On March 13 a court in Tirinyi, Kibuku District dropped the charges of kidnapping and “human sacrifice” against evangelist Hassan Muwanguzi after the complainant and his attorney twice failed
to show up in court. Muwanguzi, a lay leader with the Church of Uganda, is well known in the region for his wide-ranging evangelism. A prominent Muslim in the area, Nghangha Mubakali, had  accused Muwanguzi of kidnapping and making a human sacrifice of his daughter.

Muwanguzi told Morning Star News that Namusisi Budadu Biryeri, 21, had taken refuge with him after her father beat her for putting her faith in Christ. Police on February 27th found her alive, and she told them she had sought refuge with Muwanguzi after her father kicked her out of their home for becoming a Christian. Muwanguzi, a married father of six, has long housed converts from Islam in danger from hard-line Muslims.

After the charges were dropped, Muwanguzi’s lawyer told him that he should file a defamation case against his accusers so that he could be compensated. “I answered him that as a Christian I will forgive them, just as our master Jesus did,” he replied. Hours after Muwanguzi was released on bail on March 3, an Islamic leader urged Muslims in eastern Uganda’s Kachomo village, Budaka District to kill him. Muwanguzi, who has suffered life-threatening attacks from jihadist Muslims, said he was thankful for the prayers and support of a pastor in Kibuku District at a time when his fears threatened to overcome him.

“Also, I am very grateful for the many church members who prayed for me,” he said. “Though the case has been dropped, I still need prayers because persecution is still going on, and I still have fears since I am taking care of many converts from Islam. I need protection and support for these new converts. I know nothing will separate me from the love of Christ and in serving Him.”

Source: Morning Star News

Bible Study: Romans 12:18-20

JULY: PRAY WIDER that his accuser will see the difference Christ has made in his daughter’s life and will turn in repentance to Jesus. Give thanks Hassan’s accusers were unable to present real charges in Court agains him, and that the case was dropped by the judge.