World Update
Algeria: Believers Face Diminished Freedoms
Algeria is facing a crisis point. Churches are being forced to close, and elections are coming up, causing the potential for increased violence and religious limitation.
China: 8 Christian Leaders Still in Detention in Sichuan Province
These leaders have been accused of being "evil cult members," a charge often leveled by Chinese authorities against house church members.
North Korea: Students Arrested for Gospel Materials
India: Film Team Released from Jail After Sharing the Gospel
Gospel for Asia evangelistic teams are in constant danger of persecution. This team has a message of praise, though, after they were released from prison–and had a chance to witness to the very authorities that were persecuting them!
Indonesia: Over 100 Churches Closed in 3 Years
Indonesia is a predominately Muslim nation, and the attacks of extremists have led to the closure of 110 churches in the time period between 2004-2007.
Iraq: Religious Cleansing in North
Laos: Pastor Beaten Almost to Death for Refusing to Give up Faith
Pastor Khamxay was arrested for "bringing foreign religions to Laos." The government tried to make him sign a piece of paper in which he said he would not be a Christian. He refused to sign, and in his ensuing prison term converted five of his cellmates to Christianity! When the guards found out about his witness, they beat him almost to death.