Muslims use government to attack Christian church

A Christian organization that works with persecuted Christian churches around the globe is reporting a small group of faithful is under attack by its local government – which has been egged on by Muslims.

The report comes from Barnabas Aid and addresses a church in Kyrgyzstan that was started by a missionary from Russia.

It was Marat Niyazaliev who started in 2011 the small home church, which grew to about 40 members – all from a background in Islam.

Two years ago local Muslim leaders starting filing complaints with local government bodies and saw local officers of the KGB shut down the church.

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A court fight resulted in a decision that only the State Committee on Religious Affairs could issue such an order, so his church was allowed to reopen.

But "those opposed … resented this outcome," the organization reported.

Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert and Nina Shea have collaborated to create “Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians,” which confirms that groups like Pew Research, Newsweek and The Economist also identify Christians as “the world’s most widely persecuted religious group.”

Those who opposed Christianity continued to increase their pressure, and eventually, Barnabas Aid reported, false allegations of indecent assault on a girl were leveled against the missionary.

"He thought the accusation was ridiculous, but the police showed him the statement written by the girl's mother (which she has since tried in vain to withdraw)," the group said.

Officials found it was "difficult" to make a case against him, so eventually they "changed" the charge to attempted rape, and took Marat into custody.

"Barnabas Aid is helping the family at this very difficult time for them, including help with Marat's legal costs. When Marat spoke to Barnabas Aid's representative in the region, he asked that his case be publicized at every official level," the group said.

"Marat believes the pressure is being applied to make him abandon the home church and leave the country to return to Russia. He and his family are determined to stay. He has asked for prayer, especially for the older children as they come under pressure at school because of Marat's situation," the group said.

Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert and Nina Shea have collaborated to create “Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians,” which confirms that groups like Pew Research, Newsweek and The Economist also identify Christians as “the world’s most widely persecuted religious group.”