JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 16, 2018 16:21:23 GMT -5
Greetings to all.
What I have been doing in our church each week is to bring some prayer request of persecuted Christians, and I feel impressed by God to start posting them here. It is usually anywhere from 8 to 13 requests. At times I find "praise reports" and include them in the list. For those, I precede them with a musical note or it may not catch like that on this format. First batch will be posted in a few moments, God willing. After this I will be posting these mainly on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, or if tied up, later.
Along with an objective to have as many as will pray for these needs, this is also to raise awareness that persecution of Christians is very prevalent in the world today. About four years ago on another forum someone said stoning does not happen anymore. That poster was too sheltered from world events. Stoning is one of a number of ways Christians are killed.
The other objective is help all realize North American Christians will not be exempt from persecution as the Day of the Lord nears, and, in fact, there is some going on right now, usually in the form of litigation.
God bless. M a r a n a t h a !
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 16, 2018 16:25:18 GMT -5
Prayer requests posted on 3 - 16 - 18 1 - Pakistan - On March 4, about 15 Muslim men attacked a church in the Sahiwal district. The attack was led by the landlord of the building next door, who doesn’t want Christians beside him and is fighting to regain control of the land for his own use. The church members had gathered to build a boundary wall around their property when the Muslim men entered the church and started beating them. They threw bricks inside the building, damaging the pulpit, chairs and many Bibles. Three Christian men were seriously injured in the attack, and many women were also beaten, including a woman who was dragged on the floor and stripped naked. Eventually, police arrived at the church to stop the attack, and the injured were taken to a clinic. The police then took time to help the Christians build the wall around the building. Pray for the healing of those injured and traumatized by the attack. Pray that the church will remain strong in its witness, and pray that the attackers will come to know the Lord. Praise God for the kind police officers who helped restore peace and build the boundary wall.
2 - Israel - Eitan and his family, who are Messianic Jews, face threats from ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel because of Eitan’s work on videos for the One for Israel YouTube ministry. Eitan, his wife and their young child were forced to move after they received death threats. In addition, their car was sabotaged and bags of feces were thrown into their garden. Those threatening Eitan’s family have learned of his new address and distributed flyers including his picture, full name and address throughout the neighborhood. Pray that the Lord will protect Eitan and his family and that the neighbors will ignore the flyers. Pray that his family will experience God’s peace and that those opposing his work will come to know Jesus as the promised Messiah.
3 - China - Authorities in the southern Guangdong province recently closed Shenzhen International Church, claiming the building was in violation of the fire code. The church received a notice on Jan. 19, saying the building failed to meet regulations for fire safety. On Feb. 5, a government seal was placed over the church building’s doors, preventing worshipers from entering. Anyone who removes the seal or uses the building could be detained for up to 15 days. The church has about 3,000 members, many of whom are from countries outside China. Chinese authorities often use false claims of safety violations as a way to close churches. Pray that the church continues to meet and proclaim the gospel. Pray that unbelievers will see the church’s example and be drawn to Christ.
4 - Nigeria (Sahara Reporters) - In order to prevent the kidnapping and murder of students by Boko Haram, Borno State Government announced that all boarding schools in 25 of 27 areas will be closed. President Muhammadu Buhari told the visiting American Secretary of State that Nigeria prefers to have their daughters returned alive, after the government decided to pay a ransom to Boko Haram, rather than risking death through military intervention. Pray for the protection and recovery of all students, especially the girls who have been abducted. Pray for alternate methods of education to be made available to students. Pray for the Boko Haram militants to see that God is with those who call upon the name of Christ.
5 - Nigeria (ICC) - In an attack by Fulani militants on March 5 in Olosu village, 25 Christians were found murdered and many others were injured. Benue State is preparing for the mass burial, consisting mainly of women and children. A government representative divulged that an accusation had come against youth in the area. Though the local council called for a reconciliation meeting, the militants entered the village and attacked. Pray for comfort and peace for those who have experienced loss in the attacks. Pray for the authorities to have wisdom to bring justice and protection from attacks. Pray for God’s protection over the region and for believers as they practice their faith.
6 - Iraq (ICC) - A Christian family of three living in Baghdad, Dr. Hisham Shafiq al-Maskuni, his wife Shaza Malik and his elderly mother Khairiya Dawood were found dead in their home on March 9, 2018. An examination by authorities revealed that they had been stabbed by an armed group and their personal effects were stolen. This is the second attack against Christians in three weeks in the same neighborhood of Baghdad. Pray for the individuals who were responsible for the deaths to know the love and truth of Christ. Pray for believers to have wisdom in practicing their faith and protecting their families. Pray for the authorities to establish justice and see God at work wherever believers are targeted.
7 - Pakistan (Asia Times) - To discourage false charges under current blasphemy laws, members of Pakistan’s Parliament are proposing changes. In Pakistan, many accusations end in mob violence before the accused reaches court. A Senate Special Committee on Human Rights advised that those responsible for presenting unjustified cases of blasphemy should be chastened with the same earnestness and authority of the law. Pray for continued progress as authorities review the unfair use of blasphemy laws. Pray for wisdom as the government reviews how and what changes are necessary. Pray for justice for those responsible and that those who were attacked would forgive their persecutors.
8 - Syria (AMN) - Free Syrian Army Insurgents detailed their recent attack on the predominately Christian town of Al-Suqaylabiyah on Saturday, claiming that the rocket barrage targeted “regime positions.” Rebel sources reported that there was a government response at midnight with bombing by Russian air forces. Footage of the counter-attack is expected to be released in the future. Pray for those responsible for the attack to know that God is with all who take shelter in Him. Pray for healing and forgiveness for families and churches that have suffered loss during attacks. Pray for authorities to have wisdom in preventing the attacks and protecting their residents.
9 - Iran (MEC) - Eskandar Rezaie and Suroush Saraie were each sentenced to seven years in prison for "actions against national security" and one year for "propaganda against order in the Islamic Regime." Both men were conditionally released on bail and they were able to respond to the allegations in an appeal hearing on March 8. Judge Hosseinpour is expected to give a verdict within twelve days. Pray for physical and emotional healing for Eskandar and Suroush, and to know that the body of Christ is praying for them. Pray for Judge Hosseinpour; pray for a just and fair verdict.
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cocopaz
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Cat Slave Extraordinaire, Santa Barbara edition
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Post by cocopaz on Mar 17, 2018 13:31:32 GMT -5
Thank you for starting this forum. Of which church are you the pastor?
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 17, 2018 18:18:34 GMT -5
Thank you for starting this forum. Of which church are you the pastor? I think you meant "thread" for forum .
I pastor an independent Pentecostal church. I would give the name and location but I live in a small city where there are numerous thieves. So I keep anything quiet that might point to my name --- and thus my location. One person sometime back had their copper oil line snipped away while they were away!
When I first joined Gas buddy my user name was a form of my real name. Then I realized some might figure out when I was not around, especially if I had opportunity to post from another city / town. So I asked the admins there if I could change it to JesusIsTops. My wife is the one holding the Holy Bible in the pic with a clear blue sky for the background.
I was an ordained Assembly of God minister until the end of August 2003 when I resigned my credentials and removed our church from the AOG.
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Post by BGJam (Twin Cities MN) on Mar 18, 2018 11:31:52 GMT -5
Amen!
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 24, 2018 17:42:59 GMT -5
Prayer requests posted on 3 - 24 - 18
items 1 to 3 www.icommittopray.com/, 4 to 9 info.persecution.org
1 - Tanzania - The government of the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar is actively working to expel Christians, according to VOM workers who recently visited the area. All schools, even private Christian schools, are now required to teach Arabic and Islam; the construction of new churches is prohibited; and government authorities allow and even encourage Muslim citizens to intentionally drive out Christians. In 2013, 24 churches on the island were burned down, and crimes against Christians are almost never investigated or prosecuted. In addition, pastors have reported receiving poor medical treatment at hospitals, becoming even sicker than when admitted, so Christians don’t trust local hospitals. Thankfully, Christian leaders on the island remain committed to maintaining a Christian presence in the predominantly Muslim area. Praise God for their strong commitment to shepherding their flock, and pray for the perseverance of all Christians in Zanzibar.
2 - Bangladesh - In January 2017, a Hindu man named Bhargav heard the gospel and came to faith in Christ. A week later, he shared his faith with a Muslim friend, who didn’t respond to the gospel but told his Hindu neighbor about Bhargav’s conversion. The Hindu neighbor then spread the news that Bhargav had become a Christian and was sharing his faith with others in the village. A week later, a group of Muslim and Hindu teens beat Bhargav; his brother, Paynam, who had also accepted Christ, was later beaten by some Muslims. Both Bhargav and Paynam have received death threats since the attacks, and they are now staying at a safe house with their families. Pray that Bhargav and Paynam will heal from their injuries and that their faith will be emboldened by this persecution. Pray for their families’ protection, and pray that those who are persecuting them will come to know Jesus.
3 - India - During a village meeting on Feb. 28, a group of Christians and their pastor were ordered to give up their Christian faith or be “socially excommunicated” by the community. The six Christian families refused to give up their faith in Jesus. Since the meeting, the believers have been shunned by their neighbors, and their daily encounters with other villagers have become increasingly tense. Please pray that they will remain strong in faith and will grow closer to Jesus during this ordeal. Pray that others in the community will be drawn to Christ after witnessing these believers’ bold faith.
4 - Uzbekistan (Forum 18) - An 8-year-old child was taken from school to face hateful interrogation by officials during recent raids in Uzbekistan's southwestern region. During these interrogations, children were questioned by authorities about their parents’ faith. Baptists reported trials and fines void of justice, sometimes 100 times the minimum monthly salary. They believe that the raids are conducted to stop them from meeting. Pray for God's protection and guidance for Christians as they worship and fellowship. Pray for family members of believers to have wisdom and grace when dealing with authorities. Pray for favor between authorities and Christians and that the love and truth of Christ would be made known.
5 - Philippines (Independent) - Nearly 360,000 people fled, taking refuge as the Philippine army fought against the Islamic militia. Approximately 160,000 children were among those evacuated, walking for hours on bare feet with their families to reach safety miles away, passing burning buildings and bodies in the street. ISIS militants were seen burning down schools and homes and fatally shooting Christians in public. Pray for strength and peace to overcome fear for those who have witnessed terrorism. Pray for the provision of safe dwellings, food, and medical care for those who have fled. Pray for God's presence to bring healing and restoration to all who have suffered loss.
6 - Eritrea (ICC) - Often referred to as the "North Korea of Africa," Eritrea ranks as the fifth worst persecutor of Christians in the world. In December 2017, believers in Massawa were attacked in their homes, arrested, and taken to underground prisons where they remain to this day. Their crime, like thousands of others, is believing in Jesus Christ. Persecution in Eritrea ranges from financial pressure to arrests to torture. Pray for those imprisoned to find creative ways to share the Gospel. Pray for those living and sharing their faith underground to be hidden from authorities.
7 - Iraq (Iraqi News) - Colonel Haseeb Maarouf detailed the events surrounding the arrest of two senior Islamic State leaders and the seizure of a storehouse of weapons during a recent military operation. Security forces have been searching for Islamic State members hiding among refugees as they continue their efforts to clear the region from militant influence. Mosul was officially liberated from ISIS last July after three years of ISIS occupation. Pray for protection and discernment for authorities as they continue their efforts to clear the area. Pray for those who support the Islamic State to be found along with all weapons and explosives. Pray for the spiritual and physical restoration of families and communities that have suffered.
8 - Nigeria (ICC) - When caregivers and parents are killed through bloodshed and destruction of churches, children are the most vulnerable of all persecuted Christians. “Mama,” a courageous woman in the midst of such tragedy, has taken in more than 50 orphaned children in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Approximately half of the children that she has taken into her home lost their parents during recent attacks led by Fulani herdsmen. Pray for healing and comfort through the presence of Jesus for all who have experienced loss. Pray for the Lord to abundantly provide for spiritual, emotional, and physical needs to be met. Pray for courage, strength, healing, and peace for “Mama” and all those who step in to serve these children.
9 - Nigeria (Morning Star News) - Jummai Samaila, a 45-year-old mother of nine children residing in the Klah area of Miango, was roused from sleep by gunshots. She reported that there was shooting going on all around her house, and she saw six armed Fulani herdsmen outside the window. Moving away from the window, she found her husband lying on the floor and hid. Men, women, and children alike were killed in these recent attacks. Pray for God's peace and comfort for all families and churches that have suffered loss. Pray for protection for those who have lost their crops and property. Pray for the salvation of the Fulani.
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Post by timothyu on Mar 24, 2018 18:43:02 GMT -5
Quick question. Are these Christians being persecuted because of the Gospel of the Kingdom or simply because they are seen as opposition, be it religion wise or merely because they are not a part of a power seeking structure? It seems the majority of violent people are too stupid to understand religion let alone distinguish between sound teaching and the simple ideology of kill it if it is not like us.
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 26, 2018 16:44:18 GMT -5
Help Liberate Gao Zhisheng from Prison for a Crime He Did Not Commit
Gao Zhisheng was formally arrested in 2006 after being placed under heavy surveillance for providing legal assistance to religious minority groups and underprivileged individuals in China. Prior to his arrest, Gao was hailed as one of the top 10 lawyers by China's Ministry of Justice and was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize.
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 30, 2018 18:28:54 GMT -5
Prayer requests posted on 3 - 30 - 18
items 1 to 3 www.icommittopray.com/, 4 to 9 info.persecution.org
1 - India - A family that recently converted from Hinduism to Christianity has faced protests and threats from the community for burying their 7-year-old daughter, who died from an illness on Feb. 26, on their own land. Hindus in the community, who traditionally burn their dead, have protested the burial and threatened the local pastor. With help from police, the family was finally able to bury their daughter. VOM supported the grieving family and their pastor. Pray that this family of new believers will grow in faith and be a shining light for Christ in their village as they continue to mourn their daughter’s death.
2 - Laos - Several Christian families, including the family of a man recently released from jail for his evangelistic work, have been forced to leave their village. VOM contacts are helping them move to a new village that has accepted them. “Sanyahak,” the man released from jail, was arrested in early October after 40 people came to know Jesus through his witness. Pray for Sanyahak and his family as well as the other believers as they transition to life in their new village. Pray that their former neighbors will still hear and seek to understand the gospel. Praise God for the new village that has accepted these families, and pray that the Christians will be able to share the gospel with their new neighbors.
3 - Israel - (Source: Middle East Concern) A book store in Tel Aviv owned and operated by the Bible Society of Israel is currently on trial, accused by the property owner of conducting missionary activities and violating its rental agreement. The book store, which has rented the same property since 1961, is the only store selling Bibles in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. A court decision is expected to be issued in the next few weeks. Pray that the judge will arrive at a just decision and that the book store will be able to continue its ministry. Also pray that God will provide the store owners with the funds necessary to cover legal expenses and that God will be glorified through this trial.
4 - China (Christian Post) - Pastor John Cao allegedly crossed the China-Myanmar border last March. Before the crossing, Cao built 16 schools that serve 2,000 impoverished minority children in Myanmar. The North Carolina pastor has been sentenced to seven years in prison for "organizing illegal border crossing." Pray for protection and strength for those confronted by authorities to exhibit God's peace. Pray for those living and sharing their faith underground to be hidden from authorities. Pray for peace between believers and authorities so that the truth of Christ will be made known.
5 - Pakistan (TNS) - The Islamabad High Court adopted strict requirements for the declaration of religious affiliation when applying for government jobs and filing identity documents. The decision amended existing statutes to create a controversial focus on a "faith affidavit." Many have spoken out against this new rule, stating that it paves the way for religious persecution at the state level. Pray for believers to have peace and boldness in speaking the truth in the face of unfair laws. Pray for Christians to be recognized by non-believers as those who have the presence of God. Pray for God's intervention in the writing of Pakistani laws.
6 - Pakistan (PCP) - More than 50 doctors, security, and staff were involved in a physical attack that left a Christian man dead in a hospital in Pakistan. When Doctor Saira started slapping a Christian patient named Kiran Saleem, her brothers came to her rescue, but they were immediately surrounded and beaten. Sunil Saleem, one of Kiran’s brothers, died from his injuries and the others were seriously wounded during the attack. Pray for the Saleem family to know God's peace during this time of loss and forgive their attackers. Pray for God's justice and for the Shadman Police to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. Pray for conviction and salvation as the attackers recognize that God is involved in restoration.
7 - Egypt (Christianity Today) - Magdy Farag Samir, a 49-year-old Christian teacher in Egypt, was charged after posing a series of questions about the prophet Muhammad on a test. A relative of Samir said, "The students and their parents considered this an insult to the prophet Muhammad and Islam." Magdy was teaching at a school in the Beni Suef governorate and was forced to change schools after administering the test in December. Pray for protection and discernment for Samir as he looks for another teaching position. Pray for the truth to be revealed as authorities investigate the complaints. Pray for salvation for those who support Muslim ideology in Egypt.
8 - Turkey (Deseret News) - Turkey, which is 99 percent Muslim, has enforced judgments against perceived opponents, declaring Christianization as "an agent of unconventional warfare under the mask of being an evangelical." Pastor Andrew Brunson goes on trial next month on charges of terrorism, using Christianity as his cover. Meanwhile, Christians in Turkey report increasing pressures and indirect discrimination from the government. Pray for Pastor Andrew to know the peace that surpasses understanding and the fellowship of the praying Church. Pray for intervention in sentencing and for the truth to prevail. Pray for God's justice to reign and for righteousness to prevail in all decisions concerning Pastor Brunson.
9 - Algeria (WWM) - After being open for six years, a fourth Algerian church was forced to close after receiving a 15-day warning. Authorities claim that they are closing the church because it fails to meet safety standards and the building was originally intended for a poultry business. Pressure against Christianity has intensified as authorities pressure churches to adhere to harsh regulations regarding public meetings and safety standards. Pray for members of the Religious Affairs Bureau to stop the discrimination. Pray for protection and provision for churches to gather for fellowship and worship. Pray for salvation for the authorities in charge of church closures.
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
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Post by JesusIsTops on Apr 6, 2018 17:09:21 GMT -5
With the following, please remember in prayer Pastor Andrew Brunson, who I believe goes on trial THIS MONTH (if not May) in Turkey on charges of terrorism, using Christianity as his cover.
Prayer requests posted on 4 - 6 - 18 items 1 to 3 www.icommittopray.com/, 4 to 9 info.persecution.org
1 - Myanmar - Several orphans from the Pa’O ethnic group were abducted by angry Buddhists in February 2017 after they distributed gospel tracts during a large Buddhist festival. The orphans, who live under the care of a Christian worker, had distributed gospel tracts in 18 Pa’O villages before being confronted by Buddhist monks at the festival. When the monks called for their arrest and attempted to shave their heads, the youth fled to their home with the Christian worker. But the monks sent villagers and Pa’O rebel army officers after the orphans, and four of them were taken. One managed to escape and return to his native village, while the other three were detained and had their heads shaved. After 10 days, another of the orphans was able to escape and return home. The two remaining boys are thought to be detained in a Buddhist monastery. Pray that the orphans will continue to grow in faith and that their evangelistic efforts will bear fruit and lead others to Christ. Also pray for the Christian worker as he cares for additional orphans and raises them as followers of Jesus.
2 - Uzbekistan - Local officials in Navoi, Uzbekistan, took an 8-year-old boy out of school without his parents’ knowledge in order to interrogate him about his family’s church attendance. Two days after raiding Nikolay Pivtsev’s home, confiscating the family’s Bible and computer, police picked up his son from school on Jan. 26 and took him in for questioning. Later, they summoned both the boy and his mother to a meeting in which they threatened fines and imprisonment if Nikolay continued to attend church. Then, a month later, a judge fined the family double the monthly wage. Other Christians in Navoi and elsewhere in Uzbekistan have experienced similar harassment in the last few months. Pray that parents will continue to teach their children about Christ.
3 - Iran - Two Iranian Christians continue to await a judge’s decision on their appeal of prison sentences they received in December 2017. Eskander Rezaie and Suroush Saraie, both of whom have been previously imprisoned, face eight-year sentences if their appeal is denied. Eskander was arrested in July 2017 after hundreds of New Testaments were discovered in his home, and Suroush, a pastor, was arrested for trying to exempt the children of Christian converts from Islamic instruction. Pray that the judge will overturn the sentences and that believers throughout Iran will continue to proclaim salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
4 - India (Baptist Press) - An abrupt suspension seems to have occurred in the wave of persecution under the current BJP-led government. At the end of March, Christians celebrated victories in two important legal cases. First, government officials reversed an order to halt Good Friday observances and reinstated it as a public holiday. Next, the Supreme Court of India released Christian leader Amit Kumar Soren from prison who was awaiting trial for false charges. Pray for justice for Soren and the reversal of wrongful allegations against Christians. Pray for safety and protection for Christians facing violence in India. Pray for members of the BJP-led government and favor between authorities and Christians.
5 - Kenya (ICC) - On April 2, 2015, gunmen stormed in during morning prayers and sprayed bullets among students at Garissa University in northeastern Kenya. Others were killed while running for safety. Many Kenyans are still reliving the trauma left behind from the attack amidst ongoing threats of terrorism. Mr. Benson Mutuko said that "memories...are as fresh as the time when I received the sad news of the attack." Pray for peace and boldness for survivors who have lost their loved ones to terrorism. Pray for their testimony of God's intervention to inspire faith and hope in difficult circumstances. Pray for discernment and protection for police and authorities at Garissa University.
6 - Nigeria (WWM) - A mother of five, Hanatu, 46, is one of a few women to have come back to her village, after losing her husband during a conflict with Fulani herdsmen. She has chosen to lead by example by returning to her village in order to protect their lands. Boko Haram insurgents and Fulani herdsmen continue to attack and massacre Christians throughout Nigeria, with many families losing their breadwinners to the violence. Pray for widows and children to know that God is caring for their needs during this time of loss. Pray for Hanatu Solomon to have God's protection and boldness as she returns to her village. Pray for the authorities to have wisdom in dealing with the needs of vulnerable Christians.
7 - Iraq (Iraqi News) - In the Christian town of Bartella, four children were harmed as a bomb detonated outside of a medical complex. The Islamic State continues to influence the region by launching sporadic attacks against troops. Pray for healing for the children and families affected by the explosion. Pray for Christians to have discernment to deal with the dangers they are facing. Pray for God's intervention in Bartella and for ISIS to be removed from the region.
8 - Eritrea (WWM) - Ten friends congratulating a newly married couple were among those arrested during a recent raid by authorities in Eritrea. Four Christians, including the newlyweds were split up and moved to Adi Abeito Prison following their arrest. At the United Nations Human Rights Council, it was noted that more than 100 people were arrested in Eritrea in 2017 for practicing religions banned by the state. Pray for authorities in Eritrea to recognize God's peace and power with believers. Pray for favor between those in authority and Christians in every interaction. Pray for God's intervention and protection for Christians in Eritrea.
9 - Texas / Myanmar (LTJ) - After years of persecution, 4,000 members of the Chin community from Myanmar, a primarily Buddhist nation, have resettled in Lewisville, Texas. In Myanmar, many experienced forced labor, detainment, torture, and extrajudicial killings. About 98 percent of them now practice Christianity. While the transition into a new culture may present challenges, they may now practice their faith without fear. Pray for the Chin church in Lewisville to grow in their love and devotion to Christ. Pray for ministry director Becky Nelson to have wisdom as she assists the Chin community. Pray for intervention in education for the children who do not have the basic skills to begin school.
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Apr 14, 2018 21:05:56 GMT -5
Prayer requests posted on 4 - 14 - 18
items 1 to 3 www.icommittopray.com/, 4 to 9 info.persecution.org
1 - Tajikistan - KGB officials walked into an ongoing church service on Sunday, March 11 and began taking photos and recording video. When church leaders protested, the officials said it was an official examination, though they did not provide documentation. The officials also walked around the church premises and collected Christian literature from various rooms. According to a local church leader, “They intend to conduct a religious censor examination for prohibited materials.” One of those “prohibited materials” is Josh McDowell’s More Than a Carpenter, which is banned in Tajikistan. This particular church has already received two warnings. After a third warning, authorities have the right to close the church. “Please pray that the Lord will give us the opportunity to keep freely distributing the Good News in our country and beyond,” a VOM contact wrote. “And also pray that we have the opportunity to have all necessary Christian literature for self-education and for evangelism.”
2 - Nigeria - Christians in a central Nigerian village are feeling betrayed after Muslim herdsmen attacked and killed several people and then attacked again after the funerals. Fulani herdsmen attacked Miango, a village in Jos state on March 8 around 10 p.m. A family on the edge of town lost three boys when the Fulani came in wielding machetes and shooting. Their 4-year-old cousin, Chanka, remains in critical care. That night, the Fulani also killed Iliya Isa, a former Muslim who had accepted Christ. Five days later, the villagers wore black and marched silently to the government in Jos in protest for not being protected by Nigerian security forces. After that, they buried the three boys who were killed, but on the way home to the village, they were attacked again by Fulani men. The evening before, Fulani attacked a home where villagers had gathered to mourn someone’s death and killed 27 people. Pray for the people of Miango, who are angry with both the Fulani and the Nigerian government. Pray for comfort for those who have lost family members. And praise God that the 4-year-old boy who was injured is improving.
3 - Bangladesh - Tayub Ali passed into the arms of the God he served. Tayub became a believer in 2004 after growing up in a Muslim majority tribal group. Immediately following his conversion, he was driven from his community and could not return home for three weeks. Fundamentalist young men in the community threatened to kill him. However, after things deescalated, Tayub went on to share the gospel with more than 1,000 people. He led 300 men and women to the Lord, and discipled six people. Tayub is survived by his wife and four adult daughters. Praise God for this faithful servant. Remember his wife in prayer.
4 - Pakistan / Turkey - Continue to pray for the acquittal and release from prison of Asia Bibi in Pakistan. Andrew Brunson, an American pastor, will be soon be coming up for trial in Turkey. Pray for his acquittal and release from prisons. Pray for the families of both these servants of Christ.
5 - India (Gospel Herald) - Pastor Madira Koti Reddy went to study the Bible and pray after eating dinner with his family. An assailant then entered the house and slashed the pastor's arms and head with an axe, before running away. The severity of his condition required that he be moved to a private hospital. Shiva Narayana was taken into custody later and confessed. Pray for the pastor and his family to experience God’s healing and have forgiveness for the attacker, for salvation of attackers like Shiva Narayana to find peace through Jesus, and for authorities to protect Christians and provide justice.
6 - Nigeria (WWM) - Leah Sharibu, a teenage girl held captive by Boko Haram, reportedly asked friends to share a message with her family as well as details of her attempted escape. The girls were taken on February 19 during an attack on their school in Dapchi, Nigeria. The girls told Leah’s parents that the militants did not release Leah because she refused to convert to Islam. Pray for comfort for Leah’s parents as they pray for their daughter, for boldness and protection for Leah, and for salvation for Leah’s captors, that they will encounter the love of God.
7 - Pakistan (UCAN) - Two men riding a motorcycle arrived on the street where Kinza Emmanuel was visiting relatives. They gunned down four family members and then opened fire at those still alive. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the April 2 attack in the Balochistan province through a statement released through its media agency. Pray for comfort for Kinza and surviving family members who have experienced this loss, for all families in the Shah Zaman area of Quetta to have peace that surpasses understanding, and for authorities to be alerted to future attacks.
8 - North Korea (Washington Post) - At the Chinese-North Korean border, ethnic Koreans are committed to front-line ministries with the goal of developing missionaries who will return to North Korea to share Christ. Many such missionaries and pastors have died recently; hundreds of others have been incarcerated or driven out of China, where evangelism is illegal. y: Pray for protection and boldness for all ethnic Koreans in sharing the love of Christ, for missionary work to be hidden from authorities, and for provision for workers sharing with those in need.
9 - CHINA - Gao Zhisheng was arrested in 2006 for providing legal assistance to religious minority groups and underprivileged individuals in China. Gao spent the next eight years in and out of prison, enduring various forms of torture. He disappeared in August 2017 and his current whereabouts are unknown, but it is believed that he has been put in custody again by the Chinese government. Please join ICC as we call on the government of China to release Gao Zhisheng so that he can return to his family once and for all.
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
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Post by JesusIsTops on Apr 21, 2018 16:51:11 GMT -5
04 - 21 - 18 items 1 to 3 www.icommittopray.com/, 4 to 9 http://info.persecution.org Any spelling errors are not mine. I just copied and pasted.
Please continue to pray for the release from prison of Andrew Brunson in Turkey and Asia Bibi in Pakistan. 1 - India - A family in India is mourning the death of their 65-year-old wife and mother. Subbaravamma used to climb the stairs of her home every evening and kneel to pray for her city. Stone workers in a nearby Hindu temple observed her prayers. One of the workers took offense and attacked the elderly woman to death with a stick on March 21. He beat her so ruthlessly she was unrecognizable. Police arrested the attacker. VOM workers immediately visited her family to encourage them. Subbaravamma leaves behind her husband, and her three adult children and their families. Her husband, 73, is in deep shock. Pray for her family as they mourn.
2 - China - Pray for Christians in China as the government continues to further restrict Christian activity. In February, churches were ordered to report their religious activities to authorities. In March, the Communist Party disbanded its Religious Affairs Bureau and the Communist Party’s Central Committee absorbed the duty of managing religious life in China. In April, the government banned the online sale of Bibles — a setback in a country where printed Bibles were already difficult for many to obtain. President Xi Jinping continues to increase his control over religious life and promote Chinese nationalism. The Communist Party may also be working on a new Bible translation, meant to inject Chinese values into Scriptures. Pray for Christians in China to stand up under the increasing pressure, and pray for those involved in Bible distribution work.
3 - Egypt - A young Christian widow’s family tried to force her to get remarried to a Muslim, but instead she chose Jesus. During her first marriage, Muna and her husband secretly converted from Islam. Muna’s husband died when their daughter was 8 years old. Muna’s family quickly insisted she remarry. They gave her a choice between two Muslim men. As she agonized over the decision, a speaker on a Christian television program she watched provided godly wisdom. The speaker said believers were not to be unequally yoked and that marriage is a holy covenant with God. “I knew then I must take a stand and trust that God will help me,” Muna said. The speaker’s words gave Muna the courage to tell her parents she would not remarry and to move out of their home so she and her daughter would have more freedom to worship. Pray for Muna and the many secret believers like her who are ministered to by godly television programs.
4 - LEBANON - ICC Note: More than 3,000 Syrian refugees have been evicted from their homes in Lebanon because of their nationality and religion. This has brought in a financial burden on the affected refugees because they have lost their income and property while they cannot return back home.
5 - EGYPT - ICC Note: ISIS displaced thousands of Christians from Iraq and Syria in just three years. Their Islamic ideals continue to spread to different parts of the world as they continue to discriminate, harass and kill Christians for their faith. In Egypt, Islamic radicals have also carried out several attacks against Christians.
6 - MYANMAR - ICC Note: Kachin state minister Khet Aung told more than 2000 displaced Kachin villagers forced to leave their homes that they can return home, while the army from both sides dispute such claim and ask them to stay away. The ongoing fighting between the military and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) forced many villagers to flee and hide in the jungles.
7 - VIETNAM - ICC Note: At a summit yesterday commemorating the 20th anniversary of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Vietnamese pastor Nguyen Cong Chinh who was jailed for preaching and human rights activities shared the cruelty experienced by Christian prisoners in Vietnam – constant beating, torture, and contaminated food.
8 - INDIA - ICC Note: Indian police did nothing after Christian families reported that a Hindu nationalist mob had attacked a church fellowship on April 5th. The Christians, living in eastern India, were told to be silent on the matter as they fled their homes following the attack. The police justified their actions by telling the Christians that if there is a First Information Report (FIR) against the attackers, there should be a counter FIR report against the victims of the attack as well.
9 - SRI LANKA - Civil society groups in Sri Lanka are pushing for the social media giant Facebook to do more to prevent religious hate speech. The government had temporarily blocked the use of Facebook and WhatsApp during anti-Muslim riots last month, and have been urged by civil society groups to make hate speech illegal. On top of all of this, the government in Sri Lanka is considering making Muslim religious classes on Sundays mandatory for children between 6 and 19 years of age.
10 - SUDAN -ICC Note: Not only did four Christians get charged recently in Sudan, but another 36 are soon to appear in court. All of these cases are related to an incident in April 2017, when police and a mob attacked church property to illegally seize it for a Muslim business man. Despite claims that Sudan is becoming religiously free, these cases show the government’s true nature and intent.
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
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Post by JesusIsTops on Apr 28, 2018 16:33:30 GMT -5
4 - 28 - 18
items 1 to 2 www.icommittopray.com/, 4 to 8 info.persecution.org, 3 was from both
1 - Laos - A young Christian couple and their toddler son have chosen to stay in their animist village even though persecution has caused many other villagers to abandon the Christian faith they once professed. After authorities destroyed the couple’s home in an attempt to drive them out, they instead gathered the remains of their dismantled home and built a small hut. Church leaders from neighboring villages came to stay with them as a sign of support, and authorities are now saying the couple can rebuild their home and remain in the village. Pray that this Christian family will remain strong in faith and be a light for Christ among their animist neighbors. Pray also for those who renounced their Christian faith and for those who persecuted them.
2 - Pakistan - On April 17, four Islamic militants on motorcycles rode into a predominantly Christian neighborhood and shot two young Christian men. Rahib Khalid, 16, died at the scene, and Azhar Iqbal, 26, died later at the hospital. Two days earlier, three other Christians, including two girls, were injured in another local shooting. And on April 2, the day after Easter, militants killed four Christians and injured a girl in another attack. VOM is helping provide relief to many of those affected by these attacks. Pray for the families of Rahib, whose father is paralyzed and had relied on his son’s help, and Azhar as well as the families of the other shooting victims. Pray that local believers will be strengthened by this persecution and continue to reflect the love of Christ to their Muslim neighbors.
3 - Turkey - Following his long-awaited court hearing on April 16, Andrew Brunson was ordered to another prison, and the remainder of his trial was postponed until May 7. Pastor Andrew was arrested on Oct. 7, 2016, on terrorism and espionage charges, and he faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted. During the hearing, he told the court that he is a servant of God and that his only reason for being in Turkey was to preach the gospel. He stressed that he loves the country and has been praying for it for 25 years. He also insisted that he has done nothing wrong and rejected the charges filed against him. At one point, he broke down emotionally, telling the court that he has suffered psychologically while in solitary confinement. The pastor has lived in Turkey for more than 20 years, leading a church in the southwestern part of the country. On April 21, Turkish President Erdogan stated that Pastor Brunson will not be released unless the United States extradites Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric. This was the first time that Erdogan connected Brunson and Gulen, confirming that Brunson is being used as a political hostage. Pray that the Lord will strengthen and comfort Pastor Andrew and his family. Pray for the wisdom and direction of his Turkish lawyer as he defends the pastor during trial, and pray that the court will rule justly, leading to Pastor Andrew’s release.
4 - Pakistan (Christian Post) - Twenty-five-year-old Asma Yaqoob died on Sunday after being taken to a specialty burn unit in Lahore’s Mayo Hospital for treatment. BPCA reports that a man whose marriage proposal she had turned down carried out the attack by covering her in a flammable liquid and lighting her on fire. 90% of her body was covered in burns following the attack. Pray for the family to be comforted in their loss and find forgiveness for the perpetrator, for justice for the attacker, and for him to come to conviction and salvation through Christ. Pray for the community and authorities to have wisdom in protecting Christians from attacks.
5 - Myanmar (UCA News) - More than 900 civilians were rescued on April 22 amid the military's offensive against Kachin rebels. Three churches in Namti town have become shelters for those who have fled their homes. Some people from Zup Mai had to walk for three days to find shelter. Clothes and food were donated by parishioners. Pray for the presence of God to bring comfort and rest to those who have fled their villages, for protection and provision for civilians and churches providing humanitarian assistance, and for God's presence to bring stability and overturn darkness within the region.
6 - China (China Aid) - In 2017, Chen Shixin was arrested during a land dispute. The leader of a 300-member underground church in Huaibei, Anhui fought as the Lieshan District government granted his church the plot of land that had been illegally occupied, but there was not an official document recorded. He has been sentenced to three years in prison. Pray for God’s peace and justice to reign, revealing to authorities the truth of the charges. Pray for Chen Shixin to know the presence of God in prison and witness to those who need the light of Christ as he is waiting, and for the authorities to recognize that God is with Chen.
7 - CHINA (ICC) - Gao Zhisheng was arrested in 2006 for providing legal assistance to religious minority groups and underprivileged individuals in China. Gao spent the next eight years in and out of prison, enduring various forms of torture. He disappeared in August 2017 and his current whereabouts are unknown, but it is believed that he has been put in custody again by the Chinese government. Please join ICC as we call on the government of China to release Gao Zhisheng so that he can return to his family once and for all.
8 - CHINA - ICC Note: On April 16, officials from local religious affairs bureau and ministry of education investigated a kindergarten in Fujian province set up by a local church. Classes, books, supplies, and rosters were inspected during the investigation, as the leader of the group claimed that the school was an illegal institution. The move reaffirms that the government is tightening control of religious education for minors.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2018 21:44:54 GMT -5
Three American men left No. Korea Prison today for a hotel. They have been tortured but not as bad as Otto, who died. Pres Trump asked they be freed and they are at a hotel now. They may come home tonight. Please bring them home God, protect them.
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JesusIsTops
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Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
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Post by JesusIsTops on May 4, 2018 21:36:20 GMT -5
Three American men left No. Korea Prison today for a hotel. They have been tortured but not as bad as Otto, who died. Pres Trump asked they be freed and they are at a hotel now. They may come home tonight. Please bring them home God, protect them. Thanks for posting this! Yes indeed, let us be praying for these guys.
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