by SVM News, April 11, 2007

Malabar, SVM News, April 11, 2007: Maheen Sathar, a Christian convert from Islam was locked up in a dark room for 17 days and released on April 9. He was locked up in a cellar by his brother-in-law (wife's brother) alongwith some other extremists on March 24.

Maheen Sathar was a strong believer in Jesus Christ since four years. But his wife Muneera did not believe in Jesus Christ. Maheen tried to convince her several times about the need of the Salvation, and also the importance of reading and meditating the Bible, the Word of God. But Muneera did not even listen him because she was infuenced by her brother Siddhiq Yasin, who is an extremist, working in Riyad in Saudi Arabia.

Last month Maheen Sathar was baptised. Actually he was waiting for the baptism for a long time, because he wanted his wife Muneera to be baptised with him. At last he alone decided to take baptism.

Muneera informed this to her brother and immediately he landed from Saudi Arabia. He wanted Maheen to confess back to Islam. He tried to carry him to Saudi Arabia by offering a great position. Also he offered a big house and its property as Maheen's own. But Maheen thoroughly said, "Lord Jesus is far... and very far above than any of the offers of this world. I may be killed, but I will never deny Jesus, for He is my Lord and Saviour who granted me eternal life."

This provoked Siddhiq Yasin and his gang. They brutally beaten him in front of his wife Muneera and locked him in a cellar. They did not provide him proper food and facilities. They did not even allow Muneera to see him at the cellar.

Everybody thought Maheen will be changed his decision and come back to Islam. But they found he is becoming stronger in the faith of Jesus day by day. So they took a decision to save Muneera from Maheen by killing him.

It was a shock for Muneera, for she never expected such a thought of killing would come from her brother and father. She personally prayed God, the Almighty. While she was praying she saw Heaven and Lord Jesus is sitting on the thrown. Maheen is at the palm of His right hand, praising Him alongwith the angels and washing human souls by the blood which flows like a beautiful stream from the heart of Jesus Christ alongwith the Word comes out of His mouth. Muneera tried to reach Maheen, but she could not. Because there was a big gap in between Heaven and Muneera. In fact, she had seen a bridge in the shape of a Cross over the gap; but it was taken back to heaven when she attempted to enter in it. That's why she could not go to heaven.

Muneera confessed with tears, accepted Lord Jesus as her Saviour and prayed for Maheen not to have any harm.

Then she called Rev. Paul Ciniraj Mohamed, the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries by telephone and told him all the details. He reached the place and met the believers first. There were very few Christian believers and all of them were converted from Islam. They prayed together and approched a politician. By his help they met a senior police officer and the police forcely released Maheen from the cellar.

At the same evening, a mob gathered with weapons to attack Pastor Paul Ciniraj under the leadership of Siddhiq Yasin. Immediately, some of the local people, who are secretly believing Jesus Christ did hide him from the spot to another house. Ciniraj believes that he was protected by God because of the prayers of the children of God.

Maheen and Muneera started a new life in a seperate house, under the special care of the Police Officer. But it is not good for them to continue their future life. Indeed they have to be rehabilitated to another safety place as soon as possible.

It is true that the politician and the police officer were somewhat useful for releasing Maheen from the cellar. But nobody can fully trust them, for they themselves being afraid some political or religious powers. They specially requested the SVM News Service not to mention their names anywhere regarding Maheen's case.

Maheen and Muneera did not overcome the dangerous situation yet. God alone has to protect them in His mighty hands. Asking continuous prayers for them.

"Christian persecution is increasing widely thoughout Asian and African countries. Many pastors, missionaries, evangelists and believers murdered, beaten and jailed. Churches vandalized. Authorities keeping silence or protecting attackers in several places. Hearing all these, many people showing their sympathy and leave it. We need prayers; continuous prayers from the dedicated prayer warriors", Rev. Paul Ciniraj Mohamed, who is also a converted Christian from Islam said.