The Supreme Court has issued several petitions for Rajasthan to justify the anti-conversion law’s constitutionality, which allows state officials to seize property and demolish homes based on allegations of forced conversion.

(Photo courtesy of Bibles For The World via Facebook)

John Pudaite, President and CEO of Bibles For The World (BFTW), says it’s part of a broader legal battle as India’s Supreme Court takes a magnifying glass to anti-conversion laws across multiple states.

“They are questioning how this current government — the BJP government — can continue to steamroll across the country and pass these anti-conversion laws, which are nothing but an attack primarily on Christianity,” he says.

This new scrutiny may also cause those who target Indian Christians using anti-conversion laws to think twice.

“As they felt impunity, they would attack the churches and attack the Christians,” says Pudaite. “People are realizing that the laws they thought covered them may not have as much strength…as they had hoped.”

(Photo courtesy of Bibles For The World via Facebook)

Looking ahead, Pudaite urges the global Church to take this critical case, and others like it, before the Lord.

“We need to continue to pray for the Supreme Court and those justices, that they can be impartial in their evaluation of the evidence and of those laws. We can pray that they will not be politically influenced or otherwise influenced.”

Pudaite also encourages believers to keep the Gospel in sight — with hearts to reach their persecutors with the Gospel.

“Especially as we go into this Christmas season, pray that this may be a special time for the Body of Christ to be able to share the Good News of the birth of Jesus Christ…. Pray that the true spirit of Christ in Christmas may be able to shine.”

Header photo: Architecture in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. (Photo courtesy of Dexter Fernandes/Unsplash)

On February 1, new laws were enacted in China givingthe government additional control over everyday religious activities. According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, provisions state:

• Teaching that promotes the Communist Party must be propagated at religious gatherings.
• Additional information reporting will be mandatory, including getting official permission for effectively every religious gathering.
• Government officials have supervisory authority over leadership changes, major expenses, and construction events.

For many in China, this law has serious ramifications.

Local Implementation and the Church

Kurt Rovenstine, President of Bibles for China says, “I can’t speak specifically to the restrictions as they’re printed. But I do know two things: that there’s a bit of fear as to what and how it will be implemented.”

(Image courtesy of Bibles for China)

Often, provincial government officials decide how and to what extent they will implement national laws. This enforcement may vary by area. Some parts of the new law are also vague, leaving uncertainty about what it actually means for religious bodies.

However, tensions are high as people wait to find out what changes are in store for their churches. Rovenstine continues, “I know that there [are] a lot of our folks that just are afraid that there’s this…slow creep of the government into the business of the Church [which] will be accelerated.”

Impact on Bibles for China

Instead of an occasional check-in, a Communist Party official is now present each day at the provincial offices of Bibles for China. This could potentially restrict their work, but for now, Bibles for China continues checking the accuracy of the Bibles from Amity Press and distributing God’s Word to those who need it.

(Image courtesy of Bibles for China)

Rovenstine states the situation is “definitely something we have our eyes on. And as we’ve said before, we’re keeping a close eye on the Scriptures as well that are being distributed to make sure that they continue to be the Word and the Word alone. That’s very important to us, obviously.”

That work may become even harder. USCIRF notes, “The Chinese government is currently conducting an evaluation of religious texts—including the Bible and the Qur’an—and could amend passages deemed incompatible with ‘socialist values.’”

Currently, the reviews and regulations have not changed the structure of Bibles for China. With their work all done through legal avenues, they have not felt the crackdown in the same way as others. So for now, they are waiting.

“We haven’t experienced any difficulty in that. But…we will surely be monitoring that closely to see how those changes affect our ability to do what God’s called us to do.”

Pray for Chinese Christians

Rovenstine encourages believers to pray for Chinese Christians. He says that even while they struggle to worship freely, they are passionate about sharing God’s Word. They want to see it go to all the Earth. They want to be a part of God’s mission. Pray they would maintain this passion.

Rovenstine adds, “Also, [pray] that they would grab ahold of the truth of Scripture that says God is going to build His Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against them. I’m sure it seems like the gates of Hell are advancing, but [pray for] that assurance that they will not prevail in these difficult times and they would be encouraged.”

Header image courtesy of Bibles for China

But Eric Verstraete, president of Life Matters Worldwide, says overturning Roe v. Wade should not be the end goal of the Church. Ultimately, reversing abortion legislation won’t change hearts and bring healing.

“If we stopped just there, we will have failed. It needs to go the next step farther, which I believe is calling the Church and calling those even in communities to step up and support these women and men [with unplanned pregnancies.]

“Whether or not it goes to the Supreme Court, frankly, the bigger issue for me is, how are we creating support within our churches? How are we tearing down the shame walls that have been up for years and years and years so that we can support people in all areas of their life with all the decisions that they’re making? We believe the right decision in the abortion discussion is to save that baby, to not have an abortion.”

Shame causes great harm in the abortion conversation, especially in the Church. Women and men in Christian circles who end up pregnant out of wedlock sometimes would rather abort their child than face the shame. But then women who get abortions often feel so ashamed about their decision, they still suffer silently.

Some women go to the other extreme and become defensive of their decision to abort. #YouKnowMe was trending on Twitter recently as women shared their abortion stories in an effort to normalize and even celebrate abortion.

Instead of responding to abortion revelations from our friends, family, neighbors, and church members with the extremes of praise or shame, the Body of Christ needs to respond with God’s forgiveness, love, and healing.

“Shame is never a good option,” says Verstraete. “We always want to come alongside people with love and honor and respect and give them as much equipping [and] encouraging that we can.”

There are, of course, other factors besides shame that lead women to choose abortion or to hide their abortion. No matter the reason, the Church needs to be ready to stand in the gap for women and men facing unplanned pregnancies.

“[A] huge percentage of people who have had abortions have said [they got the abortion] because it’s not the right time, they can’t afford it, they don’t want to bring a baby into the world and the situation that they’re bringing in. And I can only imagine how difficult that decision is. I know that those women and men who are making those decisions, it’s an agonizing decision for them to do that.

“We’re saying there are so many other options that are out there to help and support. But it has to be the highest priority of churches and other members of the community to support those people going through that really difficult decision.”

Verstraete recently heard the story of a woman who’d had an abortion in her past. She wanted to pray with and counsel other post-abortive women in her church and asked the pastor to announce her services from the pulpit.

“This pastor, at first, said, ‘I would know if there were any women who have had abortions in my congregation.’ But after weeks and weeks of this woman pleading, the pastor finally absolved and said, ‘Okay, I will tell people that you’ll be available to help.’

“After the service, 12 women walked up to get prayed for [and] to get some counseling from this woman. Thankfully, the pastor had the humility at that moment to realize, ‘I was wrong.’ He went to this woman who had been pleading with him for months, and said, ‘I’m so sorry, please forgive me. Whatever you need, we’ll move forward.’”

If you have had an abortion, Verstraete wants you to know this: “I am so sorry that you were in a situation where you felt that was your only option. And I’m sorry that you didn’t have the support, love, and encouragement from your community to make a different choice in that matter. But right now, your life is what matters to me. I can’t tell you that I understand what you’re going through, but I want to walk down that road with you of healing, for you to better understand just how much you are loved — and more importantly, how much you’re loved by the Father. He does not want you to carry this burden.”

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, “I would beg them to reconsider. I would beg them to say, please do not make this decision based on your current circumstances. There’s help out there. There are pregnancy centers that are out there. There are churches who are out there who will not shame you…. We want to be there. We want to support you so that you don’t have to live with the lasting consequences of the decision that you’re going to make in the moment right now. I’m sorry, you’re in that position and I can’t begin to tell you that I understand. But let someone come alongside and walk with you in this really difficult time of your life.”

Finally, Verstraete emphasizes, “This would be a call to the churches as well. What are you going to do to help that unplanned or that crisis pregnancy that’s out there? Now, we believe that there’s no such thing as a crisis pregnancy because all pregnancies are created by God. But what are you going to do with that unplanned pregnancy, Church, that’s coming to your congregation? I would beg churches not to shame those people.”

Click here to learn more about Life Matters Worldwide and their pro-life resources!

Ireland’s article on blasphemy formerly stated, “The publication or utterance of blasphemous, seditious, or indecent matter is an offence which shall be punishable in accordance with law.” The referendum vote removes “blasphemous” from that sentence.

Irish flags (Photo courtesy of Lee Jordan via Flickr under Creative Commons: https://goo.gl/GZioKg)

Dr. David Curry, President and CEO of Open Doors USA, says, “These are laws that were put in place ages ago in Ireland to protect the religious sensibilities of the folks there. Unfortunately, what has happened with blasphemy laws is that in many countries around the world, it is misused as a vigilante form of justice. Anybody can bring an attack [or] an accusation on somebody based on blasphemy laws.”

Nobody has been prosecuted for blasphemy in Ireland in over 150 years. However, Irish police investigated comedian Stephen Fry’s comments last year calling God “capricious, mean-minded and stupid.” The investigation was dropped after police concluded not enough people had been outraged.

“I think what Ireland has done is they have noticed this law that has been on their books [and] they wanted to step forward and set an example,” reflects Curry. “They haven’t been imposing any blasphemy in Ireland for some time, but they wanted to set an example for Iran, Sudan, Pakistan, and others to drop their blasphemy laws. It’s an injustice. It’s a very serious issue around the world and they’re setting a good example.”

A small band of Pakistani Christians and supporters protest against the use of blasphemy laws in Pakistan as an excuse for the persecution of minorities [outside the Pakistan Embassy in Knightsbridge]. (Photo, caption courtesy of helen.2006 via Flickr under Creative Commons: https://goo.gl/ffWTxY)

According to the United States Commission on Religious Freedom (USCIRF), there are 68 other countries that still have blasphemy legislation. In some countries like Pakistan and Iran, the penalty for blasphemy may include a death sentence.

There are other European countries as well that have blasphemy laws in place or are considering it. Spain recently charged a man with blasphemy for insulting God and the Virgin Mary, and some Muslim leaders have demanded that European newspapers be prosecuted for insulting Islam and the Prophet Muhammed.

Once a country has a blasphemy law on the books, how hard is it to get rid of?

Curry says, “Depending on how active and virulent the opposition to repealing these laws are, it can be very difficult. In Pakistan, in Sudan, [or] in Iran where you have extremist elements within Islam who are using this as a way of lashing out against anybody who might offend their sensibilities about their faith, it’s very difficult because of the mob violence that can break out.”

We have seen mob violence related to blasphemy laws in Asia Bibi’s recent case in Pakistan. The Christian woman was on death row for eight years on blasphemy charges until they were recently thrown out.

The mass riots and protests since Bibi’s acquittal have gridlocked major Pakistani cities and held the nation hostage to extremist demands.

With more refugees coming to Europe from a Muslim context and the pressure to establish Sharia courts, blasphemy accusations are an issue several Western countries are finding themselves having to take a stand on.

“It’s one of the key issues around the world that people use to persecute Christians and other religious minorities, and I think it’s one that we have to continually let our voice be heard because it’s such a fundamental right.… You see blasphemy laws, anti-conversion laws, but it’s actually mind-control or behavior modification on the other side of it. I think it’s probably the most serious political issue we have in front of us; certainly, when we talk about religious liberty for Christians.”

While we celebrate Ireland’s decision to remove their blasphemy law, minority Christians are still vulnerable to blasphemy accusations in several other nations.

For now, Curry advises, “We need to pray for Asia Bibi who has just been released, for her safety. She is definitely not safe. We have called on the Pakistan government to have military support in the streets, to protect Christian churches in areas they have been threatened. Her life is in danger. We would like to see her get out to a safe haven somewhere in the international community.”

“[Pray for] others in Pakistan and elsewhere who are living under this blasphemy law and the threat of it.”

Header photo depicting the gates of the government building in Dublin, Ireland, courtesy of Gian Luca Ponti via Flickr under Creative Commons: https://goo.gl/cUCBcK

John Pudaite of Bibles For The World says that though Nepal is technically a “Hindu kingdom” and despite pressure from “very strong pro-Hindu forces in the country,” the country does allow for freedom of religion. However, these new laws severely restrict that freedom.

“Those who are Hindu can follow Hinduism, and those who are Muslim or Buddhist can follow their religion, and Christians likewise, but they are not allowed to convert from one religion to another,” Pudaite says.

Attempting to convert someone to another religion can lead to fines, prosecution, and even imprisonment. Whether you’re Muslim or Christian or Hindu or Buddhist or anything else, you’re expected to stay that way.

And the bad news doesn’t end there. Bibles For The World has been working in Nepal for six years, which means they have many partners on the ground who they keep in contact with. Those partners have been reporting foreboding developments.

“Even after the bill was passed by the parliament in Nepal [but before it was enacted], they had already started seeing things step up in terms of persecution,” Pudaite says.

Nepalese pastors have been arrested, and the laws have proven to be problematic even for visitors to Nepal.

“Foreigners are involved, too. This may be Indians, Americans, whoever they are. They can be arrested, prosecuted there, and will be deported after they serve their jail time.”

Photo and header photo courtesy of Unsplash

Many ministries have had their work out in jeopardy, and the local Church is desperately waiting to see “how this will be implemented on the ground”.

Missionaries from India have been arrested and are facing trial, an Indonesian pastor has already been deported, and anti-Christian groups are growing in boldness and aggression. Yet partners are standing strong in their faith.

Pudaite quotes an unnamed partner as saying: “We’re determined to continue the works of the Lord whether or not the government continues to allow us to operate.”

In other words, the Nepalese Church is not going to give up. “They’re not going to waver. They’re going to keep pushing ahead to build the kingdom of Jesus Christ in Nepal,” Pudaite says.

Pray for the Church as the situation develops.

“We just would like all the Christians in listening range in America to join with us in praying for the boldness of Christians in Nepal, for Christian organizations, and for their workers,” Pudaite says. “Pray for God’s continued protection over them and His grace over that entire country as they continue to do the work of the Lord.”

Pudaite is taking a trip to Nepal to check in on partners in October and November. Pray for wisdom and courage as Bibles For The World monitors the situation in Nepal, and consider supporting their work by clicking here.

The “heartbeat” bill, formally titled Senate File 359, makes abortion illegal after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which could be as early as six weeks of pregnancy. The bill made exceptions for rape, incest, or medical emergencies.

Reynolds said in a written statement, “I understand that not everyone will agree with this decision. But if death is determined when a heart stops beating, then doesn’t a beating heart indicate life? For me, it is immoral to stop an innocent beating heart.”

(Photo courtesy of Life Matters Worldwide)

Tom Lothamer with Life Matters Worldwide says this bill is an encouraging signal to pro-life movements in the US. “The sanctity of human life is not something that’s just political — like some are for abortion, some are against it. It’s actually something that is deeply ingrained in the Scriptures and God’s law; God’s love for people who are made in His image.”

While Iowa’s “heartbeat” bill is currently the only one of its kind, other states are pursuing similar measures to pull back on abortions.

“Mississippi’s governor in March signed a bill banning abortion after 15 weeks in some exceptions. Of course, that sparked an immediate court challenge. And then a similar court challenge is underway in Kentucky. In April, it enacted a ban on a common abortion procedure from the 11th week of pregnancy.”

The new law in Iowa on abortion restrictions will take effect July 1st. Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa are already planning to challenge the legislation. But pro-life lawmakers are ready for the challenge and think it could even go all the way to the Supreme Court.

“We believe that in the last year or so the [Supreme] Court has become even more conservative,” says Lothamer. “We believe the ruling back in 1973 Roe v. Wade was just unusually wrong and even those who would be more liberal would say that it was just a wrong decision based on the constitution. So we believe if this can go into the courts, then very possibly then it would overthrow the Roe v. Wade ruling.

“If Roe v. Wade is overturned and it goes back to the states, that doesn’t mean that abortions will cease in the United States. That just means that states will actually make decisions about the law. Like in Michigan for example, there is a law on the books that bans abortion under most conditions. We have to realize that the challenge to abortion will not be over but we just have a new playing field and we can really make some headway on saving the lives of children and protecting men and women who are experiencing this.”

As we celebrate this new law in Iowa that will save the lives of many babies in the womb, there are some other things Christians can do as well.

“One thing we can do is pray. You know, abortion is an attack on God Himself because when we of course attack those who are made in the image of God, we attack God. But we’re also attacking the defenseless. They don’t have any say. These young babies in the womb, they don’t have any say,” says Lothamer.

“Also, for the women who are getting [abortions], many of them would choose life if they just knew they had support. So I would say [we need] the Church to step up in supporting pregnancy care ministries and actually [be] speaking about the issues in the Church and helping young women and young men make a decision and support them in carrying these young babies to term.”

To get more resources on the sanctity of human life with Life Matters Worldwide, click here!

Big Brother Law re: terrorism

Griffith says the law is meant to protect the country from further attacks from terrorists. For instance, he explains, anyone found to be financing or aiding terrorism will be severely punished, as will those who are actual participants. The sentences are 10 years to life in prison.

Implications for missions

The streets of Moscow, Russia (photo by Greg Yoder)

Christians had been praying for the bill to be stopped because of what it could mean for evangelism in Russia. But, hope is not lost just because it’s been passed.
Griffith says, “I think, certainly, the call to prayer that we put out is by all means still valid. It’s been signed into law, now it’s all going to depend on how this gets interpreted down the food chain within the Russian Federation.”
SGA and other mission organizations are concerned about the anti-missionary clauses in the law. They are waiting to hear from the registered Baptist Union Church to find out how the law will practically affect them.
From what we understand now, the law has been signed as last stated.
Griffith says if it is enforced as strictly as it is written, there will be major problems for missionaries and anyone desiring to share the Gospel outside of their Church building.
“It could stop missionary activity to anybody but representatives, registered organizations and groups, it would require every missionary to have documents with specific information proving connections to a registered religious group.”

Assumption Cathedral. Photo published by Andrey via Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/a8Y3pK

Ultimately it would limit the activity of mission work in residential areas and also that of foreign missionaries.
Griffith explains that a lot of registered churches are small enough that they meet in residential buildings. A section of the law covering residential regulations could threaten that.
“There are potentially very wide-sweeping ramifications to this law. It just depends on, again, how it is going to be enforced and that is a very huge question mark,” he says.
You can continue to pray for Christians in Russia. Pray that the law will not be enforced or interpreted as strictly as it is written.

What’s next?

SGA is meeting and discussing how to respond, but they’re fortunate not to be independently working in Russia.
“Our whole ethos and purpose is to serve the Church. And the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists is registered with them. And our sole purpose for existence is serving those Churches,” Griffith says.
It helps that they are working under a registered religious group.
“I think our approach to this right now is just very cautious. I mean, we are concerned, there’s no doubt about it. We are calling people around the world to please pray for churches.”

While assisted-suicide is available in only a few countries, there’s a growing push to make it available in more countries to more people.

We spoke with Michele Shoun of Life Matters Worldwide to get some perspective on what this says about our culture.

Who is covered by the law?

While many euthanasia laws only allow those who are terminally ill to seek to end their life with the aid of a doctor, the Canadian version has a bit broader of a reach. The law will cover those who face irremediable suffering as well.

Michele Shoun, director of Ministry Outreach at Life Matters Worldwide.

Michele Shoun of Life Matters Worldwide believes the number of people covered by laws around the world will continue to grow.

“That has been the pattern in other places where euthanasia has been legalized. I’m thinking of the Netherlands and Belgium especially. They just keep adding to the number of people who would be eligible to be killed.”

BBC brings us the story of a man in Belgium who is seeking to end his life because of his sexuality and psychological trauma. He believes euthanasia is his last option, and is already in the process of getting it approved.

Who is next to claim that death is their only option? It’s a slippery slope.

Shoun says, “It just seems like death is never satisfied.”

Challengers

Despite the growing acceptance of assisted euthanasia, some people are fighting back.

CBN News says a group of 4,700 Christian doctors in Canada are challenging the law in court. As it stands, though they cannot be forced to perform euthanasia, they are required to refer them to a doctor who might. This is a moral dilemma for some who feel that by referring them to another doctor, they are taking part in their patient’s potential death.

According to Patheos and other news sources, there is also resistance from disability rights groups who feel the law fails to protect the vulnerable in society.

Regarding a similar law that took effect earlier this month in California, Joni Eareckson Tada shared her own reservations with One News Now. She believes it’s possible that the next step will be expanding the law to include the elderly, disabled, and those with serious illnesses. She says people who are eligible for euthanasia may feel pressured to choose that option for financial reasons.

A culture of death and a look at suffering

Photo by Alberto Biscalchin via Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/FPEcdM

If assisted suicide laws become so anyone can choose to end their life, it begs the question—what is the value of a life that is disabled, suffering, or dying?

What happens when society as a whole decides there is none?

Shoun says, “There’s not much patience with suffering. We’ve become a culture that thinks we can eradicate suffering altogether by our own means and we stop looking at why we suffer.”

The Bible tells us suffering is a result of mankind falling into sin. But it also tells us God uses this suffering to change and grow His believers where it is necessary.

1 Peter tells us we are to rejoice in our future in heaven, “though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6b-7, ESV).

When we suffer, we are better able to see how much we need and depend on God.

“I think many of our cultures have taken God out of the equation.” Shoun says when we do this, we don’t look for a reason behind suffering. We don’t see any meaning, just that the suffering is to be conquered.

The other aspect, Shoun explains, is that by trying to eradicate suffering completely in ending a life, we lose the opportunity to grow in relationship the way people do when there is suffering.

“We don’t want to come alongside them and walk with them through their struggle because we know it’s going to have a bad end,” she says.

People who hold a strong opposition to assisted suicide will be challenged. They will be told that they’ve never had to endure the kind of suffering others or their family members have. They can’t possibly understand the pain behind it all and how blessed death is at these points. And that may be true in some cases.

It’s a difficult place for the Christian who believes taking the life of someone built in the image of God is wrong.

Shoun gives us a couple of places to start. First of all, we can stand behind those affected by this law who do not agree with it. She names doctors and other medical staff as well as people with disabilities who are threatened by this law.

Image courtesy of Life Matters Worldwide

Another practical way to help is to make sure the people in your sphere of influence know that you value their life, that you love them, and that you are there for them.

We recently told you about the LIFT program by Life Matters Worldwide. It’s run through churches to make sure the elderly and dying are not left alone. They know someone will struggle through it with them. They are reassured that they are not a burden just because they are sick. They are given a voice by those strong enough to stand up for them.

You can read more about that here.

You can also pray and reach out to those who might be considering this option. You can share the Gospel of truth and comfort. The Truth that promises renewal of our bodies, hearts, and minds when we pass on.

“Death is a serious thing. And we are entering into eternity either with the Lord or away from the Lord.”

We want to see people know God, to trust and lean on Him, and to go be with Him someday.

The head of the Southern Baptist Convention's religious freedom entity hailed passage of the "forward-thinking legislation" as the "right thing."

In a Sept. 18 roll call, House members voted 402-22 for the legislation, which would direct the president to name an envoy within the State Department to advance freedom for religious minorities in the Near East–also referred to as the Middle East–and South-Central Asia. The Senate has yet to act on the measure.

A two-fold reason undergirds Christian support of such legislation, said Russell D. Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.

"Jesus told Saul of Tarsus that his intended persecution of Christians in Syria was persecution of Jesus Himself. That's one of the reasons the body of Christ must stand firm against the torture and harassment of believing communities in the Middle East and elsewhere," Moore said in a statement to Baptist Press.

"Moreover, as Baptist Christians, we believe in religious freedom and liberty of conscience for all persons, not just for Christians and not just for Americans with First Amendment guarantees," he said. "Religious liberty is a natural right, given by God, and grounded in human dignity."

Rep. Frank Wolf, R.-Va., whom Moore called "heroic," is lead sponsor of the bill, which the ERLC and a variety of other organizations have endorsed. Wolf also led in passage of a similar measure in 2011, when the House approved it by an almost identical vote, 402-20. The Senate–with the State Department leading the opposition, Wolf said–failed to vote on that bill.

All "no" votes in 2011 came from Republicans, and this year Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke of Texas joined 21 GOP members in opposing the legislation.

Individual Christians and adherents of other religious faiths are targets of repression and violence in countries in both regions, and the existence of entire religious movements is threatened in some areas–most notably Egypt and Iraq. Among its duties, a special envoy would monitor religious freedom conditions in the regions and recommend responses by Washington to violations of religious rights.

The bill mandates the special envoy will prioritize activities in five countries: Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan.

Wolf told his fellow House members before the vote he is convinced that "religious minorities in the Middle East and in key countries in South-Central Asia–such as Pakistan and Afghanistan–need someone who can be their voice both within the halls of [the State Department] and abroad with foreign governments."

Wolf called the Obama administration's opposition "short-sighted and, frankly, indefensible."

Among examples of the results of oppression and persecution toward religious adherents cited by Wolf or the legislation's text are:

— In Iraq, a drop since 2003 of Christians from 1.4 million to about 500,000 and of churches from more than 300 to about 60 produced by a mass exodus in the face of violence.

— In Iraq and Egypt, declines by the tens of thousands in the Jewish population.

— Also in Egypt, the reported flight of some of the country's 8 million to 10 million Coptic Christians who are the targets of threats and violence at the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood.

— In Iran, the arrest of more than 500 Baha'is since 2005 and the continuing imprisonment of about 100 adherents of the religion.

— Also in Iran, the arrest and detention of Christian pastor Saeed Abedini, an American citizen. Prayer vigils involving more than 620,000 people in 70 U.S. cities will mark the Sept. 26 one-year anniversary of Saeed’s imprisonment, the American Center for Law and Justice reported.

— In Pakistan, violence against Ahmadi Muslims, an Islamic sect not recognized by the country's laws, and the death sentence for a Christian mother of five charged with blasphemy.

— In Syria, the vulnerability of Christians and other religious minorities amid a civil war that is more than 2 years old.

Rep. Anna Eshoo of California is the lead Democratic sponsor for the bill, H.R. 301.

(Story by Tom Strode. Used with permission from Baptist Press)

Legislation being considered by the Romanian government specifically targets smaller churches.

Patrick Klein with Vision Beyond Borders says, “The government is clamping down. They’re making it more and more difficult for the churches. There’s talk of even closing down churches that are under the number of 200 people.”

Klein says the threat of government slowly taking control may not be well recognized by the Romanian people. “People are thinking, ‘Well, it wasn’t so bad under communism. At least the government took care of us.’ They forget the oppression they lived under, and especially as Christians, what kind of oppression [they endured].”

Vision Beyond Borders sent a mission team of 10 people to Romania last week to work with a church that is under threat of being closed down if this legislation is passed.

Despite this threat, the church’s ministry is still growing and impacting Romania for Christ.

According to Klein who led the trip, “One of the elders in the church really has a heart for the gypsy people. His wife is actually from a gypsy background, so he’s really encouraged our teams to go out and minster to the gypsies. He said, ‘I really love these people. I want to reach them with the Gospel.’”

The team helped minister to the gypsy community, which experiences a great deal of discrimination. “There’s a minority of them that kind of have a bad reputation in Eastern Europe of being pickpockets and thieves, and so they’re really looked down upon in Europe and especially in Romania.”

Among the gypsy community, team members gave out clothing, vegetable seeds, and provided electricity for one woman’s house. They also shared the message of salvation, and five people accepted Christ as their Lord. The team set up a PA system and sang worship songs.

Pray for the Romanian church to continue impacting the gypsy population for the Gospel of Christ. Pray that the government of Romania will not shut down smaller churches.

Vision Beyond Borders will send out another mission team to Romania in September. They will build a home for the director of Haven of Hope orphanage which shares a compound with the church.

To learn more about the Romania missions trip in September, click here.