1. Said Musa, imprisoned in Kabul
Said Musa is still in prison in Kabul. We have been informed that a new Afghan lawyer has been appointed by the US Embassy to represent Musa. When Musa told the lawyer that he would not return to Islam, the lawyer refused to defend him in court, adding that it is impossible to defend someone in such a case in Afghanistan. The lawyer said that if Musa was brought before a judge, "the judge will give you three days (to return to Islam) and then he will execute you." We do not know if or when Musa will be brought before a judge in court. Musa says he is ready to testify for Jesus to the whole country. He asks for prayer that he will be brave in his testimony so that many will hear. There are Christians who are in regular contact with the family who are in another country. They are quite concerned about Said.
2. Shoaib, imprisoned in Mazar
A lawyer recently met with Shoaib in prison and offered him release in exchange for simply confessing that he is not a Christian. Shoaib refused to renounce his faith. The lawyer added Shoaib's statement to his case file. The police then brought Shoaib to the hospital barefoot and in shackles. The doctor responsible for his treatment said that Shoaib's statement is nonsense and that he should be hospitalized. The court says Shoaib should be in jail for another six months. Some believe that there are doctors cooperating with the court in giving Shoaib personality-altering drugs. Shoaib's father is desperate and begging for help. He has spent much of his savings on the case, but to no avail. He has said, "He is my son. No matter what he believes in, I have to help him." Shoaib has requested prayers for his family's salvation. We should also pray for the provincial governor of Mazar, who has the opportunity to intervene in the case, but who is probably afraid of the religious authorities.
