Mission Partners of Castle Street, The Persecuted Church Across the World

Church Planters Face Unrelenting Pressure – August 16th

by Robert MacNaughton

Voice of the Martyrs, 17th August 2023

Mateo and Elena are church planters advancing God’s kingdom in Central Mexico. Elena was diagnosed with a rare brain aneurysm that required surgery. However, in the most recent round of tests, the doctors found that the aneurysm had been healed. One even called it a miracle from God.

Still, Elena and Mateo continue to face enormous pressure to stop their gospel outreach, including threatening phone calls, an unexplained fire in their house, and spiritual attacks on Elena and their two young daughters.

The couple are worried for the safety of their children, even fearing that they could be kidnapped and trafficked. Pray for the physical and spiritual safety of this family and for comfort, wisdom, encouragement, and healing as they continue to bear witness for Christ.

Specific areas within southern Mexico have a high concentration of indigenous minority groups. These minority communities, which maintain a separate identity and language, are systematically oppressed by local authorities. Christians among them are persecuted by Marxist and animist groups as well as village leaders.

Tribal leaders persecute Christians in defence of their indigenous culture, and the federal government allows this. These communities are remotely located and difficult to reach. Despite persecution, the number of Christians has continued to grow in these areas.

Barnabas, Mission Partners of Castle Street, Missions

Barnabas Fund – August 16th – Update 2

by Robert MacNaughton

Updates on the persecuted Church – 14 August 2023

Barnabas Fund, 25th July 2023 (excerpts)

  • 21 people were killed in 2 Christian villages in the Barkin Ladi Area of Plateau State, Nigeria on 9th August.  Fulani Islamist extremists attacked Batin village at around 1.30am, killing 17. The gunmen then murdered 4 more people in nearby Rayogot community. Twelve of the dead were internally displaced people who had fled to the area to escape previous extremist violence. Local Christians had warned security services that the latest attacks were planned but say the authorities failed to take action to halt the gunmen. Pray for an end to this persistent anti-Christian violence.
  • The number of Christians arrested in Iran in the first 3 weeks of July has risen to 69. At least 10 are still being detained. Those released say they were forced to sign commitments not to undertake any Christian activities, or ordered to undergo Islamic re-education classes. Almost all of those arrested are converts from Islam. Ask the Lord to sustain those now forced to refrain from meeting with other Christians or to attend Islamic classes.
  • A Christian charity worker and her daughter who were abducted in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on 27 July have been released. The charity announced, “It is with a heart of gratitude and immense joy that we at El Roi Haiti confirm the safe release of our staff member and friend, Alix Dorsainvil and her child!” Join with our brothers and sisters in praising God and giving thanks.
Jacksons, Mission Partners of Castle Street, Missions

Jacksons – August 16th – Update 2 (excerpts)

by Robert MacNaughton

Thank God that the taxi situation is quiet now and the taxi owners, Western Cape government and City of Cape Town authorities are talking to each other. Pray for a fair and lasting situation and no more violence or disruption. Pray that those caught up in the violence, looting and disruption and who are now suffering emotionally and physically will be given peace, healing and restoration.

A topic at Maximum today was sparked by a question from a young man who acknowledged he’d made many bad decisions in his life but is very keen that all his future decisions will be putting what God wants first. Pray that he will keep to this and that all who are eager to put God first will see clearly how to do this in their lives.

Pray that the men will not put on a well-behaved persona in the Bible study but be deeply involved in gangs or other ungodly activities/mindsets when back in the room.

Fraser is now moving to set up definite dates for upgrading some of Hugenote College’s systems. Please pray that this goes smoothly.  He is discovering more intricacies with getting the church’s tax status in order.

Ruth is coming to visit us. Pray for a smooth journey on Friday, no taxi disruption whilst she’s here and a good (if short) rest to recover from the Glasgow bugs.

Barnabas, Mission Partners of Castle Street, Missions, Whats On

Barnabas Fund – June 14th – Update 2

by Robert MacNaughton

Updates on the persecuted Church – 6 June 2023

Barnabas Fund, 7th June 2023 (excerpts)

  • Five North Korean Christians were arrested as they attended a secret church service in a farmhouse at 5am on Sunday 30 April. Believers in prison or labour camps in North Korea are often singled out for especially harsh treatment and may well face death.
  • Pakistani Christian Noman Masih was sentenced to death by a court in Punjab, on 30 May for alleged “blasphemy” against Muhammad, the prophet of Islam over images allegedly found on his mobile phone. Pakistan’s “blasphemy” laws are often used to make false accusations to settle personal grudges.   Pray also for protection and wisdom for Noman’s lawyers.
  • The government of Egypt has licensed a further 216 churches and church-affiliated buildings. Give thanks for this latest batch of approvals and for the increased freedom given to His people in Egypt.
  • The 10-year prison sentence of a Christian in Iran was reduced to two years on 24 May after a successful appeal. Pray that the day will come when there will be no punishment for practising Christianity in Iran.
  • Islamist militants who kidnapped 40 worshippers from a church service in Kaduna State, Nigeria on 7 May freed their remaining 16 captives on Sunday 4 June.  Pastor John Hayab, of the Christian Association of Nigeria, thanked the Muslim community in the area for their practical help following the kidnappings.
Jacksons, Mission Partners of Castle Street, Missions

Jacksons – June 14th – Update 2  (excerpts)

by Robert MacNaughton

Fraser finishes the Mukhanyo library catalogue this week and next and trains them the week after.  The NetACT journal editor wants another issue out at the same time.   Pray he can organise his time appropriately.

An amazing week of Restorative Justice at Drakenstein Medium A.  Many men have made a connection for the first time between events in their childhood and their propensity to violence, crime and bad choices.

Prison officials feared trouble as we had many lifers and high-ranking members of prison gangs attending.  Their fears came to nothing as 8 high rankers publicly, and others privately, renounced the gangs.  It’s not hyperbole to say they put their lives on the line, giving up the “benefits” of prison gang membership.

4 courageous women spoke about the effects of crime on their lives – rape, murder and domestic abuse.  All the men were affected.  One who has committed murders went to the front, acknowledged he had been a boy running around neighbourhoods committing crimes.  Previously his victims had been faceless but this woman’s testimony had given them a face and he never wanted to be part of causing such pain again.

A high ranking gang member gave it up on Friday after seeing the effects of his crimes, wanting to live a better life and be reconciled with his family.  They didn’t turn up on Saturday’s family restoration day and that shook him.  He attends Tuesday Bible studies and professes faith in Jesus.  He doesn’t want his nickname “Killer” any more.

Hugenote College where we are based has staff challenges.  Pray they would get the right person as the new Dean.

Blythswood, Mission Partners of Castle Street, Missions

Blythswood – June 14th – Update 2

by Robert MacNaughton

Daniel Centre

The lad who was pepper-sprayed is reluctant to attend a programme on drug issues as he claims he doesn’t have a problem, so he may still be sent away.

The carer in danger of emotional burnt-out is on 2 weeks’ holiday.  The professional counsellor doesn’t see him as fit for the job and Balazs wrestles with this opinion.

The electricians have disappeared again and  Balazs may have to take them to court for breach of contract.

A Ukrainian lady has been appointed as Christian Aid’s representative for the Ukraine and wants to sideline Blythswood from CA’s operation, much to the dismay of her more experience Christian Aid colleagues.

Blythswood’s Ukrainian partner Heritage has been greatly affected by the dam destruction in their area but has still run very successful 2 one-day Bible camps for 50 children and their parents.

Balazs’s daughter Ilka has her exams next week to decide which high school she can attend.

Talita Kum

Adi’s Talita Kum Children’s Day Show in Jimboliya’s main square and their year-end celebration on June 6th were very successful.

They are still on course for taking the 35 TK1 children to camp in late June and the 45 TK2 kids with young helpers from Inverness in August, both camps in the Southern Carpathian mountains.

The Romanian teachers’ strike has ended and now puts financial pressure on Adi to find enough teachers.

Barnabas, Mission Partners of Castle Street, Missions

Barnabas Fund – May 31st – Update 1

by Robert MacNaughton

Updates on the persecuted Church

Barnabas Fund, 23 May 2023 (excerpts)

  • An Australian missionary doctor who has been held by al Qaeda-linked militants in Burkina Faso since January 2016 was released on 19 May. Dr Ken Elliott, 88 years old, is reported to be in good health, and has been reunited with his wife, Jocelyn – Mrs Elliott was abducted at the same time but released after three weeks.  They ran a 120-bed clinic in the town of Djibo.
  • An estimated 130 people have been killed in a series of attacks launched by Fulani Muslim extremists on Christian-majority areas of Plateau State, Nigeria, in the past week.  Around 1,000 buildings in 22 villages have been burned down in Plateau since 15 May, leaving thousands displaced.
  • Two Christian boys have been charged with “blasphemy” in the Lahore area of Punjab, Pakistan. On 18 May one of the boys, Adil, 17 years old, was chewing some gum that has the brand name “Muhammad Ali”.  His friend Saiman, 12, made a joke about the gum, which was overheard by a Muslim man who accused the boys of making jokes about Muhammad, the prophet of Islam. The Muslim man beat Saiman and threatened to kill the boys, before calling the police.  Pakistan’s “blasphemy” laws stipulate death for defiling the name of Muhammad.
Jacksons, Mission Partners of Castle Street, Missions

Jacksons – May 31st – Update 1  (excerpts)

by Robert MacNaughton

The Mukhanyo library staff are being helpful.   Fraser has two alternative methods to improve things before the system goes live.  He starts the training when he goes in person on 26th June. 

Thank God that Drakenstein Medium A Restorative Justice looks as if it’ll go ahead next week, Monday to Saturday.  Pray there’ll be no last minute hitches.  Many inmates and staff are unwell at Medium A.  There will be over 20 lifers and about 16 others participating – it’s not about being eligible for parole but about changing lives.

Pray that the prison ministry leadership will not cause extra and avoidable stress through lack of forethought, inadequate communications and lack of consideration.

Akhona and Raymond from the Bible study are being released at the weekend.  Pray that they will put into practice what they’ve learned, find a sound and supportive church, jobs and really start new lives.

So many people are struggling with poverty, crime and lack of education and opportunities in South Africa.  Pray that those in positions of leadership will be honest and work for the good of society, not entitled and corrupt.

We had a lovely week with James and his friend who were able to come and stay with us but it’s always so hard when they go.

Blythswood, Mission Partners of Castle Street, Missions

Blythswood – May 31st – Update 1

by Robert MacNaughton

Daniel Centre

Drugs have loomed large with one of the lads having to be sent away for pepper-spraying another of the lads.  He had stolen the pepper spray from his security work at the airport and also lost his work there because of his attitude.  The lad who was pepper-sprayed is also in danger of being sent away.

One of the carers, himself a former resident of the Daniel Centre, is in danger of emotional burnt-out.  Iva, who works with their sister organisation, Bonus Pastors as a professional counsellor, acts as a back-up for the staff.

The electricians finally came this week for the Depot.  Every delay prevents the potential renters from concluding contracts with Blythswood.

Balazs has now had his initial assessment with James Campbell after taking over foreign operations from Finlay MacKenzie and the assessment was very positive.

Balazs’s daughter Ilka has a stressful exam in 3 weeks’ time to decide which high school she can attend.

Talita Kum

Ending the school year, Adi’s Talita Kum will have their Children’s Day Show in Jimboliya’s main square and their year-end celebration on June 6th after a very positive past school year.

Adi will take the 35 TK1 children to camp in the Southern Carpathian mountains in late June and the 45 TK2 kids to a new location with a group of young helpers from a Free Church in Inverness in August.

The Romanian teachers’ strike for higher pay could put financial pressure on Adi to find enough teachers.

Barnabas, Mission Partners of Castle Street, Missions

Barnabas Fund – May 17th – Update 2

by Robert MacNaughton

Updates on the persecuted Church

Barnabas Fund, 10 May 2023 (excerpts)

  • More than 50 people from the Christian-majority Kuki tribal group have been killed in anti-Christian violence that has raged in Manipur, India, since 4 May. About 114 church buildings have been burned down and there have been targeted attacks on around 67 Kuki villages.
  • Iranian Christian converts Homayoun Zhaveh, 64, and his wife Sara Ahmadi, 45, were acquitted and released from prison on 9 May. The appeal court judge ruled there was “no evidence” that Homayoun and Sara had acted against national security. 
  • 2 of the 276 “Chibok girls” abducted by Boko Haram Islamist terrorists in April 2014 were rescued by the Nigerian military on 21 April 2023. Pray for more than 100 “Chibok girls” who have not returned home.
  • Terrorists on Sunday 7 May abducted more than 40 people from a Baptist Church in Kaduna State, Nigeria. 15 people escaped, and 25 are still captive. 
  • A Christian wedding photographer and the Muslim couple who hired him have been accused of “blasphemy” in the Pakpattan District of Punjab, for taking photos of the newlywed couple at a Muslim shrine on 30 April.
  • Six Libyan Christians who were arrested separately earlier this year are facing the death penalty as apostates for having converted from Islam and proselytising others in the Muslim-majority country.