Release International

In too many countries across the world, regimes continue to limit religious freedom – and yet, as we look back through 2011, we can clearly see many answers to prayer. We want to remind you that your prayers are 'powerful and effective' (James 5:16) – and to encourage you to continue to pray fervently for the persecuted church.

Your prayers were answered for several Iranian pastors, including Vahik Abrahamian and his wife Sonia, who resettled in the Netherlands in September. Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani from Rasht, meanwhile, has been told he may have to wait another year to learn whether his death sentence for 'apostasy' will be carried out.

Prayer helped to secure the release of Afghan Christian Said Musa, who was raised as a Muslim. Said, freed in February, was detained for ten months after video footage of Christians worshipping was shown on national television.

Chinese human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong was freed after 60 days' detention earlier this year – though he remains under surveillance. Others are still waiting for their freedom. Beijing lawyer Gao Zhisheng, detained since February 2009, has just been given a three-year jail term for 'violating' a probationary sentence in 2006.
Christians in many nations need our prayers of protection more than ever at Christmas. In North Korea, Kim Jong-il's death brings uncertainty for Christians – whose religious freedom has been the subject of our One Day campaign this year. Pakistani Christians in Lahore, meanwhile, will find churches guarded by extra police over Christmas.
And, in Nigeria, where many Christians continue to live in fear of militant attacks, a woman was killed in a raid on Kukum Gida village in Kaduna state as recently as December 10.

In Iraq, there are heightened fears of sectarian violence after the formal withdrawal of US troops – and a spate of recent attacks on Christian targets. As recently as December 13, a Christian couple were shot dead in Mosul. In neighbouring Iran, Christians reportedly fear a repeat of the wave of arrests last Christmas and new year – fears fuelled by senior public figures issuing threats against them in recent weeks.

Thank you again for standing with us – and with our persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide. We wish you all a joyful Christmas and a peaceful new year.

(Sources: Agence France-Presse, Compass Direct, Middle East Concern)

• Thank God for all the answered prayer this year.
• Please pray that persecuted Christians around the world will enjoy a happy and peaceful Christmas, free from fear.
• Pray for the countless Christians across the world who are separated from their loved ones, including prisoners of faith. Pray that they will know the peace and presence of our 'Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6).

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