In late April, 2017, a news article circulated by religious publications reported lions attacking and driving off three jihadists who sought to murder a “Christian” preacher in an unnamed Middle Eastern country. This story, which has more holes in it than Swiss cheese, was uncorroborated by any witnesses or viable evidence. Adding to the fantasy and sensationalism, the preacher stated that lions don’t even live in those parts.
The name of the pastor claiming this miraculous deliverance looked familiar (Paul Ciniraj) to us. Examining our records showed that we had written to him ten years ago (see below). Typical of many third world self-promoters, he was feeding gullible westerners incredible stories of woe and wonders as he fished for financial support.
What easy prey you religious are! You suspend your reasoning faculties and believe the tall tales of scammers because you dismiss the Gospel Truth of the Holy Spirit presented by His messengers. It’s just as Jesus said:
“I have come in My Father’s Name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive” (John 5:43 EMTV).
Paul Ciniraj put us on his mailing list in 2006, after receiving The Issues of Life from us. Here he relates a story about supposed believers being persecuted and slaughtered in Pakistan:
—– Original Message —–
From: Paul Ciniraj
To: the issues of life
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 4:24 PM
Subject: Mehaboob family in great distress.
Mehaboob family in great distress.
Dear precious saints in our Lord
Praise be to the Lord Jesus
It is an update on Dr. Mehaboob and family. Keep it confidential. I am upset hearing about Shalom Masih and precious little girls. Continue praying for them and the believers in Pakistan. Please send a message of comfort. Only God can comfort them: atanycostjesus@gmail.com
Also pray for our missionaries in Afganistan and Arabia. They are also facing troubles.
I am feeling like mentally disturbed. Please……. please pray for me too.
In the love of Messiah Yeshua
Pastor Paul Ciniraj,
Salem Voice Ministries.
http://www.salemvoice.com [No longer operational]
The update Paul included:
—– Original Message —–
From: Dr. Pauline Mehaboob
To: Paul Ciniraj ; Salem Voice
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 8:12 PM
Subject: Mehaboob family
My dear Pastor Paul Ciniraj
Greetings from Pakistan
Sorry for the sad news. The expected has been happened. Our dear Shalom Masih, the son of Dr. Mehaboob left us in his 14 years of age. He overcame the torturing and went with the Lord.
Few of our people allowded to see the dead body. At a moment they saw Dr. and Mrs. Mehaboob and the three daughters, who are younger to the deceased boy. Terrible to describe. They are tightened. Kept by gunmen. The accusers want them to convert towards Islam and join with the terrorists for working against christians. They refused. Little girls were raped in front of the parents. The older girl was rebuked, and they cut one of her breasts. We are unable to do anything, but pray.
Believers afraid. Is it the beginning of the great tribulation? Like Gideon we ask, if God with us, why then is all this happening? Pray for the believers. There is no way to escape. And very hard to live. Spirit of the fear moving around. Nobody is able to react. It is very diffictult for everybody to trust the person standing next. Who knows he is not a spy?
The blood of the martyrs are the seed of the church. I may be the next victim. I am ready to be a martyr. Same time I afraid revealing my personal details. I love my family and children. I want them to live for Jesus christ. I want them to live as a witness of Jesus Christ tomorrow, if His return is go beyond. It is my ambition. Most of the believers here keep the same concept.
Jesus Christ is the final authority. Final Victory belongs to Him. He is Victorious. Once again we surrender ourselves before the Lord. We thank God for the life of Shalom Masih. We thank God for the faithfullness of Dr. Mehaboob and family. We thank God for you and the Salem Voice Ministries for your prayers and supports. We thank God for the children of God around the world for their prayers.
Yours loving brother in our Lord Jesus
Habel (atanycostjesus@gmail.com)
For At Anycost Jesus Mission
www.atanycostjesus.bravehost.com [No longer operational]
Our response:
Paul and Habel,
I have red some of your Muslim literature. You cannot give credibility to the Koran. It is wholly ungodly and unfit for guidance in the way of godliness. It is demonic, the invention of devils. Do not give people the words of devils as though they are the words of God. That is not right. For this cause alone the wrath of God falls on you:
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?” (1 Corinthians 10:21-22 EMTV)
The Lord Jesus Christ reigns supreme In Heaven and on earth. The Muslims are just one of His instruments for chastening and correction. You are meddling in ways not good and suffering for naught. Read The Muslim Scourge. Also read, Islam: Neither Good nor Godly.
There are other things, too, that need to be repented of there. Read The True Marks of a Cult.
The truth makes free, if you take heed and walk in it. Hear the Truth, the Word of the Lord as He has made Himself known to us for the sake of all. Then, if you will obey His Voice, the God of Heaven will be your Comforter and Protector:
“The Name of the LORD is a strong tower. A righteous person runs to it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10 GW).
[Added note: If the Muslims will take seriously and obey the Koran, then they will have to kill or subdue all Christians, because that is what the Koran tells them to do. Convince them to obey the Koran, and you have signed your own death warrant. Obey God and do not mix with or given credence to the words of devils, acknowledging them as His, and He will be your God and will keep you. Take your choice of which you will have: Christ or devils. You cannot serve both.]Victor Hafichuk
www.thepathoftruth.com
There was no reply, but another newsletter of death and devastation followed a few days later:
—– Original Message —–
From: Dr. Pauline Mehaboob
To: Paul Ciniraj ; Salem Voice
Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 8:03 AM
Subject: The Older Girl Also Died
My dear Pastor Paul Ciniraj
Greetings from Pakistan
Sharon, the older daughter of Dr. Mehaboob found dead. During last days she was raped and one of her breasts was cut down. The mental condition of Dr (Mrs) Pauline Mehaboob, the mother of the diceased and raped children is completely disordered. She is violent and trying to kill herself. Pray for her. Pray for Dr. Mehaboob and the younger daughters Sherin and Shelvin as well.
The militants left the dead bodies of Shalom and Sharon in a deep pit alongwith a motorbyke, poured the petrol and burned them. The police declared a false statement that it was an accident and the petrol tank of the byke was opened while they were fallen into the pit and by a spark they were burnt. Everybody knows it is a big lie. But no one ready to open the mouth against it.
All of our believers are under terrible fear. They don’t want to come out of the houses. They don’t get needed materials for food. They don’t get proper treatments. Militants reign the area like a military camp by the support of the police and the military personals. Only God can help our people. Prayers are mostly wanted. It gives us courage to know that there are some brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ praying for us. It comforts us to think we are not alone. It increases our hope. It strengthens our faith. Thank you for your prayers. Also thank you for asking them to pray for us. Tell them our love and prayers.
Yours loving brother
Habel (atanycostjesus@gmail.com)
For At Anycost Jesus Mission
www.atanycostjesus.bravehost.com
Victor replied to Habel:
Habel,
From the “Doctor Pauline” email address, we read your words:
“The mental condition of Dr (Mrs) Pauline Mehaboob, the mother of the diceased and raped children is completely disordered. She is violent and trying to kill herself.”
You say, “All of our believers are under terrible fear. They don’t want to come out of the houses. They don’t get needed materials for food. They don’t get proper treatments. Militants reign the area like a military camp by the support of the police and the military personals.”
Then you say, “Only God can help our people.” Why is He not helping them? Why is He not living up to His own testimony in Scripture, His Word, as the One Who provides and protects? Concerning fear, His Word says:
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 MKJV).
Concerning food and all necessities, He says:
“I am old now; I have lived a long time, but I have never seen good people abandoned by the LORD or their children begging for food” (Psalms 37:25 GNB).
He says:
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; Jehovah will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalms 84:11 MKJV).
He also says:
Psalms 91:1-16 MKJV
(1) He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall rest under the shadow of the Almighty.
(2) I will say of the LORD, my refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him I will trust.
(3) Surely He will deliver you from the fowler’s trap and from the destroying plague.
(4) He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall trust. His truth shall be your shield, and buckler.
(5) You shall not fear the terror by night; nor because of the arrow that flies by day;
(6) nor for the plague that walks in darkness, of the destruction laying waste at noonday.
(7) A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; it shall not come near you.
(8) Only with your eyes you shall look and see the reward of the wicked.
(9) Because You, O LORD, are My refuge; if You have made the Most High Your dwelling-place,
(10) no evil shall befall You, nor shall any plague come near Your dwelling.
(11) For He shall give His angels charge over You, to keep You in all Your ways.
(12) They shall bear You up in their hands, lest You dash your foot against a stone.
(13) You shall tread on the lion and adder; the young lion and the jackal You shall trample underfoot.
(14) Because He has set His love on Me, therefore I will deliver Him; I will set Him on high, because He has known My name.
(15) He shall call on Me, and I will answer Him; I will be with Him in trouble; I will deliver Him, and honor Him.
(16) With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.
Tell me, is God a liar, or are those who profess to believe in Him liars? Which is it? Or is your faith in the prayers of others rather than in God? What is the problem, honestly and truly? I would like to hear your answers, Habel.
Victor Hafichuk
Another newsletter from Paul Ciniraj:
—– Original Message —–
From: Paul Ciniraj
To: the issues of life
Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 12:25 AM
Subject: heart-breaking news from Pk
heart-breaking news from Pk
Dear precious prayer warrior
Praise be to the Lord Jesus
How are you? We remember you, your household, your business and ministry in all of our prayers.
Once again I am forwarding the terrible news from the At Anycost Jesus Mission of Pakistan at the bottom of this message of mine.
I sadly found that somebody posting these messages from Pakistan at the news groups or sending it to the undisclosed receipients. Don’t do it please. Be aware of the seriousness. Only prayers can help them now. Otherwise it will harm them. We try to play with their life if we give unnecessary publicities. The militants have the complete moral support from the government, the military and the police. That’s why they are torturing the believers. If anybody moves against the militants they will wipe out the whole believers. Then they will declare to the world that those innocent and precious believers were the terrorists and they were killed by the military or the police by a fight. The world including me and you will be compelled to believe it and the further evangelisation will be stopped in that area. That’s what the militants want. If we keep patiance and pray continuously, our Lord will fight for His persecuted children. So please don’t give unnecessary publicity now, but pray seriously. You can forward these news as a personal message to your intimate friends and the prayer warriors of whom you know very well for their prayers.
If anybody wants to help them, there is a path to send them immediate donations in this website: http://www.atanycostjesus.bravehost.com . Also please send them at lease an email and comfort them by promising your prayers and supports. email: atanycostjesus@gmail.com . Those who keep the sincere relationship will be known their address and all other details. Don’t you think it is necessary?
Yours in the love of Messiha Yeshua
Pastor Paul Ciniraj, Director,
Salem Voice Ministries.
http://www.salemvoice.com
Victor replied to Paul:
Paul, I have some questions for you regarding this letter:
One, where is God now? Are there not enough people praying? Will God only respond to a certain minimum number of those who petition Him? Or is it that not one person is praying hard enough or with faith?
You say, “If we keep patiance and pray continuously, our Lord will fight for His persecuted children.”
Why is He not fighting for His children now? If they are His children, what kind of parent is He that He would not protect His children when they need the protection? Is He powerless to do so? If so, how can He be Almighty, Omnipresent, Omniscient God and Lord of lords? Is not your theology quite contradictory? What kind of god are you praying to anyway?
You write:
“If anybody moves against the militants they will wipe out the whole believers,” and “…further evangelisation will be stopped in that area.”
Is God’s arm shortened that it cannot save? How is it that the Lord delivered the entire nation of Israel, with all their cattle, belongings and spoils out of the hands of the oppressing Egyptians by the hands of two unarmed men? Were they sent donations? Did they need the prayers of others?
How is it that in one night, the Lord’s angel slew 185,000 Syrians who were besieging Jerusalem, while Israel did not have to lift a finger to resist or flee?
If the military, the police and the government are supporting those who persecute Christians to death, how will donations get through or serve any reasonable purpose? How will mammon stop the persecution or promote the work and power of God?
Why are you asking for donations if, as you say, “Only prayers can help them now”? Why have prayers not helped them thus far? Have you prayed for those people? Why has not God heard your prayers? Does God not say that “the fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous man avails much?” Was He speaking of one or of multitudes praying?
Why did not God stop Herod from killing James with the sword? Why did He not stop Stephen’s death by the Sanhedrin? Why were all the apostles killed? Was it because they were not getting enough donations? Was it because the church was not praying enough for them? If so, shame on the church and shame on the other apostles!
If you are a true pastor of God, then I expect you will give me straight, honest answers to these questions. If you can do so, I will listen.
Victor Hafichuk
Paul didn’t respond, but sent an update about a week later, reporting that Habel had been under attack and went missing (never to be seen again, according to this further report – https://www.bibles4mideast.com/home-1/2016/04/08/missionaries-and-families-wiped-out-in-central-asia) :
—– Original Message —–
From: Paul Ciniraj
To: the issues of life
Sent: Saturday, September 09, 2006 2:12 PM
Subject: habel
Dear precious saints in the Lord
Praise be to the Lord Jesus
How are you? We had a blessed full night prayer service during the last night. We specially remembered you all in our prayers.
As you know we were on the mission tour to Kumbakonam and came back early yesterday morning. And after the rest we were engaged with the night vigil.
I am sad to say that Habel and family (Habel, wife Yemima, a girl child of 4 years old named Axa, and a boy child of 2 years old named Victor) in Pakistan also got in trouble. They were being surrounded by the militants. Because he was the one initiated to bury Shalom and Sharon, the children of Dr. Mehaboob. But somehow they were able to escape by the grace of our Lord because of an information got little before the militants found their home. Immediately he tried to email some of his contacts for prayers but doesn’t know who else got his message. They had to flee without taking even an extra clothes to wear. Habel carried the girl child and wife carried the boy child. It was in the early morning, but the darkness did not fully disappeared. While on running, Habel’s leg was hit in a piece of wood and fallen down alongwith the child. He was unable to stand and think his leg was broken. From there he called me by his cell phone and gave me all these information. I heard through the cellphone voice that he was shouting his wife to carry both children and escape. I know he did not disconnect the phone, but the range was broken. After that I did not have any more information. I tried to call him several times, but no use. Kindly pray for this family.
Some people asked me to give them the address or phone number of Habel or Dr. Mehaboob. I am really sorry to say all these happened because of a telephone number Dr. Mehaboob gave to some trustworthy. That person made harm. Really that person was innocent. Just tried to help Mehaboob’s ministry through somebody in Pakistan itself and handed over the telephone number and location. That reached to the terrorists and made them harm. So I am really sorry to say that I cannot give you any of their phone numbers or the details of their locality
At Anycost Jesus Mission (http://www.atanycostjesus.bravehost.com) is an Underground Evangelisation Ministry. It is a sister mission of the Salem Voice Ministries. Their ministry is to win muslim souls unto the fold of Jesus at any cost. Number of evangelists are involving in this ministry in different nations. They don’t ask anybody any financial helps, but prayers only. They neither approach any oganisations nor individuals for suppots. It is not their business, but a deep commitment for our Lord’s Commission. They are ready to die for the glory of our Lord, for they expect an eternal life and an everlasting Kingdom. If they don’t get support, they earn themselves to support the ministry. It is the policy of the At Anycost Jesus Mission. It may be a relax if they get some support from somewhere.Those who trust in the Lord and have deep burden to the lost souls will be guided by the Holy Spirit to support them prayerfully at any cost.
Kindly pray for this ministry, its missionaries and their families and the believers.
Yors in the love of Messiah Yeshua
Pastor Paul Ciniraj, Director,
Salem Voice Ministries
http://www.salemvoice.com
We responded to Paul after another of his newsletters in 2007, sending him the previous correspondence with Victor reiterating his offer:
Paul, kindly answer our questions. What would or could be wrong with the truth? As I closed in my last letter, “If you are a true pastor of God, then I expect you will give me straight, honest answers to these questions. If you can do so, I will listen.”
Victor
Paul insisted he didn’t have to answer his contradictions against the Word of God, justifying himself in the name of his heathen trinity gods:
—– Original Message —–
From: Paul Ciniraj
To: Paul Cohen
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 9:23 AM
Subject: Re:
I am not a person of arguing the Word of God. Sorry!
I believe God the Father as my Creator, His only begotten son Jesus Christ as my Redeemer and the Holy Spirit as my Comforter.
in Jesus
Pastor Paul Ciniraj
Our final reply:
—– Original Message —–
From: Paul Cohen
To: Paul Ciniraj
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 9:39 AM
Subject: Re:
Not answering for yourself in those things wherein you are found to be contrary to God and His Word, you are found to be arguing against the Word of God. You add sin to sin by self-righteously declaring you will not argue.
You also complained in a letter to us that you were not asking for money. This last newsletter of yours is directly asking for money. You are a liar, Paul. You do not know God, and neither does He know you.
[End Correspondence]
You will see on Paul’s “Donate” page that he claims to operate by faith alone. If he was operating by faith, why is he making his requests known to men?
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6 KJV).
“But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret shall reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6 MKJV).
There is nothing too hard or impossible for God, the Lord and Savior of those who believe, and there is nothing too far-fetched to believe for those who call themselves by His Name but don’t look to Him in faith and obedience.
Interestingly enough, as this bogus story was circulating on “Christian” media, another story was making the rounds on mainstream media about some boars that attacked and killed three ISIS fighters. The pigs were much more effective than the lions, which merely chased away the Islamic attackers in Paul’s story, disappearing without a trace and leaving no evidence they were ever there – because they weren’t.