Europe _ Islamic influence grows in Europe, threats from MBB believers increase

Muslim-Based Believers (MBBs) are facing threats not only in Islamic countries, but also in Europe, according to a recent report by International Christian Concern (ICC).

Even after migrating to countries like Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, MBBs still face criminalization from members of their former religion, ranging in severity from harassment, threats, vandalism, and blasphemy to arson, physical attacks, and in some cases, murder.

In particular, converts from Islam to Christianity are the primary targets of these crimes.

“The subtle persecution of MBB believers has definitely turned into open persecution,” says Syed Qoddle, leader of the Christian People's Alliance (CPA) in the UK, who has been involved in the issue since 2005.

Nisar Hussain, an MBB believer from Pakistan living in the UK, was attacked by two Muslim men. One of the men was armed with a pickaxe sack.

Another notable incident involved Hatun Tash, an MBB member and refugee from Turkey. She became an outspoken critic of Islam after arriving in the UK and was stabbed in broad daylight in London in July 2021.

However, it is in certain restricted areas, such as refugee camps in Germany, where persecution is more frequent.

Some of these attacks have been carried out by refugee camp guards who are Muslim.

Violence against MBB believers in Europe is so sensitive and politically controversial that some governments are reluctant to address the issue.

Most media outlets are reluctant to cover the problems faced by MBB believers for fear of being labeled Islamophobic. NGOs working with MBB believers experience frequent threats and physical attacks.

While European democracies are committed to religious freedom, MBB believers are not well protected. Throughout Europe, when MBB believers engage in religious activities, such as Bible study or baptismal preparation, they often do so in secret because they face great risk if their conversion becomes known to their families or communities.

In North America, MBBs do not face as severe persecution as in Europe, but they still face a great deal of rejection and psychological strain from family and society.

Psalm 91:1-4

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

🙏 Pray for

1. Protect MBB believers who are being harassed and threatened for being Christians, even in Europe, where they have been forced to flee their homes, and watch over their lives.

We especially ask for their safety in refugee camps and certain areas where persecution is common, that You will protect them under the wings of the Almighty and establish them firmly in the truth.

2. We commit into Your hands the principalities and powers of those nations that profess religious freedom but remain silent in the face of violence against MBB believers for fear of reprisal.

We ask that You will reign so that Your justice and righteousness will be practiced on earth. Restore the broken justice in this land so that all injustice will cease and the weak will be protected.

We pray that the churches of Europe will see this and will not remain silent, but will speak out bravely. We pray that they will look at their nations and repent of the darkness that is overtaking them, and that they will see a reversal that will revitalize the church in Europe.