Voice of the Oppressed

Prayers for August 30, 2005
From The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
IRAQ (Christian Freedom International)
The radical "Iraqi Resistance" group is accusing Christian Freedom International and others of attempting to "Christianize" Iraq. Muhammad Abu Nasr of the "Free Arab Voice" wrote in the August issue of the "Iraqi Resistance Report" that "missionaries push Christianization under protection of U.S. occupation." According to Nasr, "Under the protection of the U.S. military occupation of Baghdad, American Christian missionaries have been pushing efforts at Christianization in Iraq (and that a) Christian Bible Society has set up a Bible society in the middle of occupied Baghdad." Christian Freedom International has been sending much needed humanitarian supplies to Iraq that is in turn distributed through local churches in Baghdad. "The aid," said CFI president Jim Jacobson, "is sent to local churches in Baghdad and freely distributed to all Iraqis regardless of their religion." "It is true," said Jacobson, "we do send Arabic language Bibles, but this is because the Bibles are in great demand and requested by Iraqi Christians."

Give thanks to God that Christian witness in Iraq is strong enough to warrant strong criticism from radical Muslims. Pray for the protection of all Christians who are distributing the Word of God to many who do not know Him. Pray many Muslims will see the love of Jesus in these caring people and will want to know the source of their extraordinary compassion.


PAKISTAN (Missions Insider)
A Muslim backlash against Christians, who are seen by many Pakistanis as tied to often reviled America, continued with two attacks on native missionaries. Several weeks ago a missionary was visited by three Muslim men late at night. The men held him at gunpoint and locked him and his family in a back room while they searched his house for two hours. They stole Bibles and Christian literature as well as blankets intended for orphaned children, and destroyed what they could not steal, including a computer and motorbike. Their parting words were a death threat. A few days later, a team of five young gospel workers witnessing in a North Pakistan village were surrounded by 300 Muslim extremists who beat them. The men were dragged to a local police station where policemen refused to let reporters photograph the victims. Thankfully, all the missionaries have been released.

Pray God will strengthen these faithful servants in Pakistan to continue to speak boldly about their Savior. Pray the attackers will be dumbfounded by the forgiving spirit of the believers. Pray all Muslims in Pakistan will see Christianity is not an American religion, but a relationship with the almighty, all-loving God.


LAOS (BosNewsLife News)
Across the country village chiefs and other workers have been pressured by communist authorities to give up their Christian faith. Human rights workers say the government regards church activities as questioning the communist system and threatens the government's power. In recent months communist-backed local authorities and police have raided several villages where possibly dozens of believers were tortured and detained on false charges ranging from owning "illegal weapons" to holding "illegal gatherings." An underground evangelical church leader says: "We know of several incidents near the Vietnam border where Laos police raided villages and forced locals to stand for three days with their hands in the air till they renounced their faith in Christ. Nobody is able to keep up with that kind of torture for so long…." Those who refused to obey were allegedly put in jail. He knows of six Christians in jail, including two brothers who were imprisoned about six years ago while another man sentenced with them died in recent years. (www.bosnewslife.com)

Pray God will give Christians supernatural endurance to withstand torture. Pray those who denied Christ will know Christ's forgiveness and compassion. Pray God will cause the Christian faith to continue to grow in Laos and bring peace to that suffering nation.


SAUDI ARABIA (ASSIST News Service)
AsiaNews has reported that, with the death of King Fahd and the arrival of King Abdullah, the persecution by the Saudi Kingdom of believers of religions other than Islam, especially Christians, is on the rise. AsiaNews sources in the Saudi capital have confirmed the religious police, called the Muttawa, has raided the homes of foreigners, especially suspect homes (i.e. those where Christians live). This has forced many groups who used to meet in the privacy of their homes for prayer to stop. Furthermore, people have stopped meeting out of fear the police might link them to one another. Indians are particularly targeted. In the last few months, nine Indians were arrested for illegal religious activities. The story goes on to say: "The Saudi government has banned any religious practice other than Wahhabi fundamentalist Islam. Any missionary activity or public expression of faith (having Bibles, wearing a crucifix, holding a rosary, praying in public) is outlawed. The religious police, well-known for its violence and torture, make sure that the ban is enforced." Pray God will give Christians in Saudi Arabia a fearless trust in His direction for their lives. Pray their faithfulness will lead many Muslims to Christ. Pray international pressure will expose these restrictive laws and the brutality of the religious police.


TURKMENISTAN (VOM-Canada)
On August 15th, police from the anti-terrorist branch in the northeastern Turkmenistan town of Dashoguz (Dashhowuz) summoned church leaders from the city's registered Baptist church for interrogation following the raid of an open-air service the previous day. According to Forum 18, the believers had just finished their worship service in the countryside outside the town and were gathering to enjoy a lunch together when police officers appeared and started questioning what they were doing. The officers then confiscated their Bibles and hymnals. When church leaders met with the police the following day, the officers claimed the church's national registration was not valid in northern Turkmenistan. "Individuals can only believe alone on their own at home," police told them. The church leaders were then pressured to write statements on how they became Christians and why they had Bibles. They were also pressured to sign declarations that they would not meet until the church obtained state registration. The leaders told the police, "We will continue to meet in the future, as our faith does not depend on registration."

Pray for the believers' continued boldness and determination to worship God despite the opposition of authorities. Pray God will give wisdom and discretion to each of the church leaders. Pray this witness of faith and courage will lead many to Christ.
:162:

Prayers for October 11, 2005
From The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
EGYPT (ASSIST News Service)
Three people died during a riot outside a Coptic church in Alexandria, Egypt. The riot was in protest of a play accused of offending Islam. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reports police used sticks and tear gas to hold back a crowd of around 5,000 protesters, who marched on St. George's church. Dozens of people were injured in the crush. Police report one man inhaled tear gas, was trampled and later died. October 19th, a nun was stabbed by a Muslim, who protested the sale of a DVD of the play, staged at the church in 2003. The demonstration was the latest in a series of incidents at the church related to the 2003 performance of the play entitled, "I Once Was Blind But Now I See." The drama tells the story of a poor young Copt who is drawn to Islamist militants who then try to kill him. Coptic Christian leaders report the play depicts the dangers of extremism, not of Islam. The church's director, Rev. Augustinous, denied the play was offensive to Islam because its Christian hero is ultimately saved by a Muslim friend. Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 70 million people. Egypt's majority is Muslim.

Pray the publicity surrounding this event will lead many Muslims to view the DVD and question the tenets of their faith. Pray Coptic Christians will be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit as they deal with fanatic Muslims. Pray the Lord will surround Coptic Christians with His love and mercy and protect them from harm.


NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
Christians in the rural areas of Kano are afraid to send their children to public schools, fearing they will be forced to convert to Islam. Students are being forced to study Arabic, Islam, and say Islamic prayers. Moreover, Christian leaders report the government refuses to grant churches permission to establish schools in rural areas. "The strategy is to force Christians to send their children to public schools so they can be forced to become Muslims," said Rev. Murtala Marti Dangora, secretary of the Kano district of the Evangelical Church of West Africa. Rev. Dangora, a former Muslim, said there are still numerous cases of persecution in the state; in one case, 15 Christians were forced to flee Banda village because of Muslim antagonism. Another Christian leader noted that Christians in Kano state have lost religious liberty and are seen as second-class citizens.

Pray Christians worldwide will lift these members of the Body of Christ before His Throne. Pray God will hear their cry and work a miracle of His grace to allow believers in Nigeria to worship freely. Pray many Muslim authorities will seek the true God who loves them and grieves for their lost souls.


TURKEY (VOM sources)
VOM has received word that a high-ranking U.S. official has solidified an agreement for the freedom of the Iranian widow and her children who had been ordered to be deported to Iran where they faced imprisonment and possible execution. The agreement states they "cannot be" deported to Iran. An arrangement is being processed for the necessary paperwork to allow them to leave Turkey very soon.

Join with this family, their friends and intercessors worldwide in praising God for His divine intervention. Pray they will find a good home, Christian friends and suitable employment in the place God has prepared for them. Continue to pray God will move in love and mercy to free Christians suffering from the violent oppression of Islam.


INDIA (Gospel for Asia)
In another delay, the Indian Supreme Court has withheld its decision on the Dalit civil rights case until November. This delay is a positive development, allowing the Court to take seriously this case of discrimination against Dalit Christians and not rush in judgment. It also allows Christians to have more time to intercede with prayer, asking God to guide the thoughts and decisions of the judges. Under the current law, Dalits lose some of their basic constitutional rights when they become Christians; they are no longer eligible for affirmative action placements in education, employment, government and many other areas-rights granted to Dalits who are Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist. According to a government census, some 20 million Dalits have become Christians. Equally important, there are many Dalits whose only hesitation to becoming Christians is fear of this legalized discrimination.

Pray our merciful Father will lead the Supreme Court of India to correct these injustices. Pray fervently on behalf of these millions of Dalit men, women and children who suffer unjust discrimination. Pray the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of Hindus to see every person is of value and precious in the sight of God.


UZBEKISTAN (Compass Direct)
Christians in a remote village of Uzbekistan are being beaten, publicly humiliated and chased out of their homes and jobs for converting to Christianity. A local strongman is orchestrating harsh opposition to the small congregation in Janbashkala village, near Turtkul in southwestern Uzbekistan. Tokhtabay Sadikov has pressured local police and civic officials, the prosecutor's office, the secret police and Muslim clerics to impose punishing measures against every villager known to have "abandoned the Muslim faith of their parents." The water supply to Christian homes in the village has been cut off, and the church of nearly 100 has dwindled to 20.

Pray God will give Christians in Janbashkala supernatural courage, boldness in their faith and love for their Muslim neighbors. Pray the Lord will honor the commitment of faithful believers with His presence and guidance. Pray this overcoming remnant will lead many to Christ.
:162:

Prayers for November 15, 2005
From The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
ERITREA (Compass Direct)
The number of Eritrean Christians confirmed to be jailed for their religious beliefs has shot up to a total of 1,778, nearly double the documented count six months ago. At least 26 full-time Protestant pastors and Orthodox clergy are in jail, and their personal bank accounts frozen by government order. "Their family members are suffering (to) a great degree," according to one source. In late September, three Protestant leaders imprisoned months ago by Eritrean authorities were handed jail sentences of two and three years by sham courts. Last month police raids in several locations of Asmara and the town of Kushete landed at least 51 more Protestant Christians in police detention.

Pray Jesus will draw near to the imprisoned Christians, giving them a sense of His loving presence. Pray Christians around the world will respond bountifully to the needs of the prisoners' families. Pray for a miracle of God's grace causing Eritrean authorities to cry out for the living God.

Nearly 10 months after Pastor Oqbamichael Tekle-Haimonot was arrested at a wedding in western Eritrea, authorities at the Sawa military training center have released the ailing evangelical leader on bail. Pastor Haimonot, a minister in the Kale Hiwot (Word of Life) Church, suffered a severe breakdown last May after being subjected to solitary confinement, hard labor and other physical and emotional mistreatment at Sawa. Five weeks ago, security police raided the Kale Hiwot Church at their headquarters in Asmara and arrested members. They released 25 members on November 8th.

Give thanks to God that these believers are no longer suffering in Eritrean prisons. Pray our loving Father will restore Pastor Tekle-Haimonot to complete mental, physical and spiritual health.


INDONESIA (VOM-Canada)
Two high school girls are in critical condition after being shot point blank on November 8th near a Pentecostal church. Ivone (last name unknown) and (Yuli) Siti Nuraini, both 17 years old, were shot by men on a motorcycle in the Gatot Subroto area of Poso. Ivone was shot in the left jaw, while Yuli was wounded in the neck. Both girls are presently in critical condition in the hospital. This incident follows the shocking attack on four Christian girls in the same city on October 29th, when three were beheaded. Hundreds of troops have been dispatched to the area. There are reports that the attackers have been arrested, but no names have yet been released. This recent shooting, however, demonstrates the danger from militant Islamic groups has not abated.

Pray Jesus will comfort the families of the girls who were attacked as they await their healing and return to their homes. Pray Christians in Indonesia will remain faithful, bold and loving as they follow their Shepherd. Pray their witness will draw many into God's kingdom which cannot be shaken.


IRAN (Compass Direct)
Jailed 14 months ago for converting to Christianity, former Iranian army colonel Hamid Pourmand has been allowed to visit his family on a monthly basis since August. Pourmand has reportedly developed good rapport with both guards and prisoners at Evin Prison. Despite earlier reports that Pourmand's case had been appealed before the Iranian Supreme Court, sources now say his lawyer has decided to drop the appeal out of fear it would be perpetually delayed, giving authorities an excuse to keep the Christian in prison. While in prison, Pourmand has been psychologically tortured—more than once told he would be imminently hanged, and at other times forced to listen to the screams of children. (Click here)

Give thanks to God Pourmand's witness of Christian love is being rewarded with home visits. Pray the Lord will strengthen him as he undergoes physical and emotional abuse, as well as giving him an ability to pray for his torturers. Pray God will use Pourmand to help draw many to Him and His everlasting love.


NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
Having planted a church of 300 former Muslims, the Rev. Murtala Marti Dangora knows what it's like to be a high-profile target of religious intolerance. He has been under a death sentence since converting from Islam 25 years ago, and for almost as long, authorities have refused to grant official approval of his Evangelical Church of West Africa congregation. He has been detained, dragged to court, and publicly assaulted for receiving Christ. He said, "Despite my ordeals, I have never regretted becoming a Christian.... I thank God that I got saved.... I now have light in my heart."

Give thanks to God He has protected Rev. Dangora and allowed him to speak to many Muslims of the love of Christ. Pray He will continue to guard this faithful servant. Please join with Rev. Dangora in his prayer "that my other Muslim relatives will come to know Christ as the only true God and Savior of the world."


NORTH KOREA (Religion Today)
A North Korean church leader is facing the death penalty after being arrested on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. According to Jubilee Campaign, a British human rights organization, Seong Jeun Moon, 64, was taken into custody by North Korean State Security Agency officers in Peeyeong Gun, in the Pyongan province of North Korea. Moon, leader of an underground church in North Korea, and a number of his brothers and sisters, have also been arrested and questioned. The charge of treason carries the death penalty. The secret interrogation of Moon was nearly completed as of early September. Past cases of a similar nature have led Jubilee Campaign to believe Moon and many others could possibly be executed.

Pray our powerful and merciful God will move the hearts of the North Korean authorities to allow Moon and other Christians to live. Thank the Lord for every member of an underground church and ask Him to protect these courageous believers. Pray God will gather together many more disillusioned and desperate North Koreans into His Kingdom.
:162:

Prayers for December 14, 2005
From The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
EGYPT (Compass Direct)
Under threat from Egypt's security police for holding services at his house church, a Protestant pastor has been run down by a taxi in Cairo, and subsequently died of internal bleeding and a broken skull. Pastor Ezzat Habib, his son Ibram Habib and a friend were crossing the street in Cairo's Matereya district on the evening of October 23rd, when a parked taxi pulled into the street and hit them from behind. The 58-year-old pastor was immediately taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery the following morning but died later that day. The incident culminates two years of harassment, during which Pastor Habib was jailed and tortured.

Pray God will comfort the family and friends of Pastor Habib. Pray Christians in Egypt will remain confident in their Savior despite harassment and murder. Pray Muslims will realize they can't kill the soul (Matthew 10:28).


INDIA (Compass Direct)
Christians in the Kakradara area of Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh state are living in fear after extremists barred access to their new church and beat up their pastor and visiting evangelists after a church dedication ceremony on November 5th. The pastor and evangelists were stopped by 12 men carrying long sticks. As Pastor T. Samuel, the district coordinator for Jesus Redeems Ministries, began answering their questions, one of the assailants hit Pastor Ramesh Bhuria from behind. The mob then beat all five Christians. Later, the extremists and other residents visited Bhuria's home and threatened to "cut (him) into pieces" if he continued his Christian activity in the village. The same threats were issued to other church members.

Two militant Hindu groups struck churches in Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh states on Sunday (December 4th). At least 25 members of the Hindu extremist group Dharma Sena attacked a church in Raipur, Chattisgarh state, severely beating five Christians. After beating four Christians in the church, the attackers took them and a pastor from another area church into a Hindu temple, where they tried to force them to bow down to idols. Also on Sunday, a group of 15 extremists from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh attacked a pastor in Jhabua district of the north central state of Madhya Pradesh. Police declined to arrest any of the militant Hindus, but instead detained the pastor, Anil Mehra of Indian Evangelical Team, for more than 10 hours for "disrupting public peace."

(Gospel for Asia)
Not long ago 60 new believers in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh were threatened with death if they did not return to Hinduism. We thanked God when He answered our prayers and the Christians were spared. Now, however, the place where that church was meeting has been forcefully taken over by radical Hindus and turned into a temple. It is the first time in the 26-year history of Gospel for Asia that a place of worship has been taken over and defiled as a temple. The Believers Church pastor, Ramesh Masih Bhatti, and his family have been forced to move from the building, which was their home for the past 25 years, and are now living with relatives. Local officials have done nothing about the takeover, having apparently sided with the Hindus. The leader of the Hindus in Himachal Pradesh is now threatening a massive, village-by-village campaign to force Christians to convert back to Hinduism.

Pray Christians in India will stand firm knowing they are children of God, not recognized by the world but beloved of their Father. Pray their witness will lead many to Christ. Pray the Holy Spirit will move powerfully in India, bringing glory to God.


NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
Pastor Zacheous Habu Bu Ngwenche may find himself back in police detention if he does not produce a convert from Islam abducted from his house by Muslim militants in September. The 31-year-old pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church in Akwanga, in central Nigeria's Nasarawa state, was arrested twice in September for harboring a Muslim, Bature Suleimanu Idi, who converted to Christianity. After the second arrest, he spent seven days in a cell in Lafia, the state capital. Muslim militants pressured police into arresting him the second time even after officials had confirmed that Bature Suleimanu Idi had not been coerced into converting to Christianity. "I have now been told to produce the Muslim convert, even when the police know that it is the Muslims that abducted Idi," Ngwenche said. "My fear is that he will be killed." (Click here)

Pray God will protect Idi and give him great courage to remain faithful to Jesus. Pray Pastor Negwenche will know the presence and peace of God as he deals with the Muslims who are harassing him. Pray the publicity surrounding these unjust accusations will cause Muslims worldwide to question their beliefs.
:162:

Prayers for December 14, 2005
From The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
EGYPT (Compass Direct)
Under threat from Egypt's security police for holding services at his house church, a Protestant pastor has been run down by a taxi in Cairo, and subsequently died of internal bleeding and a broken skull. Pastor Ezzat Habib, his son Ibram Habib and a friend were crossing the street in Cairo's Matereya district on the evening of October 23rd, when a parked taxi pulled into the street and hit them from behind. The 58-year-old pastor was immediately taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery the following morning but died later that day. The incident culminates two years of harassment, during which Pastor Habib was jailed and tortured.

Pray God will comfort the family and friends of Pastor Habib. Pray Christians in Egypt will remain confident in their Savior despite harassment and murder. Pray Muslims will realize they can't kill the soul (Matthew 10:28).


INDIA (Compass Direct)
Christians in the Kakradara area of Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh state are living in fear after extremists barred access to their new church and beat up their pastor and visiting evangelists after a church dedication ceremony on November 5th. The pastor and evangelists were stopped by 12 men carrying long sticks. As Pastor T. Samuel, the district coordinator for Jesus Redeems Ministries, began answering their questions, one of the assailants hit Pastor Ramesh Bhuria from behind. The mob then beat all five Christians. Later, the extremists and other residents visited Bhuria's home and threatened to "cut (him) into pieces" if he continued his Christian activity in the village. The same threats were issued to other church members.

Two militant Hindu groups struck churches in Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh states on Sunday (December 4th). At least 25 members of the Hindu extremist group Dharma Sena attacked a church in Raipur, Chattisgarh state, severely beating five Christians. After beating four Christians in the church, the attackers took them and a pastor from another area church into a Hindu temple, where they tried to force them to bow down to idols. Also on Sunday, a group of 15 extremists from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh attacked a pastor in Jhabua district of the north central state of Madhya Pradesh. Police declined to arrest any of the militant Hindus, but instead detained the pastor, Anil Mehra of Indian Evangelical Team, for more than 10 hours for "disrupting public peace."

(Gospel for Asia)
Not long ago 60 new believers in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh were threatened with death if they did not return to Hinduism. We thanked God when He answered our prayers and the Christians were spared. Now, however, the place where that church was meeting has been forcefully taken over by radical Hindus and turned into a temple. It is the first time in the 26-year history of Gospel for Asia that a place of worship has been taken over and defiled as a temple. The Believers Church pastor, Ramesh Masih Bhatti, and his family have been forced to move from the building, which was their home for the past 25 years, and are now living with relatives. Local officials have done nothing about the takeover, having apparently sided with the Hindus. The leader of the Hindus in Himachal Pradesh is now threatening a massive, village-by-village campaign to force Christians to convert back to Hinduism.

Pray Christians in India will stand firm knowing they are children of God, not recognized by the world but beloved of their Father. Pray their witness will lead many to Christ. Pray the Holy Spirit will move powerfully in India, bringing glory to God.


NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
Pastor Zacheous Habu Bu Ngwenche may find himself back in police detention if he does not produce a convert from Islam abducted from his house by Muslim militants in September. The 31-year-old pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church in Akwanga, in central Nigeria's Nasarawa state, was arrested twice in September for harboring a Muslim, Bature Suleimanu Idi, who converted to Christianity. After the second arrest, he spent seven days in a cell in Lafia, the state capital. Muslim militants pressured police into arresting him the second time even after officials had confirmed that Bature Suleimanu Idi had not been coerced into converting to Christianity. "I have now been told to produce the Muslim convert, even when the police know that it is the Muslims that abducted Idi," Ngwenche said. "My fear is that he will be killed." (Click here)

Pray God will protect Idi and give him great courage to remain faithful to Jesus. Pray Pastor Negwenche will know the presence and peace of God as he deals with the Muslims who are harassing him. Pray the publicity surrounding these unjust accusations will cause Muslims worldwide to question their beliefs. :162:

WOW. And we wonder why the world hates us...........

So they can enjoy the benefits of Christianity and Capitolism that we do. Reminds me of a song by George Carlin.. Sung to 'America the Beautiful' 'Oh, beautiful for smoggy skies, insecticided grains, for stripped mined mountain majesties, across the asphalt plains. America, America, man sheds his waste on thee.. and hides the pines with billboard signs, from sea to oily sea..

[font=times new roman, serif]The Voice of The MartyrsPakistan Update: Making a Huge Impact for ChristThe earth was not the only thing shaken as a result of the greatest earthquake in Pakistan's history, which claimed more than 84,000 lives. God has shaken many hearts free from the bondage of Islam and shown them His love through the faithful contributions of VOM readers. Many of our friends responded in the past two months to the Pakistan earthquake, and we are thankful. Donations of more than $75,000 have helped provide Action Packs, food, medicine, blankets, tents and most importantly He Lived Among Us gospel storybooks.[/font]
[font=times new roman, serif] [/font]
[font=times new roman, serif]The Pakistanis living in the disaster zone are predominantly hard-line Muslims, but God has opened their hearts through this tragedy. Mosques are now opening their doors to the gospel. VOM staff reported that one Mullah made sure children were not left without copies of He Lived Among Us. Another Muslim leader said: "You are the first who came to us. We thought Christians were our enemies, but after distributing Action Packs, we came to know that we were wrong. You are the real believers; you have a real compassion for Muslim people." Mosque leader Muhammad Aseem told us: "This was our rigid concept--that Christians (especially the Americans) are not good. But in our difficult time, the Christians have been supporting us with tents, food packages, blankets, medical camps and Action Packs. With this concern and good behavior, we are sure that 'heaven' is your treasure."This work is continuing as our faithful Pakistani contacts are ministering in the earthquake region, and it is not too late for your gift to help in this exciting ministry opportunity. This is an opportunity for more than just a financial gift, this is an opportunity to reach out to thousands with the gift of eternity. We invite you to be a part of showing the love of Jesus Christ and His Body to hard-line Muslims in Pakistan. [/font]
[font=times new roman, serif] [/font]
[font=times new roman, serif] [/font]
[font=times new roman, serif] [/font]
[font=times new roman, serif][/font]
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][/font]

Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
Praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord
From this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its going down
The Lord's name is to be praised.

The Lord is high above all nations,
His glory above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God,
Who dwells on high,
Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
That He may seat him with princes-
With the princes of His people.
He grants the barren woman a home,
Like a joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
(Psalm 113)

Prayers for January 3, 2006
From The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
Following the closure of scores of churches in the past two years, the Indonesian government is revising a controversial law to regulate places of worship. Christian leaders fear the changes will do little to keep Muslim communities from blocking or shutting down churches. The original 1969 decree requires all religious groups to apply for permits before setting up a place of worship. Neighbors in the immediate vicinity of a proposed church, mosque or Hindu temple must give their consent before a permit is granted. Under proposed revisions, community members will serve as "inter-faith forums" to give approval before a church could even apply for a permit. This will give them even more power in establishing the religious make-up of a village. "If it comes down to a vote, Muslim leaders will influence others to vote against churches," Father Antonius Benny Susetyo, a spokesman for the Indonesian Bishops' Council, told Compass.

Pray God will give Indonesian Christians a spirit of wisdom for the present and great hope for the future. Pray they will draw close to the Lord in worship wherever and whenever they meet. Pray Muslims will be frustrated with their inability to stamp out Christianity and come to realize the eternal authority and love of Jesus Christ.


TURKEY (Compass Direct)
For the third time in six months, Turkish Christian Yakup Cindilli has failed to appear at court hearings against the ultra-nationalists who beat him into a coma two years ago for distributing New Testaments in his hometown. The clerk of the Orhangazi Criminal Court near Bursa, in northwestern Turkey, confirmed to Compass last week that Cindilli had not attended a December 15th hearing. Partially recovered, Cindilli had left Orhangazi last June, apparently circulating in various areas of Istanbul over the summer months. With his whereabouts unknown, it is presumed he may not have known about the hearings scheduled on his case. Although his assailants were jailed, one was released a month later and the other two granted bail after three months. The Orhangazi judge has postponed the criminal court hearing on Cindilli's case until March 16th.

Pray Cindilli will be able to have another series of medical tests to prove the severity of his injuries. Pray he will be willing and able to attend the March 16th hearing. Pray that as the time for the trial drags on, the Lord will lead his attackers to repentance and faith in Jesus.


TURKMENISTAN (ASSIST News Services)
After four weeks of holding services in a rented hall in the capital Ashgabad (Ashgabat), the registered Greater Grace Protestant church was banned in late November from holding meetings in publicly owned premises. Registered religious communities cannot rent publicly owned premises or meet in private homes. Obstruction to finding places they were allowed to use for worship was one of the major complaints from registered religious communities at a government-sponsored roundtable meeting in Ashgabad in late October. Greater Grace church signed a rental contract with a geological institution in Ashgabad to hold services there on Sundays. "It was a good hall," church members report. "We invited officials from the city's Religious Affairs Office and they came to the services-it was all done officially and openly." Then, after the fourth service, an official of the city administration's Religious Affairs Office told the church it could not continue meeting in the state-owned hall. The church believes the decision originated with the MSS secret police. The church is planning to write to the Adalat (Fairness or Justice) Ministry to seek clarification. "Other people who want to rent state facilities can do so, but not religious communities it seems," church members complained. "I don't know why-there's no law which forbids this." The Greater Grace church gained official registration from the Adalat Ministry at the end of August after a year of foot-dragging.

Pray the Lord will soften the hearts of officials in the Adalat Ministry and allow this church to continue renting a hall for worship. Pray the healing power of Jesus will bring His life and love into the hearts of everyone in the region.

(VOM-Canada)
Seven Christians in Turkmenistan were gathered for prayer in a home when government officials and a Muslim imam raided their meeting. The home belonged to a recent convert named Oguldurdy. The attack took place on December 17th, in the northeastern town of Deynau, according to a report from Forum 18. During the raid, officials searched the home for Christian literature and confiscated two Bibles. The seven were then taken to the Public Prosecutor's office where they were threatened and insulted. They were told they should be publicly denounced as traitors. One woman was threatened with expulsion from her rented apartment.

Pray the Lord will grace His people with the quiet joy that comes from knowing they are falsely accused for Christ's sake. Pray their trust in Christ will overshadow any fear they might face. Ask God to restore the Bibles and Christian literature taken from them.


RUSSIA (ASSIST News Service)
Russia is currently experiencing a resurgence of religious repression similar to that of an earlier period in the country's history. "Our country, Russia, experiences a very difficult time now. In many respects it is very similar to the 1920-1930 period in Russian history," writes Isabel Du Toit, Head of Prayer Ministry for the TBN and Association of Christian Churches "Union of Christians," in an e-mail obtained by ASSIST News Service (ANS). "Today we face a new wave of slander against Christian leaders in Russia. There are waves of gossip to discredit Russian main Christian leaders, i.e. Bishop Sergey Ryahovsky (head of the Russian Pentecostal Union), Bishop Paul Okara (head of the Russian Evangelical Church) and Bishop Igor 'Nikki' Nikitin (head of the Association of Christian Churches' Union of Christians)." Du Toit asks concerned Christians in the United States to "please stand with us in prayer to end this tendency and prevent the repetition of these happenings."

Pray the Spirit of Christ will fill Russian churches and their leaders. Pray God will protect His Body from splits and destruction. Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit throughout Russia.


INDIA (Compass Direct)
From setting fire to churches to force "reconversion" to Hinduism, extremists persecuted Roman Catholics throughout 2005. In several cases of religiously motivated violence this year, police refused to file charges, leaving the victims with no legal means to pursue their complaints. In other cases desecration of religious objects was recorded only as petty crime or theft. Christian leaders may disagree on whether persecution has increased in India this year, but undisputed are the scars many Catholics bear for the Savior whose birth they are celebrating. (Click here)

Pray the Catholics under attack will draw close to Jesus, their Protector. Pray the suffering of all Christians in India will bring unity to the Body of Christ. Pray the Holy Spirit will draw Hindus to seek TRUTH

Prayers for January 24, 2006
From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA (VOM-Canada)
Gao Zhisheng, a prominent lawyer who had his legal license suspended by Chinese authorities for representing religious rights, faced an attempt on his life January 17th. China Aid Association reported Gao was traveling in Beijing when a vehicle with an obscured license plate suddenly stopped in front of him. He narrowly missed hitting the vehicle, stopped and got out to investigate. The driver of the other car then attempted to run down Gao, but he was able to dodge out of the path of the vehicle. As the car sped away, the newspaper covering the license plate blew away and the plate number was reported. It is believed the driver was a security agent of the Chinese government. Throughout the incident, a military vehicle was observing nearby.

Pray Gao will continue to experience God's protection even though his work angers those in authority. Pray Gao and his friends within the house churches will continue to share Christ with boldness and even share their faith with their persecutors. Pray with confidence for Chinese authorities, knowing God's hand is not shortened that it cannot save.


INDIA (VOM-Canada)
On January 14th, approximately 40 Hindu militants opposed to a children's home and school being constructed in the Northeastern Indian village of Tikri in Uttaranchal came to the construction site and threatened to kill the workers who were building the new facility. The workers all fled for their lives. Ashish Massey, head of the North India Evangelistic Association (NIEA) funding the project, has also been similarly threatened by the militants. Khumi Massey, a staff member of NIEA, reported some of the local villagers allegedly complained to the activists that the Christians had come to their village to convert them. In a separate incident in West Bengal, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority demolished a church building and orphanage on January 16th, despite on-going legal proceedings. According to Indian Express, the development authority claimed the buildings were impeding a planned road expansion. At the time of its destruction, the orphanage was home to 30 children and 20 women.

Pray those who are serving these little ones in the name of the Father will know His protection. Pray the displaced children and women in West Bengal will find housing even better housing than what they had before. Pray God will prove Himself strong on behalf of His children and many Hindus will find joy in Jesus as their Savior.

(Compass Direct)
Hindu extremists attacked Christians in two incidents in Andhra Pradesh state on January 12th and 13th. Seven Christians, including two pastors, sustained injuries. In Nizamabad district on January 12th, a mob of about 100 extremists attacked a group of Christians led by the pastor of a Pentecostal church as they distributed Christian pamphlets near a bus stand. Police intervened before they could burn the pastor alive. On January 13th, in the same district, members of the Hindu extremist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh dragged five people from a 5-year-old girl's birthday party and beat them. Among the victims was Pastor Nagani Swami David, who was kicked unconscious and left at a Hindu temple.

Pray God will comfort and heal those who were injured in these attacks. Pray the Christians will forgive their enemies and make Jesus' love known among the Hindus. Pray God will work a miracle of His grace and power to stop these Hindu extremists from any further attacks on Christians.


INDONESIA (Compass Direct)
Government officials in Bandung, West Java, ordered eight house churches in the Rancaekek Kencana housing complex to cease meeting in private homes starting Sunday January 15th. Each church received the order by letter last Friday the 13th, following a meeting the previous day attended by local government officials, police, the commander of the local military and the leader of a local Muslim forum. Several of the churches in the complex met for worship that Sunday anyway, saying they had no alternative venue. The churches first applied for permits in 1993, but were rejected. Under a ministerial decree issued in 1969, all religious groups must apply for permits-and since neighbors must give their approval before a permit is granted, the decree is a huge obstacle for churches meeting in Muslim majority communities.

Pray God will give His strength and courage to these believers as they continue to meet and willingly face the consequences. Pray Christians worldwide will offer fervent prayers to the Lord God on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Indonesia. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in power to bring Muslims to a saving knowledge of Christ.


LAOS (Compass Direct)
An itinerant evangelist, pastor and father of four children, was brutally murdered in southern Laos the week before Christmas. The body of Aroun Voraphorn was found on December 23rd, abandoned on a jungle road near his home village of Huaysiat. His wife last heard from him on December 18th, when he told her by telephone he would arrive late for his youngest daughter's birthday party as he was buying a birthday cake. Religious motives for the killing cannot be ruled out, as the evangelist had been imprisoned for his faith in 1996. At a funeral service on Christmas Eve, his wife Metta Voraphorn pleaded with Christians in Laos to continue preaching the gospel fearlessly, as her husband had done.

Pray God will comfort Vaoraphorn's family with His special peace. Pray the murder of this innocent man will increase the zeal of his Christian friends to spread word of our God of peace. Pray the light of the Holy Spirit will overcome the spiritual darkness in Laos.

(Missions Insider)
After becoming believers in Christ a few months ago, six families were verbally ordered by the local chief and police of the village to relocate to another village. They were told villagers did not want any Christians living in their village of Nongthorn, Lowngam district, Saravan province. In addition, several Lao Christian leaders and their wives are missing for no apparent reason. They have disappeared with no trace of their whereabouts.

Pray God will protect the harassed families and the missing Christian leaders with His strong arm. Pray He will strengthen them to stand fast in the faith. Pray the Lord will guide them and wherever they go their witness will be to His glory.


UZBEKISTAN (Compass Direct)
Compass Direct reported a program televised regionally in Uzbekistan last summer has left entire communities convinced that a Protestant congregation is an "extremist" group worse than fundamentalist Islam. Entitled "Zalolat" (Disaster), the 22-minute "exposé" sensationalized a police raid last June against the Full Gospel Church in Urgench, capital of Khorezm province in Northwest Uzbekistan. Interspersing scenes from the raid with interviews with local police, judicial and Muslim officials, the program represented Pastor Ruzmet Voisov and his congregation as "Christian extremists" guilty of breaking the laws of Uzbekistan and trying to destroy national stability.

Pray as Christians in Uzbekistan live in the light of Christ they will see God defeat the plans of the enemy. Pray moderate Muslims will speak up against the violence of Islamic extremists. Pray God will give many Muslims dreams and visions that will open their hearts and minds to Jesus as their Savior. :162:

AFGHANISTAN (ASSIST News Service and VOM sources)
Abdul Rahman, who converted from Islam to Christianity and was prosecuted in a Kabul court, has been released. He could have been sentenced to death. Rahman was arrested last month after his family went to the police and accused him of becoming a Christian. Such a conversion violates the country's Islamic laws. During the hearing, the defendant allegedly confessed he converted from Islam to Christianity 16 years ago when he was 25 and working as a medical aid worker for Afghan refugees in neighboring Pakistan. Afghanistan's constitution is based on Shariah law, which states any Muslim who rejects their religion should be sentenced to death. The prosecutor, Abdul Wasi, said he had offered to drop the charges if Rahman changed his religion back to Islam, but the defendant refused. International publicity put pressure on the court to release him, but he will be in grave danger as long as he remains in the country. Muslim extremists view Rahman as an apostate who must be killed according to Islamic law.

Thank our merciful Lord that Rahman was released from custody. Pray God will protect him and provide a safe haven for him outside of Afghanistan. Pray the exceptional worldwide publicity covering this case will awaken the world to the true nature of Islam, and bring about a spiritual revival in Afghanistan.

(Compass Direct)
Compass has confirmed the arrest of two other Afghan Christians. Another Afghan convert to Christianity was beaten severely outside his home by a group of six men who finally knocked him unconscious with a hard blow to his temple. He woke up in the hospital two hours later. "Our brother remains steadfast, despite the ostracism and beatings," one of his friends said.

Pray international media will continue to publicize the persecution of Christians in Afghanistan and other countries. Pray God will protect and strengthen His faithful followers. Pray those who are suffering for their steadfast faith will bring forth a harvest of souls finding true peace in Jesus Christ.


CHINA (China Aid Association)
CAA learned 24 house-church leaders are still missing following a police raid on a house-church leader's meeting in Henan province. According to an eyewitness report, at noon on March 13th, a number of public security officials raided a house-church meeting at Wen county, Henan province. Eighty Chinese house-church leaders from different counties of Henan province were attending a co-workers' meeting. All of the leaders were then taken into custody after the police searched their bodies and confiscated the cash on them. While 36 from Wen county were released within 24 hours, 24 of those from other counties are still missing. None of their whereabouts are known. Last week CAA also released a Defense Statement prepared by the defense lawyers of a controversial religious group leader, Xu Shuangfu. Xu Shuangfu stated he had sustained an extortion of confession by severe torture, including denial of sleep for long periods and pouring hot pepper, gasoline and ginger juice into his nostrils. He was hung for long periods with his armed stretched and bound, shocked with electricity applied to copper wires bound around his extremities and hit with clubs on a helmet worn on his head. After seven days and nights of severe torture, he finally confessed to the unsubstantiated charges of authorizing the killing of members of the Eastern Lightning sect.

Pray the 24 Christians still in custody will know the comfort of Jesus' presence. Pray they will be released soon. Pray Xu Shuangfu will remember the apostle Peter and know Jesus' love and forgiveness.


INDIA (Compass Direct)
A Hindu extremist group planning centenary celebrations in April hopes to "reconvert" as many as 10,000 tribal Christians to Hinduism during the event. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold the Dharma Jogna in Orissa, India April 8th – 10th. Given the recent trend of mass "reconversion" ceremonies organized by the RSS and its sister organization, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council), Christian leaders fear many tribal people may be persuaded to reconvert against their will. "We are extremely worried," said the Rev. Dandia Basi Hrudaya, secretary of the Orissa chapter of the All India Christian Council (AICC). "The AICC and other Christian leaders are meeting this week to finalize plans to protect the tribals during this event."

Pray our powerful, omnipotent God will protect all those who have chosen to believe in His Son. Pray the Holy Spirit will send a spirit of confusion among the Hindus attending the "reconversion" ceremonies. Pray Christians worldwide will join in fervent prayer that our one true God be glorified in this event.

(Compass Direct)
The Rev. Tongkhojang Lunkim was released at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday (March 18th), after being held captive for two months by the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) in Manipur state, northeast India. Before handing him over, the KLA forced Lunkim to apologize for and stop his alleged "anti-KLA activities." The Rev. M. Haokhothong, Lunkim's son-in-law, told Compass he was grateful for those who have prayed for the release. "I met Lunkim this evening in his home, but unfortunately he is too weak and unable to speak," Haokhothong said. "He is on a glucose drip, and a nurse is attending him." Lunkim--a missionary and human rights activist--was a key spokesman for the people of Manipur.

Give thanks to God for the release of Rev. Lunkim. Pray he will know the presence and healing power of Jesus as he recovers from the trauma of imprisonment. Pray God will give him supernatural peace of mind as he forgives his captors.


TURKEY (Compass Direct)
On March 11th, a Turkish Muslim shouting insults against Christianity pulled a long butcher knife on two priests and a group of teenagers at a Latin Catholic church in Mersin, threatening them and their families. In a 30-minute standoff in the town on the southern coast of Turkey, Erdal Gurel entered the parish convent of St. Antoine's Catholic Church while 25 of the church's young people were rehearsing for an Easter passion play. After threatening Hanri Leylek, a priest, with a knife, cursing Christianity and chasing the youths, the 19-year-old Gurel was apprehended by police. It was unclear, however, whether he remained in custody. In a country where media often portray the tiny Protestant community negatively, some news organizations here took notice when Muslims threatened Christians at a recent book fair last week. Normally, Turkish nationalists threatening to hang local Protestants for operating a Christian literature stall at the Bursa annual book fair wouldn't have raised an eyebrow. But it wasn't long before Turkish television video and newspaper commentary were running. Some of the commentary only further fanned anti-Christian sentiment.

Give thanks and praise to God that the threatened priest and teenagers weren't harmed. Pray God will soften the heart of Erdal Gurel, bringing him to repentance and the desire for forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. Pray moderate Muslims in Turkey will not allow their country to be governed by Islamic extremists.
:162:

Dear {reader}



"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 8:35-39)

Prayers for March 28, 2006
From The Voice of the Martyrs

AFGHANISTAN (ASSIST News Service and VOM sources)
Abdul Rahman, who converted from Islam to Christianity and was prosecuted in a Kabul court, has been released. He could have been sentenced to death. Rahman was arrested last month after his family went to the police and accused him of becoming a Christian. Such a conversion violates the country's Islamic laws. During the hearing, the defendant allegedly confessed he converted from Islam to Christianity 16 years ago when he was 25 and working as a medical aid worker for Afghan refugees in neighboring Pakistan. Afghanistan's constitution is based on Shariah law, which states any Muslim who rejects their religion should be sentenced to death. The prosecutor, Abdul Wasi, said he had offered to drop the charges if Rahman changed his religion back to Islam, but the defendant refused. International publicity put pressure on the court to release him, but he will be in grave danger as long as he remains in the country. Muslim extremists view Rahman as an apostate who must be killed according to Islamic law.

Thank our merciful Lord that Rahman was released from custody. Pray God will protect him and provide a safe haven for him outside of Afghanistan. Pray the exceptional worldwide publicity covering this case will awaken the world to the true nature of Islam, and bring about a spiritual revival in Afghanistan.

(Compass Direct)
Compass has confirmed the arrest of two other Afghan Christians. Another Afghan convert to Christianity was beaten severely outside his home by a group of six men who finally knocked him unconscious with a hard blow to his temple. He woke up in the hospital two hours later. "Our brother remains steadfast, despite the ostracism and beatings," one of his friends said.

Pray international media will continue to publicize the persecution of Christians in Afghanistan and other countries. Pray God will protect and strengthen His faithful followers. Pray those who are suffering for their steadfast faith will bring forth a harvest of souls finding true peace in Jesus Christ.


CHINA (China Aid Association)
CAA learned 24 house-church leaders are still missing following a police raid on a house-church leader's meeting in Henan province. According to an eyewitness report, at noon on March 13th, a number of public security officials raided a house-church meeting at Wen county, Henan province. Eighty Chinese house-church leaders from different counties of Henan province were attending a co-workers' meeting. All of the leaders were then taken into custody after the police searched their bodies and confiscated the cash on them. While 36 from Wen county were released within 24 hours, 24 of those from other counties are still missing. None of their whereabouts are known. Last week CAA also released a Defense Statement prepared by the defense lawyers of a controversial religious group leader, Xu Shuangfu. Xu Shuangfu stated he had sustained an extortion of confession by severe torture, including denial of sleep for long periods and pouring hot pepper, gasoline and ginger juice into his nostrils. He was hung for long periods with his armed stretched and bound, shocked with electricity applied to copper wires bound around his extremities and hit with clubs on a helmet worn on his head. After seven days and nights of severe torture, he finally confessed to the unsubstantiated charges of authorizing the killing of members of the Eastern Lightning sect.

Pray the 24 Christians still in custody will know the comfort of Jesus' presence. Pray they will be released soon. Pray Xu Shuangfu will remember the apostle Peter and know Jesus' love and forgiveness.


INDIA (Compass Direct)
A Hindu extremist group planning centenary celebrations in April hopes to "reconvert" as many as 10,000 tribal Christians to Hinduism during the event. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold the Dharma Jogna in Orissa, India April 8th – 10th. Given the recent trend of mass "reconversion" ceremonies organized by the RSS and its sister organization, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council), Christian leaders fear many tribal people may be persuaded to reconvert against their will. "We are extremely worried," said the Rev. Dandia Basi Hrudaya, secretary of the Orissa chapter of the All India Christian Council (AICC). "The AICC and other Christian leaders are meeting this week to finalize plans to protect the tribals during this event."

Pray our powerful, omnipotent God will protect all those who have chosen to believe in His Son. Pray the Holy Spirit will send a spirit of confusion among the Hindus attending the "reconversion" ceremonies. Pray Christians worldwide will join in fervent prayer that our one true God be glorified in this event.

(Compass Direct)
The Rev. Tongkhojang Lunkim was released at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday (March 18th), after being held captive for two months by the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) in Manipur state, northeast India. Before handing him over, the KLA forced Lunkim to apologize for and stop his alleged "anti-KLA activities." The Rev. M. Haokhothong, Lunkim's son-in-law, told Compass he was grateful for those who have prayed for the release. "I met Lunkim this evening in his home, but unfortunately he is too weak and unable to speak," Haokhothong said. "He is on a glucose drip, and a nurse is attending him." Lunkim--a missionary and human rights activist--was a key spokesman for the people of Manipur.

Give thanks to God for the release of Rev. Lunkim. Pray he will know the presence and healing power of Jesus as he recovers from the trauma of imprisonment. Pray God will give him supernatural peace of mind as he forgives his captors.


TURKEY (Compass Direct)
On March 11th, a Turkish Muslim shouting insults against Christianity pulled a long butcher knife on two priests and a group of teenagers at a Latin Catholic church in Mersin, threatening them and their families. In a 30-minute standoff in the town on the southern coast of Turkey, Erdal Gurel entered the parish convent of St. Antoine's Catholic Church while 25 of the church's young people were rehearsing for an Easter passion play. After threatening Hanri Leylek, a priest, with a knife, cursing Christianity and chasing the youths, the 19-year-old Gurel was apprehended by police. It was unclear, however, whether he remained in custody. In a country where media often portray the tiny Protestant community negatively, some news organizations here took notice when Muslims threatened Christians at a recent book fair last week. Normally, Turkish nationalists threatening to hang local Protestants for operating a Christian literature stall at the Bursa annual book fair wouldn't have raised an eyebrow. But it wasn't long before Turkish television video and newspaper commentary were running. Some of the commentary only further fanned anti-Christian sentiment.

Give thanks and praise to God that the threatened priest and teenagers weren't harmed. Pray God will soften the heart of Erdal Gurel, bringing him to repentance and the desire for forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. Pray moderate Muslims in Turkey will not allow their country to be governed by Islamic extremists.

www.persecution.com

I oppose forced conversions regardless of whose beliefs dominate. I wonder, Mister Emu, how you feel about the forced conversions of Native Americans to Christianity by missionaries?

(edit: I find any forced conversions) Repugnant

Oh good! Yay, Mister Emu! Love your avatar, by the way.

Hope you don't mind if I merged the threads, Mr Emu................

Love your avatar, by the way.

Click to expand...

Thanks.

Hope you don't mind if I merged the threads, Mr Emu................

Click to expand...

:sad4: How could you?!! Knockout Ready to fight?!!

Don't mind at all

Well, if you're a Christian it's understandable to... what's that evil word round here? Oh Yeah Proselytise... on the flip side, the fact that Christians the world over are now associated with America in the minds of those who dislike America is worrying for people who like to travel.

I mentioned this excellent website on another recent thread:

Christians around the globe are daily persecuted/killed for their faith. And yet, you almost never hear of this in the secular media. This site has some moving, horrific tales:

http://www.persecution.com/basic/feature.cfm

Jesus foretold that we who are Christians would be persecuted for our faith, and that we should even consider it a 'blessing.' Yikes. I often wonder how strong my faith would be if it meant I could face imprisonment or death. In a spiritual sense, I am jealous of those who are persecuted, like the Afghan guy. I wish I had his kind of faith.
___________________________

Prayers for April 11, 2006
From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA (Compass Direct)
A major Chinese house-church leader was scheduled for a potentially decisive court hearing April 6th, after more than 16 months in police custody. Zhang Rongliang was arrested by Henan police without charges on December 1, 2004. Only months later was he charged with "attaining a passport through cheating" and with "illegal border crossing." Chinese authorities often deny passports to well-known house-church leaders. Health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure have grown worse while he has been in custody. Previously, Zhang had been detained five times and spent a total of 12 years in prison for his religious activities. "This will be his third hearing," said a co-worker who asked to remain anonymous. "This time I hope the court can make an independent decision based on truth and justice." Although VOM has no further news of the outcome of this trial, we are concerned for Zhang's welfare.

Pray God will soften the hearts of the authorities to release this innocent man with serious health problems. Pray Zhang's faith will continue to inspire the millions of members of the house churches he led. Pray those who attend the trial will seek the One who has given Zhang so much peace in the midst of suffering.


EGYPT (Compass Direct)
Following a three-month search, an Egyptian Christian has discovered his missing sister living with a Muslim family near her home town and now professing faith in Islam. Spurred by a brief telephone message from Theresa Ghattass Kamal saying she was being held against her will and forced to convert to Islam, Sa'eed Ghattass Kamal recently tracked his sister. He found her in the Bedouin desert area of El-Ga'ar, near his home in Wadi El-Natroun, 50 miles northwest of Cairo. Flanked by her suspected captors and with only her eyes showing through her veil, Theresa Kamal sat with her brother for 90 minutes but only spoke once. "I have converted to Islam. I have found the right path," she reportedly said in a trembling voice.

Pray Jesus will draw near to Theresa Kamal, giving her His comfort and the strength to endure. Pray God will show Himself powerful on her behalf, allowing her to get away. Pray Jesus will appear to her captors through powerful dreams and visions.


NEPAL (ASSIST News Service)
Nepali evangelist Kumar was making plans to travel from his village to the capital city of Katmandu for a worship conference in early March, when three Mao insurgents paid him a visit. They approached Kumar, and demanded a 5,000 rupee "donation," (about $70 U.S.) to support their cause. When Kumar couldn't pay, they kidnapped him. They told Kumar he should stop following the foreign religion of Christianity and join them. They also said whatever money he was getting to do gospel work, he must give to them instead. Although he was afraid, Kumar insisted he must continue doing the work of the gospel. Hearing this, the rebels took Kumar and forced him to work as their porter, carrying weapons. Kumar followed the Maoists for 15 days against his will, on their military missions, carrying rifles and pressure-cooker bombs. He had little to eat and had to watch helplessly while the Maoists threatened other villagers like himself to get food and money to support their army. Eventually, Kumar was able to borrow money to give to the Maoists so they would let him go. He was released on March 15th. Kumar returned to his wife and five young children. Kumar's experience is not an unusual one. In the past 10 years of the ongoing Nepalese civil war, the Maoist guerrilla-based insurgency, who claims to be fighting for a democratic new Nepal, has often used force and scare tactics to elicit support. For gospel workers like Kumar, pressure comes from both the Mao rebels and the Royal Nepal Army police who are loyal to the king. Any kind of gathering is looked upon with suspicion by the police, ever on the look-out for guerrillas. Mao rebels see every able-bodied man as a potential recruit or supporter of their cause. Christians are often caught in the middle.

Pray God will give Nepali Christians His peace that comes from forgiving their enemies. Pray Jesus will grow His Body of believers in spite of opposition and danger. Pray the true Lord of Nepal will bring peace to this troubled land.


NIGERIA (Compass Direct)
"If you are forcing me to marry a man who is a Muslim simply because of my decision to become a Christian, then I will rather have you kill me than accept to marry this man." These were the bitter words of Jamila Noma, now 16, to her father, Malam Noma, in an Islamic court two years ago in Jimeri village, Bauchi state of Northern Nigeria. The girl had been arrested by police and brought before an Islamic court on the orders of her father when she became a Christian and rejected his decision to marry her off to a Muslim man. These two years have left her in an uncertain situation. The court has not decided the case; she has been disowned by her father and has been forced out of the family home. Jamila is staying with her lawyer, Suleiman Wurno, who is trying legal means to stop her from being prosecuted. He also has enrolled her in vocational training to become a tailor.

Pray God will protect Jamila from harm and cause her case to be dismissed. Pray she will find employment as a tailor and the Lord will provide a Christian husband for her. Pray God will soften the heart of Jamila's father to accept his daughter and allow her to visit her family safely.


VIETNAM (Compass Direct)
Less than a year after believers in Vietnam's central Quang Ngai province saw some of their dwellings destroyed, a mob burned down five homes of other Hre minority Christians in the legally recognized Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South). Church leaders believe local authorities either allowed or instigated the burning of the five homes owned by Hre Christians in Son Tinh Commune, Son Tay district of Quang Ngai province, on the morning of March 7th. In addition, two believers who had rebuilt area homes destroyed in July 2005 had their outbuildings for storing paddy rice burned on March 4th. One of the Christians, Dinh Van Heo, lost 55 sacks of rice and recently faced severe pressure to recant his faith.

Pray God will move in the hearts of the Quang Ngai authorities to enforce justice in this province. Pray the Christians' witness of love and forgiveness will lead many to Christ. Pray these acts of violence against the property of Christians will cause people to seek the Prince of Peace. :162: