Zprávy HCJB 11.6.2007

	Při ranním zátahu na eritrejské křesťany uvězněny malé děti.
	Podle oznámení skupiny na ochranu lidských práv Release-Eritrea UK bylo eritrejskými bezpečnostními silami v neděli ráno 27. května ve městě Dekemhare v Eritreji uvězněno nejméně dvacet křesťanů včetně malých dětí. Podle agenturních zpráv čekaly bezpečnostní síly, které zátah provedly, že najdou křesťany při nepovoleném modlitebním shromáždění. Když jim to nevyšlo, sebrali každého, kdo jim padl do rukou nejen v domě, ale i v okolí. Koho zavřeli, o tom prohlásili, že je členem zakázaného sboru Kale Hiwott – jde o jeden ze sborů postižených vládním dekretem z roku 2002 zakazujícím většinu nezávislých sborů. Mezi zavřenými je pastor Michael Abraha. Ředitel Release-Eritrea UK Dr Berhane Asmelash řekl: „Starost mi ani tak nedělá zavírání lidí po organizované bohoslužbě. Ti lidé ale byli vytaženi z postelí s uvrženi do vězení i s dětmi. Vláda Eritrey musí vědět, že ty, kdo se chtějí modlit, nikdo nezastaví. A také že pro takové zastrašování neexistuje žádná omluva.“
	Všechny zprávy v angličtině.
	HYMN EMPHASIS BOOSTS INTEREST IN HOME GROUPS IN NEW ZEALAND Sources: Assist News Service, Challenge Weekly John Clayton, a pastor at Pakuranga Christian Fellowship in Auckland, New Zealand, said he was inspired to start home groups in which people could learn from the hymn writers and hymns after reading an article in The Challenge Weekly. “I was challenged by the article that said among other things -- don’t throw away your hymnbooks. We have a rich heritage.” Clayton held the first home group at his house on Easter Saturday and although he was worried about how many would attend, 12 turned up. Because it was Easter attendees interposed readings and hymns with a short item on John Newton. Since then two more home groups have been added, the latest of which attracted an increasing number of Asians and newer Christians. One older Christian said it was a wonderful idea to have such a home group because the hymns had great meaning for her: “I was converted at the age of 12 and attended a church where we were wonderfully taught and grounded in the Scriptures,” she said. “Alongside that, these hymns were sung with awe and reverence and not only uplifted the spirit, but taught the fundamentals and foundations of our faith.” CHILDREN ARRESTED IN DAWN RAID ON ERITREAN CHRISTIANS Source: Assist News Service At least twenty Christians, including young children, were arrested by Eritrean security forces on the morning of Sunday, May 27, in the city of Dekemhare, Eritrea, according to the human rights group Release-Eritrea UK. According to the agency reports, raiding security forces expected to find Christians participating in a prayer meeting. However, when they failed to uncover such activity, they decided to detain everyone in the home they had raided as well as others in the surrounding neighborhood. Those targeted for arrest are said to all be members of the Kale Hiwott Church, one of the churches affected by the government decree of 2002 banning most independent churches. Pastor Michael Abraha was among those arrested. Director of Release-Eritrea UK, Dr. Berhane Asmelash, said, “My concern isn't just for those who are detained following organized prayer meetings now. These people seem to have been dragged out of their beds and taken into custody along with their children. The government of Eritrea needs to understand that no one can stop those who want to pray. And there really is no justification for this type of harassment.” SEMINARY STUDENT STABBED TO DEATH IN THE PHILIPPINES Source: BosNewsLife In a statement, Police Officer Edwin de la Cruz of the Quezon City, Philippines Police District Homicide Division said that seminary student Justin Daniel Bataclan, 21, died late Thursday, June 7, the latest in a series of attacks against active Christians and clergy. De la Cruz said, “Bataclan's parents heard a commotion from Bataclan's room” Thursday night, but when they rushed to help him, he was “already stabbed on the neck” by the unknown attacker. The assailant was able to escape leaving a seriously injured Bataclan behind. He died while being brought to Saint Luke's Medical Center, the police officer said. The murder of the theological student and apparent aspiring priest, came roughly two months after the Kalinga-Apayao Religious Sector Association (KARSA), a grouping of clergy, condemned the killing of an assistant priest of the Roman Catholic St. Paul’s Parish in Kalinga province on Palm Sunday, April 1. In a recent report the World Council of Churches (WCC) said at least 800 people have become victims of what it called “extra-judicial executions from the year 2001 to the present.” Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has come under pressure to improve the situation of Christians. GROWING CHURCH DELAYS CONSTRUCTION ‘INDEFINITELY’ DUE TO THREATS Source: Gospel for Asia, Assist News Service Two religious extremists tried to kill a Gospel for Asia pastor, Jay Edi, in March as he conducted a prayer meeting in a local believer's home in West Bengal, India. The men also severely beat Siddhani, the woman who owned the house and her sister. Bursting into the home, the men swung a large bamboo pole at Jay's head, but he dodged it and took the heavy blow to his shoulder instead. Then, the men grabbed Siddhani and her sister and beat them mercilessly. The prayer group was finally saved when neighbors heard the women shrieking for help. But before leaving the home, the extremists vandalized some of the property and threatened the pastor. Edi’s growing church had already received permission to build a church building, but because of this current safety issue, church construction has been delayed indefinitely. Despite the hostile situation, many are still coming to know the Lord through Jay's prayer meetings and worship services. STUDY: COLLEGE GRADUATES MORE LIKELY TO MAINTAIN RELIGIOUS BELIEFS Source: WorldWide Religious News A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers determined U.S. college graduates are more likely to maintain their religious beliefs and practices than those who never attend college. The study showed four-year college students and college graduates are the least likely to curb church attendance, to say religion is less important in their lives or to completely disassociate from religion. The researchers found young adults who don't pursue a college degree are the most likely to abandon their faith. Many people assume college is public enemy No. 1 for religion, Mark Regnerus, assistant professor of sociology, said. “But we found young adults who don't experience college are far more likely to turn away from religion.” Regnerus said that the evolution of campus culture might explain the surprising results; as more universities shift attention and resources from liberal arts to professional programs, students are increasingly sheltered from philosophical questions or debates that challenge their beliefs. Graduate student Jeremy Uecker, lead author of the study, said, “Religion and spirituality are becoming more accepted in higher education, both in intellectual circles and in campus life.” The findings appear in the June issue of the journal Social Forces © Copyright 2007 - HCJB Global - Colorado Springs, CO USA

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