JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,098
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Post by JesusIsTops on Dec 7, 2018 19:33:25 GMT -5
12 / 7 /18 1 - Nepal - The Pakhluwa Eternal Life Church in Palpa district, western Nepal, grew to 30 members in nine months before high-caste Hindus began to object. At first the Hindus complained about the guitar and drums the Christians used for worship music. But when the church quit using musical instruments in worship, the Hindus began demanding that the church stop celebrating the Lord’s Supper. The Christians then opted to travel to another church 30 miles away to celebrate Communion with other believers once a month. Community opposition continued, until finally the church members decided to start meeting in homes instead of their church building. Attendance fell by half, until the church disbanded in November. According to the overseeing pastor, Nepali Hindus have been influenced in recent years by Hindu extremist from India. Pray that these believers will regain the courage to meet for fellowship. 2 - Myanmar - Authorities in a Buddhist village recently established a law forbidding Buddhists from hiring Christians for work and from renting or selling anything to Christians. As a result, believers in the village are unable to buy food. Every day, village authorities pressure the Christians to return to Buddhism, promising that if they do they will be able to buy food again. The believers, however, are standing firm. “This is not a game,” one Christian replied. “We were baptized. We believe in Christ 100 percent and we will die believing.” When a Buddhist vendor sold a banana to a Christian recently, he was detained for three days and fined the equivalent of $65. The man later decided to become a Christian, asking another believer to teach him the Bible and baptize him, because he saw that the Buddhists were wrong. Pray that this man grows and stands firm in his faith despite the persecution he will likely face. Pray that all believers in the village will love those who persecute them and inspire other Buddhists to learn more about Jesus. Pray for VOM’s efforts to provide these believers with food. 3 - Tajikistan - The wife of 43-year-old Christian prisoner Bakhrom Kholmatov says he is doing reasonably well. Bakhrom’s wife, Gulnora, reports that he feels good and that his fellow prisoners treat him well. His two sons, who live in Russia, were able to visit him recently, and Gulnora says she continues to receive letters of encouragement from Christians around the world, though she says Bakhrom has not received the letters sent to him. Pastor Bakhrom was detained by police in April 2017 and later sentenced to three years in prison. He was accusing of having extremist materials, which included Christian songs and Josh McDowell’s book More Than a Carpenter. Please continue to pray for Pastor Bakhrom and his family. 4 - Iran (ICC) - Ebrahim Firouzi is an Iranian Christian who has been in prison since 2013. His mother passed away from cancer recently and her funeral was held this week. She repeatedly appealed to the courts that her son be allowed to visit her, since she was too sick to go to the prison. The requests were denied and her funeral was held before Ebrahim was able to apply for permission to attend. Pray for Firouzi and his family as they grieve this loss. Pray for Iranian prison authorities to come to Christ and show more compassion toward the inmates. Pray for the release of Ebrahim Firouzi. 5 - Iraq (ICC) - On the morning of December 1, Shabak militia forces aggressively blocked access to St. George Assyrian Church in Bartella, Iraq and threatened its minister, Rev. Behnam Benoka. For 30 minutes, members of the militia shot automatic weapons into the area. When Rev. Benoka approached the militia and asked that they cease shooting, the militia aggressively threatened him. Pray for healing for members of the church who may have been traumatized. Praise God that no one was seriously injured in the attack. Pray that the militia forces come to know Christ. 6 - India (ICC) - On Sunday, December 2, a mob of 150 Hindu radicals broke into a private hall being used to conduct a Christian worship service in the KDA Colony of Kanpur, located in India’s Uttar Pradesh state. The mob attack on the small church marks another instance of Christian persecution currently sweeping across Uttar Pradesh as the Christmas holiday approaches. Pray for peace for the church as they recover from the attack. Pray for the authorities to appropriately enforce the law in this case. Pray for the attackers to come to know Christ. 7 - Niger (ICC) - In late November, Boko Haram militants crossed into Niger and conducted two attacks in the Diffa Region of southern Niger. The first of these attacks led to the deaths of seven mine workers. Then, only 48 hours later, they returned and kidnapped 15 young schoolgirls from two different villages. At the time of writing, there have been no ransom demands yet. Pray for the loved one of those killed or kidnapped in these attacks. Pray for the swift release of the 15 schoolgirls. Pray for the girls to remain strong in their faith during their time in captivity.
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Post by timothyu on Dec 12, 2018 21:37:17 GMT -5
32 religious leaders arrested ...link
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,098
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Post by JesusIsTops on Dec 14, 2018 18:42:50 GMT -5
12 / 14 /18 1 - Lebanon - Hiba came to the Christian center in Lebanon looking for food. Instead, the administrator offered her a job, a lifeline for a deserted wife of three children. Her husband had abandoned the family, following his Islamic spiritual mentor to Turkey and remarrying; he had completely forgotten the family he left behind. Hiba and the Bible teacher at the center became close friends, but she only listened politely when the teacher shared from Scripture. Then, one day in October, Hiba came to the center looking very sad. She told the Bible teacher over coffee that women have the worst lives. The teacher gently told her that the Bible shows how God loves and honors women. They discussed Ruth, Esther and Naomi, and suddenly Hiba wanted to read the Holy Bible for herself. She read aloud from the book of Esther, and the two women discussed it. “Lots of prayers are needed for Hiba and her three children,” a VOM contact said. 2 - Laos - A village leader and his wife placed their faith in Christ recently after experiencing the love of some local Christians. The village leader had visited a local spirit priest seeking healing for his wife, who had been suffering from a serious illness. After doing everything he was told the spirits wanted him to do, including sacrificing a water buffalo worth about $700, his wife’s condition remained unchanged. During this time, some Christians in the village visited the leader’s wife and prayed for her, simply wanting to show they cared for her. The village leader and his family later publicly declared that they had become Christians after experiencing the love of these believers. The leader said the Christians cared for his wife and family when the spirits and the rest of the village did not. His declaration of faith, in turn, inspired other villagers, and as a result 21 people have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray that these new believers will continue to grow in faith and stand firm in the face of persecution. Pray that the village leader’s wife will receive healing as her family follows Jesus. 3 - Egypt (ICC) - On December 9, a group of Islamic extremists attacked a church in the Upper Egypt village of Kom Al-Raheb. Authorities arrived before the attack ended and closed the church, which had recently opened a new building. With the church now closed pending the outcome of a reconciliation session, these believers no longer have access to a local church. Pray for the authorities to restore the congregation’s access to the church. Pray for any damage to the church building to be quickly repaired. Pray for justice for those who attacked the church. 4 - Tanzania - On Aug. 26, 2005, Pastor Aloyce Micheni Mchapo of the Free Pentecostal Churches in Tanzania was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted of raping a Muslim woman. According to a VOM worker, the pastor had been working in Tanzania’s coastal area, which has a high percentage of Islamists and few Christians, when he was falsely accused. After serving 12 years in prison, an appeals court overturned his conviction in December 2017 and ordered his release. Pray for Pastor Aloyce’s full restoration and healing, and pray that he might see God’s purpose for his imprisonment. 5 - China (ICC) - On Sunday, December 9, more than 100 members and leaders of Autumn Rain Covenant Church in China’s Sichuan province were arrested. The arrests took place after local authorities raided the homes of many church members. Members’ WeChat accounts and cellphone group discussions were also blocked, and the church’s telephone line was shut down. Pray for the immediate release of those who were arrested. Pray for those arrested to grow stronger in their faith while in prison. Pray for the Chinese Church to grow as a result of these arrests. 6 - Lebanon (ICC) - Lebanese authorities have concluded a 10-month security operation against a group of ISIS militants who were planning attacks against military targets and Christian gatherings. The operation found that the ISIS militants made their plans in Idlib, Syria, and that the explosives were smuggled into the country in buckets of cheese. Pray for ISIS militants throughout the Middle East to turn to Christ. Praise God that this attack was successfully thwarted. Pray for greater security in ISIS-affected areas. 7 - Nepal (ICC) -Earlier this year, Nepal released a new criminal code that punishes those who are guilty of religious conversions and carries sentences of up to five years in prison and additional fines. Multiple people have already been arrested, and last week, an Australian woman was accused of trying to convert people to Christianity and was deported from Nepal. Pray for charges against innocent believers in Nepal to be dropped. Pray for these religious restrictions to be reformed or removed. Pray for the Gospel to spread throughout Nepal. Asia Bibi (acquitted but barred from leaving Pakistan), Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Iran)
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mexicomaria
Champion Member
Pressing On....Philippians 3:13,14
Posts: 1,142
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Post by mexicomaria on Dec 17, 2018 22:21:25 GMT -5
"In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is “the most persecuted religion in the world.” Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short’s recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel’s claim — we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that “Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers.” Short is the author of the recently published Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack. He is concerned that “200 million Christians (10 percent of the global total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs.”" www.huffingtonpost.com/kelly-james-clark/christianity-most-persecuted-religion_b_2402644.html This is an excellent educative article by a liberal journal, Huffington Post. We need to pray for our brothers and sisters that are suffering and dying in the world....or do we walk around our family while we call ourselves Christ Ones?
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,098
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Post by JesusIsTops on Dec 21, 2018 19:41:03 GMT -5
12 / 21 /18 1 - Pakistan - A year after losing her husband in a terrorist attack on Dec. 17, 2017, Shahnaz continues to mourn his loss. She was standing to receive Communion that Sunday morning in Quetta when two assailants detonated suicide vests in the church, killing her husband, Fazal, and 10 other worshipers, while seriously injuring 30 others. VOM workers recently spent time encouraging Shahnaz. “She opened her heart and poured out everything,” a VOM worker said. “She said this is the first time that someone sat with her for so long to talk about her family.” Shahnaz’s son is now supporting the family as a driver while continuing his education. Pray for Shahnaz and others affected by the Quetta bombing, which occurred one year ago this week. 2 - China - On Dec. 9, police arrested more than 100 church members and seminary students at the Autumn Rain Church in Chengdu. Police arrived at the church on Sunday evening, arresting Pastor Wang Yi and his wife, Jiang Rong, and the others. Although Early Rain is considered a house church because of its unregistered status, about 800 people attend its weekly meetings around Chengdu. The church operates openly, publishing sermons online and conducting street evangelism. In addition to a seminary, it operates a primary school that serves 40 children. On Dec. 14, officials issued a notice charging the church as an “illegal cult,” a criminal offense. Pray for the immediate release of all those who have been wrongfully charged. Pray for these believers to remain strong in their faith while in prison. Pray for the authorities to drop all false charges. 3 - India (ICC) - On Saturday, December 9, Pastor Sojan was arrested and detained by police in Bakhtiyarpur village, located in the Patna district of India’s Bihar state. According to reports, the pastor was arrested by authorities on charges of attempted forced conversions because he tried to show a film called Yeshu Masih (Jesus Christ), a film about the life of Jesus. Pray for the authorities to show greater respect for religious minorities in India. Pray for strength for Pastor Sojan to continue sharing the Gospel. Pray for the love of Christ to transform the nation of India. 4 - Laos (ICC) - Three police officers in Laos arrested a grandmother and three other Christians while they were worshipping last month. Local police arrested the 78-year-old woman identified as Grandma Bounlam and three men identified by the surnames Duangtha, Khampan, and Ponsawan, after they raided a church service in Keovilai village, Vilabouly District in Savannakhet Province. Victims were soon evicted from their homes and property as well. Pray for the swift release of those who have been unjustly arrested. Pray for the freedom to worship freely in Laos. Pray for protection for these believers during their time in prison. 5 - INDONESIA - Martinus Gulo, a 21-year-old Christian, was sentenced to four years in prison and issued a fine for religious defamation. Mr. Gulo’s sentence is an inhumane violation of universal human rights and only emboldens Indonesia’s radical Muslims to abuse the poorly worded hate speech law to discriminate against the country’s religious minorities. 6 - UGANDA - Shakira is a mother of four who recently converted to following Christ. When her husband found out, he attacked her and has since threatened to kill her. She then looked for shelter with a local pastor and church, who has also been receiving threats from the husband. 7 - INDIA - On November 11, 2018, a mob of 300 Hindu radicals reportedly terrorized a group of Christian children as they attended a Sunday school in India’s Tamil Nadu state. Following the attack, the radicals demanded police banish the pastor leading the ministry from the village. After the attack, Pastor Raj was taken to the local police station where radicals demanded he be banished from the village. Police refused. The Hindu radicals then put pressure on Pastor Raj’s landlord, demanding he evict the pastor from the property. While Pastor Raj has not been evicted, the landlord will not renew the rental agreement with Pastor Raj which was set to expire in January. 8 - IRAN - Amir Taleipour and his wife Mahnaz Harati were arrested during a raid on their home in the city of Mashhad by Iranian intelligence officials. Their 7- year old daughter was home during the raid and witnessed the aggressive arrest of her parents. The Christian couple was arrested on December 6th and have not been allowed any communication with family members since then. The authorities have also denied the couple access to legal assistance. Their young daughter is currently being cared for by family members. 9 - ERITREA There are tens of Thousands of people in Northern Ethiopia that have been living in squaller and fear after they fled their homes in Eritrea. These people have often been living for years in one of the four large Refugee Camps, Mai Aini, Adiharush, Hitsats and Shimelba. These four camps host at least 50,000 Eritreans who have fled their homeland for a variety of reasons including religious persecution, forced military conscription for life, false imprisonment as well as many others. 10 - SRI LANKA - According to a report by the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), a Christian pastor was abducted and tortured by unknown assailants after being stopped by a policeman in October. The pastor’s abductors took him to an unknown location where they then tortured him with electric shocks until the following day. Unconscious, the pastor was dumped by his attackers and was later found by a passer-by who took him to the hospital. Asia Bibi (acquitted but barred from leaving Pakistan). In prison: Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Iran)
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,098
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Post by JesusIsTops on Dec 28, 2018 22:10:51 GMT -5
12 / 28 /18 1 - Iran - Two Christian converts, in Mashhad and Karaj, were arrested recently as a result of what appears to have been tight government surveillance. Behnam Ersali and Davood Rasooli, both Christian converts from Islam, had arranged by phone to meet in Mashhad. Behnam was already in Mashhad, staying with a friend, when six security agents burst in and arrested him. Davood was arrested at his home, where officials confiscated some books and other personal belongings, before he could leave for Mashhad. Based on the quickness and obvious coordination of their arrests, other Christians think Iranian intelligence officials had learned of their planned meeting by intercepting their phone calls. Christians in Iran ask us to pray that Behnam and Davood will know God’s strengthening power and wisdom during their interrogations. Pray also for the men’s release.
2 - Uzbekistan - Plainclothes officials and members of the National Guard raided a Tashkent worship service on Sunday, Nov. 25, filming those in attendance and searching the building for “unlawful propaganda.” The authorities photographed everyone present, recording their names, addresses and places of employment, and confiscated 7,800 DVDs and pieces of Christian literature. They later took 14 people to the police station, making them stand in the cold before interrogating them for nine hours. According to those interrogated, the police chief warned them that authorities would continue to come every Sunday until they stop meeting for worship.
3 - Laos - Christian leaders had hoped to protect 23 Christian families from being evicted from their village, but local authorities would not agree to let them stay. While a few believers have lived in the village for years, more families have turned to Christ recently through the strong witness of a local church. There are now more than 100 believers in the village, and after recurring confrontations the village leaders finally told the Christians they must leave. Three Christian leaders traveled to the village to remind local authorities that all citizens have a right to religious freedom according to the constitution, but the village authorities held firm, insisting that all Christians must leave the village by Dec. 6. They also refused to compensate the Christians for the land, crops and homes they were leaving behind. “Please pray for our dear brothers and sisters in Christ, who are facing a tremendous challenge in their lives for following Christ,” a VOM contact said. “The cost of following Jesus Christ is so high!”
4 - Pakistan (ICC) - Two Christian brothers, Qaisar and Amoon Ayub, were recently sentenced to death by a court in Pakistan for allegedly posting blasphemous material on a website in 2011. The accusation against Qaisar and Amoon stems back to supposedly offensive content that appeared on a website copyrighted in Qaisar’s name. Qaisar and Amoon plan to appeal their case, but that process could take years. Pray for the appeal process to move quickly and in the brothers’ favor. Pray for the release of Qaisar and Amoon. Pray for Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws to be overturned.
5 - Egypt (ICC) - On December 12, Egyptian police officer Rabi Mustapha Khalifa shot and killed Coptic Christian Emad Kmal Sadeq and his son David. The police officer was stationed as a security guard at the Nahded al-Qadasa Church in Minya City, Upper Egypt. He has since been detained in custody pending an investigation. At the time of writing, no charges are believed to have been filed. Pray for peace and comfort for the family of these men. Pray for justice for the security guard responsible for the murders. Pray for the security guard to hear the Gospel and come to know Christ.
6 - China (ICC) - On the morning of December 15, more than 100 police and government officials raided a children’s Bible class at Guangzhou’s Rongguili Church. They registered the names of the students, interrogated their parents and staff, confiscated their cell phones, and copied contact information from the church’s computers to prevent members from documenting and reporting the raid. Pray for protection for those whose contact information was stolen. Pray for Rongguili Church to quickly reopen. Pray for healing for the children who may have been traumatized by the raid.
7 - Indonesia (ICC) - Indonesian counterterrorism police recently foiled a plot by two suspects who were planning to carry out terrorist attacks during Christmas and New Year celebrations. The two suspects belong to the Islamic State-linked organization Jamah Ansyarut Daulah (JAD). They were arrested in Yogyakarta in the central part of Java Island and the investigation is ongoing. Pray for any potential attacks by this group to be thwarted. Praise God that this attack was successfully prevented. Pray for members of this terrorist group to come to know Christ.
8 – India - When Poonam quietly left Hinduism in 2012 and placed her faith in Christ, her Holy Bible immediately became her most prized possession. The young Indian wife and mother of three secretly read God’s Word in her home each day, growing in her understanding of God’s love for her. But she feared her husband would find out about her new faith, and he soon did. After overhearing her praying a Christian prayer one day, he found her Holy Bible and angrily tore it to pieces. “From today on you stop reading the Bible, and as long as you live in this house you better not pray!” he threatened. When Poonam refused to stop praying to Jesus, her husband beat her and eventually kicked her out of the house, refusing to let her see their young sons and daughter. Following Jesus cost her everything. Pray for Poonam and that her husband surrenders to Christ.
Asia Bibi (acquitted but barred from leaving Pakistan), Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Iran)
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,098
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Post by JesusIsTops on Jan 4, 2019 21:04:00 GMT -5
1 / 4 /19 1 - Lebanon - Each month, believers in a city in Lebanon teach Scripture to about 70 Syrian refugee children in a Bible club. Recently, the Christians taught the children Luke 2:40 while their parents were learning the same Scripture in a concurrent parents meeting. The staff meet regularly for prayer and discipleship with a group of eight boys and five girls after each study. The children’s Muslim parents know they are studying the Bible, but they don’t mind. In fact, the parents are impressed with the things they are learning from Scripture. “We would like to thank the Lord for the ministry in the difficult area of our country where we are serving,” said the Bible ministry team leader.
2 - Uganda - Joshua, a 10-year-old Ugandan boy, has been beaten by his father and uncle ever since they learned three months ago that he had left Islam to follow Jesus. Despite the repeated beatings, Joshua has not wavered in his faith. He loves Jesus and knows the suffering is worthwhile. Joshua began attending church one year ago after his sister became a Christian; she was beaten for a week when her father learned of her conversion. The children’s father warned them that he would kill them if they left Islam, but Joshua knows Jesus is worthy of his devotion. Joshua’s father still forces him to attend mosque every week, but he simply prays in the name of Jesus. Then, on Sundays, he secretly attends church. Pray that Joshua will remain strong in faith despite the recurring beatings, and pray that his pure love for Christ will be a light to his family and draw them to the truth of the gospel. Pray also that Joshua can help his Muslim friends accept Jesus.
3 - China - A Chinese house-church pastor who has been harassed by authorities in recent months remains resolute in his commitment to worship God freely. After spending five days in detention, Pastor Huang Xiaoning of Guangzhou’s Bible Reformed Church returned to find the doors of his church building locked by the government. As policemen looked on and took video of the pastor, he sawed the lock off the church door and ripped down public notices stating that the church was closed. Pastor Huang had been detained for leading a church service after Chinese officials had ordered him to stop meeting. To date, VOM workers have documented 528 church closures, though there likely have been many more. Continue to pray that Chinese Christians will remain bold and faithful.
4 - Laos (ICC) - Seven Lao Christians arrested over the New Year weekend for conducting an “illegal” church service in celebration of Christmas have been released. While Christian services are allowed in some parts of Laos with state officials present to check for anti-government messaging, Christians living in remote areas of the country are frequently harassed and expelled from their homes by local officials. Pray for local officials to respect the rights of Christians in Laos. Praise God for the release of these seven Christians. Pray for the release of any other believers affected by similar Christmas crackdowns.
5 - Uganda (ICC) - Another convert in Uganda has been attacked for leaving Islam for Christianity. The 28-year-old man named Simon has lost his home, his land, his wife and children, and all support from the community. Simon converted to Christianity in 2017, and was able to remain at home and live among his community until he started hosting a Bible study and worship in his home in October 2018. Pray for encouragement for Simon as he battles numerous obstacles. Pray for Simon to be surrounded by a community of believers to support him. Pray for Simon’s newfound faith to remain strong.
6 - India (ICC) - On December 25, a mob of 30 Hindu radicals stopped four buses carrying 200 children on their way to a Christmas program in India. The radicals claimed that the children were being taken to churches to be forcefully converted to Christianity and abused by pastors. The radicals pressured local police into arresting Sandeep Kashyap, a Hindu teacher escorting the children. Pray for justice for Kashyap following his unjust arrest. Pray for encouragement for any children who were traumatized by this incident. Pray for greater protection for religious minorities in India.
Asia Bibi (acquitted but barred from leaving Pakistan), Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Iran)
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,098
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Post by JesusIsTops on Jan 11, 2019 19:29:42 GMT -5
1 / 11 /19 1 - Laos - Three families who were kicked out of their village last April after becoming Christi have continued to share the love of Christ with their new neighbors. After being expelled from their homes, the families moved into huts used by farmers during the busy planting season. They soon began engaging with those living near them, even praying for sick neighbors. When several of their neighbors were healed, they and others who witnessed God’s work placed their faith in Christ. There are now seven Christian families in the area. Praise God for the faithful witness of these believers who have faced persecution because of their faith. 2 - Tanzania - About 20 Maasai warriors attacked four young Maasai Christians at a Sunday morning church service recently, whipping the men and beating them with clubs. The young Christians — Murri, 16; Lilash, 19; Lekutina, 16; and Sairiamu, 17 — had placed their faith in Jesus only days earlier. In opposition to Maasai custom, in which warriors wear long hair, the four teenagers had cut their hair as an outward symbol of their conversion to Christianity; Maasai traditionalists in the community were offended by their act of rebellion. “Attacks on Christians [in this place] are increasing,” a VOM worker said. This was the third attack in less than a year. Pray for these young men’s continued Christian growth and witness. 3 - Myanmar - In October, the United Wa State Army, an ethnic army operating in far eastern Myanmar, began arresting Christians and closing churches. After soldiers arrested 14 Christian leaders and detained them for questioning, the daughter of an army general offered to take their place as a form of bail. Though her father leads an army that has been forcing Christians out of the area, the woman is a Christian. The army agreed to let her take the place of the 14 Christians but first shaved the believers’ heads so the community would be aware of their “offense.” About two months later, the army arrested some local pastors, releasing them if they agreed not to preach or worship. Although they made the same offer to the general’s daughter, she refused to agree to their terms and remains in prison. Please pray for this courageous young woman who has sacrificed her freedom for the sake of other believers and the name of Christ. 4 - Indonesia - Martinus Gulo, a 21-year-old Christian, was sentenced to four years in prison and issued a fine for religious defamation. Mr. Gulo’s sentence is an inhumane violation of universal human rights and only emboldens Indonesia’s radical Muslims to abuse the poorly worded hate speech law to discriminate against the country’s religious minorities. 5 - Pakistan (ICC) - On January 2, the government of the Punjab province in Pakistan mandated that churches must comply with set security standards by March 31 or faced forcible closure. Pakistani Christians fear that this will lead to the closure of many churches across the country. With less than three months’ notice, many churches will struggle to meet the new standards due to economic constraints. Pray for churches across Pakistan to be able to operate freely. Pray for this mandate to serve as a stepping stone for greater protection for churches. Pray for safety for vulnerable believers in Pakistan. 6 - Egypt (ICC) - On Saturday, an Egyptian policeman was killed while trying to defuse a bomb placed outside a church in Nasr City, near Cairo. Terrorists placed three bombs on the roof of the church with the intention of exploding it on Orthodox Christmas. An Imam at a mosque across the street reportedly saw the terrorists preparing the bomb for use during Christmas service and alerted the police. Pray for peace for the family of the policeman killed in the attack. Praise God that there was no further damage to the church. Praise God for the actions of the Imam who alerted the police. 7 - India (ICC) - Four Christians were recently arrested in India’s Uttar Pradesh state after being falsely accused of forced conversions. Seven states across India currently enforce Freedom of Religion Acts, commonly referred to as anti-conversion laws, which are often abused in order to target religious minorities. However, Uttar Pradesh, where the four Christians were arrested, is not one of these seven states. Pray for the quick release of these four imprisoned believers. Pray for anti-conversion laws across India to be repealed. Pray for authorities in India to allow greater freedom for religious minorities. 8 - China (ICC) - Authorities in Henan Province’s Luoning county ordered a government-approved, Three-Self church to remove the first commandment from the Ten Commandments. Following an inspection of the church by approximately 30 officials, members of the church voiced their strong opposition to the removal of the “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” commandment. Pray for the Chinese government to respect churches’ freedom of worship. Pray for this congregation to remain strong in their faith. Pray for this incident to only cause Christianity to grow in the region. Asia Bibi (acquitted but barred from leaving Pakistan), Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Iran)
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weaslespit
All Star Member
Social Liberal, Fiscal Conservative - Usually
Posts: 11,468
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Post by weaslespit on Jan 14, 2019 12:59:01 GMT -5
These folks are still suffering as well. Don't overlook them!
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weaslespit
All Star Member
Social Liberal, Fiscal Conservative - Usually
Posts: 11,468
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Post by weaslespit on Jan 17, 2019 12:17:06 GMT -5
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,098
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Post by JesusIsTops on Jan 18, 2019 22:51:20 GMT -5
1 / 18 /19 1 - Uganda - When Charity’s husband told her he had become a Muslim, she thought it was a joke. But she knew it was real when he left her and married two Muslim women. He then told Charity that he would continue supporting their children only if they converted to Islam. “My children are Christians, and I cannot give them away to anything,” she told him. “If we starve, it will be OK.” Charity is now responsible for rent, food and school fees for their three children. “I have made a promise not to turn away from Christ, even though the burden is very heavy,” she told a VOM worker. “Please pray for me; I am spent.” Pray for Charity’s strength and for the provision of her daily needs. She also asks us to pray for her family’s salvation.
2 - India - Two years after an attack by radical Hindus left him nearly comatose, Dr. Anjaneya Swami is gradually improving. The evangelist was hospitalized with a brain hemorrhage in 2017 following the attack and subsequent police interrogation. He had been distributing gospel tracts near a Hindu temple when Hindu nationalists attacked him, accusing him of trying to convert people to Christianity. For most of the next 18 months, he remained paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. After several surgeries and physical therapy, he is finally beginning to improve. Pray for Dr. Swami's continued recovery.
3 - Egypt (ICC) - Four churches in different Upper Egypt villages have recently been targeted by hardline Islamic extremists. In each of these villages, the extremists formed a mob and attacked the churches, which were seeking official recognition. In each of these incidents, the police denied the rights of Christians to publicly worship and closed the churches, according to the demands of the mob. Pray for these four churches to reopen. Pray for the Egyptian authorities not to submit to the demands of extremist groups. Pray for the Christian community in Egypt to continue to grow.
4 - China (ICC) - Stream of Life house church in Sichuan was harassed and raided by police on January 10, as members were studying the Holy Bible. The authorities took away some Christian literature before instructing the church “not to organize [an] illegal religious gathering.” The leader of the Bible study was subsequently summoned by the police for interrogation. Pray for the freedom for this church to continue its ministry. Pray for the Chinese authorities to show more respect for Christian churches. Pray for the Gospel to continue spreading throughout China.
5 - Nigeria (ICC) - Clement Ekpeye, the Nigerian Bishop of Ahoada, was released from captivity after being kidnapped five days earlier. The kidnappers reportedly accessed the Bishop’s house, forced him into his own car, and returned the car to the residence later that evening. At the time of writing, it is not yet clear if the Bishop’s release was the result of a paid ransom or not. Pray for peace and healing for Pastor Ekpeye following this traumatic incident. Pray for the captors to be held responsible for their actions. Praise God for the release of Pastor Ekpeye.
6 - Pakistan (ICC) - Christians in Hyderabad, Pakistan are encouraged as local government officials have taken steps to protect a Christian graveyard by means of a boundary wall. Located on Ganju Taker Tando Muhammad Road, the Christian graveyard had seen sand and stones stolen by local residents, the land mafia, and contractors over the past nine months. Pray for this plan to effectively serve the Christian community. Pray for a decrease in incidents of vandalism in Christian cemeteries. Praise God for the initiative taken to protect this community.
Asia Bibi (acquitted but barred from leaving Pakistan), Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Iran)
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weaslespit
All Star Member
Social Liberal, Fiscal Conservative - Usually
Posts: 11,468
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Post by weaslespit on Jan 24, 2019 9:49:37 GMT -5
Why just "persecuted Christians"? Shouldn't prayers be offered for all of those in need of them, regardless of their personal faith? Don't forget to pray for those who would seek to divide us. Faith doesn't mean 'us vs. them'...
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Post by timothyu on Jan 24, 2019 12:33:28 GMT -5
the Kingdom vs the world of man
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JesusIsTops
Champion Member
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6
Posts: 4,098
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Post by JesusIsTops on Jan 25, 2019 19:17:13 GMT -5
1 / 25 /19 1-Cuba - A ministry leader in Cuba believes the government is now using drones to monitor Christian meetings. Tensions between Christians and the Communist government in Cuba have increased in recent months due to a proposed revision to the constitution that would legalize homosexual marriage. Many believers have publicly opposed the amendment, and Christian leaders now believe Communist Party members are using drones to monitor their sermons and report back to authorities. “Christians have been threatened, there have been more attacks and the authorities have threatened to demolish more church buildings,” a ministry leader said. “Pray for the Cuban church, because we are under strong attack.”
2 - Laos - On Dec. 29 at about 6 p.m., nine police officers broke up a Christmas celebration in Nakanong village, arresting three church leaders and several other believers. Police at first took only the church leaders to the police station for questioning, but they returned two hours later and arrested four more church members. Then, at about 10 p.m., the police chief and other officers again returned to the church, this time destroying the stage, cutting the electricity, destroying audio equipment and seizing cellphones. Those arrested were charged with “illegal gathering” before being released on Jan. 2, 2019. Although Laotians are guaranteed the freedom of religion, local officials often ignore those rights. Please pray for these believers.
3 – Myanmar - As Christians in a rural village gathered to celebrate Christmas beneath a bamboo structure, a group of monks and other villagers began shouting at them and beating them with sticks while pulling down the bamboo poles holding up a tarp. The mob continued to shout abuse and swat the Christians with sticks as they ran from the collapsed structure. According to a VOM worker in the region, the number of attacks on Christians increased dramatically in 2018. Pray for an end to these attacks.
4 - Egypt (ICC) - A Coptic Christian man traveling on a microbus in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula was kidnapped by Islamic militants on January 18. Abeed Nakhla Yassa was traveling to the city of al-Arish, his home city which he originally left in 2017 after Islamists killed seven Christians in a span of three weeks. According to his nephew, Abeed was traveling back to al-Arish in order to follow up on a personal business matter. Pray for protection for Abeed while his is in the hands of his captors. Pray for Abeed’s swift release. Pray for those responsible for this kidnapping to be held accountable.
5 - Iran (ICC) - Iranian judges Hassan Babaee and Ahmad Zargar presided over the January 15 final appeal hearing for Christians Saheb Fadaie and Fatemeh Bakhteri. These two judges asked the Christians to renounce their faith. When they refused, the judges said that they should soon expect a verdict in their appeal against the charges of “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Pray for these Christians to share the light of Christ in prison. Pray for any unjust charges against them to be overturned. Pray for these two judges to hear and accept the Gospel.
6 - China (ICC) - Chinese Christians in poor health who depend on welfare benefits have been forced to choose between their faith or social benefits. Several elderly Christians in Henan province were approached by local officials, asking them to remove religious items in their homes and hang up the portraits of President Xi Jinping or Chairman Mao Zedong in order for them to continue receiving welfare benefits. Pray for the authorities to allow Chinese Christians to practice their faith more openly. Pray for these officials to accept the salvation of Christ. Pray for continued church growth across China.
Asia Bibi (acquitted but barred from leaving Pakistan), Pastor John Cao (China), Gao Zhisheng (China), Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Iran)
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weaslespit
All Star Member
Social Liberal, Fiscal Conservative - Usually
Posts: 11,468
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Post by weaslespit on Jan 29, 2019 8:53:08 GMT -5
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