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| "Pure and undefiled religion
before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their
trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."(James 1:27)
Prayers for April 17, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs
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ETHIOPIA
Bible Students Arrested; Church Leaders' Houses Raided - VOM Sources
- JIMMA - On March 22, two Bible school students were
imprisoned on the accusation of attempting to kill an imam. They were
released one week later with after paying a fine. A court hearing was
scheduled for April 2, 2007.
- BAMBASSE - April 2, the home of evangelist Tolosa Megersa
was raided by local Muslims. Six of his cattle and sheep were killed.
Five days later, the home of Full Gospel Church leader Lemmu Abdissa,
was also raided. All of his property was destroyed, including 4,000
kilograms of grain.
Thank God for the release of the two students. Pray those who
have lost property will be encouraged and rest in knowing they have
"better and lasting possessions." Hebrews 10: 34-37
INDIA
Pastors Imprisoned; Church Building Demolished - VOM Sources/ Global Council of Indian Christians
- GALIMERA TOWN - Pastor Jeremiah Majhi held a three-day
evangelistic meeting in his church in April, 2006, following which he
baptized 20 new believers. While he was baptizing them, some members of
anti-Christian Hindu groups came and beat him and the people who were
being baptized. They destroyed his church and house. The attackers
filed false charges against Pastor Jeremiah saying he was smuggling
drugs and other materials. The authorities arrested him along with his
nephew and have held them in prison since April 26, 2006. Bail
applications have been presented and rejected. A new hearing is
expected April 14, 2007.
- GUNTHAPUT VILLAGE - On March 30, a mob of 300 Hindu
militants completely demolished a church building in an attempt to kill
Pastor Shri Chetti. According to a report from the Global Council of
Indian Christians, during the demolition, the militants demanded that
all Christians leave the village and said they will not allow any
Christian worship centers in the area. The church has been suffered
persecution in the past when Hindu villagers burned down their building.
Pray these believers will continue to meet despite losing their
property. Ask God to encourage them and for the persecutors to know
Christ's love forgiveness and blessing through the testimony of these
Christians. Romans 12:14, 21
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| "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Prayers for March 27, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs
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INDIA Pastors Attacked and Arrested, One Held Hostage – VOM Sources
- BANGALORE - On March 16, 2007 Pastor John Selvan and Brother Vijay were attacked by more than 30 Hindu extremists when they were returning home from conducting prayer meetings in Bhelahalli, Bangalore. "When they were returning home, they were suddenly stopped by more than 30 Hindu extremists. They severely beat the men with sticks, axes and other weapons. The extremists are still holding Brother Vijay, the motorbike and their cell phones," reported The Voice of the Martyrs contacts working in India. The Hindu extremists are demanding Pastor Selvan bring the senior pastor of the church to them or "face serious consequences." Pray for the safety of Vijay and for Christians in India who continuously face difficult and dangerous situations.
- MADHYA PRADESH – On March 16, 2007, two Christian evangelists, Pastor Juan Singh Sesobia and Brother Thogabai from Forba in the Khargon District of Madhya Pradesh, were arrested. A case has been filed against them under Provision 295A, which constitutes their being charged with, "Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs." This article is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years. Pray for God's protection for these two brothers and ask Him to comfort their families. Pray their arrest will result in more souls coming to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Psalms 32:7, Proverbs 2: 7-8
INDONESIA UPDATE - Islamic Extremists Sentenced in Killing Christian School Girls – Associated Press
On March 21, 2007 three Islamic militants were found guilty of decapitating three Christian school girls and dumping their bloodied heads in nearby villages. According to Associated Press reports published in Indonesia, the Islamic militants were sentenced to between 14 and 20 years for the killings of Theresia Morangke and Yarni Sambue, both 15, and 17-year-old Alfita Poliwo. Hasanuddin was sentenced to 20 years for masterminding the 2005 attack, while his co-conspirators, Lilik Purnomo and Irwanto Irano, each received 14 years. A fourth girl in the attack, Noviana Malewa, then 15, received serious injuries to her face and neck, but survived. After the attack, Noviana suffered damaged nerves, a dislocated lower jaw and loosened teeth. VOMedical provided reconstructive surgery to repair nerve damage and reduce scarring. Pray God continues to heal Noviana's emotional and mental scars. Pray for Christians in Indonesia who face great persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 108:4, John 16: 33
CHINA Pastor Released from Prison, Wife Arrested – VOM Sources/ China Aid Association
On March 16, 2007 Pastor Don Quanyu was released from prison after serving ten days of administrative detention in the Wancheng Detention Center in Nanyang, Henan. Dong was arrested with 36 other Christian leaders but was the only one sentenced in connection with the "illegal gathering". Three days after Dong's release his wife, Li Huage, was arrested and sentenced to 10 days detention for allegedly "disturbing public order." Li was arrested at the office of the Wancheng District Public Security Bureau as she was seeking the return of her cell phone, computer and Bibles which were confiscated during a raid of her home. Pray for the safety of this family and for God to comfort them during this trying time. Ask God to protect Christians in China who face great persecution. Psalms 5: 11-12
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| "For I am not ashamed of the
gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone
who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the
righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,
'The just shall live by faith.'"(Romans 1:16-17)
Prayers for February 20, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs
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ERITREA
Pastor Arrested – VOM Sources
Pastor Habtom Tesfamikael, one
of the last remaining free Christian leaders in Eritrea, was recently
arrested and imprisoned. He was a pastor of one of the largest
Pentecostal churches in Eritrea, the Asmara Full Gospel Church. Pastor
Habtom is married and has been serving the Lord for more than 30 years.
Pray God will protect Pastor Habtom while in prison and comfort his
wife. Ask God to use his experience to bring others to the knowledge of
Jesus Christ. Romans 12:14, 21
CHINA
House-Church Leader and Elderly Mother Formally Charged/Pray for Pastor Fenggang – China Aid Association
- On February 8, Beijing house-church leader Hua Huiqi was formally
arrested by Beijing Public Security Bureau Chaoyang Branch and his
76-year-old mother was arrested for the second time by Beijing Security
Bureau Chongwen Branch. In January, Hua Huiqi and his elderly mother
were attacked and wounded by seven police officers while walking near a
2008 Olympic hotel site in Beijing, China. His family later learned he
was sentenced to one month of criminal detention. Pray God protects Hua
and touches the body of his ill mother. Pray the Holy Spirit encourages
and comforts their family. Hebrews 10:23
- Pastor Liu Fenggang, who was recently released from prison, is in
the hospital with heart problems. Pray God heals his body and comforts
his family. Isaiah 53: 4, 5
LAOS
Muslim Mob Attack House Church – VOM Sources
- In Southern Laos, two Christian men have been taken from their
farms and put in prison. No charges have been filed and no news is
forthcoming about their current situation. Pray God protects and
encourages these men and their families in this difficult time.
- In North Central Laos, on January 18, five police officers showed
up at a Christian brother's home and arrested him. VOM sources have
known him and his family for 20 years. His wife and 12-year-old son did
not get an opportunity to speak to him before he was taken away. All
efforts to locate him or allow his wife to know where he is being
detained have been unsuccessful. According to VOM contacts, in several
similar incidents, the people taken by police were never found alive.
Pray for this family, that has led more than 500 people to Christ in
the past two years. Ask God to protect this brother and comfort his
wife and child. Psalm 119: 49-56
UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan Authorities Admit Arrest of Protestant Pastor – Compass Direct News
Uzbekistan's religious authorities admitted for the first time this
week that an Uzbek pastor was arrested last month in the Eastern city
of Andijan and now faces criminal charges. Dmitry Shestakov was
arrested in a raid on his registered Full Gospel Church during Sunday
worship services on January 21. The pastor was charged with operating
an illegal religious organization, inciting religious hatred and
distributing materials promoting religious extremism. If convicted on
these charges, he faces maximum sentences from five to ten years in
prison for each separate offense. Matthew 5: 43-48
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| "But this is what I commanded
them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be
My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it
may be well with you.'"(Jeremiah 7:23)
Prayers for January 23, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs
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ETHIOPIA
Homes of Christians Burned, Christian Man Killed - VOM Sources
On January 8, the homes of three Christian families were burned by
Muslims in the village of Begge. Even though the family belongings were
burnt, no one was injured in the attack. At last report, the police had
not yet investigated the incident or taken any action to bring the
arsonists to justice. In the same area, 10 Christian youths have been
living in a church building in Begge three months after fleeing from
their homes. They were chased from their homes after their families
threatened to execute them for converting from Islam. In a separate
incident, a Christian man was killed by an unknown person in the town
of Kofele. The father of five was hit on the head with a metal iron
rod. His family believes he was killed by Muslims, since the Kofele
area is dominated by Muslims. Pray God will comfort this brother's
family in their grief. Ask God to encourage the Christian families who
are homeless, so they can have deep assurance of God's love in the
midst of tough times. Ephesians 3:14-19
NORTH KOREA
Evangelist Executed for Bible Distribution - VOM Sources/ World Bible Distribution
A North Korean evangelist has been executed for possessing and
distributing a Korean New Testament. World Bible Translation Center has
confirmed the incident, even though the details of the death are not
available. Pray for the family and friends of this evangelist. Ask God
to comfort them and encourage them, knowing that to be absent in this
natural body, is to be present with the Lord. Also pray Christians in
North Korea will entrust themselves to Christ and preach the gospel
without hesitation. II Timothy 1:7-12
INDIA
Christian Dies after Being Thrown from Train in India - VOM Sources/ Asia News
On January 12, Bansi Lal died after being thrown from a train in the
Devas district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is believed that Lal was
returning from a Pentecostal meeting when he was thrown off the train.
While police quickly ruled his death a suicide, Indian Christians
believe his death was caused by members of a militant Hindu youth
organization. Lal converted to Christianity two years ago and since
then had received threats. Pray God will comfort those who mourn Lal's
death. Ask that his story will bring others to Christ and pray for
Christians in India to walk in love towards those who persecute them. Romans 12: 14, 21
NIGERIA
Christians Attacked while Rebuilding Burnt Church - Compass Direct News
Christians in Nasarawa state were attacked by more than 200 Islamists
as they were trying to rebuild a Reformed Church building that Muslims
burnt down two years ago. The Nasarawa state government has since
banned reconstruction of the facility. The church was planted more than
a century ago by missionaries. Pray God encourages, protects and gives
wisdom to believers in Nigeria as they find ways to rebuild their
church. Acts 14: 21-23
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| "For I am not ashamed of the
gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone
who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."(Romans 1:16)
Prayers for January 16, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs
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INDIA
Pastor Attacked for Christmas and New Year Services - VOM Sources
On January 7, 2007, Pastor Gabriel was attacked and beaten by Hindu
extremists because he held Christmas and New Year services. The
attackers were infuriated believers gathered to sing and pray to a
"foreign God-Jesus." Pastor Gabriel sustained head injuries that have
resulted in him losing his sight. Meanwhile, believers who were on
their way to visit Pastor Gabriel in the hospital were involved in a
car accident and incurred severe injuries. Pray God will heal Pastor
Gabriel and those injured. Ask God to give believers in India boldness
to continue serving Him in the midst of increasing persecution. Psalm 103:3, Psalm 138:3
VIETNAM
Police arrest Pastor's family and demolish part of building - Compass Direct News
On January 9, 2007, police raided Rev. Hong Quang's church and
residence and arrested 17 people who were having a prayer meeting.
While in custody, some believers were threatened, crudely grabbed, led
by the hair, slapped on the face and beaten. Pray God's protection and
courage for Christians in Vietnam. Deuteronomy 31:6
SUDAN
Sudanese Police Deny New Year's Church Attack - Compass Direct News
Sudanese police have denied attacking 800 Christians at a New Year's
Eve service in Khartoum's Anglican cathedral. Six members of the
congregation were injured after the police fired tear gas into the
church. As a result of the attack, the sound system, pews, chairs and
windows were damaged. Pray God will heal believers injured in the
attack. Pray for protection and that publicity from the attack will
cause Christians worldwide to lift the country of Sudan before God's
throne. Proverbs 2:8
ROMANIA
Controversial Religion Law Passed; legal challenges planned - Forum 18 News
The Romanian President has approved a controversial new Religion Law
which bans religious defamation and public offense to religious
symbols. Christians in Romania are concerned the law will make it
difficult for religious communities not currently recognized by the
government to gain recognition. Christians and human rights activists
are hoping to appeal this law. Pray God guides and protects Christians
in Romania and grants them wisdom as they seek to appeal this new law. Isaiah 59:11
BANGLADESH
VOM Workers Request Prayer - VOM Sources
VOM workers in Bangladesh ask for prayer as Bangladesh has been plunged
into political chaos. Elections scheduled for January 22 have been
postponed and the president has stepped down as interim leader shortly
after declaring a state of emergency following 10 weeks of street
protests which killed 45 and injured hundreds. Bangladesh faces
political instability. "There are now widespread fears that the
political order could break down, leading to either a military
government or yet more space for hardliner Islamist groups," a VOM
source said. Pray for peace to prevail in Bangladesh and for God's
protection upon believers in the midst of political chaos. Isaiah 26:3
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