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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
"We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;" (1 Corinthians 4:12) |
Prayers for April 1, 2008
From The Voice of the Martyrs
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NORTH KOREA
 North Korean Students Arrested for Reading the Bible - Free North Korea Broadcasting
Ten college students in Ham Kyung Book Do Chung, North Korea, were recently investigated and arrested for reading a Bible and watching a video CD about the Bible. According to Free North Korea Broadcasting, Mr. Jung, former vice president of GumRung Company of the Rodong Dang Labor Organization Department, reported the case and has since escaped to China to avoid arrest by the National Security Agency (Bowiboo). "In March 2006, 200 Life Bibles and several hundred CDs were purchased in China and secretly placed in flour bags before being smuggled into North Korea. This huge Bible smuggling case was headed by GumRung Company employees who were influenced by Christianity in China and underground Christians in Nasun City. All the leaders have been arrested and are being severely tortured. If I am caught, I will be sent to a prison camp for political criminals. I didn't want to die in prison camp, so I escaped," Mr. Jung said. In the Free North Korea Broadcasting report, Mr. Jung added that most of the arrested students attended Chung Jin College. "These students shared the Bible and video CD with their friends. They also distributed the Bibles and video CDs to the other college towns," he said. Pray God encourages and protects believers in North Korea. Ask God to give them courage and for them to love their persecutors. Psalm 107:2
LAOS
UPDATE: Arrested Pastors Taken Back to Their Province - VOM Sources
On March 27, The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Laos reported that eight pastors arrested when entering Thailand to attend meetings had been picked up by police from their province and escorted back home to Laos. "The police from their province have taken them back to their province and put them back in prison again. We do not know how long they will be in prison," VOM sources said. Pray for protection and courage for these pastors and their families. Pray they will love and forgive their persecutors. Joshua 1:9
INDIA
Nuns Attacked, New Anti-Conversion Bill Passed - VOM Sources
- MAHARASHTRA - On March 23, Sister Mercy Tuscano and Sister Philomena D'Mello were attacked by more than 49 Hindu extremists in Alibaug, Maharashtra, for allegedly converting tribal groups to Christianity. The nuns were injured in the attack, which included women who are followers of a spiritual leader in the area. Both nuns were treated in the hospital and have since been released. They are members of a non-governmental organization that extends humanitarian services such as AIDS awareness to tribal groups in the region. Pray for the recovery of the two nuns from their injuries. Ask the Lord to strengthen Indian Christians to continue serving the Lord despite facing pressure for their faith.
- RAJASTHAN - On March 20, the governing Bharatiya Janata Party in Rajasthan state passed a new "anti-conversion" bill that has stricter provisions than the previous bills passed in 2006. The new bill states that a society or trust found to be "contemplating" the use of money for converting people can have its registration canceled. Christians fear that this stipulation will provide the pretext for numerous complaints against Christian organizations. The bill also dictates that any person who intends to convert must send a notice to the government at least 30 days in advance or face a fine of up to 1,000 rupees (US $25). Isaiah 54:17
WEST BANK
Pastor's Son Injured in Bombing - VOM Sources
On March 20, Amiel Ortiz, the teenage son of Messianic pastor David Ortiz, was seriously injured when a bomb delivered to the family's home in the Jewish settlement town of Ariel went off in his hands. The explosive was reportedly delivered in one of the gift baskets Jews exchange on the Purim holiday. At last report, Amiel was in serious condition, unconscious and breathing through a respirator. Local Christians suspect the Ortiz family was targeted by militants angered by the family's evangelistic work. Christians in the region face frequent opposition from authorities, Orthodox Jews and Muslims for their efforts to share Christ. Pray for healing for Amiel. Ask God to give comfort and protection to the Ortiz family as they serve Him. Pray that their passion for Christ will be the light that draws others to Jesus. Romans 8: 11
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep." (Psalm 36:4-6) |
Prayers for March 25, 2008
From The Voice of the Martyrs
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AZERBAIJAN UPDATE: Baptist Pastor Released from Prison " VOM Sources
On March 19, Baptist Pastor Zaur Balaev was released from prison in Azerbaijan, under a presidential amnesty on Novruz Bairam, a holiday marking the beginning of spring. The Voice of the Martyrs contacts reported Pastor Balaev was met by his son and Ilya Zenchenko, head of the Baptist Union. "When Balaev was released, journalists asked whether he was feeling grateful to Azerbaijan's president for his release. Zaur answered that he always in everything feels grateful to Jesus only and no one else. Journalists immediately quit shooting (footage) of him," VOM contacts said. The Voice of the Martyrs rejoices with Pastor Balaev and his family on his release. We encourage you to continue praying for their protection and wisdom as he returns home to his family and congregation. Ask God to give him discernment and favor. Isaiah 54:17
SRI LANKA UPDATE: Wife of Martyred Pastor off Ventilator and Recovering " National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka
The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) reports the wife of martyred Pastor Edirisinghe is recovering from severe injuries sustained during an attack that killed her husband. "The NCEASL chairman visited Shiromi yesterday. She is experiencing a great recovery, she speaks, breathes well and has been transferred to Kandy General for surgery to remove [the] bullet," NCEASL reported. Mrs. Edirisinghe was critically injured on February 17 when two assailants gunned down her husband outside their home in Ampara, Sri Lanka. She sustained critical injuries to her stomach and their two-year-old son was also injured in the attack. Pray for her quick recovery from the remaining surgeries. Ask God to heal her emotions and to touch their son with the love of Christ. Pray God will give them supernatural ability to forgive the assailants and for their testimony to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ. Psalm 23
LAOS Pastors and Believers Arrested by Police, Nine Church Leaders Sentenced to Prison " VOM Sources/Compass Direct News
- UDOM SAI PROVINCE " Eight Khmu pastors from Udom Sai Province in Laos who were arrested when entering Thailand to attend meetings, are waiting for the police to escort them back home. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, 'We are still waiting for the police to arrive from Udom Sai to escort the prisoners to their home villages. Their families have been told they will be tried once they get home with a likely huge fine and imprisonment. We do not know what the charges will be, but we do know that Udom Sai is a real hot spot as far as persecution and has been increasing over the last 12 months." The pastors were arrested on March 18 when they entered Thailand and were followed by the Laos police. They were searched and two of them had Bibles. Everything the pastors had with them was confiscated, including a cell phone. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to pray for these pastors and their families during this difficult time. Ask God to protect and encourage them. Pray for their speedy release and that their testimonies will draw their captors into fellowship with Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:7
- BOKEO PROVINCE " On February 22, Laotian officials arrested 15 Hmong Christian families in Bokeo province, Laos. According to Compass Direct News, the arrests occurred a day before a court sentenced nine Hmong church leaders to 15 years in prison for 'conducting Christian ministry and meetings that had grown beyond acceptable levels for Communist officials.' Compass reported, "The day before the sentencing, Laotian authorities arrived in Bai Sai Janrern village in Bokeo district with six trucks in which they hauled away eight Christian families. Authorities also arrested at least seven families from Fai village three miles away." The arrested families make up a total of 58 Hmong Christians. According to the Compass report, the nine Christian leaders, sentenced to 15 years in prison for Christian ministry, were arrested in July 2007, during a police and military raid of suspected rebels that left 13 innocent Christians dead. The Voice of the Martyrs stands with believers in Laos and encourages you to pray for these believers who have been arrested because of their faith in Jesus Christ, Ask God to give them strength and courage to forgive their persecutors. Hebrews 13:6
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (2 Samuel 22:31) |
Prayers for March 18, 2008
From The Voice of the Martyrs
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LAOS 58 Christians Arrested, 9 Church Leaders Sent to Prison - Compass Direct News
On February 22, Laotian officials arrested 15 Hmong Christian families in Bokeo district, Laos. According to Compass Direct News, the arrests occurred a day before a court sentenced nine Hmong church leaders to 15 years in prison for 'conducting Christian ministry and meetings that had grown beyond acceptable levels for Communist officials.' Compass reported, "The day before the sentencing, Laotian authorities arrived in Bai Sai Janrern village in Bokeo district with six trucks in which they hauled away eight Christian families. Authorities also arrested at least seven families from Fai village three miles away." The arrested families make up a total of 58 Hmong Christians. A Christian source told Compass, "It seems they are rounding up all Hmong Christians from Vietnam to send them back to Vietnam. What will happen to them is greatly feared and unknown." According to the Compass report, the nine Christian leaders sentenced to 15 years in prison for Christian ministry were arrested in July 2007, during a police and military raid of suspected rebels that left 13 innocent Christians dead. The Voice of the Martyrs stands with believers in Laos and encourages you to pray for these believers who have been arrested because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask God to give them strength and courage to forgive their persecutors. Isaiah 40:31
INDONESIA Islamic Extremists' Protests Lead to Church Closures - Compass Direct News
Protests from Islamic extremists have stopped worship services at two churches in Sumatra and Java Island, Indonesia. According to Compass Direct News, "Love Evangelical Bethel church, near Pekanbaru, Riau province on Sumatra Island ceased Sunday services after about 60 demonstrators from local mosques on February 15 demanded its closure." The Compass report added the protesters, led by Harry Cahyono and Victor Ramaddan, said they were protesting the church because it did not have a permit for expansion. Compass said, "They (the protesters) wrote, 'do not build without permit' in red paint on the church wall." Rev. Alex Ritonga told Compass his church was the only church in a village of 14 mosques, none of which have permits. He added his church was registered with local Religious Affairs authorities and had been told they were not required to have permits to expand the building. These recent protests against churches in Indonesia are the latest in pressure against believers to stop worshipping. Several churches were closed in 2007. Pray God protects Christians in Indonesia. Ask God to give them creative ways to continue worshipping even though their churches have been closed. Joshua 1:9
ETHIOPIA Christians Killed - VOM Sources/International Christian Concern
On March 3, Muslim militants killed at least two Christians and wounded dozens in Nensabo town southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts and reports from International Christian Concern, militants attacked Christians, including women and children, while they were attending a worship service. According to reports, "Eight of the wounded have been taken to the town of Awassa for hospitalization, while others with serious injuries were taken to Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa. Among the wounded were a police officer and a Christian whose hand was cut off by the attackers." Reports indicated that the attack was part of a plan by Muslim militants, influenced by the spread of Wahhabism, in the area to wipe out Christians from the Muslim-dominated region. Pray for those mourning deceased believers. Ask God to comfort them. Pray God will protect and guide believers in Ethiopia facing harsh conditions. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
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