VOM-USA Prayer Update for May 11, 2012
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:1–3
Mauritania—Muslims Demand Investigation of Christians
Source: VOM Contacts
- Psalm 36:10–12
- Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Let not the foot of pride come against me,
And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
There the workers of iniquity have fallen;
They have been cast down and are not able to rise.
Muslim protesters in Mauritania have called on the government to investigate all Christians in the country, claiming that Christians were involved in the burning of a Quran after Islamic prayers on Friday, April 27. The protesters said other Islamic books were burned on the same day and that many copies of the gospel were distributed, insinuating that Christians had some part in what they consider one of the worst offenses possible. The protesters called on the government to investigate Christians to determine their part in the event and, if found guilty, to punish them. Desecrating a Quran is punishable by life in prison or even death in some Islamic countries. Our VOM contact in Mauritania asks that we pray for Christians there.
Pakistan—Families Turn to Christ Through Evangelist’s Witness
Source: VOM Contacts
- Acts 16:30–31
- And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
A VOM-supported evangelist in Pakistan has requested prayer for several people who have recently shown interest in the gospel. The evangelist, “Sam,” had been praying for his good friend Hadi for many months, but they had never spoken about Christ. A few days ago, Hadi asked for a copy of the New Testament. He has been reading it, and Sam asks that we pray for Hadi’s salvation. Recently, Sam was invited to pray for a girl who has chronic kidney pain. After Sam prayed for her in her home, the pain suddenly left. Her whole family was amazed and asked how this was possible. Sam told them, “Everything is possible in the Lord Jesus Christ.” The whole family decided to become followers of Jesus. Several Sundays ago, Sam preached in a church service. Afterward a man confessed to him that he was feeling suicidal. His family was pressuring him to divorce his wife because they had no children. After talking with Sam and praying with his family, the whole family gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Pray for the two families that have turned to Christ, and pray that Hadi will also come to know him.
Nigeria—Worshipers Killed in Three Attacks
Sources: VOM Contacts, AFP, Release International
- 2 Corinthians 5:18
- Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
About 30 Christians were killed last week when suspected Islamic extremists attacked three church services in two states. Attackers armed with guns and bombs opened fire on two church services at a Nigerian university on Sunday, April 29. Worshipers reportedly were gunned down as they fled, and at least 26 people were killed. Meanwhile, in Forno state, gunmen attacked and killed Rev. Albert Naga and three church elders during a Communion service at the Church in Christ in Nigeria, in Simari. Although no group has claimed responsibility, the attacks are similar to previous attacks by the Islamist group Boko Haram. Pray for Christians in northern Nigeria. In the last few months, attacks on churches, Christian neighborhoods and villages have been relentless. Pray for a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Philippines
VOM Project
Pray for those involved in the production, printing and distribution of Hearts of Fire in the Cebuano language. Pray also that the pastors, leaders and Christians who receive the book will be encouraged to be bold in their faith.
