Serving the Persecuted Church Since 1969

Serving the Persecuted Church since 1969

August 2008 From the C.E.O.

Our founder, Richard not at the cost of neglecting the Wurmbrand, once spoke at a call to actively love those who seek Christian rally at which he asked our harm. those in attendance why they were Our letters of protest, our blogs, protesting against those whom they our rallies; they must not be opposed. Rather, he said, shouldn’t marked by hatred or a lack of they be inviting their opponents respect. This is a fine line that is so into their homes for a warm meal? easy to cross. It seems to me that it elsewhere, we are working with Their friendship would speak loud- would be better not to protest if we local believers in supplying them er than bullhorns. cannot hold on to love and con- with literature specifically geared Jesus did give His followers a cern for those who seek to take for reaching those who are most unusual command on how to away our freedoms and those of opposed to the gospel. And to the deal with enemies; we are to love our family around the world. glory of God, many are responding them and do good to them I thank God that one of the pri- to this act of love with faith. (Matthew 5:44). Not exactly the orities of The Voice of the Martyrs most strategic way of doing advoca- is our commitment to reach out to cy, some might argue. But advoca- those who persecute the Church cy, as important as it is, is not the with the Good News of Jesus first call of the Christian. Yes, we Christ. In projects in the Middle Glenn Penner are to raise a voice on behalf of our East, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and Chief Executive Officer suffering brothers and sisters, but

On A More Personal Note

FLOYD BROBBEL

This quote sits on my desk and I on each plane. The Bible tells me to ponder it from time to time. When expect this. So the question for me I do, a strange dichotomy rises up is, “Am I going to embrace a life of within me. While the core of my being battle, running with perseverance the readily agrees with Edwards with a course set before me, or am I going to resounding “YES,” there is another live my life pursuing earthly comfort part of me that screams out, “NO!” while minimizing hardships?” Is my whole life to be a battle or a I know my answer…answer… do you?you race? Does God really expect this of me? Does this apply just to my spiri- “God has appointed this whole life to be tual life or to the physical life as well? all as a race or a battle; the state of rest, I am beginning to understand that wherein we shall be so out of danger as to the whole life includes both the have no need of watching and fighting, is spiritual and physical. As a result, I Floydld Brobbel bbl for another world.” - Jonathan Edwards. will face challenges that assail my life Chief Operations Officer

Cover photo: Reuters/Carlo Cortes

2 VOM Canada | August 2008 © DAVID GRAY/REUTERS

By Bernie Daniel

This month, the eyes of the world are on China as Brother Yang (not his real name) is a very passionate, Beijing hosts the Summer Olympic Games. The main yet gentle, follower of the Lord. His countenance portrays venue will be Beijing National Stadium which is also a man who has the peace of Christ reigning in his heart. known as the “Bird’s Nest” for its futuristic and impres- Tears flow easily from his eyes at the slightest mention of sive architecture. China envisages these Olympics as a persecution and prison. This is a brother who has endured great opportunity to showcase its rapid economic develop- much for the sake of Christ. ment and growing status as a world super power. In the 1950s, Yang’s father, Wen (not his real name) was Thousands of athletes and millions of visitors from directing a Christian mission in a major city in China. He around the world will be gathering together to test their refused to join the Chinese Communist Party-controlled mettle. We will witness split-second sprint finishes, gruel- Three-Self Patriotic Movement because he believed that ing long-distance marathon runs, graceful synchronized the Chinese government was seeking to exercise unbiblical swimmers, and triathlons that test the limits of the ath- control over the Body of Christ in the nation. He believed lete’s physical and mental endurance. We will marvel at that Caesar must not to be allowed to dictate the affairs of their skill, cheer their success, and groan at their close the Church. Such a righteous stand, however, could not go calls. Medals will be awarded, national anthems sung. unchallenged by the Chinese government which was under And throughout we will hear that each of the athletes the leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong. In 1956, Wen deserves recognition for having done their best even was arrested and imprisoned for 23 years – an imprison- though it may not have resulted in being honoured at the ment of torture, pain and suffering. winners’ podium. During his initial Brother Yang In 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul likens the Christian life to interrogation, Wen that of the athlete’s. “Everyone who competes in the games goes was handcuffed con- into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; tinually for 133 days. but we do it to get a crown that will last forever,” says the apos- The cuffs were so tight tle. In imploring Timothy to share in suffering for the sake that they cut through of Christ, Paul refers to the lifestyles of a soldier, an ath- his skin into the bone. lete and a farmer (2 Timothy 2:3-6). And like the faithful The guards pulled his soldier who courageously fights for his cause, the trusting hair, brutally kicked farmer who sows in faith, and the persistent athlete who him with their boots, perseveres until he finishes the race, Chinese Christians, and continually pres- like those in Paul’s day, are living examples of honouring sured him to renounce and serving Christ in the midst of opposition. his faith.

August 2008 | VOM Canada 3 Today Wen is free and in his 90s. He rightly credits the about sharing it grace of God for having sustained him in his years of suf- with other believ- fering. He continues to persevere and serve His Lord like a ers so that they good soldier, a persevering athlete, and a faithful farmer. can by edified by At the time of his father’s arrest, Yang was 17 years old. it. He has been He was a forty-year-old man before he saw the face of his particularly excit- beloved father again. ed about the the- Although the same grace of God that sustained his father ology of persecu- in prison strengthened Yang and the rest of his family dur- tion and disciple- ing the years of his father’s imprisonment, he still has the ship as presented Brother Ming memory of his family’s struggle and the difficulty of living in the VOMC in a fatherless home. This, he says, is why he can now eas- book, In the Shadow of the Cross, which has been translated ily share tears with those who have endured similar suffer- into Chinese. Ming graciously hosted a teaching seminar ing and pain for the sake of Christ. He understands the on the subject a few months ago, and more than 200 cost that is required to walk in the shadow of the cross. house church pastors and leaders benefited from the timely and relevant teaching. He was especially appreciative of the Pastor Ming (not his real name) is a house church leader wisdom imparted by the teaching on how Christians need and one of the spiritual sons of Brother Wen. A graceful to walk in meekness, love and grace before those who hate and visionary leader of a network of house churches with the Gospel and its messengers. At the end of the teaching thousands of members in two provinces in China, Ming seminar, he commented: “Now we know how to walk in has also endured years of imprisonment for the sake of humility and faithfulness as lambs among wolves – how to Christ. His oldest girl was only 14 when Ming and his wife honour and serve the Master in a hostile environment.” were arrested and put in prison. Sensing the time of his imprisonment was coming, he had arranged for his daugh- The teaching also brought Pastor Ming and Yang ter to get married so she would have a family and nurture together. As the sons of the faithful and noted Christian her two younger siblings, a sister and a brother. leader, Brother Wen, their bond of love and affection runs deep. During every available opportunity, they “The way of the cross has never been easy. As Christ would sit together and share stories of God’s faithfulness has set the path for us, it is marked by sacrifice and suf- in their lives. Invariably, tears and laughter came to them fering and He has called us to walk in it,” Pastor Ming and their listeners. told VOMC. He loves the Word of God and is passionate

4 VOM Canada | August 2008 God is doing a wonderful thing in China today. Many nation. Even Ai Weiwei, an artistic consultant for the converts tend to be college students and young profes- “Bird’s Nest,” has been critical of the Chinese government sionals. Both Ming and Yang are awed by the work of for its human right abuses. He told the German magazine, God going on in their nation. Despite the opposition, Der Speigel, “It has become clear to me that this hope of the church in China is growing rapidly; something the liberalization cannot be fulfilled…. The (Chinese) system government is fighting hard to contain. House churches won’t allow it.” are mushrooming across the nation. On a daily basis, thou- Nevertheless, like a lily among thorns, the Body of Christ sands of Chinese are experiencing God’s love and grace for in China continues to thrive. It knows how to pray the first time as they invite Christ into their hearts. fervently. It values the power of prayer. It is active in The Body of Christ in China, however, is facing major sharing the Gospel – the message of God’s love, grace, challenges. Even as the world has focused its eyes and forgiveness. And it has a vital and timely lesson on the Beijing Summer Olympic Games, the for all of us. In the words of Pastor Ming, “The love Chinese authorities have increasingly target- of Christ manifested through sacrifice and suffered house churches, describing Christianity ing brought us salvation. The same love in our as an "evil cult." House church meetings hearts, manifested through sacri- have been raided and the leaders arrested. fice and suffering, will spread The Chinese government recently expelled the message of salvation.” more than 100 expatriates whom it suspected of being Christian missionaries – the largest expulsion of its kind since the 1950s. There is widespread concern among Chinese Christians that the persecution will get even harsher after the Olympics as the Chinese authorities may feel free to apply more pressure when the focus of the world is no longer on their

August 2008 | VOM Canada 5 TO REMEMBER THE PERSECUTED What you IN CHINA CAN DO... ENTREAT WITH CONFIDENCE Like many persecuted Christians around the world, the main request of Chinese Christians is to pray for them. They know how to pray and they value the power of prayer. And perhaps for that reason, they do ask us to pray fervently for them. We know that such prayers always meet with God’s approval and blessing! ENGAGE WITH COMPASSION Join us in ministering to the families of those who have had loved ones imprisoned. Your gifts to VOMC’s Legal EXPAND Defense Fund help provide legal funding so that they can hire YOUR decent lawyers. Without such funding, these families often have to sell their possessions or simply cannot afford decent CREATIVITY legal support for their loved ones, often resulting in longer A Sunday School class at the Bethel Romanian Pentecostal prison terms. Church in Windsor, Ontario recently collected $500 for Help Chinese leaders as they equip their churches to stand children who have lost one or both of their parents because firm in the face of persecution. VOMC’s book, In the Shadow of their faith in Christ. They presented the gift to Floyd of the Cross: A Biblical Theology of Persecution and Discipleship Brobbel in a special box that they had specially made. has been warmly accepted by house church leaders and there The Bethel Christian Reformed Church Ladies Society is a need to publish and distribute more copies in Chinese. in Listowel, Ontario collected funds for The Voice of the Your gift to the Equipping the Saints Fund will help us to do Martyrs at their twice monthly meetings this year in a special this as well as conduct further training seminars for house collection jar. church leaders in the coming year. If you would like to down- Every effort counts! What can you, your family, church, or load a free copy of In the Shadow of the Cross in Chinese, go to the study group do to help our persecuted brothers and sisters in Newsletter Features section of www.persecution.net. China and worldwide? ENLARGE YOUR COMPREHENSION Check out the many books available on China from The Voice of the Martyrs including those available on pages 9 and 10. Go online to www.persecution.net to see our full selection or ask us to mail you one of our resource catalogues. If you haven’t already done so, subscribe to our email news service, The Persecution and Prayer Alert, and receive weekly updates on the persecution of Christians in China and world- For more ideas on how you can remember wide. Go to www.persecution.net for more information. persecuted Christians around the world, check out www.rememberthem.ca

6 VOM Canada | August 2008 By John Wilson (VOM Australia)

For over 40 years Professor Li influenced his young stu- On the 4th of October, 2007 Brother Li obediently fol- dents with his dedicated belief in the teachings of Marx and lowed the call in his heart and was baptized. Anti-theism. This belief that he has so adamantly taught for This brave brother, who has refused to confess belief in many years has now radically changed. Marxism and Anti-theism, now faces persecution from the Why would such a man, who held such strong views and Party Committee for his commitment to follow Christ. who held a high position in the Communist Party, suddenly There has been an attempt made by the Party to try and change his way of thinking? He simply had an encounter persuade Professor Li to recant his new-found faith in Jesus with God. Christ. He continually refuses to yield to their pressure and This respected Professor of the Central Party School and will not attend any Party meetings. the University of International Relations came to faith in Brother Li recently shared these words with our contact in God, someone that he had always opposed. In 2007, he truly China. “Pray for me, that God may use my years that remain repented and gave his life to Jesus. In a remarkable state- for me to preach His gospel of salvation.” ment about his conversion he went public with these words, His testimony bears witness to a life that no longer follows “I have polluted and poisoned thousands of youth for 40 the ideologies of men – he has chosen to follow the One years. I repent. God forgive me!” who is the truth, the way and the life. Join with us and many others who will kneel in prayer for believers such as Brother Li who for the sake of the Gospel will give all to Jesus... even their life.

“But God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong” 1 Cor.1:27

August 2008 | VOM Canada 7 That’s a Good Question! Can I Take Stories, Pictures From VOMC’s Newsletter or Websites and Reprint Them? We welcome every bit of help that we can in getting If you want to use our material for commercial use or the news out concerning the persecution of Christians for your own website, or magazine/newsletter, we ask that that we can receive. Feel free to use photographs, videos you please contact us and secure permission before going and text for personal use (e.g. sharing with friends, Bible ahead. There are sometimes good reasons for us to with- study groups, church services, or Sunday School classes). hold permission, although we usually do grant permission You don’t need to ask our permission for that. Do note, with the only conditions being that you include a credit line and let us see ?the finished product after you have however, that not every picture in our newsletter or on our website actually belongs to us. If there is a credit published it. ?line, this picture belongs to someone else whom we For more information, contact us at thevoice@persecu- asked permission from. We cannot grant you permission tion.net or phone us at 1.888.298.6423 to use those pictures.

If you have a question concerning the Persecuted Church or The Voice of the Martyrs that you would like us to address in our monthly newsletter, send it to us in writing to: “That’s A Good Question” c/o The Voice of the Martyrs, 7015 Ordan Drive, Unit 2, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1Y2. If we use your question, we will send you a free book by Richard Wurmbrand.

PROVISION WITH vom PARTNERING canada We thank God for the financial support for The Voice of the Martyrs from many of you, our friends, across Canada. But did you know that there are other ways that you can provision partner with VOMC?

LINK Charity Canada: Have you ever thought of includ- Air Miles: Collecting Air Miles for ing The Voice of the Martyrs in your will? Perhaps you The Voice of the Martyrs allows the would like to support the Persecuted Church through mission to save considerable funds charitable gift annuities, gifts of appreciated securities, every year on airfares and other travel insurance policies, endowments and benefits of RRSP expenses. Phone our office or email us and RRIF contracts. Phone Klaas Brobbel at our office at [email protected] for more or email him at [email protected] for more information on how to receive your very own VOMC information on these and other stewardship options. Air Miles card.

8 VOM Canada | August 2008 Informing | Educating | Inspiring

Proofs of God’s The Torchlighters: Existence NEW! The Eric Liddell Story $7.00 $15.00 Richard Wurmbrand When Scottish Olympic medalist Eric The questions of God’s existence Liddel took a stand by choosing not and absolute truth are not new. But to run on Sunday, he was labeled as as our founder Richard Wurmbrand a traitor. Such challenges prepared writes, they are critical to both the him for life as a missionary in China. atheist and the Christian. Will the Watching him live and die for Jesus atheist embrace or reject God, and will give your children courage to will the Christian live a life that stand up under peer pressure and to reflects our Creator? This is not an run after Jesus. (DVD, 30 Minutes). apologetics book written for skeptics but written to provide some answers to critical questions of those who are open for answers, who desire knowledge and who prefer the light of RichardR Wurmbrand: truth to the darkness of ignorance. (Paperback, 166 pages). TheT Voice of the Martyrs $10.00 SPECIAL Now you can introduce your friends, The Voice of the Martyrs family, and church to the story and mes- PRICE Remembrance Bracelet sage of Pastor Wurmbrand through this $4.00 each or five for $15.00 2008 update of "Richard Wurmbrand: Remember our persecuted brothers and The Testimony That Shook the World." sisters with a VOMC Remembrance Containing the classic “You Wonder Why I bracelet. The bracelet is interlocking and made with two linked Smile” filmed in early 1970’s, a new introduction to Richard silicone bands, one dark gray and one light gray. The bracelets Wurmbrand and his ministry, and a never-before-released special are engraved with “Hebrews 13:3” and Bound With Them.” A dramatization of one of Pastor Wurmbrand’s sermons (“Taps in wonderful reminder to “join” our persecuted family in the fel- the Dark”), you will hear the Pastor’s testimony in his own words. lowship of sufferings! A must-have resource! (DVD, 25 Minutes).

The Voice of the Martyrs Inc. P.O. Box 117, Port Credit, Mississauga, ON L5G 4L5 HELP ● Toll Free: 888-298-6423 Fax: 905-670-0246 A MY GIFT: $______❑ cheque RAISE ❑ VOICE TOTAL PURCHASE: $______credit card ❑ money order Invite someone to receive The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter TOTAL ENCLOSED: $______❑ other

Name:______Name:______PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Address: ______Address: ______Credit Card# ❑ AMERICAN EXPRESS ❑ MASTERCARD ❑ VISA City: ______Province: ______Postal Code: ______Your Name: ______Expiration: ______Signature: ______❑ If pre-authorized donations would be convenient for you, please check the box or contact our office and we will send you the required documentation Anonymous referrals not accepted. right away. China's Christian Foxe: Voices of the Martyrs Martyrs $25.00 The Voice of the Martyrs $20.00 Paul Hattaway Understand our rich Christian Never before has the persecu- heritage with new eyes. Be stirred tion and martyrdom of Chinese to action by these testimonies of Christians been so thoroughly faith. Encounter the stories of chronicled as in this book. While Christian martyrs from the dawn some are well-known, the great of Christianity to the modern majority have been ordinary men times and allow their witness to and women, boys and girls, who overflow into your life. This spe- courageously perished in count- cial leather-bound edition, which less places and by the most barbaric methods because of includes a special cross pendant, their faith. (Paperback, 496 pages). will be a treasured addition to any library. (Hardback, 476 pages).

Bold as a Lamb $10.00 One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven 00 Ken Anderson $15. Imprisoned for preaching the Mark Cahill gospel, Samuel Lamb became Most believers miss out on the secret pastor to hundreds the most exciting aspect of the of fellow inmates and the target Christian life—telling others of those determined to destroy about the Lord. One Thing You the house church movement Can’t Do in Heaven not only pro- in China. Now over 80, he still vides every tool you will need to runs a church from his own impact lives for eternity but gives home. Read of his incredible you a passion for evangelism. story in this fast-paced biogra- Through Mark Cahill’s fascinat- phy of one of China’s greatest ing real-life illustrations you will Christian leaders. be motivated and equipped to (Paperback, 176 pages). boldly share your faith—while you still can. (Paperback, 223 pages).

You can also order these and other resources online. Visit our online resource catalogue at www.persecution.net today! You can also find incredible E prices on a number of discontinued resources such as t-shirts and books.

RESOURCERESOURCE ORDERORDER FORMFORM (Prices in effect until October 31, 2008) Price/ea. Quantity Proofs of God’s Existence new – $ 7.00 x ______$______The Voice of the Martyrs Remembrance Bracelet – $ 4.00 x ______$______The Voice of the Martyrs Remembrance Bracelet (pack of 5) special price – $ 15.00 x ______$______The Torchlighters: The Eric Liddell Story – DVD – $ 15.00 x ______$______Richard Wurmbrand: The Voice of the Martyrs – DVD – $ 10.00 x ______$______China's Christian Martyrs – $ 20.00 x ______$______Bold as a Lamb – $ 10.00 x ______$______Foxe: Voices of the Martyrs – $ 25.00 x ______$______One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven – $ 15.00 x ______$______Product Total $______(Add $5 on orders up to $20 | $8 for orders $21-$40 | $12 for orders $41-$60 | $15 on orders over $60) Shipping & Handling $______REQUEST YOUR FREE RESOURCES (one copy per household) Grand Total $______❑ The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter (monthly) ❑ Resource Catalogue ❑ Bold Believers children’s magazine (quarterly) ❑ Prayer Guide ❑ Prayer Map

10 VOM Canada | August 2008 BBIBLICALI B L I C A L IINSIGHTSN S I G H T S FFORO R DDAILYA I L Y DDISCIPLESHIPI S C I P L E S H I P

He is never overcome by emotions or emotionally out of control. God is compassionately able to relate with those who suffer pain in all of its aspects but never in a way that contradicts other aspects of His revealed character. So how does God suffer, from a biblical perspective? As we search the Scriptures, we see God suffering in at least three ways: 1. Incarnationally. When God became man incarnated By Glenn Penner & Bernie Daniel in the person of Jesus Christ, He experienced in full mea- sure the physical suffering that goes along with being a human being in a fallen world. In Christ, God suffered with On April 5, 1943 a young Lutheran pastor named Dietrich and for us. Bonhoeffer was arrested by the German Gestapo along 2. Relationally. God suffers because of His interaction with two of his friends for being involved in a plot to assas- with His people. In Psalm 78:40,41 we read of how God’s sinate Adolf Hitler. During his detention, Bonhoeffer wrote people grieved and pained Him. Jesus wept over Jerusalem a letter to a friend in which he made an interesting obser- as He saw her blindness and stubbornness (Matthew vation concerning suffering and the presence of God in the 23:37-39; Luke 19:41-44). Throughout the Scriptures, we world when he wrote, "Only the suffering God can help." come across various illustrations of the story of man’s rela- Can God really suffer? The thought seems preposterous, tionship with God – a story of human rejection and divine perhaps even unbiblical. The question of whether God can suffering. actually suffer has been dealt with in what has been called 3. Sympathetically. We also see in the Scriptures how the doctrine of impassibility. This doctrine holds that God God suffers with His people. When Israel was in bondage cannot suffer. Historically, the position has been very pre- in Egypt, Isaiah declared that “In all their affliction, He dominant in Christian thought. While recognizing Christ had was afflicted” (Isaiah 63:9). Jesus also stands with His suffered in His body, the early church fathers contended church when He confronted Saul of Tarsus on the road to that God Himself did not. But in the past few decades Damascus asking him in Acts 9:4 “…Why are you perse- there has been a turning away from the traditional view of cuting me?” When His people suffer, God suffers. impassability and a move towards developing a doctrine of divine passibility or perhaps a redefinition of impassibility itself. We opt for a redefinition of impassibility, suggest- ing that God can never be forced to act contrary to His Discipleship Studies character and other attributes revealed in the Bible. In line Four weekly studies related to this article are with God’s omnipotence and immutability and the revela- available for personal or group study purposes and tion of God through Christ, we can assert that God chooses can be downloaded by logging on to the Newsletter to suffer. He is never the helpless victim of circumstances, Features section of www.persecution.net. Or email actions, or emotions. He cannot be unconsciously or unwill- us at [email protected] and we will email ingly moved. He suffers because He chooses to love. But them to you.

August 2008 | VOM Canada 11 lates. When Ortiz's 15year-oldsonAmi pluckedoffa holiday giftpackage loadedwithcandy andchoco- unknown persondropped offabombdisguisedas his wifeLeahweregone on March20thwhenan to trykillhimandhisfamily. Bychance,Ortizand breezy hilltopinsidePalestinianterritory. Evangelicals forthisstone-cladsettlementona and politicalsupportfromAmericanGerman originally fromBrooklyn,usefulinrecruitingfunds liked him,andsodidAriel'smayor,whofoundOrtiz, photo ofPastorDavidOrtizandhisaddress. are baptizingJewsintoChristianity."Includedwas a are themembersofJewishMissionaryCult.They poles, andinbusshelters."Beware,"itread,"these settlement ofAriel,oncarwindshieldsandtelephone 2 VOM Canada|August 2008 12 But somebodydislikedOrtiz andhisbeliefsenough Ortiz didn'tgiveitathought.HisJewishneighbors The flyersappearedeverywhereinsidetheJewish ries haspersecuted Jews.OneMessianic Jew,Tzvi tors forjoining theChristianfaith,which forcentu- numbers. Manyorthodox Jewsviewthemastrai- voke hatredalloutofproportion totheirmeager where between6,000and 15,000—buttheypro- Jesus arecalled,number justafewinIsrael—any- package —itwouldbethekids." knew "thatweadultswouldn'topenupthePurim of shrapnelfromhiseyes.Whoeverdidit,saysOrtiz, six moreoperationsofskingraftsandtheremoval legs andchest.Theteenagersurvived,butstillfaces blast, whichshearedofftheskinandmuscleonhis pieces ofmetalembeddedintheboy'sbodyby nails, screwsandneedles.Doctorsfoundover100 to beheardamileaway.Thebombwaspackedwith blow outalltheapartment'swindowsapartmentand chocolate, itdetonatedabombpowerfulenoughto "COPYRIGHT TIMEINC.REPRINTEDBYPERMISSION.ISAREGISTERED Messianic Jews,astheseJewswhobelievein TRADEMARK OFTIMEINC.ALLRIGHTSRESERVED." BY TIMMCGIRK/ARIEL

© OLEG POPOV/REUTERS Sadan, a teacher and editor, recalls telling his father, returning from Bethlehem carrying a large wooden a Holocaust survivor, that he had accepted Jesus as cross was attacked by a gang of ultra-orthodox his savior. "My dad flipped out. He said that the SS youths who smashed the cross into splinters. These guards in the camp had 'God Is With Us' written on are isolated attacks, and Christians living in Israel say their belts. He told me, 'You've joined the enemy.' But that as long as they refrain from missionary work — he calmed down a bit when he saw my prayer shawl." prohibited by the Israeli government — they are left Some rabbis also view the Messianic Jews' conver- free to worship. sion as part of a grand Evangelical scheme to fulfill Israel finds itself in a predicament: it wants to Biblical prophecy (which requires the conversion of welcome Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land out of the Jews) and hasten the Messiah's arrival. Messianic goodwill and for tourism revenue, but it also wants Jews observe Judaism's rites, holidays and customs to keep exuberant missionaries from trying to con- but believe in Jesus as the Messiah. vert Jews. At the same time, news of these attacks But lately, the outrage among extremist ortho- — especially the Ariel bombing and the Bible-burning dox Jews has spilled into violence. Even after the — has circulated widely among Christian churches Ariel bombing it has continued. Last month, when around the world. "I'm getting calls from Norway," the deputy mayor of says Leah Ortiz, "asking Or Yehuda, a town if Christians are being near Tel Aviv, found persecuted in Israel, and out that Messianic I say 'No, of course not.' Jews had been pass- What happened to our ing out copies of the son, this isn't religion. New Testament to a It's insanity." community of poor So far, police have Ethiopian Jews, he failed to make any ordered the books arrests in the Ortiz to be collected and bombing. But whoever they were set alight assembled the bomb in a bonfire. He later knew what he was apologized and said the doing and had access Bibles had been burned to plastic explosives, accidentally. "If some- probably stolen from body had done that the Israeli military. in Europe to Jewish "We're afraid that who- Torahs, you can image ever did this," says what sort of a reaction Ortiz, "might try it again. that would provoke With us, they crossed here," says Ortiz. To be the line, and we're fair, commentators and afraid of it happening to officials in Israel were someone else." quick to condemn the Given the hardship act, comparing it to the The New Testaments were burned near this synagogue. © COX NEWSPAPERS Messianic Jews face in infamous book burning Israel and his son's mul- by Nazis. tiple injuries, would the Messianic Jews living in the Negev Desert also say Ortiz move his family back to Brooklyn? "No way," they are routinely harassed and attacked by yeshiva Ortiz replies. "Jesus wasn't born in Brooklyn. He was students, some inspired by Yad L'achem, a religious born here. We're staying." organization dedicated to stamping out Christian With reporting by Aaron J. Klein/Jerusalem missionary activities in Israel. Random acts of anti- Christian violence have also occurred: last October To view two videos about Israel, including an in Jerusalem, a church was fire-bombed, and several interview with David and Leah Ortiz, visit the days after Christmas, a German pilgrim who was Newsletter Features section of www.persecution.net

August 2008 | VOM Canada 13 if he did not stop his church activity. His home was previously Burma: raided by police in May 2007 when another local pastor, Zaur Balaev, was arrested on fabricated charges. Pastor Shabanov is Authorities Deny expected to go to trial in the coming months. His family has Relief Aid to asked for our prayers on his behalf. Christians The Voice of the Martyrs has received reports that Burmese authorities have been denying relief aid to some Christian Canada: © STR NEW/REUTERS groups following the devastation VOMC Attends of Cyclone Nargis. The minority Home School Karen people, for example, many of whom are Christians, Conferences are among the most discriminated against in Burma. Across Canada VOMC’s partners in Burma have brought food to Karen This year VOMC had the survivors of the cyclone who say they were denied aid by the privelege to attend home military junta. Some are in hiding, fearing the authorities school conferences in Bar- may use the chaos as cover to pursue their policy of ethnic rie, Hamilton, Kelowna, cleansing. Kitchener, Surrey, Sussex, The cyclone which struck on May 2 has left over 100,000 Red Deer and Winnipeg. At these conferences, we were able dead or missing. Pastor “Barnabus” described the devastation to meet with many youth and engage them through personal caused by Cyclone Nargis, “There are many Christian vil- interaction, workshops and seminar sessions. It was exciting lages in the worst hit area. In one township all 17 Christian to see Christian youth in Canada embrace the message of the villages have been totally wiped out. Only a few people cross, seeking to give all to Jesus. It was also encouraging to survived. When international aid arrived the authorities be welcomed warmly by home school leadership who see the discriminated against Christians… So the churches are doing value of VOMC resources, such as our Bold Believers quarterly their best to help them.” children’s magazine, in the educational and developmental needs of their children. It is VOMC’s hope that through these conferences children and parents across Canada will learn how to stand together with persecuted Christians around the world and equip Azerbaijan: young believers to take a stand for Christ in their generation. Pastor Arrested in Aliabad Pastor Hamid Shabanov (51) is facing up to three years in prison for “holding an illegal weapon” after police claimed to find a gun while searching his home in Aliabad on June 20. The pastor and his family insist that police planted it. During the two hour raid, police also seized several Georgian, Azeri, and Russian Christian books, saying that they were “banned literature.” Authorities previously had threatened to imprison Pastor Shabanov

14 VOM Canada | August 2008 and Andrew Kibet) were shot and killed by Islamists during Subscribe to The Voice of the Martyrs’ weekly a midnight raid on the Hakab Private English School in the Tinaemail and service, Makan The with town of Beledweyne in south-central Somalia on April 13. theirPersecution daughter and Prayer Al-Shabab, the militant Islamic group responsible for the violence, alleged that the teachers were killed in cross-fire during indiscriminate shooting. Local people, however, believe that the teachers were singled out for their suspected evangelistic work. Margaret Ali, the wife of Daud Hassan Ali is certain that her husband was targeted because he was a Muslim-born convert to Christianity. © COMPASS DIRECT On April 22, David Mohamed Ali, a Somali Christian evangelist and long-standing member of St Matthew's Iran: Anglican Church in Addis Ababa, Convert Couple Ethiopia, was also shot and killed Arrested, Tortured by two Islamists in Baidoa, Somalia and Threatened © COMPASS DIRECT because of his faith. David Mohammed Ali On June 3, a newly converted Christian couple was arrested In the last fifteen years, Christians in Somalia have suffered by police for holding Bible studies with Muslims in their severe persecution. Around 200 Christian converts and oth- home and attending a house church. Makan Arya (31) and ers have been killed for their faith. Many others have been Tina Rad (28) were seized from their home in east Tehran forced to leave their homes and have fled to neighbouring after one of Makan's relatives informed security police of the countries like Ethiopia and Kenya. Getting reliable reports couple's Christian activities. Their four-year-old daughter was out of this lawless country is difficult, as is providing prac- left behind, ill and unattended. The couple was taken to an tical assistance. The Voice of the Martyrs is encouraging unknown jail where they were severely beaten and interro- the believers within Somalia by providing shortwave radio gated for four days. Makan was accused of "activities against broadcasts into this remote country, funded by gifts to the national security" and Tina of "activities against the holy Equipping the Saints Fund. religion of Islam." The authorities threatened to take their daughter away to a religious institution and warned them that they could be imprisoned on charges of apostasy or fabricated drug charges if their Christian activity did not cease. Nepal: Eventually, after being tortured psychologically and physically, Priest Killed by the couple signed a statement promising that they would stay Hindu Militants away from their house church and other Christians. Makan A Roman Catholic priest was freed on bail of $20,000 (CAD) and Tina upon payment from India, Father Johnson of $30,000 (CAD). Prakash Moyalan (60), was killed in eastern Nepal by armed Hindu militants on July 1. At approximately 1:00 Somalia: a.m., the men broke into a building belonging to the Don Christians Bosco mission in the town of Sirsiya. They locked up the Martyred assistant priest and shot Moyalan in the stomach and chest. Four teachers, two British The attackers left pamphlets at the scene identifying them- citizens of Somali origin - selves as members of the Nepal Defense Army, a terrorist Mr. Daud Hassan Ali (64) group that wants Hinduism restored as the state religion. and Ms. Rehana Ahmed (32) - and two Kenyan Duad Hassan Ali teachers (Gilford Koech

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August 2008 | VOM Canada 15 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: The Voice of the Martyrs RAISING AVOICE... Box 117, Port Credit MISSISSAUGA, ON L5G 4L5

Tel: 905-670-9721 Toll Free 888-29-VOICE (298-6423) IN CANADA Fax: 905-670-0246 Staff from The Voice of the Martyrs are bringing the message E-mail: [email protected] of the Persecuted Church to God’s people in places like North York, Internet: www.persecution.net Brussels, Mississauga, Alliston and Springfield in the coming weeks. Check to see Founder: Pastor Richard Wurmbrand if VOMC is coming to your town! Go to www.persecution.net/speaking.htm for our Chief Executive Officer: Glenn M. Penner up-to-date speaking schedule and information on how you can book a speaker for Associate Communications Officer: Adele Konyndyk your church or event. Or call 1.888.298.6423 to arrange a booking today! Published monthly. Printed in Canada. Publication Mail Agreement No. 40009964

Our Mission: To glorify God by serving His Persecuted Church.

The Voice of the Martyrs accomplishes its mission by: Back to Our Roots Running to help those who suffer for their faith. Remembering the families of today's Christian martyrs. Christian Martyrs Rebuilding FANINUS – ITALY, 1550 the Church's witness after persecution ends. Reaching In the 1500s, Christians throughout Europe who read copies of the Bible in out in love to the persecutors. their own language, instead of Latin, were condemned to die as heretics. Faninus Raising was one of the first martyrs to die in Italy. a voice for those who cannot speak. Faninus came to Christ after reading illegal Christian books translated into Italian. He began to secretly teach the gospel, but was soon caught and imprisoned. While in prison he was visited by his wife, children and friends and con- Spending of funds is confined to board approved vinced to renounce his faith to obtain release. programs and projects. Each restricted contribution Once released, however, Faninus found that he actually was not free at all and designated towards a board approved program or project will be used as designated with the understanding that reportedly felt “the heaviest of chains; the weight of a guilty conscience.” He when the need for such a program or project has been reaffirmed his dedication to Christ and began publicly preaching the gospel all met, or cannot be completed for any reason determined throughout the country to great effect. by the board, the remaining restricted contributions Not surprisingly, Faninus was arrested a second time in 1547, and this time designated for such program or project will be used he did not waver in his faith. When asked how he could leave his wife and where needed most. Gifts from individual donors of $10 and more are acknowledged and receipted with an children in distress, he replied, “I shall not leave them in distress; I have rec- official receipt for income tax purposes. ommended them to the care of an excellent trustee.” When asked “what trustee?” he replied that it was Jesus Christ and said, “I could not commit them to the care of a better.” After more than two years in prison, he was condemned to death for heresy. On the day of execution, an observer noted that Faninus was amazingly cheerful The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter is the flagship and told him it was strange he should appear so merry when Jesus Christ himself publication of The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada. sweated blood and water before death. Faninus replied: “Christ sustained all Published monthly, it is available free of charge and manner of pangs and conflicts, with hell and death, on our accounts; and thus without obligation in one-year subscriptions to anyone by his sufferings, freed those who really believe in him from the fear of them.” in Canada who requests it. If, after twelve months, no The executioner strangled Faninus three hours before dawn, so people would further contact is made with the mission, VOMC will consider the subscriber’s account inactive and the not see him nor hear him speak. His body was burnt, and believers later scat- address will be taken off the active mailing list. Upon tered his ashes throughout the territory where he had evangelized. request, however, we will be glad to reactivate any Source: www.exclassics.com/foxe/foxe161.htm. subscription for another twelve months.

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