(After the article numerous sources are listed of modern day, specifically 2020, persecution around the world. This list in no way exhaustive and will continuously be updated)
We have been studying Matthew 24, and last time we reviewed that Christians have been on a 2000-year road trip with the Bible as a road map with vital road signs we are to know and be following carefully in order to reach our intended destination. Some signs started immediately that Jesus refers to as the “beginning of sorrows” such as wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, famines, pestilence, and natural disasters. He instructed them to be wise servants who were speaking the word of God to one another in order to avoid the top warning of Jesus which is deception. I repeat, the word of God is the road map. Without it, we will be deceived.
Worldwide Persecution
But there is more that Jesus talked about in Matthew 24. He continues on in verse “9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” And so it has been from the inception of the Church until today.
Early church
Acts: In the book of Acts and other New Testament books the story of persecution has been documented. As multiple thousands were being added to the church daily, the disciples were dragged before the Sanhedrin where they were reprimanded, imprisoned, told not to preach Jesus, and were beaten. And on and one it goes. They even beat the Apostle Paul so badly that he was believed to be dead.
Dark Ages: In the Dark Ages 50-150 million were martyred, and countless others were mercilessly persecuted. Nevertheless, Christianity grew by leaps and bounds. In spite of all odds, Christians stood fast to the truth while others new to the faith flocked to the truth in droves. According to John Fox in his book, Fox’s Book of Martyrs, the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the Church.
Present Day
In modern days, according to the World Watch List of 2019 regarding the top 50 nations who persecute Christians, in 2018, “Christians were persecuted more than ever before in the modern era — and this year is expected to be worse: “4,136 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons.” (Open Doors USA in its recently published World Watch List 2019 (WWL)). “On average, that’s 11 Christians killed every day for their faith.” Additionally, “2,625 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned” in 2018, and “1,266 churches or Christian buildings were attacked.”
215 million Christians faced persecution in 2018. In 2019, according to Open Doors, 245 million will suffer — a 14% increase, that represents 30 million more people abused for their faith. This means that “1 in 9 Christians experience high levels of persecution worldwide” (note: all quotations in this article are from the WWL 2019).”
“11 Christians Killed Every Day for Their Faith,” by Raymond Ibrahim, author of the new book, Sword and Scimitar, Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West, https://www.meforum.org/57925/christians-persecuted-killed
According to the website Factsandtrends.net, a quarter of a billion Christians faced persecution worldwide in 2018 alone. And “Researchers for the organization [World Watch List for Open Doors] estimate 1 in 12 Christians live where their faith is “illegal, forbidden, or punished.”
“Quarter of a Billion Christians Face Major Persecution in 2018,” https://factsandtrends.net/2018/01/29/quarter-billion-christians-face-major-persecution-2018/
Though, according to the World Watch List, Islam is the greatest persecutor of Christianity worldwide, “North Korea (#1) remains the worst nation [overall], where “never-ending pressure and violence” is directed against Christians: “The primary driver of persecution in North Korea is the state. For three generations, everything in the country has focused on idolizing the Kim family. Christians are seen as hostiles to be eradicated.”
“11 Christians Killed Every Day for Their Faith,” by Raymond Ibrahim, author of the new book, Sword and Scimitar, Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West, https://www.meforum.org/57925/christians-persecuted-killed
According to the January 14th edition of Israel Today, an online news source, “As it is written, “Out of the fiery furnace comes forth faith as pure as gold (1 Peter 1.7), and that is nowhere more evident than among the persecuted Christians of Iran, now home to the fastest growing and largest network of churches in the world… The mosques are empty and many disillusioned with a faith that rules by terror are having encounters with the God of the Bible. The Jewish Messiah is appearing to them in dreams and visions – even in person – and disciples forced to meet and worship in secret are rapidly multiplying to such an extent that the authorities are having to admit their presence. Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Mahmoud Alavi, is quoted as saying that mass conversions “are happening right under our eyes” 1.
In a country whose rulers have vowed to destroy Israel, these new Iranian believers are falling in love with the Jewish people and praying for them. And in a land where women are brutally oppressed, most of the leaders of this amazing move of God are women!
…the gospel is spreading like wildfire in one of the world’s most dangerous places for Christians. It’s a church with no property, no denominational leanings, no bank accounts, no assets and no centralised leadership. But it’s a church that knows suffering and even martyrdom.”
Indeed, in spite of intense persecution and horrific martyrdom, family after family in nation after nation would have it no other way. This truth is captured in the words of a few mothers whose sons were of the 21 Coptic migrant workers who were slaughtered on the Libyan beach in 2015. They not only are proud of their sons and not at all angry with God, but also document miraculous signs that followed their sons’ grizzly deaths. Though some are strange and can be readily dismissed, the greatest sign is that of the testimony of their mothers.
“Gaber’s [one of the martyrs] hunched-over, barefoot mother — whose house had resounded with unidentifiable voices singing a hallelujah at the hour of his death, as her Muslim neighbours also confirmed — was quick to express her gratitude that her son had become a martyr.
Youssef’s [another martyr] family members — his young widow with their little boy, his turban-clad father, his mother holding an icon of her crowned son to her chest — told me, as well as each other, how happy they were when they realised that he was in heaven. Gaber’s family had a similar response.
Hany’s [another martyr] mother also readily admitted her joy, especially with regard to her four little grandchildren: once they’re a bit older, they’ll be so proud that their father is a martyr. Milad’s [martyr] parents also thanked God for their son’s martyrdom; and the parents of Girgis (the elder) [martyr] recalled how their son had always wanted to become a martyr. During his captivity they had not prayed for his deliverance, but only that he remain strong. He had remained strong indeed, and was now the family’s pride and joy.
All these words were spoken not with fanaticism, or zealously, but, rather, with serenity and calm. These were no Spartan mothers celebrating some rigid ideal, but believers whose faith had been forged and strengthened by adversity.”
“The Blood of the Martyrs, Seed of the Church,” https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/22-february/faith/faith-features/the-blood-of-the-martyrs-seed-of-the-church
These are just a small number of the modern day faces and voices of the persecution of Christians.
While during the Dark Ages 50+ million were martyred in approximately a 1000- year period, 900,000 have been killed in the last 10 years alone, and around 100,000 are killed yearly in modern times. At this rate, 50 million martyrs will have been killed in a little over 50 years. In other words, the rate of martyrdom has risen dramatically today, and persecution is the norm for a large number of Christians worldwide.
Indeed, the Jesus’ signs are stacking on top of each other, over and over and over and over again all over the world, shaking the world and those who will see it with the startling and undeniable realization that Jesus is coming back VERY soon!
American Christians
Jesus guaranteed that those who follow Him would have trials and tribulations, including persecution. I want to emphasize two things at this point.
Number one, let us remember continually our brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide who are and will be experiencing persecution of some shape or form. Those who have requested prayer through Voice of the Martyrs and through various other organizations, do not want to be rescued out of these afflictions, but rather, they want to endure them as good soldiers of the cross. Let us then pray that they be strong, that they will be unafraid for themselves or their families, and that their families will have the provision that they need.
And number two, let us not compare our own trials with that of others. Our trials here in the West are not more or less than what they are going through. They are being tried by financial lack; we are being tried by financial excess. They are being tried by impoverished conditions; we are being tried by abundance. They are being tried by the world’s rejection; we are being tried by the world’s acceptance. They are being tried through imprisonment; we are being tried through liberty. They are being tried through death; we are tried through life. Their trial by fire is not ours, and ours is not theirs; but we are both undergoing a trial that will cause our dross to rise and be skimmed by the deft hand of Almighty God so that the gold in us will be refined and pure. As “One Iranian refugee [said] who came to the West [she] shocked her husband by asking to go back, having discovered that lethargy and indifference was a greater threat to her faith than persecution.” Lethargy and indifference… have they corrupted us?
Conclusion
Let’s take a look at 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 at this time:
“7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.8 We [Paul and those traveling with him] are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (emphasis mine)
Our time here on earth is extremely brief, considered to be only a “moment.” Let us remember that our afflictions, whatever they may be, are light. And it is all for our good and for our glory—an “eternal weight of glory”. So, let’s keep things in their proper perspective. Problems are made bigger when we focus on them. But, if we keep God as our focus and what He’s said in His word about tribulations, then we will be able to endure with grace and dignity.
(sources for article are listed after the recent updates)
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2021
“Global Persecution: The Number Of Christians Killed For Their Faith Increased By 60 Percent In Just One Year,” Jan 17, 2021, http://endoftheamericandream.com/global-persecution-the-number-of-christians-killed-for-their-faith-increased-by-60-percent-in-just-one-year/ Quote: “The watchdog organization Open Doors USA says levels of Christian persecution are at a record high around the world. Open Doors reports that levels of Christian persecution are at a record high, revealing that the number of Christians murdered for their faith rose 60 percent in 2020...Open Doors USA also just released the 2021 World Watch List in which they named the top 50 nations that are persecuting Christians the most.Here are the top 10…
North Korea
Afghanistan
Somalia
Libya
Pakistan
Eritrea
Yemen
Iran
Nigeria
India
“Christian persecution rises as people refused aid in Covid crisis – report,” Jan 12, 2021, Quote: “Persecution of Christians around the world has increased during the Covid pandemic, with followers being refused aid in many countries, authoritarian governments stepping up surveillance, and Islamic militants exploiting the crisis…More than 340 million Christians – one in eight – face high levels of persecution and discrimination because of their faith, according to the 2021 World Watch List compiled by the Christian advocacy group Open Doors. It says there was a 60% increase over the previous year in the number of Christians killed for their faith. More than nine out of 10 of the global total of 4,761 deaths were in Africa.” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/13/christian-persecution-rises-as-people-refused-aid-in-covid-crisis-report
“Covid is worsening persecution of Christians, reports Open Doors,” Jan 22, 2021, Quote: “Covid-19 has put new weapons into the hands of people who wish to eradicate and suppress Christianity. In Asia and Africa, we’ve seen Christians discriminated against in the distribution of food aid. In Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, lockdown has made people sitting ducks for Islamic extremists such as Boko Haram and Fulani tribesmen. Totalitarian regimes have used Covid-19 as a quasi-legitimate excuse to increase surveillance and control of their citizens. North Korea is number one on the list for the 20th year in a row…In China, churches last year were forced to introduce facial-recognition technology. The government has tightened restrictions and controls, and China has moved up six places in the list…In Nigeria last year, a reported 3530 Christians were killed — an average of ten a day, making the country the worst for violence against Christians in the world…The top ten worst countries in which to be a Christian remain little changed from previous years. After North Korea on the list is Afghanistan, followed by Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, and India.” https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2021/22-january/news/world/covid-is-worsening-persecution-of-christians-reports-open-doors
2021 Report Ongoing Worldwide
For a list of persecution in America, please visit this link: https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/persecution/
Canada:
For up-to-date info on Canadian persecution, please refer to this link:
As of September 27, 2021, Artur Pawlowski was rearrested. After 4 months of traveling in the U.S. to warn against evil, he was arrested upon returning to Canada. Below is the Twitter post and video footage. Please, keep him in prayer.
“Ongoing church burnings are Canada’s equivalent of BLM,” July 16, 2021, https://gospelnewsnetwork.org/2021/07/16/ongoing-church-burnings-are-canadas-equivalent-of-blm/
Quote: ““All of a sudden Canada looks a lot like the Soviet Union,” Carlson began.“Seem like we’re exaggerating a little bit? Well, they’re burning Catholic and Anglican churches in recent days. Leftist groups are. But Canada’s leaders aren’t condemning the burning of churches. No, they’re endorsing the burning of churches,” he continued.”
“At Least 45 Christian Churches Set on Fire In Canada as Attacks Escalate,” July 15, 2021, https://www.faithwire.com/2021/07/15/at-least-45-christian-churches-set-on-fire-in-canada-as-attacks-continue-to-escalate/
Quote: “Keean Bexte tweeted CounterSignal.com’s interview with the church’s pastor.“We are refugees. We escaped from Vietnam to come here to get more freedom, to live, and we think it was a good country – and now it happened to our church,” Pastor Nguyen said. “Maybe it is not safe to be here in Canada compared to Vietnam.””
“Canada No Longer Feels Like A Free Country,” April 7, 2021, https://spencerfernando.com/2021/04/07/canada-no-longer-feels-like-a-free-country/
“Canadian Crackdown on Christians Who Refuse To Limit Worship Gatherings,” May 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkZZ6S4DUes
“Pastor Arrested After Sermon on Marriage, Police Cite Complaints of ‘Homophobic Comments’,” April 2021, https://www.newsweek.com/pastor-arrested-after-sermon-marriage-police-cite-complaints-homophobic-comments-1588129 Quote: “Christian Concern, which defends people of faith, described the incident as a “brutal arrest” that sets a bad precedent for religious freedom of speech throughout the country.”
Online Persecution:
“PODCAST: YouTube Shuts Down Nigerian Preacher TB Joshua’s Channel,” May 9, 2021, https://blackchristiannews.com/2021/04/podcast-youtube-shuts-down-nigerian-preacher-tb-joshuas-channel-intl-christian-herald-4-24-21/ Quote: “According to Africa News, Popular Nigerian television evangelist, T.B. Joshua, has called upon his followers on Sunday to “pray for YouTube” and not to respond with hate after his channel was shut down for posting videos claiming to “cure homosexuality”.”
Cuba
“Pastors Arrested in Cuban Protests,” July 15, 2021, https://whatyareckon.com/2021/07/15/pastors-arrested-in-cuban-protests/
Quote: “‘Mass protests across Cuba, a nation where demonstrations against the government have been tightly controlled in the past, has seen the arrest of dozens including Christian leaders...“The Superintendent General of the Assemblies of God in Cuba, Moisés de Prada, published a video on the Facebook page of his name in which he agrees that the Cuban people need to be heard. ‘The despair, the crisis of medicines, food, the lack of expression, clear, transparent dialogue, has led a people to raise their voices and need to be heard.’“De Prada emphatically demanded; ‘We are calling for the cessation of repression. We are calling for the cessation of hostilities. We call on the authorities and the people to sanity. Violence breeds violence and the results are harmful,’ he added.”
“There were reports of internet blackouts across the island. Access to mobile internet was rolled out in December 2018 in Cuba but is controlled by the state-owned telecommunications company Etecsa.“Internet monitoring site Netblocks said access to WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Telegram had been restricted by Etecsa’s servers. Mobile internet is the main way for Cubans to access independent news and many said the blackouts had increased the sense of ominous unease following the protests.””
“Religious leaders targeted amid nationwide protests,” (Cuba) July 12, 2021, https://www.csw.org.uk/2021/07/12/press/5345/article.htm
Quote: “Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel also made public calls for ‘revolutionaries’ to take to the streets to defend the Revolution by fighting protestors. Several reports have since emerged of violence against protesters, including one incident in which an Associated Press photographer was violently beaten by members of the police and Cuban State Security. One protester was also allegedly shot in the stomach.In a post on Facebook, human rights activist and pastor Reverend Mario Félix Lleonart Barroso reported that the authorities had detained Yeremi Blanco y Yarian Sierra, two pastors from the Berean Baptist Mission in Matanzas. Reverend Yusniel Pérez Montejo, of the Eastern Baptist Convention, was reportedly detained in Songo-La Maya in Santiago, and a Catholic priest, Father Castor José Álvarez Devesa, was reportedly beaten and detained incommunicado by Cuban authorities in Camagüey in central Cuba.”
India
“Activists Record 154 Incidents of Christian Persecution in India,” July 12, 2021, https://www.persecution.org/2021/07/12/activists-record-154-incidents-christian-persecution-india/
Quote: “Mob violence accompanied by police at places of worship to disrupt prayer or church services was among the most reported incidents. However, false accusations and arrests under newly enacted anti-conversion laws were also among the reported incidents.”
Philippines
“Philippines president threatens to jail people who refuse vaccine,” June 22, 2021, https://thehill.com/policy/international/559535-philippines-president-threatens-to-jail-people-who-refuse-vaccine?fbclid=IwAR007SIM1hri2rOrpNpBHd6NWZEEMTMd6_MsUQpWMbRU51T1OlfPhh8xMbE
Australia
“Pastor on remand after church defies Victoria’s lockdown,” June 1, 2021, https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/pastor-on-remand-after-church-defies-victorias-lockdown/ Quote: “Furlong posted a video on Facebook declaring he had chosen to ‘obey God over man’ and that his church would open for Sunday service in breach”, the Daily Mail reports.A May 27 video of Pastor Furlong before his latest arrest is here. “I made a declarion before almighty God that we would not forsake the gathering of God’s people, so we are meeting…” he says on that video.He repeats the claim on a second FB video where he asserts the UN Human Rights convention protects his gathering.”
“Christian pastor arrested for flouting lockdown rules,” May 31, 2021, https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/courts-law/christian-pastor-arrested-for-flouting-lockdown-rules/news-story/3a32aca0908b0c4e86be57c0de9452bb Quote: ““My church is open. I’ve said I would not shut the church again. This Sunday at 10am, my church the Revival Church in Narre Warren … we are open for worship,” Mr Furlong says in the video. “Many of you may have me declare that I have chosen to obey God over man. This comes down to a freedom of religion, movement, association.””
Azerbaijan and Armenia:
“Azerbaijan Commits War Crimes Against Armenians,” May 6, 2021, https://www.persecution.org/2021/05/06/azerbaijan-commits-war-crimes-armenians/ Quote: “Azerbaijan also continues to degrade Armenian heritage through the demolition of religious sites. Photos and videos confirm the vandalism against Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi. Angels sitting atop pillars at the main entrance were destroyed and a fence running along the perimeter of the property has been taken down. Just a few days later, photos indicate that the domes had been removed from the church as well.”
China:
“Additional Persecution News from China – June 26, 2021 (25 Reports),” July 15, 2021, https://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2021/7/15/194092.html
Quote: “Today’s news from China includes incidents of persecution that took place in 20 cities or counties in 7 provinces, where at least 42 practitioners were recently persecuted for their belief.”
“China’s Latest Ban of Christian Content on Social Media,” July 13, 2021, https://www.persecution.org/2021/07/13/chinas-latest-ban-christian-content-social-media/
Quote: “In a recent crackdown on online Christian content, the Chinese government banned the WeChat accounts belonging to many registered churches.WeChat is a popular social media in China that many churches utilize. The accounts that The government blocked accounts belonging to churches registered and approved by the Chinese government…In addition to WeChat, many popular Christian websites have stopped updates for good, and the amount of Christian media on the Internet seems to be shrinking rapidly.”
“Authorities Shut Down Ethnic Minority Church in China’s Yunnan,” May 5, 2021, https://atdux.com/authorities-shut-down-ethnic-minority-church-in-chinas-yunnan/ Quote: “…the truth that the church has been allowed to satisfy all by way of the pandemic has raised questions over whether or not the closure is a part of a renewed crackdown on spiritual exercise primarily based on a just lately revealed set of “Administrative Measures For Non secular Personnel” that took impact from Could 1. U.S.-based pastor Liu Yi, who based the Chinese language Christian Justice Fellowship, stated the foundations search to exert additional management by the ruling Chinese language Communist Get together (CCP) over the day-to-day working of spiritual organizations.“The brand new administrative measures set out greater necessities for the so-called Chinese language spiritual workers who’re underneath [CCP] administration,” Liu advised RFA.Article 3 of the doc states that spiritual personnel ought to “love the motherland, assist the management of the CCP, and assist the socialist system.”They have to additionally adhere to “the core values of socialism” and the “sinicization of faith” underneath the CCP, it says.“Below the management of the CCP, many so-called Protestant pastors and preachers have consciously adopted the occasion’s place,” Liu stated. “Their pulpits have turn out to be platforms for CCP propaganda.””
“China Detains Over 100 Christian Worshipers, Including Children,” May 3, 2021, https://www.worthynews.com/58209-china-detains-over-100-christian-worshipers-including-children
“China shuts down Bible App, Christian WeChat as new crackdown policies go into effect,” May 2, 2021, https://www.christianpost.com/news/china-shuts-down-bible-app-christian-wechat-accounts.html Quote: “When someone tries to access those accounts, a message reads, “(We) received report that (this account) violates the ‘Internet User Public Account Information Services Management Provisions’ and its account has been blocked and suspended.”Bible Apps have also been removed from the App Store in China, and Bibles in hard copy are no longer available for sale online either, ICC added. Bible Apps can only be downloaded in China with the use of a VPN.Another sign of the ongoing crackdown is that bookstores owned by the state-sanctioned Three-self churches have increasingly been selling books that promote President Xi Jinping’s thoughts and communist ideology….Last October, internet censorship targeting Christians in China became so severe that even official government-sanctioned Christian groups started using the Chinese Pinyin initials “JD” to replace Chinese characters for “Christ,” China Aid reported at the time.””
England:
“Police Show up at London Church on Easter Sunday, After Shutting Down Good Friday Mass,” April 4, 2021, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2021/04/04/police-show-up-polish-church-again-after-shutting-down-good-friday-mass/
https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2021/april/elderly-preacher-roughed-up-arrested-for-preaching-biblical-marriage-on-uk-street”“Unlawful”: British and Canadian Police Intimidate Worshippers and Shut Down Holy Week Services,” April 4, 2021, https://thenewamerican.com/unlawful-british-and-canadian-police-intimidate-worshippers-and-shut-down-holy-week-services/ Quote: “Over the Easter weekend, the most holy of the Christian holidays, bold attempts to enforce coronavirus restrictions led authorities in London to intimidate churchgoers and interrupt and close down Good Friday Mass. In Alberta, Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) attempted to halt a Saturday Passover service…Following Friday’s disruption, Christ the Believer Parafia (parish priest) Chrystusa Krola declared the Metropolitan Police “brutally exceeded their powers.” “We asked the police authorities to explain the incident and we are waiting for their response,” Krola said, urging attendees of Friday’s Mass to submit formal complaints to the police…The message is clear. This is headed into a far darker place. If people and more pastors are not willing to risk fines and arrest to keep houses of worship open and operating at full capacity, the government’s overreach of power will escalate. Tragically people remain overwhelmingly obedient.”
“Elderly Preacher Roughed Up, Arrested for Preaching Biblical Marriage on UK Street,” April 29, 2021, https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2021/april/elderly-preacher-roughed-up-arrested-for-preaching-biblical-marriage-on-uk-street Note: Though this article states that the policeman appears to kick the preacher (age 71), to me it appears that the policeman lost his balance and his foot kicked out to the side of the minister. That being said, they were still too rough on the older man, pulling him forcefully down from his step stool, holding his arm too tightly, and appeared very disrespectful at best. Quote: “The outlet also reported Sherwood remains under investigation as his case has been forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service for further review. The elderly pastor spent the night in a detention center located near Heathrow Airport and was not released until noon the following day, according to Simpson. Sherwood told Breitbart that during his stay in jail, he was questioned by officers about what he would do if he had a homosexual child. “It is surely the task of police to ask questions about the specific alleged offense, not more general questions about why someone holds a personal view on an aspect of Biblical morality,” he said.”
“Preacher arrested for preaching biblical marriage from Genesis on a London street,” May 4, 2021, https://www.christianpost.com/news/preacher-arrested-for-preaching-biblical-marriage-on-uk-street.html
Peru:
“Peruvian archbishop slams govt for forcing churches to shut down,” Feb 3, 2021, https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/peruvian-archbishop-slams-govt-for-forcing-churches-to-shut-down Quote: “In the latest of Peru’s extreme COVID-19 restrictions, the government has divided the country into three levels of alerts: high, very high, and extreme. In both the “extreme” and “very high” areas, churches and places of worship are closed. However, in the “extreme” areas, supermarkets, banks, and pharmacies are allowed to open at 40 percent of capacity; in the “very high” areas, they are allowed 50 percent of capacity, restaurants are permitted 30 percent if customers are seated outdoors, and general stores and galleries are allowed to open at 20 percent capacity…In addition, Peru has enacted measures with specific intent at making Sunday gatherings more difficult. As of January 13, citizens were prohibited from driving vehicles on Sundays in order to prohibit gatherings. This restriction on the use of private vehicles is in place at all three levels of alert in Peru, although it now ranges from being limited to Sundays in the “high” alert areas to a complete ban at all times in the “extreme” alert areas.”
Indonesia:
“Suicide bomb hits Palm Sunday Mass in Indonesia, 20 wounded,” March 28, 2021, https://www.newsbreak.com/news/0Z4CF7Cs/suicide-bomb-hits-palm-sunday-mass-in-indonesia-20-wounded?s=oldSite&ss=a4
Nigeria Update:
“Hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls released days after kidnapping,” March 2, 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/02/africa/nigeria-schoolgirls-rescued-intl/index.html
March 15, 2021 update: On Facebook today I read in the comments section of a Mario Murillo post regarding what part of the world we are from, several comments by one called Apostle John Udoh that there is great revival in Nigeria. He states, “Nigeria. The wave of revivals, healings, creative miracles, signs and wonders happening everyday here is beyond description.” And to another he says, “I am so glad to hear that someone so far away has been praying for our dear nation. I want you to know that God has been answering your prayers. Nigerians go all the way in whatever they set their hearts upon. This should explain why both God and the wicked one are keen on operating in Nigeria and through Nigerians all over the globe. I base in in the far North where the persecution is much more intense and that is where most of the miracles are happening. We’ve had blind eyes open, deaf hear, fractured hands/legs healed instantly and all manner of diseases healed. The wave of revivals is amazing.” And to another he adds, “Every resistance here, fuels the fire of revival.”
Update: March 15th
“UPDATE: Wife of Jailed Canadian Pastor Shares Details of Husband’s Ordeal Behind Bars,” https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2021/march/update-wife-of-jailed-canadian-pastor-shares-details-of-husbands-situation-behind-bars
Update: April 2nd
“Canadian pastor jailed for disobeying COVID-19 lockdown rules says inmates strongly support him,” April 2, 2021, https://www.christianpost.com/news/canadian-pastor-jailed-for-holding-in-person-worship-sevices-says-inmates-support-him.html
“GraceLife pastor James Coates handed $1,500 fine, is released from remand centre,” March 23, 2021, https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/gracelife-pastor-james-coates-handed-dollar1500-fine-is-released-from-remand-centre/ar-BB1eQsZ1?ocid=uxbndlbing
Update: April 4th
““Unlawful”: British and Canadian Police Intimidate Worshippers and Shut Down Holy Week Services,” April 4, 2021, https://thenewamerican.com/unlawful-british-and-canadian-police-intimidate-worshippers-and-shut-down-holy-week-services/ Quote: “Over the Easter weekend, the most holy of the Christian holidays, bold attempts to enforce coronavirus restrictions led authorities in London to intimidate churchgoers and interrupt and close down Good Friday Mass. In Alberta, Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) attempted to halt a Saturday Passover service…The message is clear. This is headed into a far darker place. If people and more pastors are not willing to risk fines and arrest to keep houses of worship open and operating at full capacity, the government’s overreach of power will escalate. Tragically people remain overwhelmingly obedient…Polish Pastor Artur Pawlowski of Street Church Ministries in Calgary, Alberta, “a multi-denominational, multi-ethnical ministry of believers, who have been reborn in the spirit of the Lord,” banished six police officers who showed up at his church property interrupting Passover services held on the evening of Saturday, April 3.In a powerful video that went viral online, Pastor Pawlowski can be heard repeatedly yelling at the police, demanding they “get out immediately!”Shouting in a thick Eastern European accent, the pastor who escaped communism in Poland and has openly protested against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s authoritarian government demands that the uniformed officers who can be seen standing near the entrance of the building for the entire length of the severe five-minute video “immediately go out and don’t come back.””
Update: April 6th
“Breaking! Police and Security Put up Chain-link Fence Around Gracelife Church,” https://protestia.com/2021/04/07/breaking-police-and-security-put-up-chain-link-fence-around-gracelife-church/ QUOTE: “In a completely unprecedented move, police and security arrived on site in the middle of the night and put up a chain and wire fence around Gracelife Church in Edmonton, Alberta, home of previously imprisoned Pastor James Coates, in order to keep them out and prevent them from gathering for further services until they comply with shutdown restrictions.” This article also contains a quote from Pastor James Coates’ wife Erin Coates on her Instagram account. Mrs. Coates ends by saying, “I pray for all the pastors and Christians that still think this is about a virus and health order. Clearly our Charter and criminal code mean nothing as long as the government can come up with a good enough story to disregard it. God have mercy on our nation. I pray for their souls. They are clearly under Your judgment.”
Update: April 7th
Update: April 8th
Update: April 11th
“Protesters tear down then rebuild metal fences, denounce closure of GraceLife church,” https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/04/11/hundreds-gather-to-denounce-closure-of-gracelife-church/
Update: May 8th
The trial of Pastor James Coates will reconvene June 7th when the Judge is suppose to announce his decision. Pastor Jacob Reaume explains what has been happening to himself and the members of his church. He personally has been fined $900,000 plus the possibility of 9 years in prison, his church has been fined 50 million, and the government changed the locks on his church’s doors — in other words, he’s been locked out of his own church. Why? Because he dared to obey the Lord by meeting together with his church in spite of the government’s unconstitutional, unbiblical orders. And Pastor Arthur Powlowski had a warrant out for his arrest.
Pastor Artur Powlowski was arrested today, May 8th, while on his way home from church. A horde of police pulled him over on a busy highway, blocked off part of the highway with many police vehicles –you’d think he was a violent, dangerous drug lord–, hand cuffed him in the middle of the street, and dragged him away.
Update: May 9, 2021
In this interview Pastor Artur relates covertly via his wife that the police nearly broke his shoulder during the arrest, that he was thrown into the back of the police vehicle and then driven an hour and a half to the prison where he was placed in a cell without a bed, without a blanket, without a pillow, without a chair, with bright lights that they did not turn off all night, where he stands for hours on a hard, cold, cement floor. They will not allow him to speak with his lawyers nor his lawyers to speak with him. The police on occasion come and stare at him through the bars. All in all, his voice was calm, and he sounded peaceful in spite of the cruel circumstances.
Venezuela:
“Venezuelan Christians Forced to Eat Pages of the Bible, Have Crosses “etched” into their Bodies,” March 2, 2021, https://www.christianpost.com/news/venezuelan-christians-attacked-forced-to-eat-pages-of-bible.html?fbclid=IwAR3-dhIElkZK_LrFU2rxxHABt5nc72RIvSckdNvSX2OGunuiHF8jWaR_QXI
“Four Venezuelan Christians assaulted with knives, forced to eat Bible,” Feb 2021, https://anawimtoday.com/details/665
Plus, worldwide persecution has also risen by leaps and bounds in the year 2020. Here are some sources regarding this:
2020 Report Worldwide:
11/05/20 Persecution is quickly on the rise in America. Please check out this article and its many sources regarding what has begun unfolding in 2020 in the land of the free and home of the brave. Please check out the sources below for updates regarding this.
“Christian Persecution in America Has Arrived,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/07/21/christian-persecution-in-america-has-arrived/
“Christians in America Face Dire Reckoning Regardless of 2020 Election Outcome: Dreher, Erickson,” https://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-in-america-face-dire-reckoning-regardless-of-2020-election-outcome-dreher-erickson.html
“Persecuted Christians are not Given Much Hope in 2020,” (Feb 2020), https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewelinaochab/2020/02/18/persecuted-christians-are-not-given-much-hope-in-2020/?sh=35b368ef6889
“10 Most Dangerous Places for Christians,” (January 2020) (Quote from article: “In 2020, persecution against Christians is on the rise—increasing at an alarming rate. Research for the Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List…shows that today, more than 260 million people face persecution for their faith. An increase of 15 million (the combined population of New York, California and Chicago) in only one year.” https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/the-10-most-dangerous-places-for-christians/#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20persecution%20against%20Christians%20is%20on%20the,260%20million%20people%20face%20persecution%20for%20their%20faith.
Canada:
“Canadian Police Block Church Members from Drive-In Service,” December 1, 2020, https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2020/12/01/canadian-police-block-church-members-drive-in-service/
Quote from the above article: “Police have showed up in droves to decide that they’re not going to let us have service this morning in glorious and free Canada. Can you believe it?” he asked.” “However, cars lined up outside the lot to hear the pastor deliver his sermon from a stage through a radio broadcast. “The church in rural Manitoba had received a $5,000 ticket last week for conducting a service despite COVID-19-related restrictions. But it said it will still hold a service on Sunday ‘in protest of these tyrannical edicts,’” the Post article read.” “Following the incident, minister Tobias Tissen told CBC News, “We’re proud to stand for religious freedom. We’re all one human family and we’re made to come together to worship.”“Being alone at home and watching a virtual service does not replace worship,” he noted.”
Belgium:
“Belgian Police Will Knock on Doors at Christmas to Enforce Coronavirus Rules,” November 24, 2020, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/11/24/belgian-minister-police-will-knock-doors-christmas-if-needed/
India:
“157 Attacks on Christians in 3rd Quarter of 2020: Persecution Relief,” (October 15, 2020), https://www.sabrangindia.in/article/157-attacks-christians-3rd-quarter-2020-persecution-relief
“Hindu Extremists in India Viciously Attack Christians While They Pray,” August 2020, https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2020/august/hindu-extremists-in-india-viciously-attack-christians-while-they-pray
“India’s Pro-Hindu Ruling Party Begins Targeting Religious Minority Schools,” https://international.la-croix.com/news/world/indias-pro-hindu-ruling-party-begins-targeting-religious-minority-schools/13193
Nigeria:
“Over 1200 Christians Killed in Nigeria in First Half of 2020…” (July 16, 2020) https://www.christiantoday.com/article/over.1200.christians.killed.in.nigeria.in.first.half.of.2020.human.rights.group/135202.htm
“500 Ethiopian Christians Slaughtered in Door-to-Door Attack Since June,” https://www.christianpost.com/news/500-ethiopian-christians-slaughtered-in-door-to-door-attacks-since-june-barnabas-fund.html
“Children Killed, Christian Leaders Kidnapped in Nigeria,” (October 5, 2020), https://christiannews.net/2020/10/05/children-killed-christian-leaders-kidnapped-in-nigeria/
Update 11/19/2020
“Nigeria’s Christians become target of genocide as international community remains silent: advocates,” November 18, 2020, https://www.foxnews.com/world/the-next-jihad-the-silent-killing-of-nigerias-christians-poses-challenges-for-next-administration?fbclid=IwAR3nOVN3qpAWzlf7wxqtTvOGDddTVa3bGH8hweJONWNoa8yVbuza9GKsYZA
China:
“China shut down 48 churches after lifting lockdown,” June 2, 2020, https://www.christianpost.com/news/china-shut-down-48-churches-after-lifting-lockdown.html
“China Orders Christians to Renounce Faith in Jesus and Worship President Xi Jinping Instead,” (July 2020), https://www.christiantoday.com/article/china.tells.christians.renounce.faith.in.jesus.worship.president.xi.jinping/135221.htm
“84 Year Old Christian Ordered to Pray to Xi Over God; Cross Replaced with Image of CCP Ruler,” (August 2020), https://www.christianpost.com/news/china-84-year-old-christian-ordered-to-pray-to-xi-over-god-cross-replaced-with-image-of-ccp-ruler.html
France:
“Woman Beheaded and 2 Others Killed in Knife Attack at French Church,” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/france-knife-attack-nice-terrorism-officials-say/
Eritrea:
“Yearly Protest for Eritrean Christians Held Online,” June 15, 2020, https://www.persecution.org/2020/06/15/yearly-protest-eritrean-christians-held-online/
Pakistan:
Sources for the Article:
“Worst 50 places for Christians ranked in 2019 World Watch List: India in top 10 for first time,” https://www.christianpost.com/news/worst-50-places-for-christians-ranked-in-2019-world-watch-list-india-in-top-10-for-first-time.html
“11 Christians Killed Every Day for Their Faith,” by Raymond Ibrahim, author of the new book, Sword and Scimitar, Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West, https://www.meforum.org/57925/christians-persecuted-killed
“Quarter of a Billion Christians Face Major Persecution in 2018,” https://factsandtrends.net/2018/01/29/quarter-billion-christians-face-major-persecution-2018/
“The Blood of the Martyrs, Seed of the Church,” https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/22-february/faith/faith-features/the-blood-of-the-martyrs-seed-of-the-church
John Foxe, Foxes’ Book of Martyrs, 1563
HolyLight Ministries 