Pastors Threatened

In December, the death threats arrived.

Pastors in a Muslim-majority country received chilling warnings: a bounty was put on their heads for preaching Christ. They would be killed and “there will be no opportunity for you to celebrate Christmas” anywhere in the country.

The pastors are former Muslims who now courageously follow Christ.

These warnings are not idle. A few years ago, several Christians were brutally killed by Islamist militants. The Islamist political party that sent the letters believes that leaving Islam is apostasy and the penalty is death.

As these pastors faithfully serve God, people are drawn to Jesus. According to the Islamists, one pastor “has converted many Muslim brothers and sisters to Christianity.”

Christian converts who already face hardships are now facing worse violence and persecution.  CFI is on the ground helping Christians including:

• A pastor and his family ran for safety to a CFI shelter after extremists beat him, looted his shop, destroyed his home, and threatened to kill him.
• A young Christian convert disappeared after a Muslim cleric called him. He was held hostage inside a madrasa (a Muslim school) and abused to force him to deny Jesus. He escaped and we helped him get to a safer area.
• Another pastor hid in CFI’s shelter when Islamists threatened to kill him for sharing Jesus with people. He is used to being threatened, but this time is different as Islamists gain more power.

By Christmas, especially as news of the threats spread, tensions were high.

Each year, CFI gives Christmas gifts for persecuted Christians. Our partners in each country decide how they will celebrate Christmas depending on the threat level in their area. Some discreetly meet one-by-one to rejoice in our Savior’s birth. Some quietly gather, sing Christmas songs, share a meal, then disperse. Some perform plays of the birth of Jesus and invite their neighbors.

Pastors in this country faced a serious decision: Would they publicly celebrate Christmas if their lives were at stake?

We prayed for them.

Then came the pictures of brightly lit churches, joyful worshippers, and children singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. They celebrated Christmas despite the threats.

But the situation is “worsening day by day,” our partner said. Many Christians are told to return to Islam or else. They and other faithful believers face unrelenting pressures and danger.

But they should not have to endure this alone when we can help.

Will you pray for:

• Persecuted Christians to be filled with faith in the face of threats and pressure.
• CFI’s teams to be supernaturally strengthened and ready to respond.
• God to protect His people in hostile nations and turn the hearts of persecutors to Jesus.

Even when you don’t know the specific threats, trials, and troubles, your prayers matter.  God hears, knows, and answers.

You can strengthen those standing for Christ despite threats and persecution.

• $50 can provide emergency aid and resources.
• $100 can equip CFI teams to rescue Christians when persecution strikes.
• $425 can supply one month of shelter and necessities for Christians who must flee for safety.

You can help with the urgent needs of Christians who are threatened because they stand for Christ. Your gift can help to respond in emergencies, supply critical physical needs, and spiritually encourage Christians as they boldly stand for Christ.

Thank you for being a vital part of helping persecuted Christians as they follow Christ.

Threat Letter Sent to a Pastor

Sir,

On behalf of [an Islamist group], I extend the greetings of the religion of peace to you. Over the years, we have repeatedly requested you to stop preaching Christianity to Muslims. Despite two cases being filed against you in January and February, you have not stopped your activities of preaching Christianity.

You have no further opportunity left. Like [a pastor who was killed], you and your family have been granted approval for removal. The local “Friend Student Camp Organization” has set a bounty of 50 lakh ($41,000) for your head. Tell us now, who will protect you? You, who was once a Madrasah student, have converted to Christianity and have been converting Muslims to Christianity since 2007. We have a complete record of your activities.

This leader has converted many Muslim brothers and sisters to Christianity. Over the years, thousands of innocent poor Muslims have been lured with money and converted. We will soon begin our Jihadi activities, Inshallah. Those who die will be martyrs, and those who live will be victors.

There will be no opportunity for you to celebrate Christmas [anywhere in the country].

Approved on behalf of [Islamist group]