Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023
RUSSIA & OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Heightened Persecution of Christians
Source: VOMC
Sources: The Voice of the Martyrs Korea, Jubilee Campaign
This Friday, February 24th, marks one year since the Russian offensive in Ukraine began, a war that has resulted in the death of thousands, the destruction of whole cities and the forced displacement of millions of people. The outbreak was triggered by a major escalation of tensions, which have been simmering since the Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, and the ongoing struggles with Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
Ever since Russian forces seized control of various regions of Ukraine, Christians have faced restrictions that were already taking place in Russia. In Russia and the occupied areas, officials mandate that churches must support the Russian government and, consequently, congregations not demonstrating their support have encountered legal consequences. Churches that do not register with the government are perceived to be against the leaders, and religious groups whose theology emphasizes peace and pacifism are viewed with suspicion or described as extremists. Additionally, believers who express their concerns about the war have been treated harshly.
Hundreds of Christians have been accused of illegal missionary activities and, as a result, many of them were subjected to the enforcement of large fines. (To read a previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert report on followers of Jesus in Russia who have been fined for religious activities – including one case in which a believer was charged for simply having a Christian newspaper available for distribution – click here.)
In the most recent episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman is joined by Dr. Eric Foley, who serves as the CEO for VOM Korea. Dr. Foley provides an accurate assessment of the heightened persecution of evangelical Christians in Russia, based on his extensive research and in-depth study of political events. To view this informative video report, go to this page.
Pray for the millions of Ukrainian people who are suffering tremendously in their beloved homeland because of the ongoing war.
May peace be achieved both politically and spiritually, bringing an end to the violence and destruction.
Pray that Christians throughout Russia and occupied Ukraine will be free to worship and practise their faith without oppressive governmental restrictions.
Also prayerfully uphold Dr. Foley and the ministry work that VOM Korea is doing in the region to support the ongoing spiritual and humanitarian needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
NIGERIA: Five Years of Captivity for Leah Sharibu
Source: VOMC
Sources: Leah Foundation, Jubilee Campaign, Mission Network News
In February 2018, Boko Haram militants raided a girls' school in Dapchi, Yobe State, kidnapping 110 students. A month later, it was reported that five of the schoolgirls had died in captivity and all but one of the surviving students were released. The remaining victim, Leah Sharibu, continued to be held captive because she refused to renounce her Christian faith and convert to Islam (see this report). Since that time, various reports have surfaced indicating that Leah is still alive. A report in May 2021 stated that she was forced into marriage and had just given birth to a second child (read more).
While threats from Boko Haram have diminished somewhat in recent months, Islamic militants remain a daily danger in Nigeria. In many areas, groups of armed Fulani herdsmen attack villages at random but often specifically target Christians. In 2022, more Christians were killed in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world. As the country faces national elections on February 25th, concerns have been raised on whether a change of government can bring positive results. The current president, Muhammadu Buhari, will be stepping down and the two frontrunners to replace him have vowed to defend religious freedoms. However, only time will tell if any real improvements will be achieved.
As we remember the fifth anniversary of Leah's captivity, we call upon Christians around the world to pray for the safe release of this young woman and her children. May the Lord continue providing this dear sister in Christ greatly needed strength, courage and hope as she endures captivity.
Pray that Leah's family members will receive encouraging news of her condition and, in the meantime, be likewise reassured by God's peace and comfort.
Additionally, please prayerfully remember the thousands of Nigerian Christians living with the threat of danger each day, asking the Lord to minister in their lives and ultimately bring healing and peace to their fractured nation.
As the country holds its elections in the coming days, pray that the newly appointed leaders would be mindful of the need to strongly defend the rights of all people, regardless of ethnicity or belief.
NIGERIA: Imprisoned Christian Woman "Traumatized"
Source: VOMC
Source: Christian Solidarity International
In May 2022, rumours spread that Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu had blasphemed against the Islamic prophet Mohammed during a WhatsApp group chat. Mob violence ensued, resulting in the death of the young Christian woman. In the days that followed, many expressed their shock over the news, including Rhoda Ya'u Jatau, who shared a WhatsApp message condemning Deborah's death. On May 20th, Rhoda was arrested by security agents and accused of public disturbance, inciting contempt of religious creed, and cyberstalking. (For more information, go to this page). She has been held in custody since her arrest.
On February 6th of this current year, Rhoda attended a court hearing in which the testimony of one of her accusers was given. On February 14th, another hearing was held. The case has now been adjourned until March 6th. The family's pastor, Rev. Ishaku Dano, who attended the trial, expressed concerns over the Christian healthcare worker's physical condition. "When I saw her in court, she was looking battered and traumatized," he reports. "She manages to smile, apparently to keep her family from worrying, but you could see it in her eyes that she is dying slowly." Deeply concerned for Rhoda's safety, he asserted, "We are afraid they might be trying to kill her."
Please lift up our suffering Christian sister Rhoda before God's throne of grace, asking for the provision of angelic protection during her imprisonment, as well as greatly needed nourishment, care, comfort and hope.
May she also receive His divine intervention in the upcoming legal hearing, leading to her safe release from custody.
Mindful of God's instruction to intercede for one's enemies, pray that Rhoda's accusers will readily respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that they may turn from their wicked ways and acknowledge Him as Saviour and Lord.
In the midst of Nigeria's ongoing political and religious turmoil, may God's Spirit minister peace to the hearts and minds of our Nigerian family in Christ and convey the life-transforming message of the Gospel to those desperately in need of His eternal salvation.
CHINA: John Cao's Mother Granted Visitation
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains
While John Cao, a Chinese pastor from North Carolina, was working along the border between China and Myanmar, he established 16 schools – providing education to more than 2,000 children. However, in 2017, the Chinese government accused him of "organizing illegal border crossings" between the two countries. In 2018, he was sentenced to seven years in prison, along with a fine (see this report).
One of the most difficult challenges facing Christian prisoners in China is being forced to endure prolonged periods of separation from their family members. In Pastor John's case, his elderly mother, Sun Jinhuan, had not been allowed to see him since the pandemic began in 2019. It was therefore with great joy that she was finally permitted to visit him in prison on February 7th. She reported that police officers treated her with special honour by ushering her near the front of the line and providing assistance as she climbed the stairs to the visitation area.
After meeting with her imprisoned son – a visit that she felt was far too short – the elderly saint was able to declare: "Today God helped me accomplish a huge thing. My heart is full of joy." During their time together, she gave Pastor John news of the family and passed along messages of support from many concerned believers around the world. Upon hearing these encouraging messages, Pastor John replied: "Please tell fellow brothers and sisters from all over the world that I am healthy. Please, don't worry about me."
Praise God that this elderly mother and her imprisoned son were finally able to joyfully meet!
Pray that their family will experience continued strength, patience and enduring hope as they await Pastor John's release. God-willing, may this faithful Christian leader be able to reunite with his mother outside of the prison institution once he is released.
In the meantime, may he seize every opportunity to boldly testify of Christ to prison officials and fellow prisoners during his incarceration.
The same applies to the many other Christian prisoners who are presently detained throughout China. May God provide each one of them ongoing guidance, encouragement and perseverance so they will remain steadfast in their faith and ministry.
Friday, February 17, 2023
Thursday, February 16, 2023
PAKISTAN: Teenager Forcibly Married to 60-Year-Old Man
Source: VOMC
Sources: Kross Konnection, Morning Star News
Sitara Arif, a 15-year-old Christian girl, was kidnapped on December 15th in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Abducted by the husband of her employer, she was forcibly converted to Islam and then married to her captor. It took almost two months for police to finally register a case against Rana Tayyab, despite repeated pleas from the girl's family.
According to Sitara's father, Arif Masih Gill, the teenage girl provided domestic services for Naila Ambreen, who is employed by the government as a school principal. Because of her government position, Naila and her husband have considerable influence over the police. Therefore, when Arif tried to file a police report, it was outrightly rejected. Additionally, Sitara's family members faced repeated acts of intimidation in an attempt to force them to drop the case.
The police only responded to the kidnapping after an advocacy group, Minorities Alliance Pakistan, was made aware of the situation on February 3rd and demanded immediate action. When the authorities raided the home of the accused Muslim man, his wife handed police a certificate indicating Sitara's marriage to Rana. The couple claims that Sitara had converted to Islam and married the 60-year-old man of her own free will.
Akmal Bhatti, who serves as the chairman of Minorities Alliance Pakistan, stated that young teen girls from minority groups are targets of forcible marriage because their families are generally poor and do not have the resources to fight in court. "We are continuing to build pressure on the officials nonetheless, so that [the authorities] don't slack in their responsibility," he promised.
According to a 2021 report from Forbes magazine, at least 1,000 women from religious minorities are forcibly converted and married annually in Pakistan. The numbers are likely much higher, since many cases go unreported. For more reports on the difficulties being encountered by Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.
Pray that Sitara will soon be set free from her kidnappers and safely reunited with her family. In the meanwhile, may the Lord grant this teenage girl greatly needed comfort, hope and strength as she awaits the intervention of local authorities.
Please also uphold before God's throne of grace Sitara's parents and other concerned family members who are anxiously longing for her hopeful return, asking that they be reassured of His unfailing presence and promises of help throughout this difficult time.
Further, pray that those responsible will be held accountable for their wrongful actions, and that such prevailing societal attitudes will shift away from the acceptance of abuse against Pakistan's vulnerable young women and girls.
LAOS: Converts Driven from Their Homes
Source: VOMC
Sources: Radio Free Asia, International Christian Concern, UCA News
More than a dozen Christian families from the village of Mai in northwestern Laos were driven from their homes by other members of the majority-Buddhist community. This recent incident is the latest in a string of similar attacks against Laotian followers of Jesus, despite the fact that laws have been instituted in this country to protect the free exercise of religion.
Currently, the 15 families, including the village pastor, have no place to live. State authorities are reportedly trying to negotiate with village leaders to encourage them to live in harmony with the Christian families, but to no avail. The families have declined to comment on the situation due to fears of reprisal. Governing authorities are refusing to speak to the press, calling it a "sensitive issue" and stating that they are "still working on the case."
Most Laotians consider themselves Buddhist, though many practise a syncretistic mix of Buddhism and tribal animism. While Christianity is allowed, it is viewed by many as a North American religion intent on undermining the Communist regime and Laotian culture. For further information on the persecution of Christians in Laos, go to our country report.
As the authorities work to find a resolution to the conflict, ask God to provide these displaced Christian families a safe haven of refuge and the practical resources they require for their daily survival.
May our persecuted brothers and sisters in Laos also receive the spiritual resources they need through the ministry of the Holy Spirit – peace, guidance and strength...as well as the grace to respond to their persecutors with God's love and mercy.
Pray that His ministry will powerfully impact the lives of the opposing villagers, opening their hearts to the Gospel message so that peace can be established among the divergent groups of this community.
PAKISTAN: Christian Farmers Killed in Two Separate Attacks
Source: VOMC
Sources: Kross Konnection, Morning Star News, British Asian Christian Association
Muhammad Waseem, a Muslim landowner in Punjab's Khanewal district, assaulted and killed a Christian farm labourer on February 6th after accusing the believer of stealing oranges from his property. The victim, Emmanuel Masih, was irrigating the orchard at around 3 a.m. when he was approached by Muhammad and four other men. Though Emmanuel pled his innocence, the five men brutally beat the married father of six to death.
According to police reports, no evidence was found to support the allegations of theft, and charges have been laid against the landowner and two of his accomplices. However, Emmanuel's family members wonder if justice in this case will actually be upheld. Speaking of the challenges experienced by Christians in the village, Emmanuel's nephew Zahid Sahotra lamented: "We are very poor and too weak to even think of offending the Muslim villagers. They know that we are helpless and that they can get away with anything, even murder." Without the funds required to obtain the help of a good representing lawyer, the family is concerned that those responsible will soon be released on bail.
This is not the first time a murderous crime was perpetrated this year against a member of Pakistan's vulnerable Christian community. On January 11th, a Christian guava farmer named Allah Ditta was gunned down after confronting three Muslim men who were stealing and destroying fruit from his orchard. An altercation ensued in which the Christian man was called a "chuhra" – a derogatory term used for Christians.
The victim's son, Shahbaz Masih, who happened to be with his father during the incident, reported that the men derisively stated there would be "no chance at justice," even if they killed the Christian farmer. One of the three assailants, identified only as Usama, then pulled out a gun and shot Allah in the chest. As the perpetrators fled the crime scene, they warned Shahbaz that they would kill him and his family if he contacted the police.
Shahbaz called for an ambulance as soon as the men left, but by then his father was already dead. All three of the men have been arrested and charged for the Christian man's murder. However, the attackers come from wealthy families with strong political ties. The gunman's father, a retired army officer, has offered Allah's family 500,000 rupees (approximately $2,500 CAD) if they dropped the charges. Although the family refused to accept his bribe, there are concerns of potential retaliation, and the resulting danger it could pose, because of the powerful position held by the former officer.
Thankfully, support is being provided to the family, both from neighbours and advocacy groups. A caring Muslim neighbour stated, "The murderers have killed him without reason and we are standing with the family of Allah Ditta. We are hoping they get justice."
Pakistani Christians often face significant disadvantages when dealing with legal matters because of their poverty and low societal standing. In such cases, the authorities frequently discriminate against religious minorities, demonstrating partiality towards Muslim citizens. To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.
Please pray for the grieving families of the two Christian men who were needlessly killed over trivialities relating to the produce of farmed crop, indicating an underlying animosity towards those who follow Christianity.
May the victims' loved ones abide in the comfort of God's healing presence during their times of mourning, drawing needed strength, courage and hope from Him.
Ask the Lord to prompt fellow believers and others in the community to come alongside them with further encouragement and loving support.
Finally, pray for His intervention in Pakistan's judicial system, ensuring that the perpetrators' position in society or other societal advantages will in no way deter authorities from rightfully pursuing justice.
Thursday, February 9, 2023
MYANMAR: Military Destroys Churches
Source: VOMC
Sources: World Evangelical Alliance, UCA News, The Globe and Mail, The Irrawaddy, Vatican News
As Myanmar's military increasingly launches deadly airstrikes in an effort to crush rebel resistance, those residing in predominantly Christian regions are subjected to indiscriminate attacks. In many cases of similar attacks during recent years, Christians were especially affected, for churches and other religious institutions seem to have been specifically targeted.
On January 12th, two fighter jets attacked the Karen village of Lay Wah, destroying two churches. Five people were killed, including a mother and her young child, a Catholic catechist/teacher and a Baptist pastor. Numerous others were injured. This latest airstrike is only one of a series of attacks that have destroyed more than a hundred religious sites within the past two years.
On January 15th, military forces set fire to a century-old Catholic church and a nearby convent, as part of a raid on the village of Chan Thar in the Sagaing Region. More than 3,000 villagers were forced to flee their village which was left in rubble. A priest from Chan Thar expressed disappointment that the country's military no longer consists of professional soldiers defending the nation. "They have become armed groups without control, committing all kinds of crimes, abuses and misdeeds." For more on the difficulties encountered by believers in Myanmar, go to our country report.
May God's peace and comfort rest upon all those who are mourning the loss of loved ones due to the ongoing violence in Myanmar.
Pray for the safety of the country's surviving citizens and their need for practical humanitarian relief, along with the resources required to rebuild their destroyed churches and homes.
Additionally, ask the Lord to bless the ongoing ministry efforts of our Christian brothers and sisters in Myanmar, giving each one of them greatly needed strength, wisdom and encouragement as they diligently serve others amid this turbulent time.
May there be a cessation of the violence experienced in this country, ultimately resulting in a peaceful resolution to this lengthy conflict.
TÜRKIYE: Asylum Seekers Face Deportation
Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, CTV News, VOMC Contacts
In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake, the focus of the world lately has been on Türkiye and northern Syria where, at the time of composing this Persecution & Prayer Alert report, more than 20,000 people have died as a result of the catastrophe. In addition, tens of thousands of survivors have been left homeless amid the cold of winter. Reports from Christians in an affected area reveal the extensive suffering taking place due to the loss of loved ones and the tremendous need for surviving victims to receive blankets, food and other important necessities required to sustain life.
The nations of the world have been coming together to offer whatever aid is possible. However, political turmoil in the region has hindered the provision of greatly needed relief for many of those in need. The Syrian government continues to battle with Kurdish rebels, who control much of the area affected by the destruction. As a result, aid workers systematically encounter roadblocks from the Syrian government while trying to bring needed help to those who are suffering. Likewise, in Türkiye, the Kurdish people form a significant percentage of those in the affected area. However, the ongoing conflict between Kurdish separatist groups and the Turkish government, which has been occurring for many years now, further compounds the situation.
Before this latest crisis struck the region, the government of Türkiye, led by President Erdogan, has caused numerous problems for Christian ministries. Governing leaders have emphasized that the country is Muslim, despite the consistent presence of Christianity for 2,000 years. In their attempts to cope with turmoil in the Middle East, Christian refugees have frequently fled to Türkiye, believing it to be a safe location. However, once there, these believers have often faced horrific conditions and the threat of deportation to dangerous areas. For further information on the challenges facing Christians in Türkiye, go to our country report.
A recently sourced report features the testimonies of five Christian families who fled to Türkiye from Iran to escape persecution. The families, totalling 17 people, have recently been arrested and taken to "removal centres" to be deported. These detained believers presently have no access to hot water and are receiving very limited resources. Food is often withheld, and the few meals they do receive are infested with insects and worms. Individual members of these families have also been separated from one other. Over the years, detained Christians were often subjected to increased pressure because of their faith and at risk of near-certain punishment or death if forced to return to Iran.
Please pray for the people of Türkiye and Syria who must now cope with the exponential loss and resulting suffering in the aftermath of this major earthquake.
Pray that urgently needed aid will reach all those needing it and that political controversies will be set aside in order to help these victims.
As the government of Türkiye contends with yet another national crisis, and takes into consideration that political elections are scheduled to take place in May, pray that the authorities will cease their oppressive actions against Christians living in the nation, as well as refugees who are currently facing deportation.
In addition, please pray that God's provision, peace and protection will sustain the five detained Christian families during their time of need.
CHINA: Imprisoned Pastor Highly Respected
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
In August 2022, Pastor Geng Zejun was sentenced to 15 months in prison for "organizing illegal gatherings." Despite opposition from Chinese Communist Party officials, the church led by Pastor Geng refused to join the government-controlled Three-Self Patriotic Movement and was therefore deemed illegal.
In the months following his sentencing, Pastor Geng has experienced health problems and his family was banned from visiting him. However, recent reports indicate that fellow inmates, and even prison guards, are treating the pastor with utmost respect. In the prison, those issued a red vest are required to work the night shift. However, Pastor Geng alone has been given a green vest, exempting him from conducting any night work. People in the prison have come to refer to the revered Christian man as "Pastor" and frequently approach him for discussions and to get his advice.
The pastor's family members continue to seek permission to visit him, even though they have been banned from doing so since his initial arrest on December 5th, 2021. At first, pandemic restrictions were used as an excuse to keep them away, but the authorities have since simply cited "rules and laws" as their reason. For additional reports on Chinese Christians who are being detained because of their faith, and to learn how you can specifically pray for them, go to our country report.
Pray for strength on behalf of Pastor Geng as he continues to faithfully endure this time of incarceration.
Praise God that, like Joseph in the Bible, the Lord "showed him steadfast love and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison" (Genesis 39:21).
Please pray that this dedicated servant of the Lord will continue to receive divinely appointed opportunities to reach fellow inmates, as well as prison guards, with the powerful message of Jesus Christ.
Additionally, may Pastor Geng's family and church members be able to rest in the assurance of God's abiding presence with them as they await his hopeful soon release.
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Saturday, February 4, 2023
DREAMING OF CHRIST IN AFGHANISTAN 29TH JANUARY 2023
Source: Sat7 Canada
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| Muslims meet Jesus in dreams! Source: |
Faraj*, an Afghan viewer, recently reached out to SAT-7 PARS with a testimony of hope and a desire to become a Christian. Sharing his experiences of living in a community surrounded by deception and conflict, where love is scarce and poverty and lack are all that is known, Faraj describes how his life was transformed through a special encounter in his dreams.
“About a month ago I was upset because my wife was ill,” explains Faraj, whose wife has a chronic heart condition. One night, feeling hopeless and sad, Faraj went to sleep.
“In my dream I saw a man wearing a white robe approaching me. He asked me what was going on and why I was upset,” Faraj says.
Speaking to the man in white, Faraj told him his struggles, including the financial burden of his wife’s heart condition and the inability to afford her necessary medications. The man in the dream reassured Faraj, saying, “Do not worry – I will provide everything.”
Shocked and confused, Faraj responded that he had no money to pay, to which the man replied, “I don’t want money – that which I will give you is completely free.”
Faraj asked if the man was a doctor, to which He replied, “I am the Healer. Give me your hand and come with me.”
This dream transformed Faraj’s heart and brought him to the Lord. “I have searched so much, and I have found the Lord who loves everyone and has become our Father and can heal all pains. It is with so much love that I have been renewed thanks to our exalted Lord Jesus Christ.”
“We had the privilege of sharing in Faraj’s joy and witnessing his newfound faith,” comments Ashraf, SAT-7 PARS’ Viewer Support Coordinator. “After giving his heart to the Lord, Faraj told us that he now wishes to be known only as a child of the Almighty God. Glory to the Lord for the transformative power of His love and the healing that can come through faith in Him.”
Prayer Points
Would you please pause and pray for the following right now?
- Give thanks that no matter where, how, or who, God is able to communicate His love to His children.
- Pray for Faraj’s newfound hope in Christ and give thanks for God’s promise of provision in his struggles.
Thursday, February 2, 2023
NEPAL: Pastor Keshav Released on Bail
Source: VOMC
Source: Church in Chains
Since March 2020, Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya of the Abundant Harvest Church in Pokhara, Nepal, has faced numerous allegations and charges. Initially charged with spreading false information about COVID-19, the pastor was eventually cleared of all accusations. However, he was later arrested for two cases of "outraging religious feelings." In July 2022, he was convicted and sentenced to one year in prison. (For more information, click here.)
An appeal of Pastor Keshav's conviction has since been filed, and the upcoming court hearing is scheduled to take place on February 10th. Thankfully, as of January 8th, this father of two young children has been released on bail in the meantime. Pastor Keshav's wife, Junu, is currently leading churches in two locations with a combined membership of about 500 people.
Praise God that Pastor Keshav has been released from prison as he awaits the scheduled court hearing.
Remember to pray for this upcoming session, asking our Heavenly Father to divinely intervene by encouraging court judiciaries to ultimately rule in favour of dismissing all charges against this God-honouring Christian man.
Furthermore, prayerfully uphold the members of Pastor Keshav's churches as he deals with these legal issues, and also for Junu as she faithfully continues with their ministry work – in addition to caring for their young children.
CHINA: Lawyer Visits Imprisoned Church Elder
Elder Hao Ming and his wife
Photo: ChinaAid
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
Elder Hao Ming was arrested in November 2021 because of his ministry activities with the Early Rain Qingcaodi Church, which is located in the city of Deyang. Though retired from the pastorate, he continued to be actively involved in the church as a volunteer. At the time of his arrest, Hao was detained along with several other Christian leaders. (The initially published report may be reviewed at this page.)Elder Hao Ming & his wife.
Photo: ChinaAid
When Hao's lawyer was able to visit him in May 2022, it was reported that he was in poor health and not receiving needed medical treatment. Concerns were raised that his life may be at risk. (Further details are available here.)
According to a January 6th update from Hao's wife, Yang Yufeng, his case has been moved to the People's Court for prosecution on charges of alleged fraud. Hao's lawyer, Zhu Shujin, announced that he was recently able to meet with his client and reports that he looks well. Hao continues to deny all charges against him.
The lawyer further explained that with no Bible to study and no opportunities to meet for worship, Hao recites the Apostles' Creed each Sunday. He has been reflecting on Chinese culture and his life, recognizing that his time on earth is short in comparison to eternity. At the end of their visit, Hao asked his lawyer to read to him from Psalm 73.
Praise God for the physical, emotional and spiritual strength that He has been providing to Elder Hao throughout the ordeal.
Pray that the court case will take place soon and that all charges against this dear Christian man would be dropped.
Additionally, pray for the many Christian prisoners in China who are being kept from accessing Bibles and other sources of Biblical teaching and encouragement. May the Lord bring to their remembrance relevant passages of Scripture, nourishing each one of them with His Word and ministering to their daily spiritual and practical needs.
CHINA: Christian Evangelist Released on Bail
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
In June 2022, Lin Xuesui was arrested by China's Public Security Bureau and accused of "organizing and financing illegal gatherings." These accusations resulted from his ministry work in a remote region located approximately 2,000 kilometres from his home, where he shared his Christian testimony with local villagers. (A previous report on Lin's arrest is available here.)
On January 14th, authorities released Lin on bail. After learning that his father had contracted COVID-19, the Christian evangelist was granted permission by the court to go home so he could take care of his father.
Please join us in praising God that Lin was released from detention to care for his father during this time of illness.
May his father experience full recovery and renewed strength. Pray also that the courts would drop all charges against Lin, so justice will prevail in his case.
May this brother in Christ not be forced to return to custody but rather granted the freedom to continue boldly spreading the "Good News" of the Gospel throughout China.