VOM-USA Prayer Update for July 10, 2009

Thank you for praying for persecuted Christians around the world.

Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life. - Leonard Ravenhill

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18


On Wed. Jul 08 2009 at 11:13 AM Moderator wrote:
MAURITANIA - Christian aid worked killed – VOM Sources

On June 23, Al-Qaeda reportedly claimed responsibility for shooting and killing, Christopher Leggett, an American aid worker in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania. On June 25, Al-Jazeera TV reportedly received an audio statement from Al-Qaeda which stated that "two knights of the Islamic Maghreb succeeded Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. to kill the infidel American Christopher Leggett for his Christianising activities." Leggett worked for a non-governmental organization in Mauritania involved in training and equipping prisoners to re-enter society. He also oversaw a microloan program which fostered the growth of small businesses. He had been a resident of Mauritania for the past seven years along with his wife and four children. Thank the Lord for Christopher Leggett's life as a cross-bearing disciple. Ask God to comfort those who mourn for him. Pray that Christians in Mauritania will be emboldened to follow in their savior’s footsteps and remain steadfast in faith.

1 Corinthians 4:9-14, 16

EGYPT - Christians attacked by Muslims – VOM Canada

On June 21, Christians in the village of Ezbet Boshra-East, Egypt were fearful to leave their homes after a Muslim mob attacked believers and damaged property, according to VOM contacts. A group of 25 Christians from Cairo arrived in the village to visit Father Isaac Castor, who lives in a building owned by the Coptic Church. When Muslims noticed six of the believers entering the building, they approached the remaining Christians waiting outside and began to taunt them. A Muslim woman approached one of the Christians and slapped her. Hundreds of Muslims then started to throw stones at the building and the believers. Some Christian homes in the village were plundered, farmers' crops were uprooted and Father Castor's car was vandalized. Over a dozen Christians and several Muslims were injured in the violence. Nineteen Christians were arrested and released the following day. Their homes were reportedly ransacked by police and they were mistreated while in detention. Pray for healing for those injured. Pray that Christians in Egypt will put their hope in the Lord as the one who upholds their cause. Ask God to move in the lives of those who persecute believers in Egypt.

Psalm 146

CHINA - Update: House church leaders released in Sichuan – China Aid Association

Praise God! The house church leaders arrested in Langzhong city, Sichuan province on June 9 have been released following international pressure, according to China Aid Association. Thirteen of the leaders served 10 days of administrative detention and were released on June 20. The five leaders placed in criminal detention were released on June 23. Meanwhile, three other house church leaders arrested on June 14 for “illegal religious activities,” in Taochuan village, Shaanxi province have been released. Praise God for these believers and their faithfulness. Ask God to protect them as they continue serving him.

Psalm 23

VOM-USA Prayer Update for July 3, 2009

Thank you for praying for persecuted Christians around the world.

Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life. - Leonard Ravenhill

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18



On Wed. Jul 01 2009 at 11:22 AM Moderator wrote:
INDIA – Pastor and Family Attacked – VOM Sources

On June 14, a pastor and his family were brutally attacked after Hindu extremists barged into their church during a prayer meeting, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. At 11 a.m. more than 40 Hindu extremists belonging to the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak and Bajrang Dal fundamentalist groups, barged into Beersheba Church and asked for Pastor Kulpeep Daniel. The group accused the pastor of forcible conversions. When the Pastor told them who he was, the extremists immediately started beating him. The extremists also assaulted Pastor Daniel’s wife, brother and his two-and-a-half and one-year-old children. The attackers also destroyed the family’s property in the parsonage and musical instruments and other equipment in the church. The pastor and his wife suffered internal injuries. Pastor Daniel has filed a police report. The Voice of the Martyrs actively supports persecuted believers like Pastor Daniel. VOM provides legal assistance to pastors and Christians who are arrested and falsely accused by Hindu extremists.VOM encourages you to pray for this family. Ask God to protect and encourage them especially the young children. Ask God to heal their injuries and bless them.

Psalm 119: 161-162

YEMEN - Christian relief workers abducted and killed - VOM Canada

On June 12, nine Christian relief workers were abducted and three killed, reportedly because they were suspected of being involved in evangelistic work, according to VOMCanada. The Christians left the city of Sa'ada without an armed escort to visit a doctor who lived nearby, according to reports. The believers left the doctor's home after two hours and eyewitnesses saw a group of armed men stop them. Investigators believe the kidnappers executed three of the hostages a short time later. At last report the other relief workers are still being held hostage and have been handed over to tribesmen. Two suspects have surrendered themselves to Yemeni authorities and have been arrested. It is also reported that local imams in the area were concerned that some of the relief workers were involved in evangelism while providing medical aid. Pray for the families of the deceased believers and protection for those who have been kidnapped. Thank God for the faithful lives and work of those killed. Pray that the remaining hostages will be released. Ask God to fill those in mourning with a peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of their grief. Pray for endurance and wisdom for those serving the Lord in Yemen.

Philippians 4:7

PAKISTAN - Christian woman facing blasphemy charges

Asia Bibi, a 37 year-old Christian woman was recently arrested by police on allegations of blasphemy in Punjab province, Pakistan. On June 19, some of the Muslim women who work with Bibi on a farm owned by a local Muslim engaged in a heated discussion with Bibi about Islam. Bibi told them that Christ died on the cross for their sins and asked them what Mohammed had done for them. "Our Christ is the true prophet of God and yours is not true," Bibi said. The Muslim women became angry and began to beat her. Some men then locked her in a room and she was later arrested. At last report Bibi was being held at a police station and local Christians were urging the police not to file blasphemy charges. However, police claim that they must go forward due to pressure from local Muslim leaders. Pray that Bibi will be released. Pray for strength for Bibi's family. Ask God to give boldness to Christians in Pakistan as they witness to their Muslim neighbors.

Psalm 91:1-5

VOM Prayer Updates for June 26th

On Tue. Jun 23 2009 at 12:57 PM Moderator wrote:
LAOS - 13 Christians Arrested – VOM Sources

On June 12, 13 Christians were arrested by plain clothes police, after visiting Christian villages in Laos, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The visiting believers met the police when they were in the village for their routine daily work. The police questioned them about what they were doing in the village. The police have not disclosed why they arrested the believers and at last report the Christians are still being held at a provincial police station. The Voice of the Martyrs supports persecuted believers in Laos. VOM provides money to translate Bibles into multiple Laotian languages. Through this project, thousands of Christians will have access to the full Bible for the first time. VOM encourages you to pray for the release of these believers. Ask God to protect and encourage the believers in the villages. Pray God to bless Christians in Laos.

Lamentations 3:21-24

CHINA – House church leaders arrested in Sichuan – China Aid Association

On June 9, several dozen Chinese officials from the Domestic Security Protection Squad barged into Pastor Li Ming’s home in Langzhong city, Sichuan province, where more than 30 house church leaders were gathered, according China Aid Association. Pastor Li's home was searched and all of the believers arrested. Thirteen leaders were sentenced to 15 days of administrative detention. Five other leaders, including Pastor Li, were placed under criminal detention and are likely to face formal criminal indictment or up to three years of "re-education through labor." The remaining leaders have been released. Ask God to give wisdom and guidance to the imprisoned leaders and their families. Pray for an end to crackdowns against believers in China.

Psalm 23

BELARUS - Pastor receives hefty fine – Forum 18 News

A court in the eastern town of Osipovichi has fined Pastor Nikolai Poleshchuk 2,100,000 Belarusian rubles (US$ 739) for running a Christian street library, according to Forum 18 News. The fine, according to local Christians, is the equivalent of nearly three month’s wages. Locals say this is the largest fine ever issued for religious activity in Belarus. In January, Poleshchuk and another believer were approached by the head of the Osipovichi District Ideology Department and told that they had no right to run the street library since their church is unregistered. At a hearing in March, Poleshchuk was given an official warning and the confiscated Christian literature was ordered to be destroyed. At the trial, Poleshchuk was charged with "violation of the procedure for organizing or conducting mass events or pickets." The court also amended their decision regarding the literature and ruled that the books instead be handed to the state. Pray that Pastor Poleshchuk will find peace in Christ in the midst of pressure and opposition for his faith. Pray that God will embolden him and other Christians in Belarus to continue spreading the Gospel in their nation.

Philippians 4:7

VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 19, 2009

Thank you for praying for persecuted Christians around the world.

Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life. - Leonard Ravenhill

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18


On Mon. Jun 15 2009 at 01:27 PM Moderator wrote:
NEPAL - Extremists’ Warn Believers – VOM Sources

UPDATE: On June 10, The Voice of the Martyrs received a copy of a letter from the Nepal Defense Fund (NDF), threatening to bomb 10 Christian homes in Nepal, if believers did not leave in 30 days, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The letter written by R.P. Mainali, the supreme commander of the NDF, published in a local newspaper, said the Nepalese government should not have released 62 Christians, in 1989 and 1990, who had been jailed for actively proselytising. The letter warned that these Christians, who have continued their work, were threatening Hinduism. “We are giving these unholy elements who are grabbing the authority of the people of the country under the cloak of religion, a notice of one month to leave the country, otherwise we will explode 10 bombs in the homes of the 10 Christians in Nepal, for which we take responsibility in advance,” the NDP letter said. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to pray for believers in Nepal who are living under these threats. Ask God to protect them and for their courageous testimony to draw non believers into fellowship with Christ.

Revelation 12: 10-11

CHINA – Bookstore Owner Sentenced – China Aid Association

On June 10, a Chinese court sentenced Christian bookstore owner, 38 year-old, Shi Weihan, to three years in prison for “illegal business operations,” and fined him US$21,975 , according to China Aid Association. Shi Weihan operated a legal bookstore and only sold books with the government’s approval. His Holy Spirit Trading Company printed Bibles and Christian literature and distributed then freely to local house churches. Weihan was arrested in November 2007 for printing and distributing Bibles and other Christian literature. He was released in January 2008 due to insufficient evidence, but was arrested again in March and held indefinitely. China Aid reported his sentence will run from November 2007 to November 2010. Believers hope that Weihan will be allowed to appeal his sentence because of medical reasons. While in prison his diabetic condition has worsened. The Voice of the Martyrs has been actively involved in ministry in China for the past 30 years. VOM supports persecuted believers like Shi Weihan, who are paying a great price for their faith in Jesus Christ.VOM encourages you to pray for Weihan and his family during this difficult time. Ask God to encourage and protect them and for Weihan to be released from prison.

2 Psalm 5:11

PAKISTAN - Imprisoned Christian Strong in Her Faith – VOM Sources

Imprisoned Christian, Sandul Bibi, remains strong in her faith and is concerned about her family’s faith despite being in prison for the past eight months, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Sandul has been encouraged by the prayers of other believers and her spirits are high even though the prison is hot and she has been suffering from allergies. Her family has provided her with medication for the allergies. In spite of these challenges, Sandul is concerned with her family’s faith and encourages them to remain strong in the Lord. VOM encourages you to continue praying for Sandul and her father Gulsher who are both in prison. Ask God to protect and encourage all believers in Pakistan.

Psalm 91:1-10

VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 12, 2009

Thank you for praying for persecuted Christians around the world.

Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life. - Leonard Ravenhill

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18




On Tue. Jun 09 2009 at 09:27 AM Moderator wrote:
NEPAL - Hindu Extremist Threaten More Bombings – VOM Sources

UPDATE – The leader of the Hindu extremist group, Nepal Defense Fund (NDF), has threatened to bomb the homes of all Christians if they do not stop spreading the gospel within one month, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. In a letter received by local newspapers in Nepal, R.P. Mainali, the supreme commander of the NDF, demanded that Nepal be declared a Hindu state and Christians should not be allowed to worship freely. He said Hindu groups would not allow foreign missionaries and if the government did not comply, “they would fight the government.” NDF was responsible for the May 23 bombing of a Catholic church in Kathmandu that killed three believers and wounded 15 others. VOM is assisting six injured believers with medical treatment through VOMedical. Ask God to heal those who were injured. VOM encourages you to pray for believers in Nepal who face increased persecution and uncertainty. Ask God to protect and encourage them. Pray their testimonies will draw others into fellowship with him.

Matthew 10: 21-25

IRAN – House Church Raided by Police – VOM Sources

On May 21 five newly converted Christians were arrested in Karaj, Iran after plain clothes security officers raided a house church where they had gathered for a Bible study, according to Farsi Christian News Network. Javad Abtahi, was among those arrested and his house was searched during the raid. … was given no arrest warrant by the security officers and his house was searched without any court authorization,” FCNN said. “In this search and seizure, several Bibles, New Testaments were confiscated and all the participants were handcuffed and taken to an unknown location.” The families of the arrested believers have tried to ask the government where their loved ones are being held, without any success. FCNN added that the government has always refused to disclose where it holds arrested believers. The Voice of the Martyrs supports persecuted believers like the five recently arrested. VOM encourages you to pray for these believers and others in Iran who risk their lives daily because of their faith.

2 Matthew 5: 11-12

CHINA - Pastor banned from church in Tianjin province – China Aid Association

On May 16, the Office for Religious Affairs in Jinghai county, Tianjin province, China issued a notice abolishing the Immanuel Church and banning Pastor Han Changxu from serving there, according to China Aid Association. Pastor Han, an ethnic Korean and native of Heilongjiang province, has been the pastor of the church since 2004. During the 2008 Olympics, authorities in Tianjin province placed Pastor Han under surveillance when they discovered he had contacts with missionaries from South Korea. Authorities have also tried to prevent him from maintaining contact with churches in South Korea. Ask God to give encouragement and guidance to members of the Immanuel Church. Pray that Pastor Han will be free to continue his ministry without opposition. Pray that Christians in China will find comfort in knowing that endurance in trials leads to godly character and hope that does not disappoint.

Romans 5:3-5

Prayer

Thank you for praying for persecuted Christians around the world.


Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life. - Leonard Ravenhill


And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18




VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 5, 2009
On Thu. Jun 04 2009 at 07:08 AM Moderator wrote:
CHINA - Christians Released From Prison – China Aid Association

On May 9, 16 Christians from the China Gospel Fellowship were released early from administrative detention in Xinye, Henan province, according to China Aid Association. The Christians were released before serving their 10 to14 day sentences and without paying the 1,000 Yuan (US$150) fine. The released believers were part of a group arrested on April 30 and accused of “harming the society by falsely using the name of religion and Qi Gong.” Public Security Bureau officials raided the meeting and arrested the Christians. Two Christians were released days later, but 16 were held until May 9. Praise God these believers were released without restrictions. The Voice of the Martyrs has been supporting and encouraging believers in China for more than 30 years. VOM encourages you to pray for these and other believers who risk their lives for the sake of the gospel. Ask God to protect and provide for Christians in China who risk arrest every time they meet for worship.

Matthew 5:11-12

INDIA – Pastor Brutally Attacked – VOM Sources

On May 2009, Pastor Ramesh Mandevey was brutally attacked and left for dead by 10 Hindu extremists while he was returning from visiting a believer’s home in Tundavata, Madhya Pradesh, India, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The extremists questioned the pastor and another believer about their evangelistic activities. “Before Pastor Ramesh could answer, they started beating him severely using their fists, clubs and rods,” VOM contacts added. “Thirsty, tired and severely injured, Pastor Ramesh started crawling towards a nearby tree. Before he could reach the shelter of the tree, the extremists returned and snatched his mobile phone, wallet that had Rs. 500 (US$10) and camcorder.” The pastor was later taken to the hospital with severe injuries on his right arm, leg, head and jaw. The injuries on his jaw are so severe that he is unable to swallow food. Before the attack, Hindu extremists lodged a complaint with the police accusing the pastor of forcibly converting Hindus. VOM encourages you to pray for this pastor who is risking his all for the sake of the gospel. Ask God to heal him and use his testimony to minister to his persecutors.

Psalm 9:13-16

NEPAL – Three Christians Killed in Church Bombing – VOM Sources

On May 23, a bomb killed three Christians and wounded 15 others at the Assumption Catholic Church, in Kathmandu, Nepal, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. During Mass attended by more than 250 people, a young man and woman entered the church and placed a bag on the floor of the church. “A few minutes later a bomb exploded sending shrapnel and nails flying into the congregation, “VOM contacts said. A 15 year-old girl was killed instantly and a 30-year-old newlywed who was visiting her family from India, died on the way to the hospital. Fifteen others were injured including one of the priests. Three remain critical. A second bomb was later disarmed by police before it detonated. Pray for the families of the deceased. Ask God to heal those who were injured and to protect believers in Nepal. Ask God to use the testimonies of believers to draw non believers into fellowship with Him.

Psalm 119: 161-168

Persecuted Church Update for the Week of May 29th

Thank you for praying for persecuted Christians around the world.

Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life. - Leonard Ravenhill

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18


VOM-USA Prayer Update for May 29, 2009
On Thu. May 28 2009 at 09:16 AM Moderator wrote:
IRAN - Officials Deny Pension to Iranian Christian – Farsi Christian News Network

On May 14 a retired Christian schoolteacher in Iran, Fatemeh Pauki, was denied her pension by the district court of Ouroumieh, according to Farsi Christian News Network. On March 2, Pauki received a letter from the Ministry of Education stating that her pension would not be paid to her. In recent years, government officials have threatened and detained Pauki. She has been forced to promise that she will not have contact with Christians or attend any Christian meetings and that she will cooperate with the security officials in spying on other believers. Pauki's late husband, Majid Mahmoodi Tabrizi, a convert to Christianity from Islam, was repeatedly threatened by officials in an attempt to intimidate him into renouncing his faith. He was brutally murdered by unknown assailants in July 2005. His family has since received threatening letters warning them against inquiring further into his death. Pray that Pauki will stand strong in the face of persecution. Pray that she will take comfort in the care of her heavenly Father.

1 Peter 5:8-11

INDIA - Christians Beaten, Churches Set on Fire - VOM Sources

The Voice of the Martyrs received several reports of attacks on Christians in India recently.
MANIPUR STATE - On May 10, two church buildings were set on fire by Hindu extremists. The next day, another church building in the area was also torched. The buildings were badly damaged and furniture and equipment destroyed.

KARNATAKA STATE - On May 12, Hindu extremists barged into a school in Chennarayapatna, Hassan district, where pastors and other Christians were meeting for prayer. The extremists accused the believers of forcible conversion and beat several of them, including Pastor K.K. Ramesh. They also verbally harassed the women present and burned Bibles and other religious literature. The extremists eventually made their way to Pastor Ramesh's home and destroyed valuable items there. When police arrived an hour later, they took several believers to the police station and detained them. Those injured were denied medical treatment. All were released later that night without a charge.

TAMIL NADU STATE - On May 14, 10 Hindu extremists accosted Pastor George Philip while he was walking in the village of Kottavillai. When the pastor tried to walk away from the extremists, he was pelted with stones and beaten. He was later hospitalized for his injuries.

Pray for healing for those injured. Pray that the bold faith of Christians in India will be a light that draws others to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-16

PAKISTAN - Christians Affected by Pakistan Unrest – VOM Sources

More than 80 Christian families are homeless and living on church grounds following the recent and continuing political unrest in Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts.
Unlike Muslims, who have been housed and provided for by the government, more than 300 Christians have been displaced and left to fend for themselves. During a camp visit, local believers told our VOM contacts that before this war the Taliban was treating Christians as “infidels.” They stopped them from holding prayer meetings and threatened them, firing guns near Christian homes to stop them from praying. Pray for believers who have lost their homes and are living in refugee camps. Ask God to encourage, provide for and protect them.

Joshua1:9