RECENT PRISONER UPDATE FROM SENEGAL (WEST AFRICA): Falsely Accused Missionaries Granted Bail (426 hits)
Two Brazilian missionaries, who were detained on false accusations in November 2012, were granted bail on April 5th after spending five months in prison. The missionaries, Jose Dilson da Silva and Zeneide Moreira, ran an orphanage for street children in Dakar when they were arrested on a false complaint made by the parent of an attending child. The father was angered that his son had been learning from the Bible. The missionaries were then imprisoned based on the accusation made by the parent that they had started an association to violate the children of Senegal. Jose, a father himself, has been serving in Africa for the past 22 years without incident; and Zeneide was faithfully fulfilling her role as the matron of the orphanage.
Let us pray for wisdom and guidance to be granted to the legal team handling this case, so that these dedicated missionaries may be exonerated of all charges. In the meantime, may Jose and Zeneide continue to trust in the Lord and remain faithful to their calling, knowing that He promises to work all things together for good to those who love Him.... This includes their desire for the safety and well-being of the children who undoubtedly are affected by the situation. May Jesus Himself personally and compassionately minister to each and every one of these precious children, watching over them with His loving care.
Also... In the News
AZERBAIJAN: Pastors Fined for Worship Services Source: Release International
At a recent court hearing that took place on Good Friday, the leaders of two small Baptist churches in Azerbaijan were given heavy fines for holding worship services. In addition, judges threatened them with even tougher penalties unless they cease holding services altogether. The two pastors, Zaur Balayev and Hamid Shabanov, have suffered persecution for more than 15 years, according to Archbishop Malkhaz Songulashvili of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia: "They have also been warned that if they do not comply with the decision of the court and will in the future hold services, they will be either fined for a bigger amount or arrested." The two pastors plan to appeal this court decision. For further information on the struggles of believers in this country, review VOM's Azerbaijan Country Report.
Please pray that both pastors' appeals will be heard swiftly, leading to the fines being dropped and their religious rights upheld. Throughout the legal process, may God fill them with His perfect peace and the wonderful assurance that He is with them in this spiritual battle. Also pray that the Azerbaijan government will allow greater religious liberties so the represented congregations can worship freely with joy and thankfulness to the Lord.
