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 Feb 17, 2024 18:33:45 GMT -5
02-17-2024 Items 1-4 persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source. 1. Canada (ICC)» The Canadian House of Commons has condemned a government report that calls the Christian holidays of Christmas and Resurrection Day as examples of “systemic religious discrimination.” The report, published by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, described the Christian holy days as discriminatory, being that they are the only religious holidays recognized as government holidays in Canada. Pray for growth within Canada’s Christian community. Pray for godly leaders to rise to power in Canada.
2. Vietnam (ICC)» ICC and human rights groups are calling for the immediate release of Vietnamese Christian Nay Y Blang after he was recently sentenced to more than four years in prison for allegedly holding prayer meetings at his home. Blang, 48, is a member of the Central Highlands Evangelical Church of Christ which is not an official religious group authorized by the Vietnamese Communist Party. Pray for the freedom of Nay Y Blang. Pray for the release of other wrongfully imprisoned Christians in Vietnam. Pray for the gospel to spread across Vietnam.
3. India (ICC)» Saffron flags depicting Hindu deities were recently installed by Hindu nationalists on the roofs of four church buildings in Jhabua, a district in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Sources say a mob of Hindu radicals forcefully entered the premises, chanting loudly in worship of their gods. The Christians were helpless in defending their places of worship from the aggressive mob that committed this desecration. Pray for protection for these churches from future harassment. Pray for tensions in this community to ease. Pray for greater security measures against violent Hindu nationalists.
4. Nigeria (ICC)» Nigerian police continue to investigate the slaying of two Christian monarchs who were gunned down returning from a security meeting southwest Nigeria. Assailants on a motorcycle shot Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti; and Oba Olatunde Olusola, the Onimojo of Omojola-Ekiti. A third man survived the ambush. Police arrested at least 13 suspects in their murders. Pray for peace and comfort for the families of the deceased. Pray for healing for the survivor of this attack. Pray for the attackers to come to know Christ.
5. India» Pastor Vinod was killed in 2021, leaving behind his wife, Sunita, and 13-year-old daughter, Stuti. They have struggled emotionally and financially with their loss while living with Hindu family members who refuse to help them. Front-line workers have helped them get counseling, which has given them tools to express and process their emotions and begin to regain some joy. They have also helped Sunita start a business to support her family. Praise the Lord for his healing in their lives, and pray for the emotional and spiritual healing to continue for Sunita and Stuti.
6. Benin» On January 10, 2023, in a small town in central Benin, a group of voodooists burned down a church when Christians refused to honor local idols. Benin is considered the birthplace of voodoo, and the country celebrates National Voodoo Day on January 10 each year. Occult practices, which include worshiping idols, sacrificing animals and wearing special talismans to ward off evil, are widespread. With VOM’s help, the church has been rebuilt and reopened. The church’s pastor is thankful that the house of worship is open and that his congregation has a place to meet. He asks that Christians pray for more people in the village to be set free from the bondage of voodoo and that the congregation will be strengthened regardless of persecution.
7. Lebanon» Khaled’s Lebanese Muslim family was displeased when he decided to become a follower of Christ. After learning about his newfound faith, they attacked him and locked him in a room away from his wife, attempting to force him to return to Islam. But Khaled escaped and eventually reunited with his wife. She was also not supportive of his conversion and only allowed him to return if he paid the full cost of their housing and living expenses without any financial assistance from her. He found a new job, is paying the expenses, and is trying to demonstrate God’s love to his wife. He said she has noticed a change in him and occasionally asks about the peace he has despite his many challenges. Khaled recently led a colleague to Christ and is now discipling him and taking him to church. Pray for Khaled's wife to come to Christ.
Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Feb 23, 2024 19:25:44 GMT -5
02-23-2024 Items 1-4 persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source. 1. India (ICC)» Presiding over an elaborate ceremony, Indian PM Narendra Modi consecrated a new Hindu temple in the small town of Ayodhya last month as he campaigns for a third term in office. The ceremony marked the culmination of decades of effort by Hindu nationalists and a defeat for the country’s religious minorities. Under Modi’s leadership, India has steadily declined in democratic and religious freedom. Pray for Hindu nationalists across India to come to know the love of Christ. Pray for protection for the nation’s Christians. Pray for godly leaders to come to power in India.
2. Nicaragua (ICC)» Speaking to an audience of 1,500 gathered for the IRF Summit in Washington, D.C., a Nicaraguan nominal Christian recently told his story of persecution at the hands of the brutal Ortega regime. He himself was arrested, insulted, beaten, and imprisoned for months, and his family in Nicaragua is left to live with police parked outside their home, watching their every move. Pray for greater religious freedom in Nicaragua. Pray for the salvation of the Ortega regime leaders, and for greater awareness about persecution in Nicaragua.
3. Nigeria (ICC)»Civil society organizations in Nigeria have sounded the alarm on the escalating violence plaguing the nation, particularly the Middle Belt region, where countless lives have been lost to mass atrocities. The organizations represented at the February 14 gathering included the Civil Society Joint Action Group, Community of Practice Against Mass Atrocities, and Nigeria Mourns. Pray for greater awareness surrounding the violence in this region. Pray for greater security measures for Christians in Nigeria. Pray for peace for the many who have lost loved ones in this violence.
4. Iraq (ICC)» The impending camp closures in Iraq have heightened concerns among the country’s religious minorities, particularly those who were displaced during the ISIS takeover from 2014 to 2017. The crisis forced between 6-7 million Iraqis out of their homes. Most of the remaining camp-residing IDPs in the Kurdistan region of Iraq belong to the Yazidi ethno-religious minority. Pray for provision for the countless families displaced by persecution. Pray for an end to ISIS-led or -inspired violence. Pray for camps to remain available to those who need them.
5. Laos» In August 2023, district police officials summoned the Houy Khoun village chief and all local Christians to a meeting where they outlined steps that would be taken against Christians to halt the spread of their faith. Authorities threatened to demolish the pastor’s home (which also serves as a house church), enforced restrictions that do not allow new members to join the church, and warned them against evangelizing in the village or elsewhere in the district. The Christians boldly challenged the right of the police to close or damage the church. When told to stop worship services, they answered, “We can’t stop worship. It is our faith. We must worship our God.” Pray for the continued resolve and steadfast faith of these Christians and that their bold faith bears much fruit.
6. Middle East» Khalida, her two sons and a daughter placed their trust in Christ years ago after having dreams about him. When Muslim extremists in their community heard about their conversion, they attacked the family and tried to kill them. The family barely survived. The enraged Muslims then formed a mob that attacked and burned several churches that were helping Khalida’s family. Because of the persecution, she and her family fled to another nation where their faith has grown but they have experienced financial and health struggles. Khalida recently received initial approval for her family to emigrate as refugees to a third country, and she is praying to reach a safe and final destination.
7. Mexico» Feliciana’s husband pastored a church in a town in Oaxaca, Mexico, until he was killed in 2014 for his bold witness for Christ. After her husband’s murder, Feliciana struggled to provide for her family, and her two children became seriously ill. With VOM’s help, she has been able to continue the work of leading the church in her town, and her children are healthy and thriving. She hopes to start a small business this year to further support her family.
Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 1, 2024 19:57:28 GMT -5
03-1-2024 Items 1-4 persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source. 1. Democratic Republic of the Congo (ICC)» The UN Security Council has sanctioned the leaders of five armed rebel groups, according to a statement by Ambassador Robert Wood, the deputy permanent representative of the US to the UN. Those sanctioned include two leaders of the ADF, a terrorist group guilty of continued violence against civilians, including Christian communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pray for protection for Christians across the DRC. Pray for an end to ADF-led violence. Pray for government sanctions to be effective in addressing this violence.
2. Nigeria (ICC)» From February 16 to February 19, suspected Islamic terrorists killed 23 people, injured 10, kidnapped five, and set ablaze 28 houses across multiple villages in Nigeria. It is unknown if these are coordinated attacks or if the same terrorists are committing each attack in the area. One villager expressed, “There is tension now in my village. We are killed because of our faith in Jesus.” Pray for healing and comfort for those who lost loved ones. Pray for protection for those who remain in the villages. Pray for the perpetrators to come to know the love of Christ.
3. Pakistan (ICC)» On Feb. 10, Younas Masih, an elderly believer in Faisalabad, was accused by his Muslim neighbors of desecrating a Quran. This charge was baseless, as many of them are, though this rarely matters in the government’s eyes, as many believers have been convicted despite a lack of evidence. The difference in this case is that the charges were dropped and, in only a matter of days, Younas was free again. Pray for the freedom of those who remain imprisoned under false charges. Praise God that Younas was set free. Pray for blasphemy laws around the world to be overturned.
4. Myanmar (ICC)» Burma’s military government announced that it would begin a national draft amid high-profile losses in its war against the various ethnic militias resisting its authoritarian rule. The draft applies to men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 and can extend for up to five years. Thousands attempted to flee the country after the announcement, gathering by the thousands in front of the Thai embassy. Pray for protection for civilians who are caught up in this conflict. Pray for this war to end quickly and peacefully. Pray for the gospel to spread throughout Myanmar.
5. Niger» Armed terrorists, often connected to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS), have ravaged parts of Niger, particularly in the west near its borders with Mali and Burkina Faso. Much of the country’s small Christian population has been displaced in the violence: “Many have seen their parents or family members shot and killed,” a front-line worker said. Additionally, after Niger’s president was overthrown by military officers in a July 2023 coup, the Islamic Council of Niger has been pushing to change the country from a secular democracy into an Islamic republic governed by sharia law. The front-line worker asks that people pray for Nigerien Christians to experience God’s protection during this turbulent time.
6. Bhutan» Narmith, a new Christian in a discipleship program in Bhutan, has been growing in her faith and has had many opportunities to practice sharing her testimony and the gospel with others. Recently, she met two women with severe hearing impairments. She spent the entire afternoon with them, explaining through improvised hand signs how much Jesus loves them before praying for them. One woman was moved to tears after the prayer and conversation. Narmith and other front-line workers request prayer for these women’s salvation. Pray that new believers like Narmith will embrace the call to lovingly share their faith in Jesus Christ despite the ever-present threat that they could be rejected and persecuted.
7. Iran» Darya was depressed and scared. Her much older husband had suddenly died of a stroke, and her 8-year-old son had become angry and violent. “I consulted with different psychologists about my son’s behavior, but nothing improved,” Darya said. “Once in the middle of the night my son came into my room with a knife in his hand. I was so afraid that I didn’t sleep at all that night, and I just kept trying to calm my son down.” The next day she told a friend what had happened. That friend was a Christian who prayed for her and gave her an illustrated Action Bible to give to her son. When Darya went home, she started to read the Gospels. “The more I read, the more I wanted to know about Jesus and his life!” she said. Later she read it with her son. “God has completely changed our lives,” she said. “God gave His Son for me, and the Action Bible brought my son back to me!”
Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 8, 2024 11:46:03 GMT -5
03-8-2024 Items 1-4 persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source. 1. DRC (ICC)» The United Nations peacekeeping mission to the violence-ridden Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as MONUSCO, began to pull out of the country last week, according to a statement by the force. MONUSCO has worked in the country for more than 13 years and before the drawdown boasted nearly 18,000 personnel, including about 14,000 armed troops. Pray for stability for the DRC during this period of transition. Pray for protection for the nation’s Christian community. Pray for the gospel to spread throughout the DRC.
2. Burkina Faso (ICC)» On Feb. 25, a group of gunmen violently attacked a nominal Christian church in Essakane Village, located in the Oudalan province. The assailants opened fire during worship, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 lives and leaving five others injured. Later, three succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. According to a statement from a church official, the attackers are suspected to be Islamic militants. Pray for comfort for those who lost loved ones. Pray for healing for members of this congregation and that they forsake religion and turn to Christ. Pray for an end to all violence in Burkina Faso.
3. Indonesia (ICC)» Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas asked his staff to intervene if there were obstacles to establishing a place of worship. Yaqut also asked them to ensure that Ministry of Religion offices could be used as temporary houses of worship. This occurs if people have difficulty gathering because there is no permit to build a place of worship or other reasons such as social conflict. Pray for this new regulation to be approved before the change of president this year. Pray for growth in Indonesia’s church. Praise God for this step toward religious freedom.
4. Myanmar (ICC)» Despite its dedication of resources to the state, the Burmese military has seen few victories in recent months and, to the contrary, has suffered a series of battlefield losses that make analysts believe the tide is turning against it. Representing an extremist interpretation of Buddhism, the Tatmadaw has long persecuted ethnic and religious minorities with severe campaigns of violence and intimidation. Pray for a quick and peaceful end to this conflict. Pray for protection for those who are caught in the crossfire. Pray for believers to shine the light of Christ in this region.
5. Pakistan» In spring of 2023, two young men from a Christian family were convicted under Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy laws of blaspheming the Islamic prophet Mohammed. Conviction under these laws brings a mandatory death sentence. These laws are applied disproportionately against the small Christian minority in Pakistan. While these men appeal their cases, they remain on death row. Their families struggle to pay legal fees and provide for the young men’s needs in prison. One of the young men requested to continue his schooling via distance learning and has been allowed to start studying, but he has found more comfort in God’s Word: “I cried a lot for my family and freedom,” he told a front-line worker. “When I started to read the Bible, the Word of God gave me strength to bear this difficult time. Thank God, he shows his mercy on me. His words give me power, and I have read the whole Bible twice.”
6. North Korea» For years, front-line workers have been broadcasting the gospel message into North Korea using shortwave radio. Their broadcasts include Bible readings, sermons by early Korean Christians, hymns and common North Korean songs that have been rewritten with Christian lyrics. Official and unofficial surveys, as well as an increase in jamming efforts by the North Korean government, continue to show that these broadcasts are effectively reaching listeners in North Korea. A North Korean defector reported that he enjoyed listening to the rewritten songs, and he mentioned one that he especially enjoyed, originally titled “Our Party Is the Best” but changed to “Our God Is the Best.” Pray that the seed which was planted in this man through these radio broadcasts will continue to grow now that he is in South Korea. Pray also that the jamming of radio broadcasts will decrease.
7. Benin» Aisosa’s father is a traditional tribal sorcerer in Benin. When he started performing ceremonies for a certain local god, his family members began to die. Eventually, all of Aisosa’s siblings and her mother died. Then Aisosa became sick, and her father wanted her to sacrifice a chicken to his god, but Aisosa did not want to worship her father’s god any longer. A Christian woman in her village reached out to the 23-year-old and invited her to church. The pastor prayed for her and taught her how to pray; shortly afterward, she was healed of her sickness. Even though she became healthy, her father ordered her not to visit the church. When she snuck out to attend services anyway, he would beat her. He decided to marry her off to an older sorcerer like himself. She refused, and he threw her out of the home on November 12, 2023. Local Christians are currently providing her with a place to live.
Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 16, 2024 17:57:29 GMT -5
03-16-2024 Items 1-4 persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source. 1. Nigeria (ICC)» Terrorist groups kidnapped about 687 people in northern Nigeria last week. On Sunday, March 3, gunmen from the Boko Haram terrorist group kidnapped at least 400 people from multiple IDP camps in the northern state of Borno. On Thursday, March 7, unidentified armed herders attacked a school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, kidnapping at least 287 students and teachers. Pray for the immediate return of all those who remain missing. Pray for strength and peace for those being held captive. Pray for hope for their families as they wait for updates.
2. Denmark (ICC)» In late December 2023, the Danish parliament officially amended a portion of its penal code condemning blasphemy. The controversial portion of the code states, “ person is to be punished [when they] publicly or with the intent of [influencing] a wider circle are guilty of [the crime] of recognized religious community, or an object that appears to be such a text.” Pray for this and other blasphemy laws around the world to be overturned. Pray for those who are targeted by such laws. Pray for greater religious freedom in Europe.
3. Democratic Republic Of The Congo (ICC)» More than 100,000 civilians were forced to flee their homes last week after two days of fierce fighting in eastern DRC that saw the fall of Nyanzale town to M23, a terror group, according to a UN statement. Located in North Kivu province, Nyanzale is only 130 km from Goma, the capital and largest city in the province and a strategic military prize currently controlled by Congolese forces. Pray for M23 to lose its grip on the region. Pray for members of M23 to come to know Christ. Pray for protection for vulnerable Christian communities in the DRC.
4. Eritrea (ICC)» ICC’s Africa Regional Team created a comprehensive report on a repressive regime that mainstream media often forgets: Eritrea. Through years of conflict and devastation, Eritrea has found itself governed by a dictator who commits egregious crimes against the people of his nation. The report aims to provide a deeper understanding of the lives of Christians who have their voices silenced. Pray for protection for Eritrea’s underground church. Pray for the release for those wrongfully imprisoned in Eritrea. Pray for the gospel to spread across this hostile nation.
5. Burkina Faso» On June 12, 2023, Ibrahim Saidou was traveling to buy farm supplies when he decided to visit the church where he served as an elder. Ibrahim lived in an area of Burkina Faso where Islamic terrorist groups associated with the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) actively work to establish purely Muslim territory ruled by Islamic law. These groups regularly attack churches and Christian leaders. On his way to the church, Ibrahim was attacked and murdered by a group of Islamic militants. Fearing that they would also be killed, his wife, Esther, and her six children, ages 5 to 22, were forced to flee the area. Esther is struggling with questions about why her husband was killed and has asked for prayer to remain strong in the Lord.
6. Laos» Oudong and his wife, Lae, placed their trust in Christ in May 2023, becoming the first Christians in their village. Two weeks after their conversion, the village head came to their home and told them to stop worshiping Jesus Christ because Buddhism and animism were the only religions permitted in the village. The couple, along with their four children, began to travel two hours each way to gather in worship and fellowship with believers in another city, but this did not satisfy the authorities. In September, the village head told Oudong that his family must leave the village. Front-line workers are intervening to try to keep the family from being expelled and to assist them in attending church for encouragement and fellowship.
7. India» Pastor Gangireddy died July 14, 2023, from burns he suffered during an attack on July 8. The church continues to face pressure from Hindu radicals, who have planted signs in front of the church with slogans like “Born a Hindu, Die a Hindu.” This attack was the third against the church, which Pastor Gangireddy planted 20 years ago. Amid much opposition, Pastor Gangireddy stayed in the village and faithfully shared the gospel until his death. Members of the church have remained strong despite all that has happened and are standing with the family. Pray for emotional and spiritual recovery and ongoing faithfulness for his wife, Shanta, and their children. Ask God to strengthen the church despite the opposition they face.
Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef
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mexicomaria
Champion Member
Pressing On....Philippians 3:13,14
Posts: 1,137
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Post by mexicomaria on Mar 19, 2024 14:06:15 GMT -5
God, we fall on our faces before you and pray for your above children who have such horrible needs. You are showing your power, I pray it used to bring many more to you. Even so,,,come soon, come quickly.
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 22, 2024 17:21:31 GMT -5
03-22-2024 Items 1-4 persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source. 1. Pakistan (ICC)» A Christian driver was attacked by his Muslim extremist co-workers after he received a promotion in Pakistan. Noel is a father of four and has been working as a driver for the last five years. Because of his hard work, honesty, and punctuality, he was promoted to supervisor. However, his Muslim co-workers refused to work under a Christian supervisor. Pray for healing for this believer following this attack. Pray for protection for him and his family. Pray for equal treatment of Christians in the workplace in Pakistan.
2. Indonesia (ICC)» Despite official results being delayed until March, Prabowo Subianto has claimed victory in the February presidential election in Indonesia. Expecting confirmation in the coming weeks, Prabowo holds nearly 59% of the votes counted. Due to his previous engagements in human rights violations, many international actors remain reluctant to congratulate Prabowo on his position. Pray for godly leaders to be elected across Indonesia. Pray for the gospel to spread throughout the nation. Pray for religious freedom for minorities to grow in Indonesia.
3. Vietnam (ICC)» After one week in prison, three members of a house church in Vietnam have been released to their families and are now home. The three men, all related, were arbitrarily arrested by Police in Dak Lai Province. Their house church is one of many churches and denominations not officially recognized by the Vietnamese Communist Party. Pray for prisoners in similar situations to be released. Praise God that these men are free once again. Pray for protection for their families and their house church.
4. India (ICC)» Four years after being signed into law, India’s controversial Citizenship Amendment Act will now be implemented, according to a recent government announcement. The move, lauded by the ardent Hindu nationalists making up the core of Prime Minister Modi’s support base, comes as national elections approach next month and Modi seeks an unusual third term. Pray for all those who could be wrongfully stripped of their rights. Pray for legal protection for non-Hindus across India. Pray for the Good News to spread throughout India.
5. Iran» Front-line workers in Iran report an increase in the number of Christians being arrested, partly due to regional tensions and conflicts. “Persecution against Iranian Christians is rising,” a front-line worker said. "This year the number went way up." The worker mentioned that in the past, Iranian" officials would occasionally arrest church leaders and later release them with a strong suggestion that the Christians leave the country. “But now the officials are holding onto people’s passports and regularly keeping them detained,” the front-line worker said. “Please pray that God will make believers invisible to Iranian authorities.”
6. Kyrgyzstan» The State Commission of Religious Affairs (SCRA) in Kyrgyzstan has proposed new religion laws. The laws currently in effect in this Central Asian country already require registration of churches and limit how churches can form, but the proposed laws are even more stringent. The laws require registration and regular re-registration as well as intrusive reporting procedures. They also set the minimum size for an organization restrictively high and require “founding members” to provide signatures and identifying information, opening individual Christians up to surveillance and harassment. The laws allow the SCRA to submit a church’s beliefs to “expert analysis” and require SCRA permission for any religious education or offsite activities. Even names, logos and symbols of organizations would require SCRA authorization. Penalties for violations are expected to be harsher than before.
7. Nepal» Anisha and Ashish, who married early in 2023, went to a local church in search of healing from demonic spirits that harassed Ashish. Church members prayed for them, and Ashish was healed. The newlyweds began to read the Holy Bible they had received at the church and soon wanted to place their trust in Jesus Christ. When Ashish’s parents found the Holy Bible, they insisted that the young couple renounce Christ and stop going to church. Ashish agreed, but Anisha did not. She was forced to leave the home without money for food or shelter, so the local church helped her with basic needs. Soon, Ashish decided to join her again. Now Anisha asks for prayer for the strengthening of her husband’s faith and that they would together stand firm and be witnesses for Christ in their families. They are currently considering attending a training program to grow in their knowledge of the Holy Bible.
Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Mar 29, 2024 17:50:46 GMT -5
03-29-2024 Items 1-4 persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source.
1. Somalia (ICC)» In Somalia, people often see their religious identity and their national identity as one in the same. To be Somali is to be Muslim. As a result, those who come to faith in Jesus are often accused of rejecting both Islam and their country. When Ahmed, Hassan, and Omar left Islam a few years ago to follow Christ, they faced swift rejection. Their families immediately chased them out of their homes. Since being on their own, the young men have struggled to start their lives over as Christians. International Christian Concern recently provided the men with a new tuk-tuk, allowing them to start their own taxi business. Pray for protection for these three men, that they will grow in Christ, and that they will continue to be a witness for Christ. Pray that their persecutors will surrender to Christ.
2. China (ICC)» Local police raided Fuyang Maizhong Reformed Church in Anhui Province on March 10. This is the second time the church has been raided in eight weeks. One of the church’s elders, Elder Chang Shun, was one of the 18 people arrested during the raid. This is the third time Elder Chang Shun has been arrested in the last six months. Pray for the immediate release of all 18 church members. Praise God that they were not issued longer sentences. Pray for protection for independent churches across China.
3. Vietnam (ICC)» Pastor Y Bum Bya was found dead under mysterious circumstances on March 8. Publicly declared a suicide by local authorities, the pastor’s death is under scrutiny from Christians around the world. While the Vietnamese government promotes the façade of religious freedom and instances such as the abuse upon Pastor Y Bum Bya demonstrate the true reality. Pray for peace and safety for this pastor’s family. Pray for the truth surrounding his death to come out. Pray for protection for Christian leaders across Vietnam.
4. Indonesia (ICC)» A video of the disbandment of a Sunday worship service at a resident’s house in Balaraja, Tangerang Regency, on the island of Java, Indonesia, recently went viral on social media. Neighbors broke up the Christian worship service, which, according to Balaraja Police Chief AKP Badri Hasan, occurred on Sunday morning, March 17. Pray for equal rights for house churches in Indonesia. Pray for protection for this group of believers. Pray for them to shine the light of Christ among their neighbors.
5. India» While 80 Christians gathered on Feb. 19, 2023, to worship, a mob of Hindu extremists broke into the church and demanded proof that they had permission to be there. When the mob began to attack Pastor Zahir, his son, Ashok, defended him and also became a target. The two men were kicked, punched and beaten with a microphone stand until they were both bleeding and unconscious. Other members of the congregation were also injured as the mob ransacked the church while shouting Hindu slogans. When the police arrived, they took Zahir into custody and questioned him but refused to accept his criminal complaint against the attackers. Both Zahir and Ashok have recovered physically, though Ashok continues to experience pain. Pray for the wellbeing of this family and church amid persecution. “Please pray for the vandals,” Ashok said. “Pray that they bend their knees in front of Jesus.”
6. Middle East» “Please pray that my parents will calm down and surrender to the Lord,” requested Amir, an Iraqi convert to Christianity. He recently learned that his enraged parents had shot his brother-in-law in the leg in retaliation for Amir and his family converting to Christianity and fleeing the country. Other members of Amir’s family have had to flee for their lives after converting from Islam. Despite the pressure and danger, Amir prays that more family and friends will come to know Christ as their savior. He also hopes that someday churches will be allowed to exist openly in every part of Iraq, including in Karbala, a city considered sacred in Shia Islam. “I hope someday we can go back and worship the Lord freely there,” he said.
7. Mali» In Mali, Bibles are scarce and difficult to obtain outside of the capital, especially in minority languages. Front-line workers have been partnering with VOM for several years to get Bibles of various languages and types, including children’s illustrated Bibles and audio Bibles, into the hands of Christians scattered across the vast nation. During one recent distribution, 50 full Bambara-language Bibles and 50 Boomu Bibles were distributed along with 250 New Testaments. A brother named Matthew received his with joy, saying, “I am glad to have the Bible in my mother tongue. It will do good for my family.” One pastor gave a Bible to a local judge. While doing so, the pastor read Deuteronomy 16:18–20, which says that judges should judge the people fairly without taking bribes or showing partiality. The judge responded by saying, “Pastor, you have given me the greatest gift, and this Bible teaches me.” Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
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Post by JesusIsTops on Apr 5, 2024 20:36:03 GMT -5
04-06-2024 Items 1-4 persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source. 1. Democratic Republic of the Congo (ICC)» At least seven people were killed on Tuesday, April 2, as members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out a midday attack on the village of Mangodomu, located in Mangina, Beni territory, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) North Kivu province. Nicaise Kyora, president of the youth parliament of Mangina, confirmed the deaths, adding that others were taken hostage, and the local Christian health center had been looted and set on fire. This attack comes roughly four months after the ADF killed 19 people, kidnapped many others, and looted shops in the village of Mukondi. Pray for those injured, for those that lost loved ones, and for those who had damage to their property. Pray that those who were kidnapped will safely return. Pray that these attacks stop and that the attackers surrender their lives to Christ.
2. Nigeria (ICC)» Government officials reported that at least 130 students returned to their parents following the kidnapping of 287 students in Kaduna state in northern Nigeria. There are many conflicting reports as to the exact number of students kidnapped or returned. The government of Nigeria told reporters that they returned all students from the recent incident in Kaduna without the use of ransom payments. Pray for the immediate return of any who may still be missing. Praise God for the return of these students. Pray for healing for all those who suffered this traumatic experience.
3. Kenya (ICC)» On the evening of March 24, Ziwa la Taa village was jolted by a devastating attack that left its residents in anguish. Al-Shabaab militants set homes ablaze and caused widespread destruction. Amid the chaos, two Christian men lost their lives, and other people suffered severe injuries. The attack unfolded as farmers were winding down their day’s work, preparing to return home several miles away. Pray for comfort for all those who lost loved ones. Pray for healing for those who were injured in the attack. Pray for protection for this community moving forward.
4. Uganda (ICC)» Dembe, a resident of Kasese, made a significant decision last December to leave Islam and embrace Christianity. Upon learning of Dembe’s conversion, his former colleagues reacted with outrage, interpreting his departure as a betrayal and a challenge to their unity. They have threatened to evict him from the land they had previously gifted him, claiming he no longer has rights to it. Pray for Dembe’s protection from his former colleagues. Pray for him to shine the light of Christ to them. Pray for him to be surrounded by a solid, Christian community.
5. Nepal» Bishwas Thapa, a 10-year-old boy who has been regularly attending a children’s fellowship for the last year, received a children’s Bible during a distribution event. His mother, Kamala, was attracted by the colorful pictures and began to read the Bible herself. Through this Bible, both Bishwas and Kamala came to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. They, along with three other children who received Bibles, publicly committed their lives to the Lord on September 16, 2023.
6. Laos» KhamKeo placed his trust in Christ after he was healed from gallbladder disease. Eventually, the change in his life caused his wife and children to place their trust in Christ as well. The family began to experience opposition from neighbors and coworkers who noticed that they did not participate in the worship of local spirits. KhamKeo bought land some distance from the village and built a hut there, but the villagers were still unhappy with his family, so they moved again. In 2022, authorities in their new village warned them that their faith was causing division in the village after three other families came to Christ through their witness. These four Christian families have been shunned and verbally attacked, and local authorities have repeatedly threatened them.
7. Benin» The West African nation of Benin is the birthplace of voodoo. Every year on January 10, the country celebrates National Voodoo Day, which includes occultic ceremonies attended by political leaders seeking favor from voodoo shamans. “Voodoo is its name in Benin, but these types of demonic groups can be found throughout West Africa,” a front-line worker said. These groups are sometimes called “secret societies” and have names like the Poro and Bundu in Sierra Leone and the Ogboni in Togo. Members of these groups regularly attack and persecute Christians whom they see as a threat to their dominance. During the 2024 National Voodoo Day event in Benin, the nation’s president sought and received a blessing from a voodoo priest. “Pray that Christians will be protected from these occultic groups and that people in them will come to know Christ and be set free,” the front-line worker said.
Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
|
Post by JesusIsTops on Apr 12, 2024 14:56:34 GMT -5
04-12-2024 Items 1-4, & 7 persecution.org, 5-6 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source.
1. Indonesia (ICC)»The decades-long struggle of the Gereja Kristen Protestant Simalungun (GKPS) Buntu Pane Congregation, Kisaran Resort, is finally bearing fruit. After 25 years of tension with their community, the congregation can now worship in peace. In 2022, the Ministry of Religion issued GKPS Buntu Pane a prayer permit, and in 2023, the congregation received permission to construct a church building. Pray for tensions to continue to ease in this community. Praise God for this step toward greater religious freedom. Pray for similar developments for churches across Indonesia.
2. Democratic Republic Of The Congo (ICC)» At least seven people were killed on April 2, as members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out a midday attack on the village of Mangodomu, located in DRC’s North Kivu province. Nicaise Kyora, president of the youth parliament of Mangina, confirmed the deaths, adding that others were taken hostage, and the local Christian health center had been looted and set on fire. Pray for healing for those who lost loved ones. Pray for the immediate return of those taken hostage. Pray for restoration of the community’s local health center.
3. Gaza (ICC)» As the conflict between Israel and Hamas enters its sixth month and fears of famine become a reality, Christians in Gaza are asking themselves a recurring question with a new sense of urgency: should they stay, or should they leave? So far, the battle has left more than 100,000 people dead or injured, with thousands more missing, and it has completely devastated Gaza’s infrastructure. Pray for provision for those facing famine in the region. Pray for a swift and peaceful end to this conflict. Pray for protection for the Christian community remaining in Gaza.
4. Pakistan (ICC)» A church in Pakistan was destroyed by fire in the early hours of March 30. The 3:00 a.m. blaze occurred in Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi. Locals suspect arson because of a dispute between the church community and the owner of a neighboring plaza. The displaced church community staged a protest demanding a thorough investigation and compensation for the damages. Pray for restoration for the damage that this fire caused. Pray for the truth to come to light if arson was involved. Pray for this congregation to remain united in their faith.
5. Turkey» On Sunday, January 28, two masked gunmen entered a nominal church in Istanbul during a service and randomly shot and killed a 52-year-old man. The self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility. Turkish police quickly arrested two suspects with ties to ISIS and later arrested 25 more after raiding numerous locations. Afterwards, police contacted a pastor of a rapidly growing church in another part of Turkiye and told him that his name was on an ISIS hit list. “This pastor has been threatened by ultra-nationalist Turks many times, but this was the first time that he sounded worried,” said a front-line worker. Turkish police offered to protect the pastor and encouraged him to set up security cameras. Pray for the protection of this pastor and that the persecutors would surrender their lives to God through Christ.
6. Malawi» Roughly 2.5 million Malawians are part of the Muslim Yao people group. According to front-line workers, God has been moving significantly among the Yao people in the last two decades. But in recent years, Yao Christians have experienced severe pressure. “They are beaten and cast out of their communities,” said a front-line worker. “When others find out they are Christian, they have 24 hours to leave the village, and then they will put a fatwa on their life,” he added. Churches have been burned down, Christians have been attacked and front-line workers are under extreme pressure: “They get so many death threats that one worker’s wife has developed severe PTSD and can no longer homeschool her own kids.” The front-line worker asked for prayer that Yao Christians will have courage to stand firm in their faith amid intense opposition.
7. Kenya (ICC)» During the morning of April 9 suspected al-Shabab members killed a farmer in Bobo, Hindi, a Christian village in Kenya that the Islamic extremist group attacked in 2022. Later that afternoon, the militants barricaded a road in the Milihoi area in Lamu County, a route between Mpeketoni and Hindi they travel often. They shot two travelers and set several vehicles on fire. Security officers responded quickly to the attack and pursued the extremists but were unable to apprehend them. After additional security officers arrived, vehicles traveling through Lamu were stopped and inspected.
“We have mobilized our prayer cells to pray that Lamu doesn’t continue to experience this hatred by the Somalia-based terror group that has crippled church growth and the economy of the residents of Lamu,” an ICC staffer said. “We are requesting our brothers and sisters all over the world to join us in prayer against terrorism and persecution of believers in Lamu.”
Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Apr 21, 2024 6:32:55 GMT -5
04-21-2024 Items 1-4, & persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source. 1. Nigeria (ICC)» Ten years ago on Sunday, the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram broke into the Government Girls Secondary School in the village of Chibok in northeastern Nigeria and kidnapped 276 primarily Christian schoolgirls, 91 of whom remain missing. The event shocked the world, and the campaign to see them freed trended on social media as #BringBackOurGirls. Pray for the immediate return of those who remain missing. Pray for healing for all those affected by this kidnapping. Pray for Boko Haram to lose its grip on Nigeria.2. USA (ICC)» On April 2, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill to protect religious liberty and conscience within her state. Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, commonly known as RFRAs, are laws that return protections for religious freedom that the U.S. Supreme Court stripped away three decades ago. Twenty-eight states have passed RFRAs to protect religious freedom from state government interference. Pray for religious freedom to increase in the Western world. Pray for godly leaders to be elected to positions of power across the region. Pray for revival across the USA. 3. Vietnam (ICC)» During an April 11 press briefing, Nguyen Van Ky, vice chairman of the government committee for religious affairs in Vietnam, denied any discrimination based on religion or belief. Nguyen failed to mention the severe persecution plaguing multiple minority groups. The traditionally Christian Hmong and Montagnard ethnic groups, for example, face ongoing government-perpetuated persecution. Pray for equal rights for these persecuted minority groups. Pray for greater attention to be drawn toward this discrimination. Pray for protection for the church in Vietnam. 4. Kenya (ICC)» During the morning of April 9, suspected al-Shabab members killed a farmer in Bobo, Hindi, a Christian village in Kenya that the Islamic extremist group attacked in 2022. Later that afternoon, the militants barricaded a road in the Milihoi area in Lamu County, a route between Mpeketoni and Hindi they travel often. They shot two travelers and set several vehicles on fire. Pray for comfort for those who lost loved ones. Pray for provision for those whose property was destroyed. Pray for an end to religiously motivated violence in Kenya. 5. Laos» Late in 2023, police in Laos arrested three Christians from the Akha people group for building a church and held them without giving any information to family or friends for several months. On January 26, 2024, authorities demolished the building these brothers in Christ had constructed. Pray for the safety and wellbeing of these men and their families, the strengthening of this congregation and the spread of the gospel among the Akha and other tribal groups in Laos. 6. Lebanon» Some local Christian leaders in Lebanon have reported an inspiring work of God even as many in the country are struggling amid economic hardship and political instability. “You’re aware of the many crises Lebanon is facing,” said one pastor. “In the past year alone, we have endured unemployment and underemployment, a dysfunctional government, hyperinflation, and war along our southern border.” Then he added, “And yet we are seeing one of the greatest gospel movements in the country’s history. There have been 115 baptisms since January! Small group Bible studies in homes have multiplied, and the church is expanding in hard-to-reach places.” 7. Mauritania» In December 2023, Mauritanian authorities arrested a group of around 15 Christians after a video of them participating in a baptism was posted online. All of the arrested Christians were former Muslims. Mauritania is dominated by Islamist leadership, and conversion from Islam is illegal. “At first, no lawyer would defend them,” said a front-line worker. “The officials tried to get them to apologize on social media for spreading the gospel, to agree to never promote Christianity, and to return to Islam,” he added. All of the Christians were released late in December after agreeing to only hold Christian services inside their homes. “This is an answer to prayer,” said the front-line worker, who requested additional prayer for the small Mauritanian Christian community and for more Bibles to be distributed in the restricted nation. Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity. In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,061
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Post by JesusIsTops on Apr 26, 2024 17:39:37 GMT -5
04-28-2024 Items 1-4 persecution.org, 5-7 www.icommittopray.com . Modified. Spelling, grammatical errors, and any stray text are from the original source. 1. Democratic Republic of the Congo (ICC)» The Islamist militant group Allied Democratic Forces conducted another attack last week in Beni, Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing 12 and injuring several others. During the attack, the rebels decapitated farmers and burned others along with their possessions. Christophe Munyaderu, coordinator of a local human rights organization, said the Islamists also took seven people as hostages. Pray for the immediate return of those who remain missing. Pray for healing for those who were injured. Pray for peace and comfort for those who lost loved ones.
2. Myanmar (ICC)» On April 12, two masked gunmen shot Rev. Aung three times as he preached a sermon at a nominal church in Myanmar’s Kachin state. Aung was shot in the jaw, hand, and thigh, but survived the attempted murder. He remains in serious condition at a local hospital. The gunmen fled the scene and have not been identified. Pray for healing for Aung, and that he would come to know Christ as his savior and king, and that he would leave the religion he is in and follow Christ. Pray for his attackers to be identified and held responsible. Pray for his attackers to come to know the salvation of Christ.
3. Nepal (ICC)» Unlike Christians in neighboring India, believers in Nepal have, until recently, been more protected from state-sanctioned discrimination. However, the tide is turning as the persecution familiar to Indian Christians slowly bleeds across the border. Some evidence suggests that funds have been sent directly from the pro-Hindu nationalists who control India into Nepal, resulting in increased violence against religious minorities. Pray for Christians in Nepal to remain firm in their faith. Pray for the gospel to spread despite the increasing harassment. Pray for protection for Christian leaders in Nepal.
4. Australia (ICC)» Australian police have determined an attack on April 15 in a nominal church in Sydney was an act of terrorism. Since the incident occurred during a live-streamed worship service, footage of the attack that injured four nominal Christians quickly went viral online. Police arrested a 16-year-old boy who indicated that he had a religious motive for the attack. Pray for healing for those who were injured. Pray for the young attacker, and the nominal Christians, to come to know Christ. Pray for protection for this church from further violence.
5. Nepal» Two brothers, Pastor Pramod and Pastor Dilip, lead a group of 17 growing churches, and the members of one of these churches began constructing a new church building. Suddenly, a group of Hindu radicals swept into the location and completely destroyed the newly laid foundation. The radicals identified Pramod and Dilip as active evangelists who are promoting Christianity in that area, and they threatened them with physical harm. Pray for these two pastors’ protection and courage and that the Christians of the area would be comforted and encouraged.
6. Iran» An Iranian pastor who was released from prison in 2023, after serving many years for leading a house church, reported that God enabled him to work as an evangelist behind bars despite constant surveillance. He said that when he started his sentence, “I began to think that this was a dangerous place and that it would not be possible to witness to anyone.” But later he found ways to secretly witness to others and eventually led 13 prisoners to Christ. “During the recreation times, I would walk around in a spirit of friendship with these new believers and teach them how to grow in their faith and answer their questions,” he said. The pastor hopes to somehow continue discipling those prisoners from outside of the prison walls: “I realized that if I had not been imprisoned, these 13 would not have had an opportunity to hear the gospel and believe in Christ,” he said after his release.
7. Central African Republic» Xavia, 30, survived a brutal assault eight years ago. During a 2016 attack, rebels with a militant group set fire to numerous homes in her village. Her husband, mother, father and sisters were burned alive. Xavia was tied up and subjected to horrific torture, rendering her unable to have additional children. She doesn’t know how she survived the assault but only remembers waking up in an evacuation truck. She was sent to another country for surgery, but her emotional wounds need additional healing. According to a front-line worker, “She continues to suffer emotionally and has ongoing bouts of depression.” Due to a severe shortage of trained counselors and psychologists in the CAR, front-line workers are currently working to train pastors to provide healing care to Christians like Xavia who have suffered brutal attacks.
Leah Sharibu and many others, that they might be safely released from Muslim captivity.
In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef[/font]
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