- Open in Prayer
- Scripture: Jesus, Persecution & Faith: Isaiah 58:6-9
- Worship: Jesus, Persecution & Faith: Somebody prayed for me (Persecuted Church)
- Jesus, Persecution & Faith: 2024 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church | Official Tr...
- Jesus, Persecution & Faith: PAKISTAN: Teen Girl Released from her Abductors
- Jesus, Persecution & Faith: The Martinez Family | International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christi...
- Jesus, Persecution & Faith: Colombia - Pastor and Family Flee for Lives from "Red Zone" Guerrillas
- Jesus, Persecution & Faith: Nigeria - All In: How One Pastor Risks Everything to Share Christ with Fulani Muslims
- Jesus, Persecution & Faith: CHINA: Preacher of Early Rain Church Faces Harassment
Friday, November 1, 2024
Prayer for the Persecuted, Monday November 4, 2024 @ 7 PM
Thursday, October 31, 2024
CHINA: Preacher of Early Rain Church Faces Harassment
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
Since December 2018, the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, has been subjected to repeated raids and ongoing oppression from Communist Party authorities who seek to shut down the influential unregistered church. Though the church's pastor, Wang Yi, is serving a nine-year prison sentence, members of the church continue to boldly reach out with the Gospel message.
One church member, Preacher Wu Wuqing, has experienced persecution several times. In June 2021, he and his family were locked in their home and prevented from leaving or having any visitors. Since confining the church leader to his home had failed to dissuade him from continuing his Christian activities, the authorities blocked the family – along with numerous other church members – from entering their apartment complex in 2023. Additionally, following numerous raids on his church gatherings, Preacher Wu has been repeatedly detained. After a 14-day detention in February 2024, his wife simply stated: "14 days is nothing. We are so happy to gather today, and when [my husband] returns in 14 days, we will gather again."
More recently, Preacher Wu's family has been pressured to move out of their rental home. On July 30th, water and electricity were cut off in an effort to force the harassed Christians to move. The utilities were eventually restored in late September, only to be cut off again on October 17th. While these believers were initially able to restore the power and water (which had been turned off manually), only a few hours later, the wires to their home were then cut.
It is clear that the intention of this harassment is to force the church leader and his family to relocate. Preacher Wu has asked church members to pray for his family and remove any anger from their hearts. He wrote: "When you pray for our family, you are acknowledging that we are suffering for the sake of our faith, and you are suffering with us! May God have mercy on us and graciously help us!"
For further details on the ongoing persecution of the Early Rain Covenant Church and its members, go to our country report.
Despite the repeated harassment they have received from local governing authorities, pray that Preacher Wu and his family will maintain a forgiving and gracious attitude toward their oppressors.
May the preacher's family, along with other members of the Early Rain Covenant Church, continue to minister the love of God and the wonderful hope He provides through His Word to those in their community and throughout China.
Also pray for ongoing strength, encouragement and protection on behalf of Pastor Wang and the many other Christians in China who are presently serving time in prison for following the teachings of Jesus.
CHINA: Pastor John Cao and Colleague Detained for Conducting Baptisms
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains
On March 4th, Pastor John Cao was released from imprisonment in China after serving a seven-year sentence. Since his release, the pastor has longed to return to the United States, where he holds permanent residency, in order to reunite with his wife and family there. However, the Chinese government has prevented Pastor John from leaving the country by withholding his ID card and passport. (Read more.)
Despite this opposition, Pastor John is faithfully continuing his ministry activities. Recently, this Christian leader paid a visit to Preacher Chang Hao in Zhenxiong. While there, he participated in the baptism of 13 new believers. Since Preacher Chang is not an ordained pastor, he requested Pastor John's assistance out of respect for church tradition. However, just as the outdoor service was concluding, over 20 police officers intervened.
The 30 attending Christians – most of whom were elderly citizens – had then been taken to the police station for interrogation. While Pastor John and the other believers were finally released after midnight, Preacher Chang received a 12-day detainment for organizing an illegal religious gathering.
Altogether, Preacher Chang has received more than 20 "administrative detentions" due to his alleged illegal religious work. In May 2024, he was released from prison after serving a one-year sentence for allegedly "picking quarrels and provoking trouble." When he was younger, Preacher Chang's hands were badly burned in a factory fire, leaving him unable to hold objects. However, his injuries have not prevented him from leading a small rural church and courageously spreading the Gospel message.
Praise God for the ongoing determination of Preacher Chang Hao, Pastor John Cao and the many other faithful believers throughout China who are sharing the message of Christ's love with those around them in spite of the growing pressures they encounter.
May these resilient followers of Jesus receive ongoing encouragement and the assurance that His presence will always remain with them.
Please also prayerfully lift up the recently baptized believers as they now live out their commitment to following in the footsteps of Jesus.
Finally, pray that Pastor John will be able to leave the country soon, allowing this long-suffering believer to finally be reunited with his wife and family.
PAKISTAN: Teen Girl Released from her Abductors
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, The Christian Post
On September 12th, 16-year-old Diya Iftikhar was abducted from her family's home by three men who are well-known for their opposition to Christians. In a video message to her parents four days later, Diya stated that she had converted to Islam and married Ghazaal Jutt, one of her kidnappers.
(Review a previous report.)
Thanks to the assistance of a Christian organization, Diya's parents were able to file a court petition requesting the custody of their daughter. When the judge noticed Diya's anxiety and fear during the October 24th hearing at the Jaranwala Sessions Court, all other civilians were ordered to vacate the courtroom. Once she was alone, the young teen was able to tell the court that she had been converted and married against her will, and that she wished to return to her family. Consequently, custody was awarded to Diya's parents.
After the court ruling, Diya and her parents were escorted from the court by police due to concerns that they could be attacked. Since the victim and her abductors live in the same village, the family may need to move to a safe house for their protection.
Kidnappings of this kind are far too common in Pakistan. Asher Sarfraz from Christians True Spirit described the situation by stating, "Diya is one of the few girls who gathered the courage to expose their abductors in court." Additionally, even when these types of cases go to court, judges frequently ignore evidence and documentation.
Pakistan is one of several nations in which Christian women and girls experience added persecution and violence.
This year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – which is scheduled for this Sunday, November 3rd – will be focusing on the plight of women and girls who often silently endure great hardships for the name of Christ. To receive more information about this upcoming event, visit IDOP.ca.
Praise God that the judge overseeing Diya's case was able to perceive her plight and provide greatly needed rescue from her abductors, making it possible for this teenage girl to be safely reunited with her parents.
As Diya and her family now recover from the trauma of the ordeal, ask our compassionate Lord to minister His healing, peace and restoration in each of their lives.
Pray also that necessary measures will be taken to protect the members of this family from Diya's captors and any other hostile members of their community.
PAKISTAN: Bail Granted for Woman Accused of Blasphemy
Source: VOMC
Source: Morning Star News
In August of this year, two Christian sisters were accused of blasphemy when a Muslim man claimed to find ruined pages of the Quran amongst garbage, stating that one of the sisters had discarded them. Both sisters denied his allegation, believing that the pages were purposely placed there by the man himself because of the personal vendetta he had against them.
(More about the situation is available here.)
When Saima, a widowed mother of two, was taken into custody, her sister Sonia managed to flee the village with her family after the allegations had surfaced. Sonia is presently living in hiding with her three children. Although the investigating officer did not find her guilty during his inquiry, Sonia remains in grave danger from those who may impose their own forms of punishment upon her. Furthermore, the charges against her have not been fully dismissed.
In an unusual court decision, Saima was granted bail on September 10th. For security reasons, news of her release was withheld until she was able to find safety. Like her sister, Saima and her family remain in danger from militant vigilantes.
The lawyer representing the two women is filing an application to have the charges dropped. At last report, the court filing is pending.
For more reports addressing the persecution encountered by Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.
Praise God that Sonia and Saima are not being detained in prison at this time.
Pray that God will guide their lawyer as he works to build his case, so that all charges against these Christian women will be dropped.
May these two sisters – along with the many other Christians in Pakistan who are in danger simply because of their faith in Christ – be protected from those seeking to harm them.
Throughout the process, may they also receive renewed courage, hope and strength from the Lord.
Isaiah 58:6-9
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: ‘Here am I.’”
(NIV notes)....God says He wants our service to go beyond our own personal growth to acts of kindness, charity, justice and generosity. True fasting is more than what we don't eat; it is pleasing God by applying His Word to our society.
Colombia - Pastor and Family Flee for Lives from "Red Zone" Guerrillas
Source: iCommitToPray
October 17, 2024
Pastors in Colombia's red zones live in constant danger of guerrilla reprisals because of their gospel work.Oct. 17, 2024 | Colombia
After months of seeing villagers and friends extorted, abused and killed by violent guerrillas who control the dangerous “red zones” of Colombia, Pastor Santiago and his family have fled from their village to a safe location, leaving most of their personal belongings behind. According to a church member, Pastor Santiago is on the guerrillas’ hit list for his refusal to support their illicit activities, prompting his decision to flee with his family. Pastor Santiago also shared with VOM staff that he had received death threats for preaching the gospel. His greatest concern is for his family and their provision if anything happens to him. Fearing for their lives, most members of Pastor Santiago’s church have either left the village or plan to leave soon.
Pray for Pastor Santiago and the affected families from this village, including a teenage girl from the church who was kidnapped earlier this year and has not been heard from since.
Pray for a decrease in violence, which has spiked over the last year.
Pray that families of martyrs will remain faithful and continue to heal emotionally and spiritually.
Pray for front-line workers who share the gospel with unreached people groups.
Pray for widows and orphans in Colombia who are rebuilding their lives.
Pray for churches in the "red zones," as Marxist guerrillas have been closing churches.
Pray for missionaries who distribute Bibles in "red zones."
Monday, October 28, 2024
Nigeria - All In: How One Pastor Risks Everything to Share Christ with Fulani Muslims
Source: ICC
10/23/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — A week ago, Pastor Eli Abdullahi Tinau attended a memorial service honoring 29 Christians who were killed by Islamic Fulani extremists in 2015.
The victims, who had sought refuge in a classroom at LGEA Primary School in Nkiendoro, Miango district of Bassa County, were brutally murdered after militants bypassed the military’s protection. Two survivors were critically injured, and one later died from gunshot wounds.
Pastor Tinau, 35, has come close, many times, to being a victim of Fulani extremist attacks himself. It’s simply part of his work as a missionary from Katsina state. Tinau, who also pastors the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Nkiendoro, which is about 60 miles from Jos, doesn’t let the threat of violence or even death deter him from sharing the gospel with the Fulani. So far, Tinau has led two Fulani to Christ.
“I expect persecution because I am no longer of this world,” Tinau said. “I hold firm to my faith in Christ.”
Pastor Tinau has also lost his home amid the ongoing persecution in Nkiendoro, which has recently seen seven documented attacks and ambushes, including the destruction of farms owned by Christians and the burning of churches and homes. The pastor currently lives in a burned room that stands among the remains of his home.
The ongoing persecution also takes a toll on Tinau’s family. In the attack where they burned his home, Fulani extremists confiscated the pastor’s livestock, robbing the family of their livelihood. Their financial hardship has limited the education of the pastor and his wife’s three children, with only one child able to attend school.
The pastor and his wife are also struggling to continue their education. The pastor is enrolled in a seminary in Jos, and his wife is completing her teaching degree at the National Teachers Institute. “We need support to continue our education and ministry,” Pastor Tinau said.
Despite all that he and his family have suffered through and lost, Pastor Tinau said his faith has not wavered.
“I will never go back to Islam,” he said. “Christ has not compromised; I will not compromise.”
As Muslim Fulani extremists continue to persecute Christians in Nigeria, Pastor Tinau asked that people pray for Fulani Christians to remain firm in their faith and for Fulani Muslims to hear the gospel and find the courage to accept Christ despite the challenges they may face.
In addition to his own prayers for the Fulani, Pastor Tinau will continue to do his part to ensure they hear the good news of Christ’s love for them.
“I will continue to preach and bring additional souls to Christ,” he said.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
SUDAN: Military Officers Arrest Christian Refugees
Source: VOMC
Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan, a group of over 100 Sudanese men, women and children travelled to the city of Shendi on the banks of the Nile River in search of refuge from the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group, RSF. There, the refugees – most of whom are members of the Sudanese Church of Christ – sought shelter in an affiliated church building.
Unfortunately, transferring to this location did not protect the displaced individuals from harassment, as military intelligence officers soon entered the church building to interrogate the refugees. Between October 6th and 11th, all the men over 18 years of age were detained for questioning and accused of being associated with the RSF. Of the 26 men who were taken into custody, 14 were released a few days later. At last report, 12 of the refugees presently remain in detention. To date, these men have not been allowed any visits from their families, nor have they been formally charged with any crimes. They are presently being held by the Almudada Unit of Military Intelligence – a group of officers who are notorious for their use of violence and torture against detainees.
With deteriorating conditions in Sudan, the situation for those displaced by the violence is deeply concerning. Christians in the country have encountered opposition from both the government and rebel groups. Recently, believers in the village of Al Thora Mobe in Gezira State were forced to convert to Islam by the RSF paramilitary group presently controlling the area.
For more reports outlining the difficulties facing Christians in Sudan, go to our country profile.
Pray that the refugees remaining in the custody of the Sudanese military will soon be safely released and allowed to return to their families.
Ask God to meet the practical and spiritual needs of these displaced families, provide them a safe place to live, and pour out His love, hope and strength upon each one.
Continue to prayerfully remember the people of Sudan who are enduring the ongoing suffering of civil war, praying for an end to the devastating conflict.
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