October 2023 Persecution Magazine
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SOUTH ASIA<br />
ICC Steps in to Aid<br />
Christian Farmers<br />
Affected by Riots<br />
RESCUE: WIVES & KIDS<br />
MIDDLE EAST<br />
Hope From Honeybees<br />
MESSENGERS: UNDERGROUND WORKERS<br />
Yousif, born into a troubled, impoverished, practicing Muslim family, embraced<br />
Islam early. Despite religious conflicts, he encountered Jesus often, causing<br />
confusion in his world. A decade later, plagued by a mysterious ailment, Yousif<br />
tried numerous Muslim healers without success. Despondent, he met a Christian<br />
friend who revealed Jesus as a Savior, not just a prophet.<br />
Praying to Jesus, his despair lifted, healing him. He believed Jesus saved him,<br />
leading him to convert and share the gospel, preaching forgiveness, love, and<br />
salvation. He transformed into a sociable preacher, embracing Jesus’ teachings.<br />
He went to a theology school for five years and returned to start a family and<br />
preach the gospel. Currently, Yousif shepherds dozens of groups on a volunteer<br />
basis and he pastors a house church network. But he has no means to make an<br />
income. He was recently fired from his job after his Muslim boss found out he was<br />
a Christian. His parents rejected him as they believe Islam is the superior religion.<br />
Yousif is an experienced gardener and grows vegetables. Earlier this year, Yousif<br />
gained training on beekeeping. ICC provided Yousif with a beehive to begin his<br />
apiculture endeavor to care for his family and continue his ministry work.<br />
Between December 18, 2022, and<br />
January 2, <strong>2023</strong>, a series of anti-<br />
Christian riots caused significant harm.<br />
Among the victims were 26 Christian<br />
families. This farming community<br />
faced the loss of their seeds and grains<br />
as their homes were looted during the<br />
riots – an especially devastating loss<br />
as these Christian farmers rely solely<br />
on their crops for sustenance. With<br />
their homes destroyed and belongings<br />
stolen, their families now confront an<br />
insurmountable struggle for survival.<br />
The violent events, instigated by<br />
radical Hindu nationalists, displaced<br />
numerous Christians and left many<br />
injured. The impact was widespread,<br />
affecting over 2,000 individuals. The<br />
relentless campaign by these radicals<br />
has instilled fear within the Christian<br />
community in India.<br />
To alleviate the dire situation, ICC<br />
assisted severely affected Christians<br />
by providing seeds and fertilizers to<br />
enable farming. This support aims to<br />
ensure sustenance for these families<br />
throughout the year, beginning with<br />
aiding 26 families in the initial phase.<br />
PERSECUTION.ORG 9
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