Bangladesh Christian Killed by ISIL

Islamic State are back in the news after the terrible bomb attacks in Belgium. But they have not been quiet in other countries either, and have recently claimed responsibility for stabbing a Christian to death in Bangladesh.

The group said Hussein Ali was killed as a “lesson to others”, according to an online group that monitors extremist activity.

Three attackers approached 68-year-old Ali on a motorbike while he was taking his regular morning walk in the town of Kurigram, and then stabbed him in the neck. Ali was very aware of the dangers he faced as a Christian, once telling a member of staff from Redcliffe College in England: “They don’t know anything, they don’t understand, forgive them.”

According to the US-based SITE Intelligence Group, Islamic State said on Twitter that a “security detachment” killed the “preacher” to be a “lesson to others”.

Over the last few months, Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the killings of two foreigners, attacks on members of minority Muslim sects and other religious groups, but police say a domestic militant group, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, was behind the attacks.

At least five militants of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen have been killed since November, as security forces have stepped up a crackdown on militants who are seeking to make the moderate Muslim nation of 160 million a Sharia-based state.

• Pray for the family of Hussein Ali as they mourn his death. Pray they will find comfort in their faith and know the love and peace of Jesus’ arms around them.
• Pray for Christians in Bangladesh who face increasing persecution and danger. pray for their protection, and for courage to continue to witness to their faith in Christ Jesus.
• Pray for Bangladesh, for the government to have wisdom in dealing with the Islamic militants, and for protection over this nation as it seeks to uphold freedom of belief.
• Pray for a move of the holy Spirit over Bangladesh, that many, including hte militants, will have life changing encounters with Jesus Christ ans come to know His truth and grace.

Psalm 23 vs 4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.“

Source: http://www.christiantoday.com