on the stage where we were worshipping.
• I felt the heavenly rain pour on my head. It was a wonderful experience that I ever felt in my life before.
• I felt the Presence of God and the Holy Spirit comforting me and gave me promises that he will lead me throughout. And I saw the whole place filled with angels and God putting his hand over me.

Christian Ministry Open Doors is Helping Restore Nearly 700 Homes Destroyed by ISIS

Christian persecution charity Open Doors USA is helping to restore the homes of nearly 700 Iraqi Christians after their homes were destroyed by ISIS. After ISIS began to lose control of the region last year, Christians have been moving back home, but the process has been slow and many have come back to find their homes and communities destroyed. hat’s where Open Doors stepped in and is partnering with ministry affiliates in Iraq to bring hope and restoration to these displaced Christians by rebuilding 678 homes.

Open Doors explains the grave situation many Iraqi Christians faced after the Islamic State took over:

“After three years of Islamic State occupation and devastation in the wake of the ISIS war, our local partners are sharing stories of continued hope for the Nineveh Plains and the believers who were forced to flee when militants issued their ultimatum: ‘Convert, leave or die.’ For more than two years, occupying Islamic jihadists tried to erase any evidence of Christianity from the city–burning churches, destroying crosses, toppling bell towers.” The Lord gave them the strength to endure these trials, and now He is answering their prayers by providing help like that offered by Open Doors. 

You can read the detailed stories of families who are setting down roots in their homeland once again here.

India: Hindu Extremists Try to Burn Husband along with Body of Deceased Wife

Pastor Jeewer Joeswa wasn’t sure what to think when a massive, chanting Hindu throng in northern India brought the corpse of a Christian woman to his church site – then set the building on fire. Seema Devi, 23, had put her faith in Christ several months before, after the pastor had offered up healing prayer for her. Now, on Jan. 16, Pastor Joeswa was surrounded by a Hindu mob administering last rites and burning her body on church premises in Sehal Village, in Jammu and Kashmir state.

“A mob of men and women, at least 1,000 in number shouting, ‘Jai Sri Ram, Jai Sri Ram [Hail Lord Ram],’ brought Seema’s body to the church,” Pastor Joeswa told Morning Star News.

The mob alleged that Pastor Joeswa had prayed for Devi and so was responsible for her death, Chittaranjan Tandy, secretary of the Friends Missionary Prayer Band, Jammu Region, told Morning Star News. He said that her husband, Rinku Kumar, was kept in police custody for his own security after the mob tried to burn him alive alongside his deceased wife.  “The police from Nowshera police station tried to control the mob, but they put fire on the church building, vehicles of believers parked near the church, church equipment, furniture and every object in sight, including the food grains,” Tandy said. In the violence at the village in Rajouri District, the mob alleged that Devi and her husband had been forcibly converted, he said.

“There was no forced conversion,” Tandy said. “The couple voluntarily attended the church and accepted Christ. In fact, they had experienced the healing and were strong in faith.” Superintendent of Police Popsi Malik told Morning Star News that Devi and her husband had been attending church but were still practicing some Hindu rituals. “They were in the rudimentary phase, thinking whether to continue as Hindu or Christian,” Malik said. “It was the assumption of the mob that the couple got converted by force. Before her death, the couple were attending their church in Punjab state. People have presumed that he was converted to Christianity forcefully. But that was not true.” Malik said police brought the mob under control, though not before both Christians and Hindus were injured in the altercation.

Prayer and Witchcraft 

Pastor Joeswa said his congregation had prayed for Devi long before she died on Jan. 15. “It was months ago, when her mental health was degrading, the church prayed for her and she got healed completely,” he said. “She became an active believer who would never miss a prayer meeting, whether it be on Sunday or weekdays.” When there was a need to pray for the sick, she would accompany the pastor, his wife and others to pay home visits, he said. After attending the Christmas Day service, she had gone to her mother’s house, he said. “After she went to her maternal house, we heard that they forced her to join them in idol worship,” Pastor Joeswa said. “Now I can recall Seema telling me often, ‘Pastor, I share the gospel with my parents. My mum shows little interest, but my papa never listens. Please pray for him. My family worships idols, I want them to know Jesus Christ.”’

Tandy said that during her previous illness, her husband refused to take her to a witchdoctor, known locally as a tantric. Her parents tied her hands and legs with ropes and took her to Pouni village, Reasi District, for treatment from the witchdoctor, he said. “The driver of the auto rickshaw, a resident of Kangri village, stands as eyewitness to this,” Tandy told Morning Star News. “Our church members were moved hearing the news of Seema being taken to religious places and to a tantric for treatment; many of them tried to go to Pouni village to pray for her.”

Devi’s parents did not allow them in to pray for her, Pastor Joeswa said. “The tantric had beaten her brutally,” the pastor said. “Ten days after realizing the witchdoctor’s treatment was not working, the parents gave up. They handed Seema to her husband Rinku. Finally, Rinku moved with his wife to Jalandhar [Punjab state] for treatment. She was already in the worst health condition.”

She and her husband had enjoyed fellowship with Pastor Joeswa’s church for nearly eight months, he said. They were visiting the church anew from Jalandhar when he last saw her on Christmas Day. 

Quest for Justice

For four days after the Hindu mob descended on the church property, Christians in Sehal village stayed in relatives’ houses fearing for their lives, Tandy said. “There was a threat to their lives also,” he told Morning Star News. “With the help of Christian advocacy groups, we joined together as 25 pastors from Jammu region and represented the matter before the chief minister of the state, Mehmooba Mufti. We are praying and hoping for funds to be released for the construction of the church.” The total loss has been estimated as 2.5 million rupees (US$38,850), he said.

“As pastors in Jammu and Kashmir region, we go through many difficult situations, but God has always made a way,” Tandy said. “It is only by His grace that our people came out alive from the burning church building. We request for prayers. We are hoping our Lord will do a massive work, that He will shake Jammu and save the unbelieving.”

Kumar is safe but in hiding as his life is under threat, according to Police Superintendent Malik. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Nowshera Police Station against the assailants– who came from Kangri, Bhajwal, Sunderbani and Sehal villages – upon receiving a complaint from Pastor Joeswa.

“The police took into custody some eight assailants, but they were released on the same day,” Tandy told Morning Star News. The cause of Devi’s death has not been revealed, as no one has yet received a post-mortem report, he said.  Area residents said that on Jan. 15 in Jalandhar, she woke up early and completed chores, then suddenly, at 7:30 a.m., she fainted and collapsed to the floor. “Rinku and their neighbors in Jalandhar thought Seema might have slipped into coma, at first, but she passed away,” Pastor Joeswa said. “She was put through a lot.” Tandy said local politicians are trying to politicize her death by announcing compensation of 200,000 rupees (US$3,108) to Girdhari Lal, Seema’s father, and a government job for Devi’s sister. The assailants’ allegations were baseless, he said.

“We prayed as a church for Seema when she was sick, and we are still praying as a chain – hundreds of us have begun praying for the revival of the church, and for safety of Seema’s husband, Rinku, also,” he said.The hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), against non-Hindus, has emboldened Hindu extremists in several parts of the country to attack Christians since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power in May 2014, religious rights advocates say. India ranked 11^th on Christian support organization Open Doors’ 2018 World Watch List of countries where Christians experience the most persecution, up from 15^th the previous year, and ahead of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Egypt.

Armed gangs WIPE OUT 15 villages in mass Christian slaughter in Nigeria

ARMED men stormed through 15 villages to massacre Christians and destroy their churches in a violent crackdown against the religion in Nigeria. Dozens of people have been killed after the gangs ransacked towns and villages to clear them of all aspects of the Christian faith. Houses belonging to believers have also been razed with authorities doing little to help, an anti-persecution watchdog claimed. Open Doors spoke to one Christian who described the broad daylight attack carried out by a group of Fulani - one of Africa’s largest ethnicities. A spokeswoman said: “One attack took place in broad daylight, as people were about to go to church. “The assailants chased and killed the villagers and burned down nine churches and many more houses.”

Christian persecution is a major problem in Nigeria which has been exacerbated by the spread of radical Islamic teaching and practice. The shocked witness said Christians needed more protection from the country’s leader or lives would continue to be lost. They said: “Despite several calls to the governor and his deputy, and other security apparatus, the government remained silent as the atrocities continued. “The Fulani were able to carry out their deadly attack. They stayed for hours in the vicinity, moving at will, unchallenged.”

Christians are subject to waves of oppression and attacks in Nigeria. Details of the attack, which took place in north-eastern state of Adamawa earlier this year, have only just emerged. In the central state of Nasarawa, 25 villages have been destroyed since January 15. Again, the predominately Christian victims said they had been abandoned by leaders. A spokesman for the Concerned Indigenous Tiv People group said: “Since the outbreak of the crisis on January 15 this year, due to the Fulani /herdsmen attack on our villages, leading to the displacement of Tiv in their ancestral homes, the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Almakura, has done very little to bring the situation under control.”

Fifteen villages were attacked in the state of Nasarawa. Other attacks have taken place in Benue State and across the Middle Belt region of the country. The Army has now been deployed to certain areas in order to stop the violence. A spokeswoman for Open Doors said: “Believers experience discrimination and exclusion, and violence from militant Islamic groups, resulting in the loss of property, land, livelihood, physical injury or death; this is spreading southwards. “Corruption has enfeebled the state and made it ill-equipped to protect Christians. Rivalry between ethnic groups and raids by Fulani herdsmen compound the persecution. Converts face rejection from their Muslim families and pressure to recant.”

Father’s House,

Brotherhood Missions,

4/364 E, Anna Salai 1st Cross Street,

ECR, Palavakkam, Chennai 600041.

 Tamil Nadu, India.

National Worship Centre is a centre where the Lord of hosts, the Lord God Almighty is worshipped in His majesty all the 24 hours. Per day 12 worship teams come to worship from different parts of the Nation. One slot consists of 2 hours. The opening of NWC also turns to be the trumpet sign to start the fatal war against satan to this Nation for Christ! Do you want to join this praising Army?

Book your slots

Tel : 7708505152

Email ID: worshipcentreindia@gmail.com

This Month in NWC we are worshipping for “Chennai”. Book your slot for worship. No doubt the nation is going to be shaken during our worship. Be ready and prepare for that.

Praise God for the successful completion of 16816 slots in National Worship Centre with a Non Stop Worship (24/7)

Visions and Revelations

• When I was worshipping I saw a vision of a dove with millions of doves flying towards the land. One lion with burning eyes seen walking on the land and the voice said come down and sat on the right side of the lion
• When we were worshipping I saw a big angel and small angels standing on the stage where we were worshipping.
• I felt the heavenly rain pour on my head. It was a wonderful experience that I ever felt in my life before.
• I felt the Presence of God and the Holy Spirit comforting me and gave me promises that he will lead me throughout. And I saw the whole place filled with angels and God putting his hand over me.