Saturday, November 30, 2024
Friday, November 29, 2024
Prayer for the Persecuted - December 2, 2024 @ 7 PM
1. Open in Prayer
2. Scripture: Mark 12:30-31 NIV (From US Thanksgiving Post)
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with allThursday, November 28, 2024
Pastor Ohji's words: what does it mean to die well, and more importantly, what does it mean to live well?
EGYPT: Three Christians Hospitalized After Stabbing
Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors
Three Christian men were hospitalized after being brutally attacked on November 5th in Ashruba, a village located within the Minya province of Upper Egypt. This is only the latest incident to occur amid a recent surge of sectarian violence throughout the region.
The targeted Christians had been inside a local pharmacy when they were suddenly assaulted by four male Muslim militants armed with knives and machetes. Following the attack, the wounded victims were taken to the University Hospital in Minya, while a few of the perpetrators were arrested by police.
Christians in Ashruba report that they live in a constant state of fear amid tensions due to numerous other attacks on believers and their properties over the past year. Speaking anonymously for security reasons, one Egyptian Christian leader gave praise to God for the positive steps that the authorities have taken, as demonstrated in these recent arrests. Even so, he describes the situation in Ashruba as "a culture of threat and harassment [towards] Christians." |
For more on the persecution of believers in Egypt, go to our country profile.
Pray for the complete healing of the three believers who were physically injured in this recent violent attack.
May these brothers in Christ, along with all the other Christians living within this community, be divinely protected and kept safe from those who wish them harm.
Pray that the authorities will continue to take firm action against this type of sectarian violence, and that God's peace, courage and strength will reign within the hearts of believers throughout Egypt.
IRAN: Christian Convert Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison
Source: VOMC
Sources: Mohabat News, Article18, Human Rights Activists News Agency
A Christian convert identified as Toomaj Aryan-Kia has been sentenced to ten years in prison for allegedly committing the following offenses: 1) "propaganda"; 2) collaborating with the "hostile governments" of Israel, the United Kingdom and United States; and 3) holding a membership with "anti-regime groups." Along with administering the recently applied prison sentence, Judge Mostafa Narimani banned the Christian man from having any affiliations with a group for an additional two years following his release. Although Toomaj has appealed the sentence, his request for a retrial was denied.
Toomaj was initially arrested in October 2022 when his home was searched by Iran's intelligence agents. During the raid, the authorities confiscated the believer's personal items, including several Bibles. Following the initial arrest, Toomaj served more than two months in prison before being released on bail.
The judge's recent ruling regarding Toomaj's case marks the sixth time during the year of 2024 that a Christian in Iran received a prison sentence of at least ten years. Further details on Christian persecution in Iran, along with previous reports covering the cases of other imprisoned believers in this Middle Eastern nation, are available at our country profile.
Prayerfully uphold Toomaj and the many other Iranian Christians who are facing extended prison sentences because of their faith in Jesus.
In addition to providing them greatly needed comfort, encouragement and protection during their time in custody, may they also be granted divinely appointed opportunities to boldly share the Good News of Christ with those around them.
As for other followers of Jesus in Iran, pray that they too will be equipped with the courage, wisdom and strength that's needed to withstand opposition and effectively serve as "salt" and "light" in their communities, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
NIGERIA: Abducted Christians Escape Captivity
Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, New York Times, Open Doors
On March 1st, 2018, Islamic militants attacked a displacement camp in Borno state. As a result of the attack, three UNICEF workers were killed, along with eight soldiers. During the attack, a Christian woman named Alice Loksha Ngaddah, who worked as a nurse in the camp, was taken captive – along with two Muslim midwives, Saifura Khorsa and Hauwa Liman. Having been declared "apostates" by their captors merely for working with the Red Cross, the two midwives were killed a few months later.
The militants responsible stated at the time that they would be holding Alice, along with a Christian student named Leah Sharibu (whom they had captured only ten days earlier), as "slaves for life." (For more details, see this report.)
For more than six years, Alice had patiently waited for the ideal opportunity to safely escape her abductors. During that time, she gave birth to a son who is now three years old. When the chance to flee finally arrived on October 24th, Alice, along with her young son and another abductee named Fayina Ali Akilwus, quietly slipped away from the militants' camp.
After travelling for more than three days, the weary escapees safely arrived at a military outpost in northeastern Nigeria. As Alice and Fayina neared their destination, they broke out in praises to Jesus, shouting, "We are really saved!" Then, following their arrival at the outpost, they expressed thankfulness to God for the military, asking Him to further strengthen Nigeria's governing authorities and give them victory over the plight of terrorism in their country.
Reportedly, the two women have since been transferred to the Borno state government for rehabilitation. While Alice's long-awaited escape is good news, a source within the United Nations has expressed concern over the many challenges her family must now face following her extended captivity. At the time of her kidnapping in 2018, Alice was a married mother of two children. Her husband, however, believing that she had been killed by the abductors, has since remarried. "Alice and her children will need ongoing emotional, physical and spiritual support if she is to be integrated back into society," reports a local trauma care worker.
Unfortunately, the violence and resulting atrocities of persecution continue to erupt in many areas of Nigeria where Christians have frequently been kidnapped and/or killed. More recently, a group of attackers, believed to be Fulani militants, raided two villages in southern Kaduna state on November 8th and 16th. As in the many other reported cases, the outcome is devastating: five Christians were killed, three have been kidnapped, and several others are presently suffering from serious injuries. To read previous reports concerning our suffering Christian family in Nigeria, and/or view informative video interviews, go to our country profile.
Praise God that Alice and Fayina were able to safely escape their abductors after many years of captivity.
Ask our compassionate Lord to help these former captives throughout the difficult processes ahead as they try to re-integrate into life outside of the militants' camp.
In particular, pray that the Lord will grant wisdom, healing and hope to Alice and her family as they navigate through their very challenging and complex situation.
Also continue to remember Leah Sharibu and the many others presently remaining in captivity, praying that they too will soon gain their freedom.
In the meanwhile, may the Nigerian military actively work to stem the influence of militant groups and bring lasting peace, stability and safety to this beleaguered nation.
Vietnam: Christian Family Loses Home to Arson
Source: iCommitToPray
Cai and Hien, whose story was published in the October 2024 issue of The Voice of the Martyrs magazine, have endured several years of persecution since placing their faith in Jesus in 2021. The persecution includes imprisonment, shunning by their community, denial of public services like electricity and water, and refusal to admit their children to school. In the early morning of November 5, 2024, after continuous threats, Cai and Hien’s house was set aflame, destroying their home and all their possessions. Authorities have refused to help unless the couple will give up their faith in Jesus Christ. Front-line workers have requested prayer for this brother and this sister as the body of Christ helps them find new housing and meet their immediate material needs.
Pray that this family will find strength in their faith in Jesus and remain faithful to Him.
Pray that they will find new housing and that their material needs will be met.
Pray for other Christians that are facing similar persecution.
Pray that church leaders will minister well and remain strong in faith.
Pray that more Bibles will be printed and distributed to meet the growing need.
Pray for those distributing Bibles in areas tightly controlled by the government.
Friday, November 22, 2024
Thursday, November 21, 2024
PAKISTAN: Rape Cases Demonstrate Legal Inequality for Christians
Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Morning Star News
Christians in Pakistan frequently face discrimination when having to deal with matters relating to governmental and/or legal concerns. Two recently occurring sexual assault cases demonstrate the ways in which believers often encounter unjust treatment from the authorities because of their faith.
(To review other reports addressing the suffering of our Pakistani brothers and sisters in Christ, go to our country profile.)
In late October, a six-year-old girl was raped at a private school in Lahore. When she returned from school, her family noticed blood stains on her clothing, as well as bruises on her body. When the parents asked their child what happened, she told them about the sexual assault, identifying the school's security guard, Husnain, as her attacker.
The parents met with the school principal who told them that the girl had merely fallen, resulting in her injuries. When they shared the truth about what had actually occurred, according to their young daughter's explanation, the principal threatened that they would encounter problems if they sought any legal action. Despite the threats, the parents took their little girl to a local hospital for treatment and filed a complaint with the police. Husnain has since been arrested and, at the time of publishing this report, was being investigated.
The parents believe that Husnain didn't hesitate to attack their daughter because of their family's Christian faith. As members of a minority group in Pakistan, those who practise Christianity generally receive unfair treatment, and thus tend to be financially poor and lack influence within their communities. As a result, believers are frequently perceived as easy targets by their persecutors, who usually face little to no risk of consequential legal implications.
In a separate incident, an 18-year-old Catholic woman was raped at gunpoint on November 7th in the Kot Ranjeet Singh area of Punjab Province. While returning home from work, Imaan Khurrum had been abducted and taken to an abandoned brick kiln where she was beaten and raped.
Imaan's mother believes that her daughter was targeted because of their Christian family's impoverished state. While the incident was reported to the police, and Imaan could identify her attacker, no proper action has been taken by the authorities. According to the young woman's uncle, the police initially took two of the assailant's relatives into custody but then released them after receiving a bribe.
Adding to Imaan's heartbreaking situation, relatives of the accused have been pressuring her family to withdraw their police report. Meanwhile, the lawyer of the victimized teen is calling on the government to ensure that justice is served, and that protection is provided for Imaan and her family.
In the wake of these two devastating incidents, please pray for the physical and emotional healing of the two young victims.
Throughout the healing process, may they tangibly sense the strengthening presence and peace of "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3).
Pray that the Lord's divine compassion, protection and support will supernaturally sustain them and their families as they await justice.
In the meantime, may appropriate action be taken against those who are responsible for committing these horrific assaults – ultimately leading to greatly needed cultural and legislative changes to Pakistan's laws so they will apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their faith or social status.
CHINA: Coordinated Church Raids Continue Throughout China
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
Recent incidents of police action against churches in China demonstrate the ongoing persecution of believers throughout this Communist nation. These raids are only the latest to occur amid the government's intensifying crackdown on Christianity.
To learn more about the governmental opposition experienced by Christians in China, go to our country report.
On November 10th, the Putian Puguang Church in Fujian was stormed by police during the believers' Sunday worship service. As a result of the raid, three pastors – along with three other staff members – were taken into custody and detained at the local police station.
A week prior to this incident, churches in several parts of the country were simultaneously raided by national security personnel. Several house churches in Nanjing were attacked and, in one particular case, a pastor and seven other Christians were detained. The police warned the church members that because their meeting place has not been officially registered with the Communist government, it's illegal.
In Changsha, Hunan Province, several house churches were also raided on November 3rd. The largest of these congregations, the Grace Light Church, has been subjected to weekly interruptions by police for refusing to join the government-recognized Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Although members of the Grace Light Church presently meet in five different locations throughout the city, a substantial number of officers stormed the church's various locations simultaneously.
On behalf of the many believers in China who are encountering ongoing harassment from the government, pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to comfort, sustain and refresh their weary souls while they patiently endure opposition.
As a result, may they increase in spiritual fervour and strength, providing them the empowerment to not only respond in a Christ-like manner, but also faithfully proclaim the Gospel message throughout their communities so multitudes more will personally acknowledge Jesus as their Saviour.
MYANMAR: Restrictions Imposed on Churches in Rakhine State
Source: VOMC
Sources: Myanmar Pressphoto Agency, International Christian Concern, VOM Australia
As the nation of Myanmar continues to suffer political upheaval, the ruling party is being bombarded with ongoing opposition from rebel groups in various areas of the country. Today, while much of Rakhine State has been seized by the Arakan Army, the government's military junta still maintains control of some areas.
In the state capital of Sittwe, which remains under governmental control, new restrictions were recently imposed upon Christians. In September, police ordered the members of a church in Sittwe to remove a cross they had recently installed on the roof of their building. In addition, Christians in the city were forced to submit a list of church attendees and obtain authorization from the police prior to holding worship services, even though they had previously received official permits from the authorities.
The opposition against Christians is not only being perpetrated by official governing forces. In the town of Kyauktaw, the Arakan Army detained five local pastors this past June. As they see their religious freedoms gradually eroding, believers throughout the region are becoming increasingly concerned about their ability to worship freely.
More information on the persecution of Christians in Myanmar is available at our country report.
Pray that our Christian brothers and sisters in Myanmar will be granted wisdom from on high as they face tighter restrictions on their worship activities amid the country's ongoing civil war.
Despite the challenges they need to overcome, may these believers find ways to effectively minister God's love, hope and peace to others in their communities.
Pray that as they faithfully reach out, even those who are opposed to the Gospel will eagerly respond with contrite hearts to the stirring of the Holy Spirit, leading them to repentance and eternal salvation through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
INDIA: Police Watch as Christians Suffer Mob Attack
Source: VOMC
Source: International Christian Concern
As police officers stood by and watched, hundreds of people attacked 14 Christians in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on October 30th. The violent incident occurred after the victimized followers of Jesus refused to abandon their Christian faith, despite orders from tribal leaders to do so.
Having been beaten with wooden rods by participating members of the volatile mob, the assaulted believers suffered various injuries in the aftermath of the attack, such as head trauma and broken bones. The perpetrators also demolished the Christians' homes and destroyed their harvested crops.
Among the injured was the only police officer who attempted to intervene on behalf of the victims. It is unknown why the majority of the officers failed to fulfill their duty to protect these targeted citizens. Such violence against Christians is far too common in India, and mob attacks are often instigated by militant Hindu nationalists.
For more reports concerning the suffering of our persecuted Christian family in India, go to our country profile.
Pray for the complete recovery of those who were injured during this recent attack, asking the Lord to minister His healing touch upon each of these victims – both physically and emotionally.
May He also divinely work within the hearts and minds of all the residents in this community, encouraging them to live peaceably together despite their religious differences.
In addition, please intercede for India's governing authorities, praying that they will realize the importance of providing protection for all the country's citizens, and not only those with whom they agree.
PAKISTAN: Vigilante Groups Orchestrate Online Blasphemy Cases
Source: VOMC
Sources: Dawn, MSN, The Hindu, Morning Star News
While accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan are common and can be motivated by interpersonal conflicts or business disputes, there has been a notable increase in allegations based on social media posts.
(To read previously published reports about Christians who have been charged with blasphemy, go to our country profile.)
According to the research findings of the AFP news agency, many such cases are taking place as a result of organized "vigilante groups" led by lawyers and the support of volunteers scouring the Internet for offenders. In some cases, unsuspecting social media participants are duped by strangers into sharing content that could be deemed blasphemous, resulting in police reports being filed against them.
For example, a man joined a WhatsApp group in search of a job. He was contacted by a woman who sent him objectionable images. When he confronted her, she denied sending the images and asked him to forward them to her – falsely stating that by doing so, she would then know what he was talking about. After sending her the images, he was the one accused of sharing blasphemous content.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) states that there are groups working to "witch-hunt" people, sometimes fabricating evidence due to "vested agendas." Pakistan's National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) reports that, as of July 25th, a total of 767 people accused of blasphemy were being detained in jails across the country; compared to 213 in 2023, and 64 in 2022. The reasons why these vigilante groups are involved tend to vary. One police report suggests that some of the accusers are motivated by financial gains.
A group known as the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan proudly reports that they are prosecuting more than 300 cases, believing that their "God has chosen them for this noble cause." Sharaz Ahman Farooqi, who leads the group, was the complainant in a case that led to the conviction of a Christian woman named Shagufta Kiran this past September. (More details on her case are available here.) Another group has been responsible for the eventual conviction of 27 people over the past three years. For those who are found guilty, convictions of blasphemy carry a mandatory life imprisonment or death sentence.
In its report on the situation, the NCHR is calling for a "comprehensive review" of the roles and accountability of both government and private entities. In addition to concerns over the startling increase of false accusations, the growing number of cases has led to severe overcrowding in prison areas that are reserved for those accused of blasphemy.
Pray that Pakistan's governing leaders would respond appropriately by taking necessary action against the members of "vigilante groups" whose aim is to destroy the lives of fellow citizens by accusing them of blasphemy.
For those of our Christian family who are presently contending with such allegations, please pray that they will receive greatly needed legal assistance and advocacy so their cases could be justly rejected or overturned.
Also remember the many believers who have been imprisoned over the years, asking the Lord to likewise provide them and their loved ones the protection, strength, encouragement and hope that's needed each day so they can stand firm in their faith and thus testify of His sustaining power and grace.
SUDAN: Displaced Christians Driven From Their Homes
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, SPLM-N
Residents of the Al-Makniya area of Sudan's River Nile state drove 34 displaced Christians from their homes on October 19th. Those responsible for the displacement explained that they did not want any Christians nor black people in the area.
The recently expelled Christians had previously fled conflict in Omdurman, a city located near the capital of Khartoum, before seeking shelter in the Al-Makniya area. According to one of the affected believers, some of the local residents falsely accused the Christian refugees of stealing livestock and "violating public morals." However, police later confirmed that the hostility towards the believers was religiously motivated and had nothing to do with those accusations.
Initially, about 30 people from the neighbourhood approached the Christians, asking them to leave. When that did not work, the opposing villagers returned with more supporters. Some days later, when the Christian refugees were approached for a third time, the majority of originating Al-Makniya community members rallied together against them. Given only three days to vacate the area, the refugees were forced to leave on October 19th without any help or protection from the authorities.
Some of the displaced believers have since moved on to the city of Sendi, while others returned to Omdurman, despite the ongoing violence there. "We are currently in a very bad humanitarian situation, as we have lost our shelter," reported one of the exiled Christians. With concerns for the welfare of the children, women and elderly among them, the believer spoke of another major setback to their survival: "We have lost our livelihoods [which helped to] provide for our basic daily needs."
For further reports addressing the various challenges encountered by our Christian family in Sudan, go to our country profile.
During this time of uncertainty, please pray that the Lord will meet the urgent needs of our displaced Sudanese brothers and sisters in Christ who have once again been forced to uproot their families and restart their lives in a different part of this war-torn nation.
Ask God to provide these precious believers divine protection and strength, as well as the wisdom and guidance they need to determine what steps to take next.
As they seek His direction, and endeavour to live honourably for Him, may they not only find physical refuge in a safe and welcoming location, but also spiritual refuge and solace in the reassuring presence and provision of their Heavenly Father – powerful reminders of His steadfast love for them.
Thursday, November 7, 2024
CHINA: Coordinated Raids on Beijing Church Meetings
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains
On the morning of October 20th, multiple branches of the Beijing Zion Church had gathered for their usual worship services when police and religious affairs officials simultaneously forced their way into the meetings. The identities of everyone present were recorded and 12 people, including pastors and church members, were taken into custody.
By eight o'clock that evening, most of the detained Christians had been released. However, Elder Qin Guoliang from the church's Guomao branch was kept in custody and given a 14-day administrative detention for "organizing illegal gatherings."
These raids are a continuation of the authorities' harassment towards the Beijing Zion Church and other unregistered places of worship in China.
To learn more about the challenges encountered by our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ, see our previously published reports at our country profile.
Pray for the ongoing ministry of members belonging to the Beijing Zion Church and other believers who are encountering severe governmental opposition, asking the Lord to provide them encouragement, guidance and courage as they faithfully reach out to the people of their nation with the truth of God's Word.
May He also greatly strengthen these oppressed Christians in China so they can victoriously overcome all the challenges they are experiencing; and, throughout the process, receive the wisdom they need to respond to their persecutors in a Christ-like manner.
Continue to prayerfully remember the many believers who are presently serving time in Chinese prisons because of their faith.
PAKISTAN: Bail Granted for Christians Facing Blasphemy Charges
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Release International
![Zimran Asim is standing with his lawyer. There is a poster behind them which reads, "[Stand] up for your rights. The Voice Society."](https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NYPklJWVp3h8u8K5mikzhfcKKeh9Dv79F4hgH-X0HCspsBgl-Dv4XkXhEoPKuSoxqtld1gzQcGVliAPuL3Xjvl8UfKfGl1wg5J3YaKuIvMC6Sl4Qpb1vVLX_-V0OT9Jmz-GiJQ7_YI3Wy69HRR5sS4nVXnP56GwmN4=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/0ccc5d4d661e4a6fa6313a1b9/images/624ee2bb-119c-2146-f7c5-c2d64783c062.jpg "Zimran Asim is standing with his lawyer. There is a poster behind them which reads, \"[Stand] up for your rights. The Voice Society.\"")
The previous week's Persecution & Prayer Alert reported on an unusual case in which bail was granted to Saima Masih, a Christian woman who was accused of blasphemy in Pakistan. (Read the previously published report.) While Saima has been freed from prison, she remains in danger from the avenging violence of militant vigilantes who are seeking to achieve what they falsely perceive as "justice." Remarkably, this past October, two similar blasphemy cases came before the Pakistani courts in which other accused Christians were also released on bail.
An ambulance driver and father of two named Chand Shamaun was arrested in June and charged with insulting Islam under the nation's anti-terrorism laws. However, a two-judge bench of the Lahore High Court ruled on October 10th that there were notable loopholes in the police case against the Christian man. First of all, no evidence had been gathered, and then the only "witness" was a known police informer who has frequently been involved in false cases. As a result, Chand was released from prison on October 23rd.
In a separate case, Zimran Asim was arrested in August 2023 and charged with three counts of blasphemy. However, Zimran's only "crime" had been his association with someone who was also accused of insulting the Islamic faith. This April and July, the Lahore High Court granted him bail for two of the three blasphemy convictions. Later, on October 30th, bail was given for the third and final conviction, resulting in his release. Once again, the judges ruled in this case that there was no evidence supporting the accusations against the Christian man.
While both Chand and Zimran are now able to be with their families, they have gone into hiding for their safety. According to Zimran's lawyer, Aneeqa Maria, his family had already fled the area after their home and all their possessions were taken by other villagers following the accused Christian's arrest. "Zimran Asim's case is a fitting example of how innocent people are implicated in false cases by individuals as well as the police," states Aneeqa. "This poor man was forced to suffer in prison, away from his family for over one year. They also lost their home and can't even think of going back to their village."
Under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, those found guilty are automatically sentenced to death, though the authorities have not yet carried out the death penalty for this crime. Unfortunately, these laws are frequently used to settle interpersonal disagreements, business disputes, or simply because of the accusers' hatred towards Christians and other religious minorities.
For more details, see our country report.
Praise God for the recent court decisions which have allowed these believers to be released from prison and reunited with their loved ones!
Pray that the Lord will now divinely shelter Saima, Chand, Zimran – along with their families – from any further harm and harassment.
May He also transform the legal system of Pakistan so that people will not be able to abuse the country's laws for personal reasons.
Pray that lawmakers will reconsider the role of the blasphemy laws in Pakistani society and work towards ensuring better treatment for our Christian family in this South Asian nation.
ALAYSIA: Classified Report on Pastor Raymond Koh
Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, Malay Mail, International Christian Concern
Since the disappearance of her husband in 2017, Susanna Koh has continued to search for answers. In 2020, the Christian woman filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government in an attempt to force them to reveal what they know about the abduction of her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh. As a result of the lawsuit, the government was ordered to release the classified findings of a task force that had been created to look into Pastor Raymond's disappearance, as well as that of a social activist named Amri Che Mat.
Recently, as was reported in a previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert report, Susanna was finally given a copy of this investigative document (read more). Since then, court officials have been hearing testimonies based on information released in the report. During a recent court session, the head of the task force, Datuk Abdul Rahim Uda, stated that Pastor Raymond's kidnapping was not an "enforced disappearance" and that the evidence does not point to government involvement. Instead, blame is being directed towards a former contract worker with the police, Saiful Bahari Abd Aziz, and other rogue officers who acted independently. It was noted that Saiful's gold-coloured vehicle was spotted at the scene of both disappearances, as shown in security videos.
The report is critical of the inaction demonstrated by the police and governing officials during their initial investigations into the abductions. For Susanna and her lawyers, many questions remain, and the case is far from over. Todd Nettleton from the Voice of the Martyrs USA questions whether blame can really be diverted from the government and police, particularly since Saiful had been employed by the special forces for more than a decade.
In a recently made statement, Todd echoes the call of Susanna and others who are seeking answers: "There's a fair amount of smoke and mirrors going on. 'Let's argue about what we call it (forced disappearance or something else),' instead of talking about 'Where is Pastor Raymond Koh? What happened to him?'"
For more information on Pastor Raymond's case, watch the latest episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, in which host Greg Musselman conducts an informative interview with Todd Nettleton: VOMCanada.com/video/my-wheres-
Pray that the judge hearing this case will have wisdom and discernment in determining the truth about Pastor Raymond's disappearance, along with the courage to announce the revealed truth despite governmental opposition.
Pray for continued strength on behalf of Susanna as she endures this long and painful journey in an attempt to discover what truly happened to her husband.
Finally, if Pastor Raymond is still alive, may he sense the prayers of his Christian brothers and sisters around the world – reminders that he has not been forgotten by his global family in Christ – and thus receive greatly needed encouragement, guidance and help through the comforting presence of God's Holy Spirit.
Friday, November 1, 2024
Prayer for the Persecuted, Monday November 4, 2024 @ 7 PM
- 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