The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
Algeria—Authorities Order Church Closed—VOM Contacts
Exodus 34:9
Then he said, “If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”
On Oct. 17, Algerian authorities ordered the closure of a church in the country’s second largest city because the church did not have a registration certificate, according to a VOM worker in the region. The 90-member House of Hope church in Oran runs several ministries in the Ain-Turck neighborhood, including a Bible school, a media studio, a safe house and a network of evangelists. When church representatives visited the state office to inquire about necessary documentation, no one could tell them what was required for church registration. After further inquiries, the minister of the interior told church representatives that he did not know who ordered the church to close. “It looks like an attempt from the authorities to test the church’s reaction,” said a VOM worker. “In Algeria, nothing is guaranteed, so we trust our Lord and move boldly.” House of Hope is continuing its services. Pray for favor from the authorities as well as wisdom and perseverance for the church’s leaders.
Pakistan—Asia Bibi Reportedly Beaten—VOM Contacts, Compass Direct News
Psalm 6:8–10
Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity;
For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
The LORD has heard my supplication;
The LORD will receive my prayer.
Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;
Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.
A Pakistani newspaper has reported that Asia Bibi was beaten by a prison guard earlier this month. The guard was reportedly suspended for three months, and a source told Compass Direct News that jail authorities pressured Asia and Ashiq to refrain from reporting the incident. Ashiq told VOM workers that jail management has been good to Asia. He reported that Asia said, “I am not horrified by this incident. God is with me; I have a Bible in my cell. I feel strong and protected.” Asia, who received a death sentence last year after being convicted of blasphemy, has been kept in a high-security cell in Sheikhupura jail because of death threats against her. Continue to pray for Asia’s safety, and pray for VOM staff and friends as they travel to Washington, D.C., in a few weeks to present a petition appealing for mercy in Asia’s case.
Nigeria—Boko Haram Kill Second Christian Leader in Three Months—Compass Direct News
Psalm 146:9
The LORD watches over the strangers;
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
A second Nigerian evangelist has been murdered by members of the Islamist group Boko Haram less than three months after the group killed a Maiduguri pastor and church secretary. Mark Ojunta, a 36-year-old evangelist from southern Nigeria, was working with Calvary Ministries (CAPRO) among the Kotoko people in northeastern Nigeria when he was shot on Aug. 27 in Maiduguri. CAPRO had evacuated all staff members working among the Shuwa Arab, Kotoko and Kanuri peoples after learning that they were on a Boko Haram hit list. But Ojunta had returned to teach a class after his family was evacuated. A CAPRO press statement stated that he died “as a martyr on his field among the Kotokos.” Four days before his death, Ojunta reportedly declined an invitation to take a position at CAPRO’s International office in London. He leaves behind his wife, Ema, and two young children. Pray for his family, CAPRO staff and all Christians in Nigeria.
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Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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