International Christian Concern reported last week that two women from Vietnam’s Bon Tang village were arrested on Tuesday, May 23, by Vietnamese police officials. They were imprisoned for refusing to join the state-sanctioned church pastored by Siu Kim. One of the women was previously interrogated last November again this March and May. She was threatened with prison and told to stop worshiping God and to instead follow Sui Kim and his church. Each time the woman responded that she would not follow Sui Kim or his church because only Jesus Christ could save her soul and Sui Kim could not. Because of the woman’s continued refusal, the head police official had her and her mother-in-law imprisoned. (International Christian Concern)

UPDATE: STATE GOVERNMENT IN INDIA TO RUN 5 CHRISTIAN INSTITUTIONS

On Wednesday, June 14, the government of Rajasthan, India, announced its plans to take over five institutions operated by Emmanuel Mission International (EMI). The five institutions previously established by the Evangelical native church movement EMI include an orphanage, a school, a hospital a church and a bible institute which together serve more than 10,000 children. The State High Court dismissed five petitions filed by EMI Lawyers challenging the state’s Registrar of Societies decision to revoke the registrations of EMI institutions. Hindu extremists have hounded EMI since January, conspiring with government officials to arrest EMI President Samuel Thomas and his father, M.A. Thomas, founder of the mission. Officials also revoked the organization’s registrations and froze all EMI bank accounts. Legal appeals are being pursued, but Indian Social Welfare ministers have visited the orphanage and planned to take over operations by Wednesday. (Compass Direct/Christians in Crisis)

* Radio programs in 12 languages (English, Urdu, Hindi, Nepali, Chattisgarhi, Bangla, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telegu, Marwari, Marathi and Santhali) air to India from HCJB World Radio-Australia’s shortwave station in Kununurra. The programs are produced at the ministry’s studios in New Delhi, India.

MYANMAR CHRISTIANS FACE CONTINUED OPPRESSION FOR THEIR FAITH

Continued oppression of religious, ethnic and political minorities by the government of Myanmar (Burma) has caused many Christians to flee their homes for fear of persecution. Between 5 and 10 percent of Myanmar’s 40 million people are Christians. However, the government infiltrates and monitors Christian gatherings imposing restrictions on public ceremonies and freedom of expression and association. Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton paints a grim picture for the existing church. Nettleton says, "There are training seminars that are being held to equip pastors, to equip Christian leaders and get them ready to face the persecution that's there." Nettleton adds that support from the international church helps, saying "I think we can pray, especially for the leaders within the church as they are dealing with these challenges, dealing with persecution, dealing with wisdom. We need to pray for that country, we need to pray that there will be more freedom of religion and pray that the Christians there will be more faithful, no matter what the level of freedom is." (Mission Network News)

PRAYER CHAPEL FOR WORLD CUP SOCCER PLAYERS REOPENS IN BERLIN

In response to Christian protests, the international soccer association FIFA has reopened the chapel in Berlin’s soccer stadium in time for today’s World Cup match between Ecuador and Germany. FIFA had sealed the chapels in the only two World Cup venues where they were placed, citing security concerns and respect for non-Christians. The chapel in Berlin was dedicated three weeks ago to serve as a place of prayer and meditation for footballers during the World Cup. Bernhard Felmberg, sports liaison officer of the Protestant Church in Berlin-Brandenburg, said he was encouraged by the decision and is hopeful that the other chapel for soccer players in Gelsenkirchen will open in time for on Thursday’s match between Portugal and Mexico. (Assist News Service)

PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE TAKES EMOTIONAL TOLL ON DOCTORS

Dr. Kenneth Stevens, Oregon cancer specialist and member of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations, says anecdotal evidence suggests that healthcare professionals who "help" their patients die are often deeply affected. While most media focus related to physician-assisted suicide lies with the patients and their families, he has searched medical and public literature that points out most doctors who engage in "mercy killing" admit experiencing a negative impact. Euthanasia, he says, "represents a shift away from the sentimental values of medicine to heal and promote human wholeness and moves to a position where the doctor is causing the death." He also cited a British parliamentary committee which interviewed doctors from the Netherlands where physician-assisted suicide is legal. One Dutch doctor replied, "It is not a normal medical treatment. You never get used to it." (Agape Press/Religion Today)

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