VOM-USA Prayer Update 12/12/08

It is as the Jesus says, “In the world you will have tribulation…”  Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for Christ’s sake.  Pray also for one another.

The Voice of the Martyrs USA:

 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

CHINA – House Church Leaders Released from Prison – China Aid Association

On Nov. 25, 2008, Pastor Wang Weiliang was released from prison on “medical” parole. Praise God, Pastor Wang is now receiving care in a local hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, according to China Aid Association (CAA). In December of 2006, Pastor Wang was sentenced to three years in for trying to prevent the destruction of Dangshanwan Christian Church in Zhejiang province. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Chinese officials also released house church leader Zhu Baoguo from a Chinese labor camp for “medical reasons.”

Pastor Zhu was first arrested in October 2008 during a church service in Dushu village, Henana province with four other church leaders. Pastor Zhu was sentenced to 15 days detention for being an “evil cult leader.” On Oct. 30, two days after being released, Pastor Zhu was promptly re-arrested and given a one year sentence in a “re-education through labor” camp. His detention at the camp ended last week with a medical release. VOM rejoices with the families of these leaders and encourages you to pray for their speedy recovery. Ask God to protect them and other believers living under tough conditions because of their stand for Christ.

Romans 8:11

NIGERIA – Christians Attacked by Muslims in Nigeria – VOM Sources

On Nov. 28, following a local election, anti-Christian violence erupted in the central Nigerian city of Jos. Sixteen church buildings were ravaged by Muslim mobs, thousands of Christians fled from their homes, and sources estimate that hundreds were killed. Although initial reports pointed to the local government elections as the catalyst for the violence, Christian groups in Nigeria maintain that the voting process was peaceful and that the attacks occurred before the results were even announced. Other news reports have also suggested that Christians were responsible for the deaths of 300 Muslims; however, local security sources insist that the Muslims were shot by authorities when they defied the imposed curfew and launched fresh attacks. Some sources suspect that the violence may have been planned in advance since the majority of the 500 arrested Muslims have told police that they arrived in Jos three days prior to the attacks from neighboring Niger or from northern Nigerian states. Some of the arrested were also wearing fake police and military uniforms. Ask God to bring peace to this unstable Nigerian region where Christians are targeted. Pray that any Christians who retaliated violently will repent and seek to walk Christ’s path of discipleship.

Psalm 103:1-5

EGYPT – Christian Brothers Falsely Accused of Murder – Compass Direct News

On Nov. 22, Refaat and Ibrahim Fawzy Abdo, Egyptian brothers falsely accused of murdering a Muslim, were sent to the El Wadi El Gadid Detention Camp in an attempt to coerce them into confessing to the crime, according to Compass Direct News. The brothers were arrested after about 60 armed Muslims stormed the Abu Fana monastery in Mallawi, Upper Egypt on May 31, where the brothers worked as building contractors. In the attack, a Muslim was killed, four Christians injured, and three monks briefly kidnapped. The brothers were subsequently charged with the murder of the Muslim even though they were not in the area where the violence occurred. In the initial days of their detention, they were tortured with electric shocks eight hours a day for three days in an attempt to make them testify that the monks at the monastery were armed. Pray that Refaat and Ibrahim will be released and that the false charges against them will be dropped. Ask God to strengthen and provide for their families.

Psalm 27:1

www.persecution.com

“Be of good cheer…”  Jesus said, “I have overcome the world”; and to that day we look with expectation, and hope in His promises.

-T.A.

Prayer Update from Voice of the Martyrs 07/01/08

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering for the glory of Jesus Christ:

VOM News and Prayer Update: July 1st, 2008

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.”

(1 Corinthians 16:23)

PAKISTAN

Christians Abducted at Gunpoint by Muslim Extremists – VOM Sources

On June 21, 16 Christians were abducted by Muslim extremists when they gathered to pray in Academy Town, Peshawar, Pakistan. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Pakistan, “Salamat Masih and 30 of his family and close friends were gathered to pray and celebrate the birth of his daughter, when 12 Taliban [members] of the Lashka-e-Islam group broke into his house yelling and shouting. They held the believers at gunpoint. The Muslim house-owner, Haji Muhammad Saraj, was also present at the time to collect rent.” VOM contacts added, “With machine and automatic guns, they forcibly separated the men from the women and children. Slapping the Christian men, they commanded all 16 men, including Pastor Zulifqar and Haji Muhammad Saraj, to get into the five waiting vehicles.” The 16 Christian men were held captive for an hour. “They were beaten and abused, and had all their money and mobile phones stolen from them. During this time, the Taliban attempted to persuade Pastor Zulifqar to convert to Islam, which he unquestionably refused. After sunset the Taliban took them to another place where they were kept in a cave until their release 10 hours later,” VOM contacts reported. Pray for believers in Pakistan. Pray God protects them and provides for all their needs. Also pray their courageous testimonies will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him. Psalm 91:1-2

EGYPT

Christian Homes and Businesses Attacked – VOM Sources

On June 19, a mob of local Muslims attacked businesses and homes belonging to Coptic Christians in the village of Al Nazla, Fayoum province. According to VOM contacts, “When a convert from Christianity to Islam left that day on a three-day trip to Cairo, local Muslims concluded that she had gone missing. Rumors circulated that she had been abducted by her Christian family members. A mob of Muslims then went on a rampage in the village, beating and injuring Christians and destroying property.” Ask God to strengthen those affected by the mob violence and for them to remain steadfast as they suffer. Pray that the perpetrators of this attack will come to repentance and salvation. Revelation 2:10

INDONESIA

Church Closed Again – VOM Sources

Recently, Muslims closed a church and blocked Christians from entering and holding services in Jatimula, Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, “Muslims blocked the alley leading to the church building. Pastor Anna and Huta Julu had to lead worship outside their church building and believers had to sit in the dirty alley to pray outside their church.” VOM contacts added, “The sign outside the church building stated, ‘This church building is sealed,’ and it was written on a letterhead belonging to the Tambun Selatan district of Bekasi local government.” This is the second time Muslims have closed the church in Bekasi. The church was first closed on September 10, 2005, when a mob of 100 Muslims nailed boards over doors and windows and prohibited believers from entering the building. Praise God for the unwavering faith of believers in Indonesia. Ask God to watch over Pastor Anna and Huta Julu as they continue to lead other believers in Indonesia. Pray for protection for believers as they courageously live for Christ in the midst of hardships. John 15: 18-21

AZERBAIJAN

Pastor Arrested – Forum 18 News

On June 20, Pastor Hamid Shabanov was arrested after police claimed to find an illegal weapon while searching his home in Aliabad. According to Forum 18 News, “Pastor Shabanov’s family and congregation insist that police planted the gun they claimed to discover. Shabanov’s brother sees the arrest as a direct attack on the pastor’s Baptist church and an attempt to halt Christian activity in the area. Shabanov’s home was among those searched when another local pastor arrested on fabricated charges, Pastor Zaur Balaev, was detained in May 2007.” Pray that the truth of this situation will be made known and that Pastor Shabanov will be released. Pray that Christians in Azerbaijan will be emboldened to follow in their Savior’s footsteps. 1 Corinthians 4:9-16

Let us be grateful, and thank the Lord for the freedom we have in a free land.  Let us also pray for revival and spiritual awakening in our churches and land.

-Tim A. Blankenship