Updates on the Persecuted Church – August 22, 2023

Pakistani Christian accused of “blasphemy” in video message forced into hiding; Pastor’s wife shot dead in Edo State, Nigeria; Myanmar churches damaged by airstrikes

• On August 19, Ehsan, a young Pakistani Christian man, uploaded a video on his TikTok account showing solidarity with the Christian community in Jaranwala, Punjab following anti-Christian riots on August 16. Ehsan, from Sahiwal, 62 miles to the south, was accused of uploading a “blasphemous” message in the video that was hurtful to Muslims’ feelings and dishonoring to Islam. He and his family were forced into hiding once the complaint was registered with the police. Pray for the safety of Ehsan and his family, that hostility towards them will subside and they will be able to return home.
• Pastor’s wife Peace Chinyereugo was fatally wounded and her husband Samuel was injured in a shooting outside their church in Edo State, Nigeria on August 14. The church’s assistant pastor was also injured. A witness said the pastor and his wife had just arrived at the church in their car when three gunmen approached and opened fire. The pastor and his assistant both received hospital treatment. Ask the Lord to draw close and comfort Peace’s family and friends. Pray for healing for Samuel and his assistant as they recover from the physical and emotional trauma of the attack.
• Two Myanmar churches and a pastor’s home have been damaged in airstrikes by the military in Christian-majority Chin state. Seven people were injured when a church and a residential home in Ramthlo village were hit on August 12. Another church was among four buildings destroyed in the shelling of Khuafo village on August 14. The same day a pastor’s home in the courtyard of a church in Hakha city was damaged in a missile strike. A church was also hit in an airstrike in Kayah state on August 12. Pray for healing for those wounded in the airstrikes. Ask the Lord to provide for His people who have lost their churches.