VOM–USA Prayer Update for October 1, 2010
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD! psalm 27:14
PAKISTAN — Bibles, Hymnals and Church Property Burned — VOM Contacts
Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
On Sept. 19, Islamic extremists broke into the Philadelphia Pentecostal Church in Sharif Town, Karachi City, Pakistan, and set fire to Bibles, hymnals, a musical instrument and a table, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The church, which is led by Pastors George Rakha and Peter Shahzad, was established six years ago and is actively involved in Muslim evangelism. “At 4 a.m., some fanatics broke the lock of the church door and entered the church,” VOM contacts reported. “They burned three crosses, nine Bibles, five books of worship songs, a table and a musical instrument Tabla [local drum].” On Sept. 20, the Christian community displayed a banner protesting the burning of their Bibles. Christians believe this incident was a reaction to an American pastor’s widely publicized threat to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11. Christian leaders in the U.S. spoke out against the pastor’s plan to burn the Quran, and he ultimately decided against it. But it seems that no Muslim leaders spoke out against the burning of Bibles in Pakistan. Pray for believers in Pakistan who courageously live for Christ in the midst of opposition. Pray that believers’ testimonies and love for Christ will draw their Muslim neighbors into fellowship with Christ.
IRAN — Nine Believers Arrested — Farsi Christian News Network
Acts 4:29–31
“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 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.
Nine Christians were arrested recently in Hamedan, Iran, on charges of engaging in journalistic activities, according to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN). Iranian state television reported that two of those arrested were supported by organizations from the United States and Great Britain, but their nationalities are unknown. The other seven were reportedly accused of cooperating with “Christian-Zionist organizations.” The Iranian government uses this terminology to describe Christians who have access to a number of evangelistic networks and TV satellite programs. FCNN concluded that this is the first time in three decades that state TV has broadcast news about the arrest of Christians. Pray that God will equip these believers to share the gospel while in prison, and pray for their release. Pray that the increased persecution in Iran will result in increased boldness among Christians.
CHINA — Pastor Detained at Trial of House Church Leaders — China Aid Association
Romans 5:10–12
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.
Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan and his wife, along with several other believers, were detained on Sept. 20 while attending court proceedings for imprisoned Christians Liu Yunhua and Gao Jianli in Xuchang, Henan province, according to China Aid Association. Pastor Zhang, who has been imprisoned previously, was released a few hours later with his wife. Other Christians, including the son of defendant Liu Yunhua, were detained by authorities on their way home from the trial. At last report, these believers were still in detention. Pray for the release of the detained believers, and pray that God will grant patience and faith to Liu and Gao throughout their trial. Ask God to continue to equip and embolden Pastor Zhang in his ministry.
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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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