Pakistani Christians in Danger as Taliban Grows

By Dale Hurd
CBN News Senior Reporter
April 24, 2009

CWN.org - Just last week, Pakistan ratified a treaty with the Taliban, giving up control of the Swat Valley in return for promises of peace.

Now it appears the agreement has only made the radical Islamic group more powerful.

When the Pakistani government made a deal with the Taliban and allowed it to occupy the scenic Swat Valley, it may have thought it was buying some peace.

But the Taliban has become more aggressive, even temporarily moving into neighboring Buner province, another step closer to the capital of islamabad. They pulled out after an international uproar.

Christians have long been persecuted in the majority Muslim country, but church leaders fear that the Taliban's growing power will make life intolerable for those who refuse to convert to Islam.

"Our reports and our coworkers in the area say believers there are deep in hiding and generally, they are very afraid for the coming months as the Taliban continue to take more control over this area," said Carl Moeller of Open Doors USA. "So we're asking people to continue to remember the Christians there in prayer for what's facing them."

What is facing them is Islamic Sharia law.

Bibles are illegal. Music and singing are banned and punishments include flogging and amputations. Sharing the message of Christ is also punishable by death.

The Pakistan Christian Congress is appealing to the U.S. and the EU to press the government in Pakistan to take necessary measures to stop the Taliban and the spread of Sharia law in Pakistan.

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Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12

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Courage is fear that has said its prayers

Bringing Israel's Lost Tribe Home

By George Thomas
CBN News Senior Reporter
April 20, 2009

CBNNews.com - One of the great mysteries of ancient history has been the fate of the lost tribes of Israel.

But one Jewish organization believes it has found the lost tribe, called Bnei Menashe, and plans to bring them home.

Daniel is part of the Bnei Menashe tribe in India. They are believed to be descendants of the 10 lost tribes of Israel who were exiled from their homeland almost 3,000 years ago.

The Bnei Menashe practice Judaism, observing the sabbath, keeping kosher and even celebrating Jewish festivals-- all while living in India and hoping to someday return to the promise land.

Michael Freund is working to bring the Bnei Menshe to Israel.

"They see it as the fulfillment of the of biblical prophecy. which i believe it is," he explained.

So far, his organization, Shavei Israel, has helped more than 1,400 members of the tribe make the journey.

Once they arrive, Shavei Israel helps them find jobs, learn the language and adjust to the culture.

"Bringing them into Israel is...a beginning to their new journey, and we want to ensure that they are fully absorbed and successfully so within the country," Freund said.

He hopes to bring the more than 7,000 members of the Bnei Menashe tribe still living in India to Israel, and it doesn't stop there.

Jews from Spain, China, Russia, and Italy have made aliyah through the help of Shavei Israel.

"I think we are privileged to live in a very special time," Freund said. "It's a time where we are witnessing the ingathering of the exiles, just as the prophets foretold."

Freund is asking Christians and Jews alike to share in fulfilling that prophecy.

"Pray for the success of our efforts and plead with God to put it into the hearts of our decision makers to open the door so that our lost brethren can come home again," he said.

For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
Psalms 94:14

Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.
Psalms 28:9