"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)

INDONESIA

UPDATE: Pastor Released from Prison - VOM Sources

Praise God! On April 27, Pastor Abraham Bentar was released from prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, "Pastor Bentar was released two days ago; because he had served two-thirds of his sentence, he could be paroled. His wife received more than 10,000 letters and photographs from families around the world who were praying for them. The family is thankful for the support they received and rejoice in the pastor's release." VOM rejoices with Pastor Bentar's family and thanks believers around the world for praying and encouraging him. Continue praying for protection and wisdom for Pastor Bentar as he returns home to his family and congregation. Ask God to protect believers in Indonesia. Psalm 100

INDIA

"Anti-Conversion" Law Implemented in Gujarat State - VOM Sources

On April 1, an anti-conversion law passed in 2003, in Gujarat State, India, came into effect, increasing Christians' concerns that it will encourage false accusations by Hindu extremists. According to VOM sources, "The law is supposed to curb religious conversions made by 'force,' 'fraud' or 'allurement.' However, Christians and human rights groups believe that the law actually obstructs all conversions, as Hindu extremists invoke it to harass Christian workers with arrests and imprisonments, which are often accompanied with violence against the accused." The law dictates that any person who intends to convert must notify the government or they will be declared an offender and prosecuted under criminal laws. It also stipulates that those convicted of "forcible conversion" could be jailed for up to three years. Anti-conversion laws are now enforced in five Indian states-Gujarat, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh-and have been passed, but are yet to be implemented in Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Ask God to strengthen Christian workers in Gujarat as they face more opposition in serving the Lord. Pray the faithfulness of Indian Christians will be a light that draws many to the love of Christ. Matthew 5:14-16

KAZAKHSTAN

Churches Facing Administrative Charges - Forum 18 News

On April 21, the government in Kazakhstan brought charges against the Salem Church in the capital city of Atyrau, in Atyrau province, for holding "illegal" meetings under Article 374, part 1, of the Administrative Code, which punishes unregistered church activity. According to Forum 18 News, "The charges are a response to a group of Russian-speaking church members meeting regularly in a private home instead of the church's registered address. The church's leader, however, stated that the Administrative Code allows such groups to meet in a member's private home, so long as important religious ceremonies-such as baptisms and weddings-are not conducted." Meanwhile, local authorities have asked the New Life Church, also in Atyrau city, to re-register since their old registration did not indicate a legal address. Forum 18 reports, "Since the church does not currently have a building, re-registering will be difficult as Kazakhstan's amended Religion Law demands that a church indicate a legal address. Church members fear they will be subject to penalty because authorities will now consider their church activity 'illegal.'" Pray for wisdom for these churches and their leaders as they face pressure and opposition from authorities. Pray that the Word of God will continue to spread throughout Kazakhstan. Psalm 5:11-12


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