By Mark Woods
A pastor in Tajikistan has been arrested on charges of 'extremism' for having a book by a well-known US Christian author.
Bakhrom Kholmatov is a pastor in the Sunmin Sunbogym (Good News of Grace) Protestant Church, whose congregations have been raided by secret police. He was arrested at his Khujand church in April.
The church is an officially registered congregation. However, according to the Forum 18 news service, authorities put pressure on the congregation in an attempt to close it.
Bakhrom Kholmatov is a pastor in the Sunmin Sunbogym (Good News of Grace) Protestant Church, whose congregations have been raided by secret police. He was arrested at his Khujand church in April.
The church is an officially registered congregation. However, according to the Forum 18 news service, authorities put pressure on the congregation in an attempt to close it.
'Officers insulted the believers by shouting and swearing at them. They demanded that they renounce their faith and leave the Church,' members of the congregation said. They claimed some were beaten and others forced out of their jobs.
According to Forum 18, officers of the secret police told members that the words of hymns and Christian books, including More Than A Carpenter by American author Josh McDowell, were 'extremist'.Among the 'extremist' hymns were ones with lyrics saying, 'Praise God, oh the godless country,' 'God's army is marching' and 'Our fight is not against flesh and blood'. Church members pointed out that the words of these songs are references to texts in the Bible.
Christian Today article continues
Blogger's note: 'More Than a Carpenter' has been used by God to bring countless souls to faith in Christ. Link to Josh McDowell's bio.
Please pray for Pastor Bakhrom Kholmatov and his congregation as they face persecution for their faith in Christ.
Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice. Follow us on Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.
Blogger's note: 'More Than a Carpenter' has been used by God to bring countless souls to faith in Christ. Link to Josh McDowell's bio.
Please pray for Pastor Bakhrom Kholmatov and his congregation as they face persecution for their faith in Christ.
Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice. Follow us on Pinterest, and Google; like us on Facebook, and visit our website using this link.
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