VIETNAM: New Believer Slain by Unknown Assailants

Source: VOMC
Source: VOM Australia

A village in Vietnam. Photo: Flickr / Michael Mooney (cc)

In August of this year, a widower and father of two referred to as "Brother Man" came to faith in Christ. When news of the believer's conversion became known, he began to encounter intense pressure from local authorities.

In the first incident, Brother Man was ordered to leave his home. When he refused to do so, the local authorities then confiscated his land and forbade him from contacting any other Christians. Despite the opposition, the follower of Jesus remained firm in his newfound faith.

On September 24th, Brother Man had been home alone while the rest of his household was out working. When his family members returned home later that day, they found the slain believer's body on the floor. It was also discovered that the deceased Christian man had a bruise on the back of his neck.

An in-country ministry partner who works closely with Voice of the Martyrs Australia has asked for prayer on behalf of Brother Man's grieving family members during this difficult time. One of the representatives from the Australian office reported that needed financial assistance has been provided to the family.
For further reports addressing the suffering of Christians in this Southeast Asian nation, including videotaped segments, go to our country profile.

Prayerfully remember Brother Man's loved ones as they grieve their sudden loss. 

May God's loving presence, peace and comfort be tangibly experienced by this mourning family, as well as by fellow Christians in their community and other areas of Vietnam. 

Ask the Lord to provide these persecuted believers with divine wisdom and guidance as they deal with the oppressive restrictions being imposed on them from all levels of government. 

Pray that the assailants responsible for this attack would be revealed and thus duly held accountable; and that, despite the opposition towards Christianity, the message of God's saving grace will continue to spread powerfully throughout the nation.

INDIA: Pastor Sentenced for Alleged Forced Conversions

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, ECSPE

A pastor in India sharing God's Word. Photo: VOM International

A church leader in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has been convicted on false charges of forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity. On September 25th, a court in Jhabua sentenced Pastor Vikas Nimach to five years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of over $1,600 CAD. His legal team intends to appeal the recent verdict, claiming that the trial lawyer mishandled the proceedings.

The convicted pastor was arrested in December 2021, along with five other believers. The complainants claimed that these Christians had allegedly bribed Hindus to come to their church with promises to provide each of these congregants approximately $16 CAD per month, a motorbike, plus free medical treatment and education for their families. While the other five Christians were granted bail, Pastor Vikas spent nine months in jail before obtaining bail in September 2022.

Madhya Pradesh is one of the 12 Indian states that have implemented anti-conversion legislation. These laws are frequently misused by individuals with personal vendettas, as well as by those seeking to stoke religious divisions.
For more details on the persecution facing Christians in India, go to our country report.

Please uphold Pastor Vikas in your prayers as he begins to serve his prison sentence, asking our Heavenly Father to keep this church leader strong in his faith and provide for all of his physical, spiritual and emotional needs. 

In addition, pray that Pastor Vikas' appeal hearing will be successful, enabling him to soon be set free. Continue to remember the numerous other followers of Jesus throughout this nation who are facing similar situations, praying that they too will receive ongoing encouragement, strength and protection. 

Despite the many challenges being encountered by these believers, may they faithfully proclaim the message of God's free gift of salvation throughout India so that multitudes more will receive opportunities to come to faith in Christ.

PAKISTAN: Zafar Bhatti's Ongoing Struggle for Justice

Source: VOMC
Sources: British Asian Christian Association, Pakistan Christian Post, Church in Chains

Zafar Bhatti Photo: Pakistan Christian Post

Zafar Bhatti is listed as Pakistan's longest-serving blasphemy prisoner. Since the day of his arrest on July 12th, 2012, the Christian man has remained in prison. During harsh police interrogation, Zafar was forced to confess to blasphemy. He has since recanted the previously made statement, asserting that it was spoken while under duress. During his time in prison, the believer has also encountered various health concerns.
(For previously published reports on Zafar's case, see this page.)

Over the years, numerous appeals and petitions have been filed in attempts to challenge Zafar's conviction. Due to the dedicated efforts of those advocating on his behalf, the courts have scheduled ten hearings since May of this year. However, the original complainant, Ibrar Ahmad Khan, has continued to follow the case, filing applications to submit additional alleged evidence against the accused Christian man. Thankfully, the judge has rejected Ibrar's requests, emphasizing that all evidence should have been recorded earlier. Although the most recent hearing was scheduled for September 23rd, it has since been postponed.

Amid concerns for the imprisoned believer's physical condition, health issues have also been mounting for his wife, Nawab Bibi. The 76-year-old Christian woman has become very weak and suffers with failing eyesight. Despite these health challenges, Nawab continues to visit her husband in prison every month. The British Asian Christian Association, which has been supplying support and daily provisions for the elderly couple, is presently seeking to provide the financial means for Nawab to undergo cataract surgery.

In hopes of this long-suffering Christian brother's soon release from prison, pray that any further delays to the hearings of his case will be rejected. 

Throughout the process, ask the Lord to work within the hearts of the court officials, guiding them to rule in Zafar's favour. 

With thankfulness for God's faithful provision throughout this lengthy ordeal, please pray that He will continue to meet the ongoing needs of this imprisoned believer and his wife – ultimately providing this couple divine healing and restoration.

New U.N. Report Details Death Toll in Myanmar

Source: ICC -  9/18/24
 

The U.N.’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report detailing the severe impact of military rule in Myanmar since the February 2021 coup. Key points include:

Civilian Impact: Over 5,350 civilians killed and more than 3.3 million displaced.

Economic Hardship: Over half the population now lives below the poverty line due to military violence.

Arrests and Abuse: More than 27,000 people arrested, with many subjected to abusive interrogation and inadequate healthcare.

Religious Attacks: 226 attacks on religious sites, including churches and monasteries.

Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Ethnic minorities, many with distinct religious identities, face increased violence.

Census and Elections: The military plans a national census in October, seen as a step towards elections, though its legitimacy is questioned.

The report highlights the ongoing crisis and the international community’s skepticism about the military’s actions and intentions.

Pray for safety for P. and the Christian leaders in Myanmar.

Pray that it will be a time of encouragement to Christian leaders.

Pray that Christians would be salt and light to the people of Myanmar and that they would see many coming to Jesus.

Pray for peace and safety for Christians and all people in Myanmar.

Philippians 4: 6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Charity Gayle - I Speak Jesus (Lyrics)

iCommitToPray

Oct. 03, 2024 | Nepal - Threatened Pastor Continues Ministry

Oct. 03, 2024 | Central Asia - Pastors Pay Huge Fines for Teaching Children about                                     Christ

Oct. 03, 2024 | Laos - Leaders Command 100 Christians to Leave Village

Sep. 26, 2024 | Sierra Leone - Christian Woman Attacked by Family

Sep. 26, 2024 | Iran - Salvation and Ministry Behind Prison Bars

Sep. 26, 2024 | Vietnam - Former Witch Doctor Becomes Motorbike Evangelist

Iran: Salvation and Ministry Behind Prison Bars

Source: iCommitToPray
Sep. 26, 2024

Iranian Converts to Christianity face increased threats
of imprisonment under new government restrictions,
but even after being imprisoned some witness for
Christ in their cells.

Nasser, a political prisoner in Iran, tried to commit suicide while imprisoned. A Christian inmate witnessed the attempt and prevented Nasser’s death. The Christian then shared the gospel with Nasser, and he came to faith in Christ. Nasser now meets with imprisoned Christians for times of secret prayer and worship. Another prisoner named Darius, a Muslim, reported a desire to know more about Christ after experiencing him in a dream. Darius is now in contact with Christians who are helping him learn more about the gospel.

Pray for Lebanon and the Middle East

October 2024

Picture above is a screenshot of a video Pastor D
sent showing the bombs dropping in Beirut. 

Since 2015, Tenth has partnered with Pastor J and Pastor D in Lebanon. Both have visited and shared their stories at Tenth, and Patrick, our Pastor of International Missions, has shared with their pastors, leaders, and refugees in Lebanon. They have expressed how we can join them in prayer during this devastating time. Prayer Warriors in Canada, With a heavy and hopeful heart, we face extraordinary challenges in Lebanon. Amid these trials, I am reminded to give thanks to God, our ever-present help in times of trouble. I have seen His hand at work, guiding and sustaining us. His grace is the anchor that holds us steady, even as war rages around us. I ask you to join us—not only for Lebanon but for the entire region, that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will reign. Pray for an end to this war. Pray for those trapped in dangerous areas and for the refugees who are once again forced to flee. Ask for wisdom for our leaders as they navigate these uncharted waters. Pray for the Church and ask that God gives us the spirit not of fear but of power, self-control and active love that demonstrates the character of Christ. Pray practically for daily life and sustenance and that students can continue their academic year. Pray for God’s intervention in changing the way people think and that God will open hearts and transform lives through the power of the Gospel. Ask that the love of Christ would be present and that His name would be glorified even in the darkest of times. We do not know when this conflict will end, but we trust in a sovereign God whose love knows no bounds. Let's come together, lifting our voices in prayer, believing that peace is possible through Him! Jesus is called “Mighty God, Everlasting Father and The Prince of Peace”.  Join with brothers and sisters throughout the Middle East who are asking our Mighty God to intervene and bring peace to the region.

Christian Woman in Iran Suffering in Custody, Relatives Say

Source: Morning Star News, October 1, 2024
Convert from Islam held without charges.

Shrine of Shah Cheragh in Shiraz, Iran. (Herbert Karim Masihi)

Mojdeh Falahi, a 36-year-old Christian convert in Iran, has been detained without charges since September 9. She was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps when she went to assist a fellow Christian at the prosecutor’s office. Her family is deeply concerned about her psychological state and potential mistreatment, as she has been crying uncontrollably during brief visits. Falahi is being held at the Pelak-e 100 Detention Center, and her family believes she is being interrogated for information about other Christians. Despite daily efforts by her mother to secure her release, Falahi remains in detention without access to a lawyer. The family fears she may be subjected to severe psychological harm, similar to other imprisoned converts in Iran.

Khosravi said the main goal of detention isn’t always punishment or even to gather information, but to break a prisoner at such a fundamental level that they are shattered permanently. The intent is to force them to renounce their faith or to spread fear among other converts from Islam.

Click here for more info: Christian Woman in Iran Suffering in Custody, Relatives Say - Morningstar News

Please pray that she will be released soon.

Pray for her mental health: Relatives most fear that Iranian authorities are brutalizing Falahi in a way that could leave her psychologically scarred for life.

Prayer that she will feel God's presence and be strengthened physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Pray for those who are persecuting her, that they would see Jesus in Falahi and be drawn to Him.

International Day of Prayer - November 3, 2024

 This year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) will be held on Sunday, November 3rd. We invite you to set some time aside on this day to prayerfully remember our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who share our faith but not our freedom. A full resource kit is available for free download to help you and your church pray more effectively. It includes a three-minute video, bulletin inserts, children's resources, sermon outlines, and more!

This year's theme is Remember Her. While all followers of Jesus can suffer for their faith, the various forms of persecution that Christian women face often look different than those encountered by Christian men. For women and girls, persecution is often complex, hidden and violent. It can be characterized by sexual violence and forced marriage, as well as by insidious, invisible abuse behind closed doors.

Let's pray for the members of our global family in Christ who are living with immense pressure due to their faith, and remember our Christian sisters in particular for the hidden persecutions they endure. For more information, visit IDOP Canada at IDOP.ca. To download the resource kit, visit VOMCanada.com/idop-resources.

PAKISTAN: Kidnapped Teen Forcibly Converted to Islam and Married

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, ECSPE

Pray for the safety of girls in Pakistan.

A 16-year-old Christian girl in Jaranwala, Punjab, was kidnapped on September 12th before being forced to convert to Islam and marry one of her captors. On the day of the attack, Diya Iftikhar was at home with her four sisters. The family's neighbours state that they saw three armed men force Diya into a white Suzuki van, which then sped away. The men have since been identified as Ghazaal Jutt, Afzal Jutt and Ramzan Jutt.

Although Diya's parents reported the crime to the police immediately, any actions of response made by local officials have been delayed. Since the three abductors are reputed to be hostile towards Christians, the parents are not only concerned for Diya's safety but also that of their other family members. (These same three men were known perpetrators in the Jaranwala riots during August 2023.
To review a previously posted report on this massive rioting incident, go to this page.)

On September 16th, four days after the kidnapping, the family received a video message from Diya via WhatsApp in which she claimed to have voluntarily converted to Islam and married Ghazaal Jutt of her own free will. However, the teenage girl's parents are convinced that their daughter was coerced into recording the video message. Additionally, Diya's mother states that the young woman "detested Ghazaal," for he and his friends had regularly harassed her.

This past summer, a legislative bill that deems it illegal for Christians in Pakistan to marry before the age of 18 was officially passed. One of the primary purposes of this bill is to prevent coercive marriages involving minors from taking place. However, this law is not applicable if a Christian minor converts to Islam prior to marriage. A further provincial law, which will raise the age of marriage for all people in Punjab, is presently pending. But until that law is passed, the legal age for Muslim girls remains at 16.

Unofficial statistics suggest that as many as 1,000 girls are victims of forced conversions and marriages each year in Pakistan.
To review other previously published prayer alert reports concerning the suffering of Christian women and girls in this South Asian nation, go to our country profile.

Please remember Diya in your prayers during the days to come, specifically interceding for her need of protection, strength and comfort – physically, spiritually and emotionally – as she deals with this terrible situation. 

Also prayerfully uphold Diya's family members as they desperately seek legal justice on her behalf. 

May the Pakistani authorities work diligently to return this precious teenage girl to her concerned family and ensure the perpetrators responsible for committing these crimes are duly held accountable.