Christians around the world remain concerned about Iran’s threats against Christianity and continued oppression that has caused many believers to leave the country. However, Syrian Christian Sargon Daniali who lived in Iran for a time, says despite the persecution church growth continues. Daniali says the growth is coming from radio, television and internet evangelism as well as ‘political protest.’ He says "Because [Iranians] are upset with Islam, they go on purpose and chose other religions, one of them [is] Christianity." He believes the government oppression continues under Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "They hate Christianity and they are committed to destroying Christianity -- to stop Christianity in the country because Christianity is growing," Daniali says. Many Christian Iranians, including Daniali, who have fled their homeland are now actively involved in evangelism and church planting in other areas. (Mission Network News)

RESTRICTIVE RELIGION LAW POSTPONED IN TAJIKISTAN

The adoption of a new, more restrictive religion bill in the Southwest Asian country of Tajikistan has been postponed. A draft of the law leaked to the media resulting in criticism even from dominant religious groups like Muslims and Russian Orthodox. The law would be even more detrimental for minority religious organizations working in the country. Georgi Akimov, director of the Bible League mission, complains the high numerical thresholds required for religious communities to register (200 adult citizens for an individual community or 600 for a centralized religious organization) would be nearly impossible for religious minorities to achieve. According to Akimov, most Protestant churches have at most several dozen members and would likely be closed if the new law is adopted. Other groups criticize limits on allowed churches and mosques, believing the current religious affairs committee to be dominated by scientific communists opposed to religion. (Forum 18)

VIETNAMESE FOREST MINISTRY ATTACK MONTAGNARD DEGARS FOR LAND

Vietnamese Forest Ministry officials attacked two Montagnard Degar Christian families in an attempt to force them to leave their land. Chemical mace was used in one attack and was sprayed on a young baby only a few months old. The Spartanburg, South Carolina-based Montagnard Foundation reported the May 1 attack on a Degar Montagnard named Kpa Ju involved five forestry officials who "beat and kicked him until he fell down, then they sprayed some kind of chemical liquid on his face and eyes. His wife saw the attack and ran toward him and the Vietnamese officials ran off. Kpa Ju was severely hurt and could not open his eyes." In another incident, Rmah Suan was attacked by the same five officials and beaten unconscious in his field. The five then entered Suan’s home and attacked his wife and child, spraying mace in their faces and eyes. The predominantly Christian Montagnard Degars have been a target of Vietnamese racial and religious persecution for years. (Assist News Service)

28 CHRISTIANS ARRESTED IN CHINESE HOUSE CHURCH RAID

China Aid Association (CAA) learned of a recent house church raid in China’s Central Henan province. During worship services at 11 a.m. on May 28, 2006, police arrested 28 Christians. Twenty-three were released later the same day. One 59 year old woman was released June 1 after her family was forced to pay a fine equivalent to US$200. A second 35-year-old woman was released June 8, after agreeing to pay her fine in cash. Three members of the group remain in custody, including the 52-year-old pastor and the 58-year-old host of the gathering. CAA sources indicate that the police produced no ID, summons or detention papers during the raid and confiscated bibles and notebooks without issuing receipts to the Christians. Members are making legal appeal with the help of the Chinese Christian Legal Aid Association. (Christian Newswire)

AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY HONORS BILLY GRAHAM

The American Bible Society (ABS) presented the very first Heroes of the Faith Lifetime Achievement Award to the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham. President of ABS, Rev. Paul G. Irwin and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Lamar Vest presented the custom-designed crystal sculpture of an open Bible in a pair of hands to Graham. Irwin noted that Graham has "brought the Bible to countless people," and added, "We at [ABS] want to pick up that energy, continue that impact, and, formally commemorate our spirit of partnership by honoring you for a lifetime of service devoted to proclaiming God’s Word." Graham responded, "I am honored and overwhelmed, and I feel hope that not long from now I can present this to Jesus. It is His Spirit that takes that Word and applies it to our hearts." (Religion Today)

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