Recent incidents of brutal anti-Christian violence and persecution suggest that vulnerable believers are facing a menacing upsurge in such attacks across the world.

For example, in Afghanistan the Muslim Taliban have beheaded an Afghan Christian, Abdul Latif, in Herat Province. A video of the murder sent to Barnabas Fund shows the Taliban shouting “Allahu Akbar” (“god is great”) over and over again during the beheading.   The life of Christians is cheap in areas of the country controlled by the Taliban. But Christian converts are also in danger from the Afghan government as it tries to prove its commitment to Islam. Last year many were arrested, and some remain in prison facing possible execution for apostasy.

In Nigeria, in the latest of several recent incidents, a group of attackers stormed three mainly Christian farming villages in the Bogoro area of Bauchi State, in the predominantly Muslim North of the country. At least two people were killed and a number of houses were set on fire.  The episode was reminiscent of an eruption of anti-Christian violence in Bauchi two years ago, when nine Christians died at the hands of Muslim militants and churches and homes were destroyed. Then as now, the authorities failed to ensure the safety of Christians in the state.

In Egypt, a Christian mother-of-two, Heba Adel, disappeared on 6 April after walking her young son to school in the El Maadi suburb of Cairo. When her mother called her at 9 am, she said she was returning home. She never arrived.  Heba’s husband, Fadi, believes that his wife has been kidnapped. Many Christian women and girls in Egypt are abducted, raped and forcibly converted to Islam. But as in this case, the security forces are often slow to respond, and the attackers are rarely brought to justice. Relations between Muslims and Christians have worsened rapidly since the fall of former President Mubarak.

In China, at least 160 Christians were arrested when they attempted to hold a worship service in the open air. Most of the believers from Shouwang Church, Beijing, which had already lost its indoor meeting-place owing to government pressure, were later released, but the pastor and his wife remain in custody.

These latest incidents, which are only a few examples of many, also occur against a background of growing international instability that further threatens the security of Christian minorities. As Islamist groups manoeuvre for position in Egypt, civil war rages in Libya, and unrest breaks out in many other parts of the Muslim world, Christians are often left without protection against attacks by the hostile majority. In Egypt some Christians have even been killed by the army that should have been defending them.

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, says:  At this time of turmoil in many parts of the world, our brothers and sisters are even more vulnerable to hatred and violence. Often the authorities cannot and will not protect them, and sometimes they even join in the anti-Christian attacks.”   As this month the Church celebrates its birthday of Pentecost, please pray for these suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.

All Facebook, the unofficial Facebook resource, has recently announced that the all-time best-selling book in the world has overtaken Justin Bieber in the ranking table. With over six and a half million fans, the Bible Facebook page not only beats Bieber – who regularly reads the Bible himself -  but Manchester United and Real Madrid FC who are two of the world’s biggest clubs.

The Bible page is part of the worldwide work offered by Bible Society and United Bible Societies which works in over 200 countries and territories around the world.   Ben Whitnall, Digital Advocacy Officer at Bible Society says: ‘People would not necessarily put the Bible and Facebook in the same sentence.  But a recent week’s rankings list, which places the Bible in the number one spot, shows that Christians are engaging with social networks and using them as a means of communicating about the Bible. It’s really encouraging to see that the two can co-exist.’

However, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a nation with a number of deep-rooted problems. A lack of confidence in the government has resulted in violent protests in the capital Bangkok and beyond, The sex industry is big business and tens of thousands of women and children work as prostitutes, with many taken and trafficked. More than half-a-million people have HIV or Aids in Thailand and the country also appears on the ‘high burden’ list for tuberculosis. One in ten people live in poverty,

This is the context in which BMS World Mission is working in Thailand, in partnership with local Christians.

In Bangkok, Emily Chalke supports the ministry of NightLight, as it reaches out practically and spiritually to those caught up in the city’s thriving sex industry.  She and others befriend women, many of whom only work as prostitutes out of desperation for money. NightLight’s jewellery-making business offers a viable alterative for dozens of women, whilst church services and prayer times point to their one true hope: Jesus.

Also in northern Thailand is Judy Cook, a BMS nurse. Part of Judy’s time is spent supporting the Church of Christ in Thailand Aids Ministry (CAM) as it helps families living with the effects of HIV and Aids, CAM works closely with church and community leaders to encourage more positive attitudes towards these families. Judy is also the director of Hope Home, a residential and respite home for disabled children, which receives physiotherapy support from Lizz Maycock. There remains great stigma attached to disability in Thailand.  Last year, a girl called Lapat Joy arrived at the home. She was malnourished and underdeveloped through her physical disabilities but, thanks to the staff’s love and nurture,  she got back on the road to recovery and is set to reach her fullest potential.

What does that say to our churches in a world where power, prestige and status are the measures of success?

John Walker