VOM–USA Prayer Update for August 28, 2009

VOM–USA Prayer Update for August 28, 2009
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

INDIA — Christians Attacked in Villages in Karnataka — VOM Sources/Compass Direct

Acts 4:29-31
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

* GABBUR VILLAGE - On Aug. 9, Hindu extremists barged into a worship service in Gabbur village and assaulted Pastor James dragging him out of the building. He escaped the attackers and filed a report with police. Later that night, the extremists attacked Pastor James again at his home and chased his family out of the village. At last report the family has not returned to their home.
* ANNIGERE VILLAGE - On Aug. 11, 80 Christians were attacked by Hindu extremists while attending a training camp for teachers. Extremists accused the Christians of being involved in forcible conversion. They confiscated cell phones, Bibles and assaulted the pastors. One pastor escaped and sought help from the police. Police arrived on the scene but, according to media reports, they watched as Bibles were collected and burned. Eight pastors were arrested later and charged with unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal conspiracy and "acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs." The names and addresses of the other Christians were recorded by police before they were sent home. The detained pastors were released on bail on Aug. 18.
* PADMANABHANAGAR VILLAGE - On Aug. 16, Pastor John Quadros was attacked and harassed by Hindu extremists while visiting a home to pray for a sick believer. The pastor was accused of forcible conversion, questioned and told to inform officials of any future prayer activities. The extremists threatened to attack him if they heard of further prayer meetings.

Pray that increased persecution in India will result in increased boldness among Christians. Ask God to work in the hearts and lives of Hindu extremists so that they will turn to Him. Pray believers will remain faithful and courageous.

CHINA — Chinese church banned, Christians arrested — China Aid Association

Psalm 5:10-12
Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, For they have rebelled against You. But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

On Aug. 13, Li Guangren and Zheng Xincai, two members of the Laojie Christian Church in Henan province were arrested two days after authorities officially banned their church for a second time, according to China Aid Association. The Bureau of Religious and Ethnic Affairs in Xiayi County officially banned the Laojie Christian Church, declaring it "an illegal site for religious activities." An earlier statement abolishing the church had been issued on June 27. The church's ban follows a recent proposal made to them by the Village Party Committee of Sangdong to exchange their church property for another only half the size. When the Christians asked for a more equitable replacement, the committee threatened to demolish the church building. Ask God to protect and sustain Guangren and Xincai during their detention. Pray for courage for Chinese believers as they continue to serve the Lord despite harassment and arrest.

Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.