Trial Of Faith

VOM News and Prayer Update: May 6, 2008

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

On April 21, the government in Kazakhstan brought charges against the Salem Church in the capital city of Atyrau, in Atyrau province, for holding “illegal” meetings under Article 374, part 1, of the Administrative Code, which punishes unregistered church activity. According to Forum 18 News, “The charges are a response to a group of Russian-speaking church members meeting regularly in a private home instead of the church’s registered address. The church’s leader, however, stated that the Administrative Code allows such groups to meet in a member’s private home, so long as important religious ceremonies-such as baptisms and weddings-are not conducted.” Meanwhile, local authorities have asked the New Life Church, also in Atyrau city, to re-register since their old registration did not indicate a legal address. Forum 18 reports, “Since the church does not currently have a building, re-registering will be difficult as Kazakhstan’s amended Religion Law demands that a church indicate a legal address. Church members fear they will be subject to penalty because authorities will now consider their church activity ‘illegal.’” Pray for wisdom for these churches and their leaders as they face pressure and opposition from authorities. Pray that the Word of God will continue to spread throughout Kazakhstan. Psalm 5:11-12

My hopes are that these Prayer Updates will better help the Christian who is living at ease, wherever that may be, to pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ Jesus.  The following is the latest Prayer Update from Voice of the Martyrs:

VOM News and Prayer Update: April 1, 2008

“We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;”   (1 Corinthians 4:12)

NORTH KOREA

North Korean Students Arrested for Reading the Bible - Free North Korea Broadcasting

Ten college students in Ham Kyung Book Do Chung, North Korea, were recently investigated and arrested for reading a Bible and watching a video CD about the Bible. According to Free North Korea Broadcasting, Mr. Jung, former vice president of GumRung Company of the Rodong Dang Labor Organization Department, reported the case and has since escaped to China to avoid arrest by the National Security Agency (Bowiboo). “In March 2006, 200 Life Bibles and several hundred CDs were purchased in China and secretly placed in flour bags before being smuggled into North Korea. This huge Bible smuggling case was headed by GumRung Company employees who were influenced by Christianity in China and underground Christians in Nasun City. All the leaders have been arrested and are being severely tortured. If I am caught, I will be sent to a prison camp for political criminals. I didn’t want to die in prison camp, so I escaped,” Mr. Jung said. In the Free North Korea Broadcasting report, Mr. Jung added that most of the arrested students attended Chung Jin College. “These students shared the Bible and video CD with their friends. They also distributed the Bibles and video CDs to the other college towns,” he said. Pray God encourages and protects believers in North Korea. Ask God to give them courage and for them to love their persecutors. Psalm 107:2

LAOS

UPDATE: Arrested Pastors Taken Back to Their Province - VOM Sources

On March 27, The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Laos reported that eight pastors arrested when entering Thailand to attend meetings had been picked up by police from their province and escorted back home to Laos. “The police from their province have taken them back to their province and put them back in prison again. We do not know how long they will be in prison,” VOM sources said. Pray for protection and courage for these pastors and their families. Pray they will love and forgive their persecutors. Joshua 1:9

INDIA

Nuns Attacked, New Anti-Conversion Bill Passed - VOM Sources

• MAHARASHTRA - On March 23, Sister Mercy Tuscano and Sister Philomena D’Mello were attacked by more than 49 Hindu extremists in Alibaug, Maharashtra, for allegedly converting tribal groups to Christianity. The nuns were injured in the attack, which included women who are followers of a spiritual leader in the area. Both nuns were treated in the hospital and have since been released. They are members of a non-governmental organization that extends humanitarian services such as AIDS awareness to tribal groups in the region. Pray for the recovery of the two nuns from their injuries. Ask the Lord to strengthen Indian Christians to continue serving the Lord despite facing pressure for their faith.
• RAJASTHAN - On March 20, the governing Bharatiya Janata Party in Rajasthan state passed a new “anti-conversion” bill that has stricter provisions than the previous bills passed in 2006. The new bill states that a society or trust found to be “contemplating” the use of money for converting people can have its registration canceled. Christians fear that this stipulation will provide the pretext for numerous complaints against Christian organizations. The bill also dictates that any person who intends to convert must send a notice to the government at least 30 days in advance or face a fine of up to 1,000 rupees (US $25). Isaiah 54:17

WEST BANK

Pastor’s Son Injured in Bombing - VOM Sources

On March 20, Amiel Ortiz, the teenage son of Messianic pastor David Ortiz, was seriously injured when a bomb delivered to the family’s home in the Jewish settlement town of Ariel went off in his hands. The explosive was reportedly delivered in one of the gift baskets Jews exchange on the Purim holiday. At last report, Amiel was in serious condition, unconscious and breathing through a respirator. Local Christians suspect the Ortiz family was targeted by militants angered by the family’s evangelistic work. Christians in the region face frequent opposition from authorities, Orthodox Jews and Muslims for their efforts to share Christ. Pray for healing for Amiel. Ask God to give comfort and protection to the Ortiz family as they serve Him. Pray that their passion for Christ will be the light that draws others to Jesus. Romans 8: 11

May God use our brothers and sisters in Christ wherever they are free in Christ, but bond by persecution, to encourage, bless our lives, and inspire us to be brave, bold and most of all faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for praying

Tim A. Blankenship

Here is the latest Prayer Update from Voice of the Martyrs:

VOM News and Prayer Update: March 25, 2008

“Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.”   (Psalm 36:4-6)

AZERBAIJAN
UPDATE: Baptist Pastor Released from Prison ” VOM Sources
On March 19, Baptist Pastor Zaur Balaev was released from prison in Azerbaijan, under a presidential amnesty on Novruz Bairam, a holiday marking the beginning of spring. The Voice of the Martyrs contacts reported Pastor Balaev was met by his son and Ilya Zenchenko, head of the Baptist Union. “When Balaev was released, journalists asked whether he was feeling grateful to Azerbaijan’s president for his release. Zaur answered that he always in everything feels grateful to Jesus only and no one else. Journalists immediately quit shooting (footage) of him,” VOM contacts said. The Voice of the Martyrs rejoices with Pastor Balaev and his family on his release. We encourage you to continue praying for their protection and wisdom as he returns home to his family and congregation. Ask God to give him discernment and favor. Isaiah 54:17

SRI LANKA
UPDATE: Wife of Martyred Pastor off Ventilator and Recovering ” National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka
The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) reports the wife of martyred Pastor Edirisinghe is recovering from severe injuries sustained during an attack that killed her husband. “The NCEASL chairman visited Shiromi yesterday. She is experiencing a great recovery, she speaks, breathes well and has been transferred to Kandy General for surgery to remove [the] bullet,” NCEASL reported. Mrs. Edirisinghe was critically injured on February 17 when two assailants gunned down her husband outside their home in Ampara, Sri Lanka. She sustained critical injuries to her stomach and their two-year-old son was also injured in the attack. Pray for her quick recovery from the remaining surgeries. Ask God to heal her emotions and to touch their son with the love of Christ. Pray God will give them supernatural ability to forgive the assailants and for their testimony to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ. Psalm 23

LAOS
Pastors and Believers Arrested by Police, Nine Church Leaders Sentenced to Prison ” VOM Sources/Compass Direct News

• UDOM SAI PROVINCE ” Eight Khmu pastors from Udom Sai Province in Laos who were arrested when entering Thailand to attend meetings, are waiting for the police to escort them back home. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, ‘We are still waiting for the police to arrive from Udom Sai to escort the prisoners to their home villages. Their families have been told they will be tried once they get home with a likely huge fine and imprisonment. We do not know what the charges will be, but we do know that Udom Sai is a real hot spot as far as persecution and has been increasing over the last 12 months.” The pastors were arrested on March 18 when they entered Thailand and were followed by the Laos police. They were searched and two of them had Bibles. Everything the pastors had with them was confiscated, including a cell phone. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to pray for these pastors and their families during this difficult time. Ask God to protect and encourage them. Pray for their speedy release and that their testimonies will draw their captors into fellowship with Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:7
• BOKEO PROVINCE ” On February 22, Laotian officials arrested 15 Hmong Christian families in Bokeo province, Laos. According to Compass Direct News, the arrests occurred a day before a court sentenced nine Hmong church leaders to 15 years in prison for ‘conducting Christian ministry and meetings that had grown beyond acceptable levels for Communist officials.’ Compass reported, “The day before the sentencing, Laotian authorities arrived in Bai Sai Janrern village in Bokeo district with six trucks in which they hauled away eight Christian families. Authorities also arrested at least seven families from Fai village three miles away.” The arrested families make up a total of 58 Hmong Christians. According to the Compass report, the nine Christian leaders, sentenced to 15 years in prison for Christian ministry, were arrested in July 2007, during a police and military raid of suspected rebels that left 13 innocent Christians dead. The Voice of the Martyrs stands with believers in Laos and encourages you to pray for these believers who have been arrested because of their faith in Jesus Christ, Ask God to give them strength and courage to forgive their persecutors. Hebrews 13:6

The following is the newest Prayer Update from Voice of the Martyrs.  Please join me in lifting our brothers and sisters in Christ up to the Lord in prayer for strength, mercy, grace, power, patience, hope, and peace.  And anything else which will glorify our Lord and Savior.

VOM News and Prayer Update: February 19, 2008

“But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:26)

NIGERIA
One Dead, 60 Injured in Muslim Attacks on Christians – VOM Sources
On February 2, one Christian was killed, 60 others injured, and churches, businesses and homes set on fire, in the latest Muslim attacks on Christians in Bauchi state, Nigeria. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Nigeria, “One Christian man was killed, over 60 people were seriously injured and five churches were damaged.” This latest attack took place after two friends, a Christian lady and a Muslim man, had a disagreement. VOM contacts report, “These two were said to be friends of some sort until they had a disagreement on February 1. The Muslim man claimed that the Christian lady made some blasphemous utterances against the Prophet Muhammad. They were said to have parted ways that day without much trouble, but with a threat from the man that he would deal with the lady in his own way.” VOM contacts added that the following day the Muslim man ganged up with Muslim extremists and started searching for the lady. “The lady was alerted of the attack and ran to the police station. The gang traced her to the police station and insisted the police release her. When the police did not release her, the attackers set the police station on fire. After the lady and the police escaped, the Muslim extremists attacked Christian homes, churches and shops,” VOM contacts said. Believers who lived in the damaged and destroyed homes have not returned because of fear they might be attacked again. Pray for Christians in this state. Ask God to comfort the family of the deceased and those injured. Pray these believers will be encouraged to remain faithful in their walk with the Lord. Psalm 23:3-5

ALGERIA
Christians Under Increased Pressure – VOM Sources/ Middle East Concern
Christian leaders in Algeria have asked for international support following recent incidents that threaten human rights, especially religious rights. According to a February 7 report from Middle East Concern, believers are under pressure because the local Algerian media has been running an intense campaign against the church. Seven Christian fellowships are known to have been closed by the authorities and several believers have been arrested and formally charged. Pray that the closed fellowships will be opened, those arrested will be acquitted and for God to turn the negative media reports and use them for good. Ask God to encourage believers in Algeria and for the officials persecuting them. Pray they will hear the message of Jesus Christ. Romans 15:3-5

CHINA
Women Detained and Treated Indecently by Police – China Aid Association
On February 2, two Christian women, Meng Xiu Lan and Zhou Cheng Xiu, were detained by police in Jun Tun County, Yunan Province, after they were found distributing Christmas cards. According to China Aid Association (CAA), the two women, aged 55 and 53 respectively, were “threatened, mocked, stripped and frisked violently.” CAA added, “Police then handcuffed the two women and escorted them back to their homes. After searching the homes, police illegally confiscated CDs, handouts, Bibles, song books and calendars, without proper documentation.” Pray the Lord comforts and encourages these women after this difficult experience. Ask God to use their testimony to draw nonbelievers, including their persecutors, into fellowship with Him. Isaiah 53:4-5

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Egyptian Court Recognizes Faith of 12 Converts to Christianity – VOM Sources
Praise God! An Egyptian court has recognized the faith of 12 converts to Christianity. The decision overturns a lower court ruling which said the state need not recognize conversions from Islam because it constituted “apostasy,” an act often treated as a capital crime in the Muslim world. A lawyer for the 12 Coptic Christians described the case as a victory for human rights and freedom of religion that will open the door for hundreds of other Copts who want to return to their original faith from Islam. There is concern, however, over the ruling’s mandate that the converts’ former religion must be noted in their official documents, as this could leave them vulnerable to discrimination. Thank the Lord for this victory. Pray that these individuals will not be subject to further discrimination. Pray that those who were born into Muslim families and convert to Christianity will also have their conversions recognized by the Egyptian government. Psalm 103:1-5

These are not without hope, because they have the promises of Jesus Christ.  They do need that hope strengthened every day.  If they cannot get a copy of God’s word, then our prayers will need to do, and the very presence of our heavenly Father with them.  Let’s pray too, that the Christians of the USA will become bold, and loving with the eternal word and gospel of Jesus Christ; even to the laying down of our lives.  We are thankful for the decision of the Egyptian court to recognize the faith of 12 Christian converts.  Praise the Lord.  He is good.

God bless you all.

T.A.

The following is the latest Prayer Update I have received from Voice of the Martyrs.  Please join in prayer for these people of God, who are following Jesus Christ, and laying their lives down for Him.

VOM News and Prayer Update: February 5, 2008“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. ” (Psalm 37:5-6)
MALAYSIA
Bibles Confiscated at Airport - Compass Direct News
On January 28, a customs officer confiscated two boxes containing 32 Bibles from a Christian woman in a Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia. According to Compass Direct News, “Online news agency Malaysiakini reported that upon arrival at the airport, Juliana Nichols was asked to open boxes and declare their contents. Despite producing a letter from her parish priest stating that the English Bibles were meant for use in her church, the officer told Nichols the texts needed to be cleared with the Internal Security Ministry’s Control Division of Publications and Al-Quran Texts.” The Compass report added that Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri, general secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia, released a statement stating, “The Bible is Holy Scripture for Christians,” and “no authority on earth should deny Christians the right to possess, read and travel with their Bibles.” Shastri called for the immediate release of the Bibles and an official apology from the customs department. This incident is the latest in a series of seizures of Christian literature by the Malaysian government. Pray for the people of Malaysia, who are concerned by the government’s crackdown on religious freedom. Ask God to protect and encourage Malay-Muslim converts who are cut off from meeting with a larger fellowship of believers. Joshua 1:9

CHINA
Christian Leader Detained - China Aid Association
On January 29, Bai Cheng, a Christian leader, was detained in Luoyang, Henan Province. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Cheng was arrested while he was leading a Bible study. CAA reported, “That same day Cheng’s sister-in-law received a criminal detention notice issued by the Public Security Bureau of Luoyang stating that Cheng had been put in criminal detention at Luoyang City Detention Center for his suspected participation in ‘evil cult’ activities under Article 61 of China’s criminal law.”The police confiscated two computers from Cheng’s car. Isaiah 54: 17

IRAN
New Draft Law Proposing Death Penalty for Apostasy - Institute on Religion and Public Policy
The Iranian parliament is reviewing a bill for the Islamic Penal Law (Penal Code) that legislates the death penalty for apostasy. According to the Institute on Religion and Public Policy, the draft law defines an apostate as “any Muslim who clearly announces that he/she has left Islam and declares blasphemy.” This proposed law is aimed to deter conversion from Islam. Pray for strength, wisdom and grace for believers in Iran as they faithfully continue to share Christ despite pressure from the Islamic government. Psalm 119:105

BELARUS
Government Renews Pressure on Baptists - Forum 18 News
The Belarus government has recently issued fines to the Baptist Council of Churches for “unregistered activity.” According to Forum 18 News, this increased pressure is aimed at pressuring Baptists to register their church activity. Forum reported, “The Council’s congregations reject state registration in post-Soviet countries, believing that it leads to government interference.” Nikolai Varushin, who recently faced persecution told Forum, “This is our path; we are prepared to suffer for our faith. We just pray that our people will remain true to the Lord.” Pray for believers in Belarus. Ask God to encourage them to remain courageous in the midst of increased persecution. Psalm 37:23

In place that is no longer so far and so distant, due to modern technology, there is a pastor being held as  prisoner in his own home.  The police have welded his door shut, so as to keep him from “being a terror in their society”?  “To keep him from robbing, killing, and vandalizing the area in which he lives”?  No!  Neither of these are true.

Pastor Hua Huiqi has been is guilty of preaching the gospel message of Jesus Christ without the approval of the government of China.  He has been charged with “Disturbing the social order”, and the police have continued to harass  his family too.

This is taking place a few short minutes of walking time from the very place where the Olympics will soon be held.  The Olympics where many nations of the world come together with their best athletes compete in many and various competitions, and winners are awarded gold medals for first place, silver medals for second place, and bronze medals for third place.  Nations participating in these events are mostly received in a friendly fashion.  The Nations participating also arrive with words of praise for the host nation, and offer words of appreciation.  The events are also televised by satellite around the world.  I wonder how popular these programs would be if Christians refused to sponsor them.

We sponsor by watching them, and purchasing the products advertised during the Olympic games.  As a Christian we must do what the Spirit of God leads us to do, and do it with all our heart.  There are many Christians who will be in China, as guests, and witnessing for the glory of Jesus, but even that is going to be kept at a bare minimal due to the laws of China.  While there may be many Christians who go there to be witnesses for Christ we need to be praying for those Christians like Pastor Hua who live in the midst of the lion, and the beast of this communist government which is not friendly to Christianity, unless they can control your church through the “Three-Self Patriotic Movement” church which is the state church of China.

In a special report by Voice of the Martyrs called, “Ten Minutes from the Olympic Village” we hear the story of Pastor Hua.

“Pastor Hua Huiqi, 45, know exactly how the government feels about his faith.  For the last 10 years, Hua has been arrested several times a year by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) for “disturbing the social order.”  This past year, police have harassed his family as well.

‘Hua and his 60-member house church  have a ministry of assisting poor and vulnerable people in southwest Beijing.  Authorities target Hua because he refuses to register his congregation as a state church, as his ministry would be controlled by the government.  He would be unable to do any Christian work outside the church building.  He remains active in the “illegal” house church.  “It is better to follow God than the government,” says Hua”

There are a few people who have gone to China and come back reporting that there is religious freedom in China.  Is there religious freedom when the government must be in control?  NO!!!  That is bondage.  The Three-Self Patriotic movement is not free to practice its faith, it must follow the government guidelines.  We must admire and support Pastor Hua in his stand for Christ.   He is the one, and his church and the others who are in accord with him; who are truly free.

The government has taken much of Pastor Hua’s possessions, and they continue to imprison him.  After a time of imprisonment they released him.  Hear is more from that Special Report:

“On July 25, 2007, Hua was released, 20 pounds lighter from six months in poor  prison conditions.  PSB officers continued to come to his house, demanding names and telephone numbers of the house church Christians in China.  They wanted to find out how the churches kept in contact.  The officers also commanded him to lure Pastor Bob Fu of China Aid Association to China so they could arrest him.  They threatened Hua, saying, “We are detaining your mother as a hostage.  Everything depends on your actions.”  Hua steadfastly refused.’

‘At 11 p.m. on October 1, Hua was arrested again and threatened at the police station.  The next day, they took him to his father’s house and told him he was not to leave.  They welded the front door shut and stationed more than 30 policemen on the roof, courtyard and surrounding areas of the house.  They cut off electricity and did not allow anyone to visit him.”

How can we support a nation which offers no freedom.  When there is no freedom of religion there is no freedom at all.  Someone or many may be thinking, “Well if he would just get in line and register his church then he would be free.”  Folks, that is not freedom.  That is, in fact bondage.  When a government requires registration of its churches, and then orders them how they can conduct their “business”, that is not freedom, but complete government intervention and control.

May God be with Pastor Hua of Beijing, China; and all the Christians who are standing in faith of Jesus Christ.  Those are the ones who are seeing many souls come to Christ.  It is said in the Special Report that, “An estimated 10,000 to 30,000 Chinese turn to Christ every day.”  It sounds like there is a great work of God going on in China.

Let’s remember to always pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering in their preaching the gospel message of Jesus Christ.  Let’s also pray that we who are not being persecuted in the same fashion, that we too will be strong in faith, believe the gospel is the only way of salvation, and then proclaim it boldly wherever we may be.  May God help us.

-by Tim A. Blankenship

Sometimes I am shocked by the events that take place in many Christian’s lives. Especially the events many face concerning their faith in Christ. The following are prayer requests from The Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update. Please remember to pray for the family of the pastor who was shot and killed. One family’s home was bombed and the roof was destroyed, and children who were home at the time, thankfully were not seriously injured. Remember those in India and China as well who have suffered for their faith in Jesus Christ.

VOM News and Prayer Update: January 22, 2008

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

PAKISTAN
Pastor Killed – VOM Sources
On January 17, a pastor was shot and killed by an unknown person in Peshawar, Pakistan. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, the pastor had worked with the Assembly of God Church in Peshawar, for the past 10 years. He is survived by his wife and a one-year-old daughter. Pray for this grieving family and church. Ask God to comfort believers in Peshawar and for this pastor’s family to realize that to be absent from the body is to be present with Him. Psalm 27:1, Psalm 23

ETHIOPIA
Christian Family’s House Bombed – VOM Sources
On January 12, a home belonging to a Christian family was bombed in the southeastern city of Jijiga. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, “Terefe Feleke, his wife and their two children were in the house at the time of the attack, thankfully none of them were seriously hurt. The roof of the house was destroyed by the bomb blast. While searching the compound, the police found another bomb set to explode a few hours later.” Praise God, this family was kept from serious harm. Pray for Christians in Jijiga, where Muslims have recently mounted attacks against Christians in an attempt to drive them out of the region. Pray believers in this area will remain faithful and demonstrate Christ’s love to their persecutors. Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7

INDIA
Hindu Extremists Injure Nearly 100 – Compass Direct News
On January 16, more than 80 people were injured in an attack on a large Christian meeting in Chhattisgarh state. According to Compass Direct News, the attack was followed by an assault on a missionary camp in Dhamtari district that hurt at least a dozen Christians. “The Hindu attacks come within weeks of unprecedented anti-Christian violence in neighboring Orissa state. In Chhattisgarh’s Durg district violence, Christians said it was no coincidence that Hindu nationalist extremists launched the attack as the political arm of the militants, the Bharatiya Janata Party, was holding a public meeting in the area,” Compass Direct reported. Pray for the safety of believers in India. Ask God to heal and encourage them to remain courageous despite attacks and increased persecution. Pray the testimonies of these faithful believers will draw non- believers into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 26:3

CHINA
House Church Leaders Released From Labor Camp – China Aid Association
On January 8, four house church leaders were released from a labor camp in Hubei province, China. According to China Aid Association, the Hubei Provincial Re-education Through Labor Administration Committee decided to repeal a decision by the Re-education Through Labor Administration Committee, to keep the leaders in prison. Four male and five female church leaders were arrested on August 6, 2007, when they were found having a Sunday worship service. They were accused of the “crime of engaging in organizing and making use of evil cult organization to undermine the enforcement of state laws.” Three female leaders are still being held. Praise God for the release of the four house churches. Pray for the families and leaders who are still in prison. Ask God to give them courage during this difficult time, and for their lives to be a testimony to their persecutors. Psalm 23, Proverbs 3:5, 6

May God richly bless you all as we continue in dliligent prayer for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.

The following is the newest Prayer Updates from Voice of the Martyrs:

VOM News and Prayer Update: January 8, 2008

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

CHINA
UPDATE: Case of Arrested House Church Leader Returned to Public Security Bureau - China Aid Association
On November 22, the case for house church leader Zhou Heng was returned to the Public Security Bureau by the Shayibake District People’s Procuratorate of Urumqi city, Xingjiang province, China. According to China Aid Association, “Under heavy pressure from the international community, the prosecutors sent back Zhou’s case because of insufficient evidence to indict him.” Zhou Heng was arrested in August 2007, for receiving three tons of Bibles donated by South Korean churches. The Bibles were intended for distribution to local believers free of charge. Prior to his arrest, Zhou managed a bookstore, called Yayi Christian Bookroom, and sold religious books. Authorities have closed the bookstore. Pray for the case against Zhou Heng to be dropped. Ask God to protect Christians who live and share their faith under difficult conditions. Isaiah 26: 3, Psalm 23 Psalm 118:17, Psalm 91

NIGERIA
Ten Killed, Churches and Homes Burned - Compass Direct News
Ten people were killed, several Christians injured seriously and churches, businesses and homes burned, when Muslim extremists went on a rampage in Yelwa Tudu, Bauchi state, Northern Nigeria on December 11, 2007, According to Compass Direct News, the violence occurred after unidentified people pulled out two bricks from the foundation of a mosque under construction at the Baba Tank Secondary School in Kagadama shortly after construction began on December 2. Compass Direct added, “Muslim extremists believed Christians were responsible for the damage and threatened to attack local believers. Area Muslims joined the attacking students, resulting in the deaths and damages in the city, including the burning of dozens of homes belonging to Christians. The Redeemed Christian Church of God, the Assemblies of God Church and Elim Church were set on fire and damaged. At least a dozen Christian homes were destroyed in the attack.” Only one of those killed has been identified as a Christian. The identities of the other nine were reportedly kept a secret by the government and their bodies were hurriedly buried in one grave. Pray the Lord will fill Christians with His peace and strength as they recover from this attack. Ask God to comfort those who have lost loved ones. Pray Christ will be exalted through this tragedy and that people in this area will continue to be drawn to Him. Philippians 1:20, Psalm 107:2

TURKEY
Catholic Priest Stabbed - Compass Direct News
On December 16, a 19-year-old Muslim man stabbed a Catholic priest in the stomach outside a Catholic church in Turkey. According to Compass Direct News, Father Adriano Franchini was stabbed near Izmir’s St. Anthony Church by a man identified as Ramazan Bay. Although the attacker fled the scene, he was arrested an hour later. Compass Direct reported, “According to the daily Hurriyet newspaper, the arrested assailant admitted in his statement to the police that he had been influenced by a recent episode of the popular television serial drama ‘Kurtla Vadisi’ (Valley of the Wolves).” The series caricatures Christian missionaries as political “infiltrators” who pay poor families to convert to Christianity. This recent incident is the latest violent attack on Turkey’s Christian community. In April 2007, two Turkish converts and a German citizen were tortured and killed at a Christian publishing house in Malatya, Turkey. Five Muslim men confessed to the killings and were arrested. Their trial is currently in progress. Pray for protection for Turkey’s Christians. Ask God to give them wisdom as they share the gospel in dangerous situations. Isaiah 54:17, Psalm 91

INDIA
Christians Killed, Homes and Churches Burned - VOM Sources
Four Christians were killed, many injured and numerous homes and churches destroyed or damaged in Orissa state in violent clashes that began on Christmas Eve. According to The Voice of the Martyrs sources in India, “Hindu extremists used anti-conversion laws to terrorize Christians. More than 18 churches and prayer houses were ransacked and torched in several areas of Kandhamai district in Orissa. Rev. Basant Diggal, reports that he was assaulted and his motorcycle damaged by a group of miscreants in Minia area where vandals went on a rampage causing damage to another church.” VOM sources added Hindu extremists in Orissa have been threatening and terrorizing Christians who are marginalized and are in the minority. VOM sources said, “The attacks took place for the sole reason of terrorizing the Christian community and stopping our missionary work. But the church has always grown in persecution and this will happen again in Orissa. The church which grows in love and unity has as its basis a faith marked by suffering and persecution.” Pray for Christians in India who are faced with immense difficulty at this time. Pray for the families of the killed and those whose homes and churches were damaged or destroyed. Ask God to give believers courage to remain faithful despite persecution. Psalm 27:1, Romans 8:31

The Prayer Update alone is from VOICE OF THE MARTYRS.  The tags and categories are the responsibility of Tim A. Blankenship.

The title is a term which has been heard and used by many in various ways.  If a man falls down a steep cliff and lives he says, “It is like I have been born again.”, but there is no change in the way he lives his life.  One former President of the USA, made the term known, or better known by using it in his campaign in the seventies.

Peter the apostle writes:

“…Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,…”  1 Peter 1:23 (NKJV).

He previously wrote of having purified souls, which are connected with obeying the truth of God’s Word.  There can be no true love for God or others except by the Spirit of God and His Word.

We are enabled, empowered to love and obey because we have been “Born again”.  Jesus said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again”.  This is a spiritual birth.  When we are physically born into this world we are spiritually dead, and separated from God.  Our eternal destination is not God’s plan for us.  He made us eternal beings to spend eternity with Him, but that was shattered by sin.  There would be found no place for fallen man (Revelation 20:11).

The new birth comes about by the supernatural power of God.  It is not by the will of the flesh; for John has written, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”  (John 1:12-13). 

The seed of man is corrupt by sin.  The seed of God is incorruptible, and by the Word of God the seed of God comes and quickens the spirit of man, giving New Birth.  The Word of God is alive and lives forever.  The Psalmist has written, “Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89).   When the word is forever settled in heaven it is forever sure in the heart made alive by the Spirit of God.

There may be trials and tribulations in this life, but those made alive by the Spirit of God, and His living Word are overcomers, and have the assurance of glory in God, and living forever in His presence.  Trials?  Tribulations?  In this world?  Yes!  Jesus said, “But be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world”.

This Sunday November 11, 2007 is International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church.  Every church, and every child of God should endeavor to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their faith.

The phrase, “No man is an island” is especially true of the Christian.  We are not alone, and we cannot stand alone.  We need Jesus Christ most of all, and we need to build up and encourage one another.  Letting the persecuted Christians of the world know that we are praying for them is an encouragement to them.  Their lives of faith should be a great encouragement for you and I.

The following is the weekly Prayer Update from Voice of the Martyrs:

COLOMBIA
Evangelical Pastor Killed - Associated Press
Pastor Diego Armando Bejarano, 27, was killed recently in the region west of Bogotá. Witnesses say hooded men took Bejarano by force and stabbed him. The motives for the killing are unknown; however, it is common knowledge guerrillas groups view Protestant pastors who encroach on territory under their control as military objectives. In the last 10 years, guerrillas have assassinated 133 pastors, Protestant missionaries and Catholic priests, according to the Evangelical Council of Colombia. Ask God to encourage and minister to the pastor’s family and church as they mourn. Pray his testimony draws his attackers and nonbelievers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:4

We the Christians of the United States of America best be able to stand.  We may one day face these same types of persecution; if in fact they have not already began.