Sunday, December 30, 2007

House Church of Salem Voice Ministries Demolished by Muslim Extremists

Malabar (India), SVM News, December 30, 2007: Underground house church of Salem Voice Ministries demolished by Muslim extremists at Sunnam Potty in Malabar on December 29.
A mob of 10 to 15 people came by cars and vans with spade, pick axe, iron bar and other tools and weapons and totally demolished the church on Saturday night. Suspecting the attackers were the activists of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
Around 50 people were attending in that church every week for worshipping service since last few months. The majority were individual muslim youngsters from various families.
There was a baptism service held on Saturday early morning. Eight youngsters and three couples were baptised. Though it was a secret service, the news somehow leaked out. That might have provoked the extremists to demolish the church.
The church building was leased from a believers family without any rent. That family is living in a distant place. They were threatening by unknown people since last few days for giving this house for prayer and worship.
Pastor Mildad and family are ministering in this area. They face death threat.
Pastor Paul Ciniraj, Director of the Salem Voice Ministries visited the demolished church. He condemned the incident and requesting prayers for the pastor and family, house owner and family and the believers.
SVM News (with pictures): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews290.html

Friday, December 28, 2007

Christians torturing in Orissa; State Minister resigns

Bhubaneswar (Orissa), SVM News, December 28, 2007: At least 55 Churches at G Udaygiri, Nuagaon, Brahmanigaon and Phulbani Sadar were attacked and a Congress MP Radha Kant Nayak's house was ransacked in Dasingbadi in violence on the fifth day in the rural tribal dominated areas of Orissa.
Eight people killed in the communal violence was sparked off on Monday, the 24th of December when mobs led by Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists set ablaze Churches, Convents and some houses belonging to Christians. Hundreds of members of the community were hiding in forest to save their life from the attackers.
Orissa Government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the violence in Kandhamal. Retired High Court judge Basudev Panigrahi will conduct the inquiry.
The All-India Christian Council criticised the government decision for a judicial inquiry into the violence in Kandhamal. John Dayal, the general secretary of the Christian Council demanded that a Central Bureau of Investigation probe be ordered into the attacks on the Christians.
Raphael Cheenath, the Archbishop of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack said that the judicial inquiry will not lead to giving justice to the victims.
Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christiam Ministers of the Churches in India said, "All and real attackers can be held through the CBI inquiry".
Meanwhile, the State Steel and Mines Minister Padmanabha Behera, a Dalit hailing from the violence-hit Kandhamal district, resigned from his post on moral grounds in the wake of the communal violence for the fifth day on Friday.
Behera, a former member of the Lok Sabha told that he submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, as he was pained over the continuing violence in the area.
The Kui speaking tribal people who had been agitating in Kandhamal had demanded Behera's resignation. The tribals were opposing the demand of the Dalit Christians of the district for grant of Schedule Tribe status.
The State government also transferred District Collector of Kandhamal Bhagirathi Mohapatra and appointed District Collector of Malkangiri Manish Kumar Verma in his place with immediate effect.
Mohapatra was directed to join the General Administration Department in Bhubaneswar for further posting.
The government appointed Nitin Bhanudas Jawle, Additional District Magistrate of Rourkela, as District Magistrate of Malkangiri on place of Verma.
The State government had come under severe criticism from various quarters for its failure to contain violence in Kandhamal where the agitation of the Kui tribals had been virtually hijacked by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad following an alleged attack on their leader Swami Lakshmanananda on December 24.
As the tribals observed a 36-hour bandh starting from Christmas morning, taking benefit of the situation the VHP supporters burnt down a number of churches and lit up homes of the members of the Christian community in many areas.
The administration had imposed curfew in four towns of the district on the evening of December 25. The curfew continues to remain in force.
SVM News (with pictures): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews289.html

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Two Christians Killed And 12 Churches Burned in Orissa, India

Kandhamal (Orissa), SVM News, December 26, 2007: Two christians killed and at least 12 churches and several christian institutions, Christian houses and shops were burned by Hindu fundamentalists and hundreds injured on Christmas night in Kandhamal District of Orissa State in India.

Narsingh Bol, a police official told to Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service that the protesters backed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) set fire to eight churches and ransacked another four. Reports say one Christian was killed in Barakhamba village and others were fleeing from villages to the jungle.

At least a dozen of vehicles including two police vehicles were also set on fire. Besides, the protestors attacked house of the elder brother of the state steel and mines minister Padmanav Behera and torched one of his vehicles

Police imposed a curfew in four towns of tribal-dominated Kandhamal district, where most of the incidents were reported.

The violence began on December 24, when about 500 men attacked a tent displaying the nativity scene that Christians of various denominations jointly put up in a small town called Bamunigam.

Nine Baptist and Pentecostal Churches and three Catholic Churches were attacked.

In Balliguda block of Phulbani district, five churches were damaged including a Baptist church, Catholic church, Pentecostal church, and a Catholic sisters' convent. Church furniture, the sound systems, and the tents were burnt. An English medium school was attacked and the computer training center was vandalised. A Christmas celebration was stopped during the worship service of Baptist church.

In Nuagam Block of the same district, a church in Kdupakia village, another church in Sirtiguda, Gosukia and Jangungia villages were assaulted and furniture and church properties were destroyed and a cross was broken down.

In Chakapad Block, of Phulbani district, a church was torched while Christians were having a Christmas feast. The food was destroyed and several were almost killed.

In Phringia Block, of Phulbani district, a Catholic church was destroyed by a bomb planted by fundamentalist. Pastor Junas Digal was tonsured and brought to temple and forced to bow down to the deity.

In Raikia of Phulbani district, shops belonging to Christians were reportedly destroyed. The Hindutva fanatics were marching in a procession and holding weapons. The Christians were ordered to stay inside their homes.

In Phulbani headquarters, a Baptist church and a Catholic church were not allowed to conduct Christmas celebrations. An orphanage run by a Catholic priest was attacked and three vehicles were torched.

Carmel Convent School in Phulbani town was attacked and the school buses and vehicles were broken and torched. A delegation of Christian leaders from Phulbani met the District Collector to insist on safety measures for the Christian minority.

Authorities say the church violence came after a Hindu leader called Swami Laxmananand Saraswati, who has campaigned against what he calls the "forced" conversion of low-caste Hindus to Christianity, was attacked on Christmas eve.

Christian missionaries have long found willing converts among India's neglected tribal communities or "untouchable" Hindus -- known as Dalits -- who still face massive discrimination.

In Kandhamal, the majority of Christian converts are Dalits.

Over the past decade in Orissa, Christian houses and churches have been set on fire, tribal Christians have been harassed and boycotted, and pastors and other Christians have been killed.

A Hindu man Dhara Singh is serving a life sentence for burning alive an Australian Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons as well as a Catholic priest in Orissa in 1999.

Graham Staines, who had worked for three decades with lepers, and sons aged eight and 10 died when a Hindu mob torched a jeep in which they were sleeping.

Sectarian clashes break out periodically in the billion-plus country of multiple faiths, where approximately 2.3 percent are practising Christians.

As the communal fire in Orissa continues to spread, senior Christian leaders met the Prime Minister and requested him to intervene to curb the attacks on the minority community by mainly the fundamentalist Hindu groups in the state.

Pastor Paul Ciniraj, the president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches in India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries rged the central and state government authorities to protect the lives and properties of Christians, Dalits and other minority communities in Orissa

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews288.html

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Bomb Attack on Christian Educationist in Tamil Nadu

Tirunelveli (Tamil nadu, India), SVM News, December 13, 2007: A popular Christian educationist and philanthropist was injured in a bomb attack alongwith his wife and driver on December 12 at Vadakkangulam in Tamil Nadu, India.

Dr. S.A. Raja, chairman of the Selvam Educational Charitable Trust, and Rajas Educational Charitable Trust was attacked with country bombs on Wednesday morning by a gang of six in an Ambassador car and on a motorbike.

Dr. Raja and his wife Sofia were returning back to home from Valliyoor Malaimatha Church after attending the Holy Mass.

Raja’s car driver Amirthalingam (45) seriously injured in the attack and hospitalised. Raja and Sofia escaped with minor injuries.

Radhapuram police registered a case and started investigation.

A police official said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service that the police recovered two live bombs from the spot.

One of the accused is said to be around 25 years of age. He had enquired from Amirthalingam whether Raja would be attending the mass.

Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches in India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries condemned the bomb attack towards Dr. S.A. Raja and family. He asked the Central and State governments for immediate action to stop Christian persecution.

SVM News (with picture): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews287.html

Monday, December 10, 2007

Pastor's six family members killed by accident in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala, India), SVM News, December 10, 2007: A parish priest of Church of South India and five others of his family members were killed when the car in which they were travelling collided with a transport bus near Chavara bridge in National Highway in Kollam District in Kerala, India on December 10.
Rev. Selestine Raj (40), the parish priest of Kattakkada Bethanipuram CSI Church in Thiruvananthapuram District and his wife Lena Selestine (35), daughters Reshma (12) and Roshna (7), relatives Lazur (66) and wife Lissy (60) of Lalbhavan at Mannarkonam were died by accident on Monday at about 4 in the evening.
Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that the pastor's car collided with a Transport bus while they were retuning back after attending a marriage function in Kochy. Bus belongs to Kerala State Road Transport Corporation was going towards Kochy from Thiruvananthapuram.
Lazur and Lissy are the father and mother of Mrs. Lena Selestine.
Church of South India follows the traditions of Anglican low Church.
Paul Ciniraj, President of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries offers condolences to the bereaved pastor and his family. CMCI prays that God May Grant peace and consolation to the parishoners and relatives of Rev. Selestine Raj.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Indian origin NYPD Officer shot dead in New York

New York (USA), SVM News, December 07, 2007: An off-duty New York City Police Officer of USA, who belongs to an Indian Christian family of Kerala, was found shot dead in his house at 60 Whiteman Road in Yonkers on December 5.

Joseph John, 29, found dead from a single gunshot wound to the head on Wednesday at about 11 at night. He was a three-year veteran of the NYPD assigned to the 43rd Precinct in the Bronx.

Joseph John was the son of John George and Thresiamma, who were hailed from Cherukole, near Mavelikkara in Kerala State, India to USA about 33 years ago.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that the New York police investigating the circumstances surrounding Joseph's death.

Capt. Fred Hellthaler of Yonkers police said that they had responded to a 911 call from victim's family, which had heard the gunshot. His mother and wife were at home at the time of the shooting. Police added.

Joseph John was active in prayer services and other church activities of Yonkers Marthoma Church as well as social, cultural and charitable works in New York, especially among Indians.

The viewping of the dead body will be having at Yonkers Marthoma Church, 34 Morris Street in between 3.30 to 9.30 pm on December 7. Funeral services also will be held at Yonkers Marthoma Church on December 8 at 8.45 to 10.45 in the morning and will be buried with all of the honourship of the police at Mount Hope cemetery at Jackson Avenue in Yonkers.

SVM News (with picture): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews285.html

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Missionary pastor of 54-year-old shot dead in Trinidad

Rousillac (Republic of Trinidad and Tobago), SVM News, December 06, 2007: A missionary pastor of a Full Gospel Church shot dead on December 5 at his residence in Rousillac in Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Lenville Regis (54), an evangelist of Rousillac Open Bible Church and also an ordained pastor was shot dead by a gunman at his house on Wednesday morning.

Pastor Regis was also a retired technician of Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT).

Regis wedded June, a lecturer at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) four months ago and was living at Ibis Circular of Paria Gardens in Rousillac. It was his second marriage with June His children are living abroad.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that the gunman stormed the couple's house at about 9.30 in the morning. June was on the phone at that time.

The attacker forced husband and wife into a bedroom where he made them lie on the ground with June Regis being secured with a length of electrical cord. Then he forced the pastor into a nearby bathroom and a gunshot behind his head and murdered at once.

"The gunman ran out of the house while a frantic Mrs June freed herself only to find her husband dead in the bathroom," police officials said.

Nothing was stolen from the house.

The body was taken to the Forensic Science Centre where an autopsy was scheduled to have been done. Investigations are continuing.

SVM News (with picture): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews284.html

Imam's daughter, a convert to christianity, face death threat in UK

Lancashire (UK), SVM News, December 06, 2007: A 32-year-old woman, converted to Christianity from Islam about 15 years ago still facing death threats from family and relatives and British police compelled to give her protection.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that Hannah (using pseudonym to hide her identity), daughter of a Muslim Imam in Lancashire ran away from home in the year 1991 at the age of 16, when her parents arranged a marriage for her which she never liked.

Henceforth she studied christianity, accepted Jesus as her personal saviour, married with a spiritual partner and witnessed Christ to the churches and fellowships. But she was attacked with knives, axes and hammers in 1994 by a group of fundamentalists and was hiding from her home. She had been moved house 45 times to escape detection since she became a Christian.

The threats against her became more serious a month ago, prompting police to offer her protection in case of an attempt on her life.

The latest threat was a text message from one of her brothers, warning that he could not be responsible for his actions if she did not return to Islam.

"I know the Koran says that anyone who goes away from Islam should be killed as an apostate so in some ways my family are following the Koran. They are following Islam to the word. But I do not think every Muslim would actually act on that," Hannah said.

The Times reports that the Muslims in Britain who wish to convert to Christianity are living in fear of their lives because of Islamic apostasy laws, a senior Church of England bishop will warn at the invitaton-only charity event in West London.

Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, the Bishop of Rochester, will claim that "freedom to believe" is under threat in Britain because of Islamic hostility to conversion. He will call on society to offer greater protection, by increasing understanding of what makes people vulnerable.

Earlier this year, a Policy Exchange study found that 36 per cent of British Muslims aged between 16 and 24 believed those who converted to another religion should be punished by death.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews283.html

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Pastor shot dead in Guyana at the end of Crusade

Georgetown (Guyana), SVM News, December 04, 2007: A 41-year-old pastor shot dead at his church right after a Gospel Crusade on December 2 at Hadfield Street in Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana.

Pastor Eion David of the Prophecy One Delivery Ministry Church was shot twice by a lone gunman on Sunday late night when he and the church leaders were counting the offering collected from the crusade. Pastor died on Monday morning while being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that Shaundell Williams, who is the daughter of Pastor Eion David said the gunman entered the church with his face covered with a handkerchief and wearing a cap, and ordered everyone to lie on the floor and she thought it was a church member pulling a prank.

"I never in my wildest dreams thought someone would come into a church and carry out a robbery. It was not until he ordered everyone on the floor the second time that I knew it was serious; and he pulled out a gun," Shaundell said. "The robber made good his escape with an undisclosed sum of cash, a small amount of jewellery and a car key belonging to my husband Alwin Williams, who was also injured during the ordeal," she added.

Officials of the Guyanese Police Criminal Investigation Department said that Pastor Eion David sustained a gunshot wound to the head and another to the chest. The police have recovered two. 32 spent bullets from the scene.

Police authorities have taken statements from the members of the church about murdered pastor. They said they could not think of a motive for the attack since as far as they know the pastor had no grievance with anyone.

Guyana is the third smallest country in South America, lieying between Suriname to the east and Venezuela to the west, with Brazil to the south. Below 700,000 is its total population and half of it Christians. Rest of the population, 35% Hindus, 10% Muslims and others 5%. English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Hindi and Urdu are the languages.

Nearly 20,000 people living with with HIV/AIDS in Guyana.

SVM News (with picture): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews282.html

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Gospel Campaigner severely beaten in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala, India), SVM News, December 01. 2007: A mob of Hindu radicals attacked Gospel convention and beaten Gospel campaigner on December 1 at Koliyakkodu, near Pothencode in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala, India.

Pastor Lazarus, native of Vellarada was severely beaten on Saturday evening and admitted in Medical College hospital with serious injuries.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that around 20 to 30 people shouted Hindu slogans and attacked the pastor while he was preaching the Gospel at Indian Pentacostal Church at Koliyakkodu.

Venjaramoodu police investigating the issue.

Pastor Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches in India (CMCI) and Director of the Salem Voice Ministries condemned the attack towards pastor Lazarus.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews281.html

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Pastor Jailed, Rector Arrested and 40 Detained in China

Gansu (China), SVM News, November 28, 2007: In China, a christian pastor was sentenced 18 months imprisonment for distributing tracts in Gansu province and a rector of a Catholic seminary and one of his seminarians arrested and jailed in Yujiang. 40 house church leaders also were detained in Henan.

Pastor Liu Huiwen (38) was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by Gansu Dongxiang Nationality Autonomous County People's Court on October 25, 2007 for Distribution of Christian Literature Among Muslims. The document released by the court on November 27.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that Pastor Liu Huiwen was detained on April 28, 2007 after distributing flyers at a funeral and was arrested on May 31. He was charged against discriminating work and insulting people of ethnic minorities when he published and distributed a flyer called "A Letter to Our Muslim Friends."

Beijing Defence Attorney Li Dunyong, the defense counsel for Pastor Liu, argued that his public letter neither contain any discrimination or insults against people of ethnic minorities nor exceeded the boundary set for freedom of speech.

But the court rejected his arguments and said Pastor Liu's public letter arised indignation from the Muslims and some of them used curse words and threatened to physically assaulted him, so he fled from the scene. After that, the police officers arrived on being informed of this incident and took Liu Huiwen to the public security bureau. In the meantime, the police officers confiscated 153 copies of the public letter that they collected from the people in the local area and confiscated 9,000 copies of the public letter, 523 copies of the Bible, 1,745 discs and some tapes and propaganda photos and other objects from the room Liu rents.

Cout said Liu's conduct has violated the provisions set in Article 250 of "The Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China" and constitutes the crime of publishing works that discriminate against and insult people of ethnic minorities. And the court has sentenced him 18 months imprisonment as per Article 210 and Article 64.

In the southern province of Guangdong in Central China, a Roman Catholic priest, Father Zeng Zhongliang, rector of the Yujiang diocese seminary in Jiangxi and one of his seminarians, Wang Bin were arrested by the police on November 25. Both are being held in a prison in Yujiang.

Fathr Zeng had organised a meeting with the entire diocesan clergy at Fuzhou town, whose members are mostly affiliated with the underground Church. He acted on behalf of his local bishop Mgr Thomas Zeng Jingmu of 85-years of age who has been under house arrest.

The diocese of Yujang has about 15,000 underground Catholic believers and priests; Catholics that is who are not registered with the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and therefore not recognised by the government.

In another incident of christian persecution in China, a group of PSB officers raided China Gospel Fellowship (CGF) and detained 40 house church leaders while they were having a Bible class on November 18 at Peichang village of Fanhu town in Xiancheng county in Henan

"CGF is one of the largest house churches in China. All the detainees were the senior leaders of CGF and among them Pastor Shen Yiping, it's founder also included," Bob Fu of China Aid Association said.

Out of 40 detained leaders, 21 of them were released on November 24 and 19 are still being detained at the county detention center.

The family members of the 19 detainees were notified by the Police Department to send blankets and 360 yuan ($50) for 15 days' living expenses.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews280.html

Monday, November 26, 2007

Ten churches face crisis of eviction in Behrain

Manama (Behrain), SVM News, November 26, 2007: At least ten churches including two episcopal churches and seven pentecostal churches in Behrain face severe crisis of eviction in Manama. Government authorities have given them two weeks to come up with documents that show they have been given permission to operate in Behrain.

The St Paul's Mar Thoma Church and the Church of South India (CSI, which follows Anglican hierarchy) are the two episcopal churches.

Pentecostal churches are Sharon Fellowship Church, Church of Philadelphia, Immanuel IPC (Indian Pentacostal Church) church, Church of God, Assemblies of God (AG) church, The Pentecostal Mission (TPM) and The Word of Life Church.

Church of Christ is the other one.

Abdulmajeed Al Sebea'a, municipal councillor of Manama claims some of the churches in Segaiya don't have a licence from the Manama Municipality, the Social Development Ministry or the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry.

Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty has now called a meeting of the churches at his office to study the issue in detail. Representatives of the churches requested him in a letter to take up the issue on an urgent basis.

Shetty wanted to know whether the main issue relates to parking problems that the churches are causing, or if it was simply that they are not registered. "I have to study the issue in detail before taking it up with the authorities concerned," Shetty said.

"Some of the churches have applied for registration that would legalise their existence, but are still waiting for a response," said Pastor P.C. Verghese, president of the Sharon Fellowship Church. "We appreciate the magnanimity of the landlords in this area who have been supporting us for conducting prayer meetings in their buildings," he continued.

"We, Indian Christians have been worshipping in Behrain for a long time as different Christian groups," Alexander, one of the leaders of a church said the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service. "We would like to confirm that we don't have any business other than worshipping God. We do not disturb the neighbours. We have also made necessary parking arrangements without causing any problem to neighbours or local friends in the area," they added.

Out of the 10 churches, half of them are understood to have registered with the Social Development Ministry.

Municipal Councillor Al Sebea'a revealed that he had been contacted by a number of church heads - some saying they can prove their legal status and other asking him for help in getting registered within the next two weeks. He said he had also received letters from Christians in Bahrain.

Rev. Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries urging Manama Municipailty and Social Development Ministry through an advocate to find an immediate and amicable solution in favour of Christians rather than evict the churches. Otherwise, the fanatics may misuse the situations and persecute christians.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews277.html

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Iraqi couple beheaded for wearing western clothes

Bagdad (Iraq), SVM News, November 26, 2007: Three suspected al-Qaida militants, including two sisters, beheaded their uncle and his wife, forcing the couple's children to watch, Iraqi police said Friday.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that Youssef al-Hayali and his wife Zeinab Kamel were executed at the All Boys School in Jalawlah in Diyala province of North-West of Bagdad by three cousins, who are Jihadists on November 23.

Youssef al-Hayali was a school guard.

Village police chief Ahmed Khalifa said that the police arrested the assialants from Divyala province, northwest of Bagdad.

The militants considered Hayali was an infidel because he did not attend for namaz (worship) at the mosque. Also they found the couple wearing western-style trousers and clothes, they told police interrogators after being arrested.

SVM News (with picture): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews276.html

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Catholic Priest beaten by Police in Kerala, India

Alappuzha (Kerala, India), SVM News, November 21, 2007: Roman Catholic Priest was beaten by a Deputy Superintendant of Police (DySP) on November 21 in Alappuzha Town in Kerala, India.

Rev. Father Edward Puthanpurackal was beaten and pushing down by DySP A. Krishnam Kutty on Wednesday before noon. Father fell on the road.

Five Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) activists also were beaten by the police.

Father Edward and KCYM activists was planning to have a new form of strike by rolling on the road from Shavakkotta bridge to Alappuzha Collectorate against not finishing the works of Chethi Bridge.

"Police told them not to allow strike by rolling on the road, but procession. Father Edward and KCYM activists still tried to goahead with their decision." An official told to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service.

"KCYM organising another major rally towards Alappuzha North Police station against beating priest," a KCYM member told to SVM News.

Paul Ciniraj, President of the Christian Ministers of the Churches in India (CMCI) condemned the incident

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews274.html

Church demolished in Chattisgarh in India

Jagdalpur (Chatisgarh, India), SVM News, November 21, 2007: A church that involving with development activities of the tribals was demolished by the activists of Sangh Parivar and Bajrang Dal on November 19 at Manduwa village near Kondagaon of Bastar District in Chattisgarh State in India.

A mob of Hindu radicals attacked Pastor Sudharu of Manduwa Church and burnt the newly constructed church on Monday about 10 at night alleging against converting people, specially tribals to Christianity.

"The attackers surrounded pastors room first, tied the pastor and beaten him up till he became unconcious," Mahesh Minj, a member of the church said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service.

While this time some other assailants were burning the church. Their plan was to burn alive the pastor and the people who were inside of the church building. But those who were with the pastor from his church escaped somehow. And also the church building did not burn completely. So the attackers demolished the remained parts of the church.

Korla Police registered a case and started investigation.

Rev. Rajan, the Missionary Chief of Jagdalpur area, said that the missionaries working with them do not involve any conversion activities, but working for the development of the tribals. "Yet, we face regular threat from Hindu fanatics." He said.

Paul Ciniraj, the president of the Christian Mibnisters of the Churches of India (CMCI) and Director of the Salem Voice Ministries condemned attack towards pastor Sudharu and demolishing the church.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews273.html

Sunday, November 18, 2007

RON WYATT AND THE ARK OF THE COVENANT CHAMBER Late 1999

(Death bed interview conducted by the late Bill Fry. Ron died shortly after)
Audio available from John Paige P.O. Box 30 Serpentine 3517, Victoria, Australia

Bill Fry: okay, the recorder's on right now, so you can go ahead and just basically tell me what happened.

Ron Wyatt: Oh, okay. Well, on the excavation there, that, you know, for the ark of the covenant, primarily I was interested in just the ark of the covenant. However, when I did the excavation down the cliff face, I ran into cut-outs and we ran into crossholes, and the bottom of this ancient quarry that showed that this was a crucifixion and execution spot. The Romans crucified people there, of course. The Jews, because of some of their special arrangements with the Romans, they basically stoned people there and beat them as examples, that's what took place there. Anyway, once we found that place, I knew that, well, basically, that I needed to get inside that escarpment, because there were several indications that it was just a system of tunnels and chambers, and that I needed to, basically, just go chamber by chamber, tunnel by tunnel, and whatever, systematically go through there, until I found the ark of the covenant, or until I didn't find it. And so, anyway, we found it on January 6th, 1982 at approximately 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

And so, when I found it, it was in a situation that I had not anticipated or expected, that was that it was in a chamber that was totally filled with what appeared to be debris. And what turned out to be a bunch of materials of furnishings of the first temple, covered first by animal skins, then that covered by boards, and then these covered by stone, just whatever they could get their hands on, looked like. It looked like it had been done in a hurry, looked like they just grabbed everything, whatever they could get to fill the place, and I was still a little fuzzy on why that would be done, but I don't see that I need to know everything. When God does something I just know it's done perfectly, so. On the occasion of my fourth visit into the area, I was gonna make another attempt at getting some video footage.

Bill Fry: Get some what?

RW: I was going to make an attempt to get some video footage.

Bill: Oh, okay

RW: Up to that time I had not had any success with any kind of reproduction attempt that I made. That included Polaroid cameras, 35 mm cameras, a VHS camera, video system. So anyway, I went into the chamber and lowered myself in there, and of course, there, the thing that became apparent immediately was that the place was totally cleaned. Somebody had done what I had decided that I was going to have to do, and that was to clean every, haul the debris and everything out. And I guess I should say a couple of words here, that the ark of the covenant was not covered in all this debris like everything else was. It was in a separate container, within walls, a stone box. And this extended from the floor, which I didn't know at the time, the dimensions or whatever, but anyway the box extended up to within approximately three inches of the ceiling.

BF: Was it sitting on top of something else?

RW: Well, the fact of the matter was, Bill, that I never did get in there and measure everything, and so I really don't know.

BF: Okay

RW: Looking back on that, I would have had to have been there when the cleanup took place in order to know all of that, and I simply was not there. But anyway, the ark of the covenant, the mercy seat, was set in a manner under the crack that came down, that extended down from the crucifixion site above, so that the blood went on the top of the mercy seat, and then, anyway when it was all cleaned up and situated, positioned, it still appeared to be in that same position even though it was no longer in the box. And there are several things that are rather remarkable about what had happened there: the place was cleaned up, and the ark of the covenant was sitting against the wall at the east end of the cave, and the cave is not perfectly oriented east, west, north, or south, it's just on the eastern end, basically, of that. Behind this is this crystalline wall that emits the colors of the rainbow.

BF: This is the wall behind the ark?

RW: That's correct. It's a vertical, vertical wall.

BF: Now the ark was facing you if you were standing looking at it, is that correct?

RW: Yes, that is correct, at that point in time. And I got a phone call on this that I'll share which was kind of unusual, it's one of the things that made me decide to talk about it, to say something about it. And that is, that I got a phone call from this fellow, and he says, "Ron," he says, "would you describe what the ark of the covenant, what it looked like, to me?" And I said, "Well, I don't do that." And I have a... you know, I just haven't done that. And so, anyway, I said, "Why do you ask?" and he seemed a little distressed with the whole thing, you know, and he said, "Well, I had a dream." and I don't remember if it was the night before I was talking to him, or that day, or, anyway, it hadn't been too long since he had had this dream, and he said, "I've been praying since I heard about the ark of the covenant, that the Lord would let me see what it looked like, I just felt a real burden to see what it looked like," and he said, "I had this dream, and I was in this chamber in this dream," and he said, "The ark of the covenant was right in front of me." basically, and he said, "However, the wall behind the ark of the covenant," and he described it perfectly, you know

BF: Like what you'd seen.

RW: Right. And he said, "I got so distracted by the colors and all the rest of this rainbow, that I did not look and zero in on the ark of the covenant." and he said, "the dream went away without my having had a good look at the ark of the covenant." So that was a bit of a surprise, and an (observant?) one, I might add, that indicated that God, you know, wanted people to, didn't mind people having a description of it, at least, and at least this one fellow. He didn't seem any more unusual or different than anyone else, and there were several other people that have asked. And he seemed to be an honest guy and all of that, and I don't think he could have made that description without having seen it, there's no way it could have happened.

So anyway, I at that point said, "Well, just be grateful that you got to see inside the chamber, because I'll verify that's what it looks like." But then I said, "I guess that I probably ought to do something to give a general idea of what the ark of the covenant looked like. So at the time I decided to get Jim Pinkoski to work me up some (drawings), you know? And so, anyway, back to the experiences, when I got in there, the light, the room has its own light, and I made that inference that it didn't happen until I had gotten inside the chamber and was just standing on the floor of the chamber. I did all my gettin' in in the dark, so when the thing's kind of lighted up, I was really shocked by what I saw, that is the place had been cleaned out, and that there were four people in there. And so basically, I was going to ask, "What are you doing in here?" because I'm the only one I knew of that had permission or the right to be in there, and at that point, I became aware that my physical condition was altered so that I knew I was in the presence of angels, you know, that these were not just people, because I couldn't breathe, I couldn't move, I couldn't talk, couldn't do anything. And so, anyway, at that point, just basically keep in mind that I was very, very ??scorned?? by the whole thing. So the one angel talked to me and briefly said that they had been watching over the ark of the covenant since Moses had put the tables of stone in there, and that God wanted everyone to see this at a particular time. And so, anyway, he told me to set up my, um

BF: your video camera?

RW: yeah, to set that up on a tripod, and which I set up primarily because it had been kind of drummed into my head that "you would've got a better picture if you used a tripod," so anyway, I set this all up and aimed it at the ark of the covenant. At that point I turned it on and went on to the angels went and took the corners of each of the ark, of the mercy seat, and lifted it, and the one angel that talked with me said, "Get the tables of stone out of the ark of the covenant." So I went over and leaned down, and took them out.

BF: Ron, could you speak up? I'm having just a little bit of trouble hearing you.

RW: Okay, I'm sorry. Yeah, I leaned in and picked up the tables of stone and backed away, and they lowered the mercy seat back into position. And then I just stood there with the tables of stone, and the angel came and got them, and took them from my hands, and put them on a stone shelf, or ledge, whatever.

BF: Right there next to the wall?

RW: Right, you know it's part of the wall right near the exit.

BF: The original exit?

RW: Yeah.

BF: So that would be, I guess, on the south side?

RW: Uh huh.

BF: Okay

RW: The south side. And so, anyway, the

BF: Now, let me ask you a question here.

RW: Okay

BF: Cause when you told me this before, you know, you told me you took the tables of stone out, and then the angel told you something about the tables of stone.

RW: Yeah, he told me that it had to do with when these were to be shown to the world.

BF: Right

RW: Two things were stated, one that if I was faithful I would have the privilege of sharing this, and the second was that when the mark of the beast law was in force, that shortly after that, was when this would take place.

BF: Okay

RW: And here is a little bit of a conundrum: it wasn't stated as the mark of the beast law, it was stated, "when the Sunday law," but I tell people, and I think it's wiser to tell people that, since it's not lying or deceiving, is that when the mark of the beast law is in force.

BF: Right. But the angel said "Sunday law"?

RW: That's right.

BF: Okay. Well, I'll certainly do it that way.

RW: OKay. And so...

BF: Now, if I remember correctly, at that point you said, I don't, you didn't know what to do with the tables of stone, because you were holding them.

RW: Well, I didn't, what the thing I didn't know what to do with was later, was after I had taken the video back to my room and checked it to make sure that I had the you know, video.

BF: Yeah

RW: I didn't know what to do with that. So I went back to the cave to ask the angel what I should do with that, and he said I should put it on the tables of stone.

BF: Right on the shelf

RW: Yeah, and on top of the tables of stone, they were both there.

BF: And as far as you know, that's where they are today.

RW: That's right, as far as I know.

BF: Okay. Now, did the angel indicate any kind of sign that you would be given other than the mark of the beast law?

RW: Uh, no.

BF: Okay. Okay, I kind of got you off track, okay, after he took the tables of stone and put them on the niche near the original exit, I kind of interrupted you there. What happened after that?

RW: At that point I left through the old entrance.

BF: The original entrance?

RW: Right

BF: And was that the first time you had been through it?

RW: That was the first time I had been through it. BF: So that's how you ended up finding that. RW: Uh huh. BF: Okay, they apparently had cleaned that out, too. RW: Well, it had, they had cleaned that one out, yeah. I had done some work prior to this, but my work, uh, apparently, well, just to be perfectly honest, this whole system, if they want you to see and get through, it's easy, you know, quick and easy. And if they don't, you couldn't find it to save your life, or I couldn't. BF: Oh really? RW: Yeah BF: So it's not just as simple as walking through a tunnel? RW: No, it's not. And I know that sounds a little science fiction-ish, but BF: Well, that's the nature of caves and tunnels, if you've been in them before. RW: It's also the nature of if God wants you to see something or not. BF: Exactly. RW: And so, as far as I know, I'm the only one that has been in there, but I'm not there all the time, so I really don't know about this. But I don't know for a fact that nobody else has been in there. BF: Right RW: Now there's some, several people that have lost their lives, directly or indirectly, in an attempt to either move or prevent the continuation of the work on the ark of the covenant. BF: Right RW: Alright, now I do not want to get into details on that. BF: OKay RW: For the simple reason that, and I think you probably know this, that the Bishop of the angels of the church, who is basically the head of the Garden Tomb died within a month of telling me that I couldn't excavate out there anymore. BF: And that was shortly after Reverend White retired. RW: Um, yeah. And so, anyway, there's a whole bunch of people that, you know I didn't say that, I've never said that he died because of that to anybody, I didn't verbalize it. BF: It was just a matter of fact. RW: I've verbalized that there have been people that have died, and they've put two and two together because, you know, working there, they were giving orders to me not to be able to do anything anymore, and God rescinded that, they all died, so of course, they put all that together. BF: I don't know that it's really necessary to address that aspect of it, because nobody's asking about that part. RW: I think we ought to just skip that. BF: The only other thing that would relate to anything happening in the chamber and that type of thing is back when those six people got killed trying to get in there to the ark and move it. RW: Yeah, and this is why I saw I had rather not BF: Okay. Because I know you told me that story, but, okay, that's fine if you don't want to go into that. RW: Well, the situation is that if we get on the page, web page, with a bunch of stuff, at some point some of the people that are keeping an eye on me, and they might not like the direction I'm taking or something. So I figure that I would just lump it into a statement that there have been those that have lost their lives, directly or indirectly, and just let it go at that. BF: Okay. Can I just ask you one thing on a personal note, and this won't be any part of what we're talking about doing here, who was it that initiated those men going in there trying to move that thing, do you know? RW: I didn't ask. BF: OKay RW: The idea was that it's in occupied territory, they wanted to get it into unoccupied territory, and ordinarily, I'm all for that. Because I sure don't want Yasser Arafat ending up with it. BF: Right RW: But I know he isn't gonna. BF: Right, it's not really an issue. RW: Right, but that was what I was given to be the reason, but as to who made that decision, well you know, I didn't ask. BF: Right. Are the golden poles still either on or around the ark? RW: Well, they are not in their slots anymore. BF: But they are in the chamber? RW: Right. They are in the chamber. The impression I got, or I may have gotten is, well, I came out of there with, I think, a lot more information in my head than was verbalized by the angel. I don't know if that makes any sense to you or not. BF: Yeah, I think so. RW: And so the bottom line is that I think the ark of the covenant is fulfilling its final destiny and that is to prove to the entire universe that God's Son actually gave His life, you know, to redeem the human family. And that proof will stay throughout eternity. BF: Okay. Anything else you want to add? RW: I think that's about it, Bill. BF: Okay. Ron, I appreciate it. RW: I appreciate you looking after these things, because you know, I have to have this pain medicine, and it grogs me a bit.. and it's nice to have someone that can help me get these things across so that they won't be misstated or whatever. BF: You know we'll do everything we can. Uh, listen, I'm probably not going to get a chance to work on this until after I get back from the meeting in New Orleans. RW: Oh, okay BF: Because I'm leaving tomorrow, and I've still got some things to do around here relative to getting ready for Sabbath and for the trip. So I probably won't get to work on it until early next week. But I'll be back in touch with you and email you a copy before we post anything. RW: Okay, that'll be great. BF: If you would, and I've already talked to Mary Nell about this, please pray for me in this meeting, because I really think the Lord's presenting an opportunity here. There's going to be a large number of people there. RW: OKay, alright, we sure will. BF: Thanks so much, Ron, and take care, and know that I and many, many others are still praying for you. RW: I appreciate that very kindly, I really do, and I can tell that that's happening. And I just want you know I appreciate you, Bill. BF: Thank you, Ron, and we appreciate and love you. Let me ask you before I go, did you get that newspaper with Ross just exactly the way you wanted it? RW: Well, we got it pretty close. Mary Nell learned pretty well how to do what he does. And we got it quite close, or closer, with just a few little typos, and I'm going over that sheet by sheet. So we were thinking about maybe getting some copies printed up for handing out down at the meeting. BF: Oh, no, there's no time to do that now. But I'm looking down the road a bit. RW: Well, it shouldn't be very long. We should be by the end of next week, have it ready to be printed, I guess. BF: Oh, really? That quick? RW: I think so. BF: That would be great, it would be great. Okay, well, Ron, we're gonna let you know, 'cause I know you're tired. If there's anything I can do for you, or Mary Nell, give me a call, and we'll do what we can. RW: Well, we're more or less getting things into a routine. Things keep changing a little bit, anyway, and learning to live with all of this. well, okey dokey, thanks, Bill. BF: Okay, God bless, bye bye.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews_ron_wyatt.html

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Girl of 14 begs court to send her prison in Trinidad

San Fernando (Trinidad and Tobago), SVM News, November 17, 2007: A-14-year old girl sincerely begged the magistrate's court of San Fernando in Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on November 16 to send her to the Women's Prison.

The girl believes that she will be abused more if go back to her siblings; but could benefit from counselling in the prison.

The girl is a Form One student of a secondary school in south Trinidad. She was brought to the court on Friday through summons for uncontrollable behaviour, on the recommendation of Social Welfare Officer, Monica Dash.

She admitted before the court that she is often influenced by men who abuse her on the streets.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that the girl's sister-in-law witnessed the court that the girl had been seen with men who take advantage of her. She also told that the girl does not know who her mother is. Her father is 70 years old and is unable to supervise her due to his age. She would often leave home for school in her uniform, but changes along the route into pants and blouse.

But acting Senior Magistrate Ramraj Harripersad, presiding in the Petty Civil Court San Fernando forced to send the girl back with her siblings. As the girl’s sister-in-law who accompanied her, left the courtroom, she warned that the girl was unruly and was likely to end up again on the streets.

Magistrates stated that homes for children were packed to capacity, and on the other hand, he could not commit a minor to prison.

But, with swollen eyes, the girl begged the magistrate that she wanted to go to the Women's Prison. A stunned magistrate asked: "What! Do you know what there is like...you want to be a guest of the prison at age 14? It is perhaps you envision the women's prison where you could have lots of laughs as portrayed on television."

Magistrate Harripersad was about to make an order to commit the girl to St Jude's Home for Children, but the female court prosecutor Cpl Sampson Moore-Phillip, told him that the home was overpopulated.

Atttorney Ainsley Lucky who was sitting at the bar table, jumped to his feet and with the magistrate's permission to appear amicus (friend of the court), admonished the girl and advised her against opting to go to the Women's Prison.

Saying that he was indeed taken aback by the girl's plight, Harripersad commented that the case struck at the root of the deep social crisis of the country's youth population. "This girl does not know her mother, and her father is 70. She is prone to all kinds of things, where the attendant social illnesses of sexual abuse, drugs and HIV, will befall her if the powers that be do not take cognisance," he said.

The magistrate said that it was with a heavy heart, he must return the girl into the care of the sister-in-law. He ordered that welfare officer Dash be informed that some form of rehabilitation be provided for her.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews272.html

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Dalit man burnt alive in Madhya Pradesh in India

Dhar (Madhya Pradesh, India), SVM News, November 13, 2007: A Dalit villager burnt to death by upper-caste people in Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh in India on November 10.

Kailash Bagri (40) was burnt alive on Saturday by a group of 50 armed men for beating an ox belonging to his upper-caste neighbour that had strayed into his field.

Shankar, Kailash Bagri's son told that they all converged at their house brandishing swords.

"My father ran some distance but they eventually caught him and burnt him to death...all because he beat an animal," Shankar said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service. "Our family was so terrified that we ran for cover," he added.

A senior police official said the case was detected on Monday; but he denied reports that the man was burnt alive.

Chanchal Shekhar, District Superintendent of Police (SP) of Dhar said, "They tried to conceal their crime by burning and disposing the body, but we have seized the evidence."

SP continued that the police authorities haven't been able to make any arrests since the accused are absconding.

Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches in India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries condemned the incident.

Atrocities against Dalits from upper-castes are common in India. Low-caste people are being known as Dalits.

Two Dalit women named Devorati and Kamala were being thrown out of government hospital and died after they gave birth of two babies in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh on November 1 by the health officials for the inability of paying additional bribe.

A Dalit Christian woman, Chellarian Rita, found murdered while attempting of the rape on October 19 in Kannur District of Kerala.

Another Dalit woman, Suman, was tied up to a tree, severely beaten and forced to drink urine on October 10 at the village of Tili Aanvili in Hosangabad district of Madhya Pradesh for refusing to harvest crop alone in an entire farm.

In September, a Dalit woman was burnt alive by upper-caste men in northern Uttar Pradesh state, after her son eloped with a girl from their caste.

Earlier in August, a policeman in eastern Bihar state had drowned two low-caste girls by throwing them in a river for stealing firewood from his orchard.

Caste-based discrimination is banned in India, but upper-caste Hindus still practice all forms of discrimination, including not allowing the low-caste to worship at temples and insisting that they drink from separate village wells.

The most menial jobs, including cleaning of sewers and night soil, often manually, are also largely done by Dalit community members, who comprise about 160 million of India's 1.2 billion population.

A major portion of Dalits believing Jesus Christ and worshipping God in the Spirit and the truth because of the discrimination of the upper-caste people. There also the fundamentalists do not allow them to live with peace; but persecuting and torturing widely.

Earlier this year, a United Nations committee, equated violence against Dalits with racial discrimination and has questioned India's record on treatment of the socially marginalized.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has called upon the Indian government to ensure an immediate end to the violence on Dalits.

The report found that the "de-facto segregation of Dalits persists" and highlighted systematic abuse against Dalits, including torture and extra-judicial killings, as well as an "alarming" extent of sexual violence against Dalit women.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews271.html

Monday, November 12, 2007

Christmas New Year Greetings of 2008 in 600 Languages


Kerala (India), SVM News, November 12, 2007: The Salem Voice Ministries published Christmas New Year Greetings of 2008 in 600 languages in a special website, titled "Salem Voice Ministries (Christmas New Year Special - 2008)". It can be accessed at http://www.salemvoice.bravehost.com

Some of the beautiful Christmas New Year cards and Christmas messages also published in seperate pages of the website.

It has been compiled and published by Pastor Paul Ciniraj Mohamed, the President of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries.

Anybody can copy Christmas and New Year Greetings from this website and send it to others in their own languages around the world for free of cost. Also it will be permitted for those who asks to make a link with this greetings page for any of the websites, weblogs, news letters or any other publications. The webmaster of the Salem Voice Ministries said.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews270.html

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Two army officers killed by Soldier in Kashmir


Jammu-Kashmir (India), SVM News, November 10, 2007: A soldier shot and killed two of his colleagues, including a junior commissioned officer in the premises of 16 Corps Counter-Insurgency Battle School at Bhalara near Bhaderwah in Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir around 12 noon on November 10.

The two army officials, Subedar Siju Alex (35), a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), and havaldar Brij Behari, a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) were murdered on Saturday in the shootout by Sepoy Vivek Kumar Sharma, who was undergoing training at the Balra Corps Battle School.

Lt. Col. SD Goswami, the defence spokesman in Jammu, said the soldier, identified as Vivek Kumar Sharma, 'ran amok and killed a JCO and an NCO with his service rifle in the Corps Battle School at Bhalara'.

Vivek Sharma had been arrested and a court of Inquiry ordered to ascertain the reason behind his action.

Subedar Siju Alex, a Christian, son of Kulamakkal Chandy at Chempakappara in Idukki District of Kerala died on the spot. He belonged to the Pathankot-based, 105-Air Defence Regiment and he was on 15 days special duty in battle school. He completed his special duty on Saturday and was becoming ready to go back to his regiment.

Siju Alex leaves his wife Jaisy and two children Allan and Arun. Jaisy is the daughter of Kaliyanikkal Chacko at Maradi in Kerala.

Siju's relatives said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service that there is inexplicability about his death. They have contacted Mr. A.K. Antony, the Defence Minister of India for furthur actions.

Fragging continues to haunt security forces in the Valley despite various stress-busting techniques and tough action against erring soldiers.

Major P. Alexander was killed by sepoy Mohan Munda in the Gurez sector near the Line of Control in Kashmir on July 24. He was the highest-ranking officer to die this year in such an incident.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews269.html

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Man attended prayer vigil killed by officials in Trinidad

San Fernando (Trinidad and Tobago), SVM News, November 07, 2007: Man attended night prayer vigil shot and killed by police at Magistrate's house on November 6 at 2.30 am at Rousillac village in San Fernando of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Joel Ramsingh, 21, an employee of the San Fernando City Corporation, had attended a prayer vigil for the nation on Monday night at the St Peter's Spiritual Baptist Church, Navet Road, San Fernando was the man killed by officers at a house in Rousillac owned by Magistrate Rae Roopchand.

Police authorities say that Ramsingh and an accomplice got shot during a shootout with police who had responded to a call that two men were seen removing household items from Roopchand's house.

Police said they received information of "unusual activity" near Roopchand's home. They investigated and there was shooting.

Ramsingh died and the other man, who is from La Brea, sustained gunshot wounds and has been warded in stable condition at the San Fernando General Hospital where he is under police guard.

Ramsingh's relatives said he went to his house after the vigil but later received a phone call, after which a car arrived and he left in it. Police have since reported that and the other suspect shot at officers when they were intercepted at the magistrate's house in Rousillac. Police shot back, killing Ramsingh and wounding the accomplice.

The entire congregation of the St. Peter's Spiritual Baptist Church was shocked at his death.

One of the woman leaders of the night vigil said to Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service that he was baptised at the church three months ago and had turned his life around. "He never committed any major crime but he had changed his lifestyle and was going to church regularly. He didn't deserve to die that way", she added.

Ramsingh and family were former Hindus and Indians. His wife and two children live at Blitz village, Pleasantville. They said he did not own a gun and was not a thief, but born-again man of God.

Mother Smith, Ramsingh’s spiritual mother said, "Since his baptism, he has become very spiritual. He has been participating in the (nine nights) prayers right here, every night since it started.

"Up to Monday night he was here and left around 11.30 pm saying he was going home as he wanted no part of (the election) victory celebrations of the People's National Movement's victory at the polls in the San Fernando East constituency," she said.

Ramsingh said he had not voted, and was not interested in the fete," she continued.

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a lovely twin-islands in between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean in the West Indies, off the coast of northeast Venezuela.

Trinidad is separated from Venezuela by 11 km (7 miles) off the Gulf of Paria. Tobago lies 33-km northeast of Trinidad.

Trinidad and Tobago comprises 5,128 square km in which Trinidad covers an area of 4,828 square km and Tobago covers 300 square km.

As per the census Indian 40%, African 37.5%, mixed 20.5%, other 2%.

Roman Catholic 26%, Hindu 22.5%, Anglican 7.9%, Baptist 7.2%, Pentecostal 6.8%, Muslim 5.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 4%, other Christian 5.8%, other 14%.

English (official), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), French, Spanish, Chinese are the languages.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews268.html

Friday, November 2, 2007

Two Dalit women killed in hospital for not paying additional bribe for delivery

Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh, India), SVM News, November 02, 2007: Two Dalit women being thrown out of government hospital and died after they gave birth of two babies in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh on November 1 by the health officials for the inability of paying additional bribe.

Devorati (25), who gave birth to a boy around 5 on Thursday evening, was the first to die. Her husband Dilip had admitted her to the government hospital after bribing an official with Indian Rs 500/- ($13). As per government norms, admission to hospitals is free and women coming for delivery should get Rs 1,400 ($37) as an allowance under the Janani-Suraksha Yojna meant for pregnant women under BPL (Below Poverty Line) category. But on the contrary, Dilip was asked to pay an additional Rs 1,000 ($26).

"Soon after childbirth, the medical staff demanded Rs 1,000. When I said I had no money, they threw out my wife despite the fact that she was bleeding and had not regained consciousness", Devorati's husband Dilip said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service.

Dilip took Devorati and new born boy back to his village, but her condition deteriorated rapidly and died.

Right after three hours, Kamla, wife of Ramprakash of Ambarpur village also was thrown out of the hospital just after she gave birth to a girl child when her family members refused to pay a bribe of Rs 500 and instead demanded Rs 1,400 as of their allowance from the government.

Enraged by their deaths, villagers laid a siege on the hospital and thrashed the staff.

"I have received complaints about doctors' not coming to the hospital and demanding bribe. Anurag Patel, ADM of Kanpur City has been asked to conduct an inquiry", an official told.

Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and Director of the Salem Voice Ministries (http://salemvoice.org/about.html) condemned the brutality towards Dalit women in Uttar Pradesh. This shocking incident is absolutely shame in Uttar Pradesh where a Dalit woman Mayavati came to power as the Chief Minister.

"Where we have to go for the justice? Don't we have right to live here? Attack towards christians, dalits and other minorities being increase widely thoughout India. Priests, pastors, missionaries, evangelists and believers murdered, beaten, abducted and jailed. Women are being raped. Churches and institutions stoned, vandalized and demolished. The authorities and the police joining hand in hand in many places with the attackers," Ciniraj said.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews266.html

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Five Missionaries murdered in China

Gansu (China), SVM News, November 01, 2007: Five Christian Presbyterian missionaries of America murdered at the city of Lienchow in Gansu province of China last week.

Nikki Canady of the Central Christian College of the Bible informed the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service that one of his friends telephoned him and told about the brutal murder of 5 missionaries in China.
City of Lienchow is also called Lanchow.

Chinese Government is rumored to begin the exile of many missionaries in the Gansu province.

Nikki Canady asked Salem Voice Ministries (http://salemvoice.org/about.html) for requesting all the children of God and prayer warriors to pray for the continued safety of those still in the Gansu province and other parts of China, for boldness of faith, for open hearts and minds, and for an increased harvest in that area.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews265.html

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Salem Voice joins to pray for Persecuted Church with IDOP

Kottayam (Kerala, India), SVM News, November 1, 2007: The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) conducting this year's global day of intercession for persecuted Christians on November 11. Its primary focus is the work of intercessory prayer and citizen action on behalf of persecuted communities of the Christian faith.

Pastor Paul Ciniraj, Director of the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM - http://salemvoice.org) and the President of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) told that SVM and CMCI join with the International Day of Prayer on Sunday, November 11, 2007.

The intercessory prayers will be having for the persecuted church during the worship services.

SVM and CMCI conduct special prayer meetings on Sunday afternoon and a special night vigil on Sunday night, starts at 6 pm to Monday 6 am (Indian time) to pray for the souls of the oppressors, the nations that promote persecution, and those who ignore it.

And also will be praying for those who request prayers during prayer meeting and night vigil.

Prayer is our fort; prayer changes things. God invites us to present Him our requests and to pray without ceasing. Persecuted Christians often plead for prayer to help them endure. The most we can do is the least we can do — pray.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews264.html

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Masked men kidnapped Christians from Pakistan hospital

North Waziristan (Pakistan), SVM News, October 30, 2007: Pro-Taliban militants kidnapped two Christian sanitation workers on October 26 from a hospital in North Waziristan in Pakistan.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that Naeem Masih and Shahbaz Masih were kidnapped by masked men from the main gate of Miranshah Headquarters Hospital in North Waziristan on Friday.

Two Christians were kidnapped five months ago but were later released. Local Taliban are suspected to be involved in the incidents though no group has so far claimed responsibility for the kidnappings. Christian residents of Hadyara village on the outskirts of Lahore were attacked earlier this month by men who also stormed the New Apostolic Church, established before the partition of the Indian sub-continent.

They had complained to the authorities that their church could be razed by Muslims angry that Christian prayers were aired by loudspeakers.

Members of the minority community had said that announcements were made through mosque loudspeakers asking Muslims from nearby villages to be ready for a "final attack". Other announcements urged businesses and farmers not to allow Christians on to their properties.

Around 1,000 Christians live in the locality of Miranshah.

Islamist militants in Pakistan have regularly threatened to kill Christian clerics in Southern Punjab's Khanewal district if they did not "embrace Islam and stop preaching Christianity."

Demanding equal opportunities "as promised" by Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, minority organisations in August had sought a ban on forced conversions and repeal of the stringent blasphemy laws in the Islamic country. SVM News reports.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews263.html

Monday, October 29, 2007

Militants kidnapped four Indians and two Polish in Nigeria

New Delhi (India), SVM News, October 29, 2007: Nigerian militants kidnapped four Indians on October 26 from an offshore oil rig near Harcourt Port in Nigeria.

Ajith Kamaraj (33), K. Mohandas (37), Vinod Dharmanath (32) of Vadakkakulam Village of Thirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu and Pandureng Tari (48) of Thane district in Maharashtra were the Indians kidnapped on Friday.

Polish nationals, Michael Konopacki, the ship's captain, and Jan Jomarski, a cargo operator, have also been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen. All were working in an Italian oil firm when they were abducted.

A prominent militant group claimed responsibility on Saturday for the kidnapping of six foreign workers and they demand $50 million USDollars for their release.

Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service reports that the Union Government is taking all steps to secure the safe release of four Indians.

Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs said, "We are in touch with the Indian Embassy in Nigeria and the company where the Indians are working. They promised to extend all support to us. We are confident of securing safe and early release of the Indians".

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews262.html

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Pastor stabbed to death in Philippines

Kidapawan City (Republic of Philippines), SVM News, October 27, 2007: Pastor of Jesus Is Lord Ministries was stabbed to death on October 26 in Barangay Perez of Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province in southern Philippians.

Pastor Martin Ambong (48) was brutally murdered on Friday early morning near his church with16 stab wounds on his body. His face was also flogged by a hard object.

Police registered a case and started investigation.

"Pastor Martin was murdered probably on Thursday after midnight", police said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service. "Villagers have seen his body first lying near the church on Friday morning", police added.

When the pastor murdered, his family was at their house in Barangay Poblacion. Pastor was staying at mission house. Mostly he used to spend his time over there.

"Pastor Martin Ambong has no known enemies. Such a good and humble man he was", villagers said to the SVM News.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews261.html

Friday, October 26, 2007

Catholic nuns attacked in Madhya Pradesh in North India

Indore (Madhya Pradesh, India), SVM News, October 26, 2007: Five Roman Catholic nuns belong to the Fransiscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) were attacked by Hindu extremists on October 25 in Indore in North Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Sister Sayujya and sister Jincy Nattekkadan were seriously injured and admitted in Arabindo Medical College.

"Nuns were beaten on Thursday night by a mob of 20 Bajrangdal activists, when they were return back after a cottage prayer meeting at their driver's house", Sister Geo FCC told the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service.

Sister Sayujya's leg has been broken. Sister Jincy has seven stitches in her head.

Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) condemned the attack towards roman catholic nuns of Indore.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews259.html

Christian Police Officer killed in Campus by Marxist and Hindu students

Kottayam (Kerala, India), SVM News, October 26, 2007: A police officer was beaten to death in between the clashes of two student group activists named SFI (Students Ferderation of India) and ABVP (Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) in a college campus on October 26 at Changanassery of Kottayam District in Kerala State, India.

M.C. Elias (46), the Additional Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI) in Changanassery was brutally murdered on Friday at about 10.30 am at NSS College campus by a rod hit on head by student activists.

"ASI M.C. Elias was trying to restore peace at campus, where activists from SFI and ABVP were demonstrating against the union elections earlier this month", police said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service.

SFI is the student's wing led by the ruling party, Communist Party of India Marxist, and ABVP is the BJP and RSS led student's wing of Hindu fanatics.

Twelve ABVP workers including RSS Secretary of Changanassery were taken into custody in connection with the incident and police surrounded NSS College because they think four accusers are hiding inside the college. Also police raided Sangh Parivar Centers in Kottayam District.

NSS College also run by a Hindu organisation called Nair Service Society. Management decided to shut down the college for a short term.

Elias and a few constables had come to the campus on request from college authorities who anticipated trouble as students belonging to the rival outfits boycotted classes and started demonstrations, sources said.

The Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Director General of Police (DGP) Raman Sreevastav visited the college and Elias' family. "RSS-BJP activists are behind the murder of Elias", DGP said.

"It is the first time a police officer killed in college campus and it is unfortunate", Home Minister said. State Education Minister M.A. Baby expressed shock at the incident.

"Government decided to give Rs. 6 Lacs (15,000 USD) for Elias' family", Chief Minister V.S. Achutanandan said.
SFI blames ABVP and RSS regarding Elias' murder. ABVP blames SFI killed Elias.

Both ruling parties and the opposition parties of Kerala had called a hartal (strike) in Kottayam district on Saturday in protest against the incident.

Elias is the son of Chacko and Kunjamma of Pillachira Mattathil House at Nalunnakkal, Vakathanam in Kottayam district. He leaves behind Suja, his widow and two daughters Sherin and Sneha and a son Akhil. His widow Suja is a teacher of a Lower Primary School. Sherin studies IXth standard in a High School, and Akhil VIIth and Sneha IVth standards in primary school. He and his family are the members of the Salem Voice Ministries (http://salemvoice.org/about.html) prayer fellowship in Vakathanam.

Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches in India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salam Voice Ministries condemned the incident. He visited Elias' house and conveyed deep condolence on behalf of the Christian medias and ministries around the globe.

SVM News with pictures: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews258.html

Monday, October 22, 2007

Prayer worker stabbed to death by fake bootleggers in India

Thrissur (Kerala, India), SVM News, October 22, 2007: A social and prayer fellowship worker stabbed to death on October 21 at Mupli Estate road in Thrissur District of Kerala State, India.

Shaju Kannampuzha (37) in Mupli was brutally murdered on Sunday night at about 9.30 by fake distillers of alcohol.

Vellikkulangara police arrested Rajesh of Themath at Kodunga and two others related with Shaju's murder.

The victim was killed by Rajesh and his friends because he worked against drugs and alcoholics and secretly informed about the fake distilling to the police.

"There are more people involved with Shaju's murder and they will be held soon", police said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service (http://salemvoice.org).

Rajesh was arrested while he came for the treatment at a primary health center for the injuries which he got during the murder of Shaju. He had been to the jail for an opium case and was released just three months ago and was involving to distill fake liquor.

Shaju was also a bootlegger about 12 years ago; but he had been confessed and turned back to God and became an active worker against drugs and alcoholics as a prayer fellowship and social worker.

Paul Ciniraj, the President of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries condemned the slaying of Shaju Kannampuzha.

SVM News with picture: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews257.html

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Two catholic nuns killed by bricks fallen on heads

Kottayam (Kerala, India), SVM News, October 21, 2007: Two catholic nuns of the Congregation of Teresian Carmalites (CTC) were killed by hollow-bricks fallen on heads from 60 feet high on October 21 in Kottayam in Kerala State, India.

Sister Magi alias Margurette Mary (31) and Sister Reshmi alias Thresiamma Thomas (34) of the Fatima Matha Convent at Nagampadom, Kottayam were the nuns killed on Sunday at about 5 in the evening.

The construction of a multi-stored apartment was progressing at the neighbouring site of the Convent compound. Building labourers were unloading the bricks through the lift. But at the fifth floor, the bricks were slipped and fallen down to the nuns, who were involving with cleaning the convent and its surroundings.

When incident occured, nuns were near the compound wall, which is just behind the constructing apartment. Their heads were totally smashed and died on the spot.

"Another sister Priya was also with them, but she miraculously escaped from the incident", Sister Iros, a member of the convent and the Principal of Madonna English School said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service.

Police registered a case against the building laboureres.

Paul Ciniraj, President of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and Director of Salem Voice Ministries (http://salemvoice.org) visited Fatima Matha Convent and expressed deep condolence on behalf of Christian medias and ministries around the globe.

Sister Magi was working as a teacher of Madonna English School in Kottayam. She is the daughter of Chakkappan and Mary of Poyya Thaliyanath in Thrissur District.

Sister Reshmi was a B Ed student at St.Xavier's College, Aluva. She is the daughter of V.A. Thomas and Thresiamma of Poonkavu Vadasseril of Alappuzha. She served about 15 convents. An year before she was the mother superior at Perumpalam Convent too.

SVM News with pictures: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews256.html

Dalit Christian woman raped and murdered in Kerala, India

Kannur (Kerala, India), SVM News, October 21, 2007: The dead body of a dalit christian woman was found in a thicket of shurbs on October 19 at Pazhayangadi in Kannur district of Kerala state, India. Police declared it was a murder.

Chellarian Rita (36), the wife of Jose Madakkudiyan of Ezhom kavumchal was the christian dalit woman brutally murdered while attempting of the rape.

"She died because of serious wound in her head", police said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service (http://salemvoice.org). A deep injury was found in her forehead. Her clothes were completely teared. Police said.

Rita had gone to the ration shop at Kannoth on Thursday morning from her house to purchase rice. But she did not come back. Her relatives and local residents searched her in the relatives houses till night.

Finally Jose, Rita's husband complaint to the Pazhayangadi Police Station at about 10 pm.

In the morning local people found scattered rice at the roadside near Kavumchal public graveyard. After sometime they found the dead body in a thicket of shurbs at the valley of the nearest hill.

Police discovered a liquer bottle alongwith scattered rice and chappals from the spot.

Mathew Policarp, the District Superintendent of Police investigating the case. Forensic chief Dr. S. Gopala Pillai visited to examine the incident place.

Rita is the daughter of Chellarian Charlie and Thekkan Mariam of Pilathara. She married with Jose about 14 years ago. They don't have children.

Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) condemned the slaying of Rita. He asked the government to find out the murderers and to arrest them immediately.

"Rita was brutally raped and killed. She is a victim of dalit christian persecution. The murderes must not have any kindness from the police, court, and government," Ciniraj said.

SVM News with picture: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews255.html

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Pastor and wife were brutally attacked in Kerala

Kalpatta (Kerala, India), SVM News, October 14, 2005: Pastor and wife were brutally attacked by unassailant attackers at Thrissilery in Wayanad district at 2.30 am on October 14.

Pastor Joseph Thadikkal (57) and his wife Ammini (52) of New India Bible Church were severely beaten and admitted in the Mananthavadi district hospital with serious head and leg injuries.

A police team investigating the case under the leadership of K. Madhusudanan, the Deputy Superintendant of Police.

"Few months ago Hindu organisations had complaint to the police against Pastor Joseph Thadikkal that he is converting people to Christianity", a local resident said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service..

But Hindu organisations said they have no connection with this attack.

Paul Ciniraj, President of the Christian Ministers of the Churches in India condemned the attack towards pastor Joseph and his wife.

"Persecution towards christians, dalits and other minorities are increasing thoughout India", Ciniraj said. "Priests, pastors, missionaries, evangelists and believers are being murdered, beaten, abducted and jailed. Women are being raped. Churches and institutions stoned, vandalized and demolished". he added.

SVM News with pictures: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews254.html

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Injil (Gospel) study version published in Tazi language

Kottayam (Kerala), SVM News, October 9 2007: Bible Society of India publishing the entire New Testament in Tazi language and the Salem Voice Ministries (http://salemvoice.org) distributing it among Muslims.

"Eternal Words of Life" has been already published by the Bible Society of India by name "Injil". It is a study version of the Gospel according St. Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

It has 340 pages, including cover pages. Introduction about the Bible, introductions about the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, maps of the Old Testament and New Testament periods, images of the third century and nineth century manuscripts and glossary are also included.

The entire New Testament is under printing and it will be released soon.

The terminology of the new book is familiar for Muslims, such as Ilah for God, Ilahi-puthran for Son of God, Isa for Jesus, Jibiril for Gabriel, Ibrahim for Abraham, Moosa for Moses, Davood for David, Sulaiman for Solomon, Yahya for John the Baptist, malakh for angel, musaliyar for priest, sahabi for disciple and anbiya for prophets.

A simple and detailed notes have been given in the margines from the Old Testament, so that any readers can easily understand the Gospel to attain salvation.

There are millions of muslims speaking Tazi language in India. It is first ever in the world publishing Bible for this group of people.

"We found a vast number of people are interested to read "Injil" and responding with questions and doubts. We do follow up ministry among them", Paul Ciniraj, Director of Salem Voice Ministries told.

One book costs 28 Indian Rupees, but it distributes freely.

There are about 40 questions at the end of the book. A full Bible will be given as a gift for those who answer the questions of the book.

SVM News with pictures: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews253.html

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Doctor allegedly gang raped and left half dead in Delhi

New Delhi (India), SVM News, September 25, 2007: A 25-year-old doctor working with Employee State Insurance Hospital at Basai Darapur in West Delhi has been allegedly gang raped and left half dead on September 20.

"The authorities of the hospital reported that general physician and resident doctor was found unconscious and brutally injured as a result of gang rape at the Raja Garden hostel of the state-run ESI hospital on Thursday night. She was admitted to the emergency ward in the same hospital," police said on Tuesday.

"Doctors informed that there were strangulation marks on her neck and injuries on her private parts. She was hurt badly and for better treatment she was shifted to a private hospital," said a senior police official investigating the matter.

Therefore, she is presently admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of Balaji Healthcare Hospital in Paschim Vihar. The doctors at the Balaji hospital said that she was still critical and unfit to make any police statement.

"We have registered a case under section 307 for attempting to rape and murder against unknown assailants. But it seems that the victim was gang raped. We will convert into a rape case after taking her statement," the official told.

She was hailing from punjab, and was living with her sister at the hostel.

Police officer of Moti Nagar police station said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service that they have registered a case under section 307 for attempting to rape and murder against unknown assailants.

The doctor was reportedly found on the floor with needle marks on her arms. Initial reports claim that there was an attempt to murder her after the alleged rape. Police said that she sustained injuries while resisting.

"Investigations suggest that the accused were familiar to the victim. We have identified them and would make arrests only after the victim's statement. We hope to record her plea in next two days," police said. "It seems that the victim was gang raped. We will convert into a rape case," official added.

Source: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews251.html