Officials raid churches, question Christians in Azerbaijan
Several Christians were targeted by authorities in the town of Sumgait,
Azerbaijan, in recent weeks. On May 15, police raided the Sunday morning service
of Praise Church, taking place at a local restaurant. The officials wrote down
the names of all believers present and took them to the police station. Three
days later, two church members were each fined about two weeks' average local
wages. That same day, police went to the home of another local pastor and
questioned him about his Christian activity.
On May 17, approximately 20 police and officials of the State Committee raided
the private home of a South Korean citizen, where members of another church had
gathered. Some 60 Bibles and other Christian books were confiscated and those
present were taken to the police station, where they were questioned and forced
to write statements. At last report, the books had not been returned.
Thank the Lord for the faithfulness of the believers and their desire to worship
Him amid opposition. Pray for continued strength for Christians facing charges
and harassment from authorities in Azerbaijan. Pray especially for wisdom for
church leaders when dealing with opposition. Pray the Lord will continue to
spread the gospel in this nation.
Azerbaijan, in recent weeks. On May 15, police raided the Sunday morning service
of Praise Church, taking place at a local restaurant. The officials wrote down
the names of all believers present and took them to the police station. Three
days later, two church members were each fined about two weeks' average local
wages. That same day, police went to the home of another local pastor and
questioned him about his Christian activity.
On May 17, approximately 20 police and officials of the State Committee raided
the private home of a South Korean citizen, where members of another church had
gathered. Some 60 Bibles and other Christian books were confiscated and those
present were taken to the police station, where they were questioned and forced
to write statements. At last report, the books had not been returned.
Thank the Lord for the faithfulness of the believers and their desire to worship
Him amid opposition. Pray for continued strength for Christians facing charges
and harassment from authorities in Azerbaijan. Pray especially for wisdom for
church leaders when dealing with opposition. Pray the Lord will continue to
spread the gospel in this nation.
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