Voice of the Oppressed

Prayers for November 21, 2006

From The Voice of the Martyrs​

Xu Shengguang, along with two other church leaders, may face a death sentence in December from the Shuang Yashan Intermediate People's Court will be upheld. Meanwhile, China Aid Association (CAA) learned Christians Tian Yinghua, Wang Qiu and Jiang Rong in Wendeng City, Shandong Province, who filed lawsuits against the local Public Security Bureau (PSB), have reached an out of court agreement. As a result of the agreement, the Wendeng PSB revoked the administrative penalty decision and the three Christians withdrew their lawsuit. Pray the Holy Spirit who moved the hearts of the PSB authorities in Wendeng will also move in power to save the lives of Xu Shengguang and the other two church leaders. Isaiah 64:4

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Pastor C. S. John directs an orphanage with about 50 children in Lakkavalli in Karnataka state. Recently, two men knocked on the gate of his house, and when a friend who was recovering from cancer, came out to explain that Pastor John was away, the sick man was assaulted. Later, Pastor John's mother was told they were planning to beat up her eldest son and keep Christians from entering the church. Pray God will bring peace to this village as he makes His love known to everyone. Even as this story is being released, VOM has received reports of a pastor shot and killed in Kashmir. Everyday VOM is receiving reports of new persecution cases. Since January 1, 2006, more than 175 persecution cases have been reported. Pray the Lord gives grace and peace to His suffering children in India and they will know they are not forgotten. 1 Corinthians 1:3, 4

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A court in Gujarat state has handed Pravinbhai Madhavlal Patel a sentence of life imprisonment--a maximum of 14 years, under Indian law--for killing his Catholic driver for asking for an advance in pay. On Christmas Eve of 2004, the Catholic driver, Robinson Joseph Swami, asked Patel for 500 rupees (US $11), the amount due him, plus an advance of 700 rupees (US $16) to celebrate Christmas. Patel got so furious that he brought some petrol in a container, poured it on Swami and lit a matchstick. Give thanks to God that justice has been done in this case. Pray God will give Patel a desire for repentance and a need for to be forgiven by Jesus. Isaiah 5:16

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Tensions are high against Christians in Malaysia. A protest by Muslims began because of a text message which claimed a Catholic church would baptize a group of Malay Muslims. Muslims gathered in front of a Catholic church in Ipoh, Perak state, on November 5 to protest the rumored baptisms. As it turned out, the rumor of the baptisms was false. The church members stayed inside the church until the protestors left. Pray God will bring His peace to Malaysia. Psalm 46:10

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On November 10, after eight and a half years in jail on unsubstantiated blasphemy charges, Pakistani Christian Ranjha Masih was acquitted today by the Lahore High Court. He was arrested in May 1998, during a funeral procession for former Catholic Bishop of Faisalabad, John Joseph. Masih was convicted and sentenced to life in prison by a district court in April 2003. At the end of a two-hour appeal hearing on the case, the Presiding Justice ruled that the lack of any solid evidence against Masih required him to issue a release. According to the Lahore-based Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement, the former hospital worker will be transferred to a secure, undisclosed location after his release. Give thanks to God for answered prayer and pray His continued protection for Ranjha Masih. 2 Timothy 4:18

Note:
Since last week's prayer update, additional details have been reported in the case of Australian teen Kaihana Hussain. While she continues to need prayer that she will know and live for Christ, it now appears that her case does not involve Christian persecution.​

I just wanted to say that i really rate the Voice of the Martyrs online newspaper, it really helps to keep you updated with th terrible persecution that goes on to my brothers and sisters in Christ that seems to skip the news stations.

I'm the opposite. I hope they all fail miserably at what they're trying to do, and painfully enough that it makes others think twice.

I would support their immediate arrest and deportation.

Djamila said:

I'm the opposite. I hope they all fail miserably at what they're trying to do, and painfully enough that it makes others think twice.

I would support their immediate arrest and deportation.

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Wow! ...................At least they are brave enough to try.............

michel said:

Wow!

...................At least they are brave enough to try.............

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Sorry , but it's how I feel about these missionaries. No one invited them, they're generally not welcome, so make the whole thing illegal and send them home. There they can target each other's followers in America to their heart's delight.

If not, to come into our house and spit on our floor - they'd better be prepared to face the consequences. I just hope more governments make such missionary work illegal before it breeds even more resentment towards Christians in general.

How do they not see, for example, that Christian life in Baghdad is worse since they came? Do they even care? Go home, go home, go home, go home, go home.

Djamila said:

Sorry , but it's how I feel about these missionaries. No one invited them, they're generally not welcome, so make the whole thing illegal and send them home. There they can target each other's followers in America to their heart's delight.

If not, to come into our house and spit on our floor - they'd better be prepared to face the consequences. I just hope more governments make such missionary work illegal before it breeds even more resentment towards Christians in general.

How do they not see, for example, that Christian life in Baghdad is worse since they came? Do they even care? Go home, go home, go home, go home, go home.

Click to expand...

I am sorry Djamila, you may have got the wrong impression; these aren't missionaries (though a few maybe so); these are people who want the ability to worship in Chritian fellowship. They are not trying to 'recruit' they are mainly just asking to be able to pray to the Christaian God, in the company of others who feel the same.

A protest by Muslims began because of a text message which claimed a Catholic church would baptize a group of Malay Muslims. Muslims gathered in front of a Catholic church in Ipoh, Perak state, on November 5 to protest the rumored baptisms. As it turned out, the rumor of the baptisms was false

Click to expand...

Pastor C. S. John directs an orphanage with about 50 children in Lakkavalli in Karnataka state. Recently, two men knocked on the gate of his house, and when a friend who was recovering from cancer, came out to explain that Pastor John was away, the sick man was assaulted.

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Had you actually read the article ?

I'm sorry, Michel. I don't agree, but I don't want to hijack your thread. I tried so hard to resist saying anything but I couldn't. But I've said what I think, and that's all - I promise.

VOM's history is available at Persecution.org in an interesting timeline format which follows the persecution of its Romanian founders, Richard and Sabrina Wurmbrand and their subsequent efforts on behalf of the persecuted.

I first became aware of Voice of the Martyrs after reading some books by Toby Mac and DC Talk (Jesus Freaks and Extreme Devotion). The stories are .... overwhelming and inspiring. I love and support VOM and all the good work they are doing, thanks for the thread Michel.

Moon Woman said:

I first became aware of Voice of the Martyrs after reading some books by Toby Mac and DC Talk (Jesus Freaks and Extreme Devotion). The stories are .... overwhelming and inspiring. I love and support VOM and all the good work they are doing, thanks for the thread Michel.

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Thanks!:hug: To me, there is none as brave as he or she who will stand for what they believe in, at the cost of being abused.
Prayers for November 28, 2006

From The Voice of the Martyrs ​

ETHIOPIA Attacks on Christians in Western Ethiopia - VOM Canada​

VOM is providing aid for Semu Hailu and his family after he was imprisoned on November 5. Hailu, an elder of a Mennonite Church in Jimma was imprisoned after a group of Muslims accused him of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Hailu had refused to move out of his house and sell his property to a nearby mosque. The Muslims responded by telling him that "kafirs" (infidels) should not live around mosques and threatened him repeatedly, demanding that he leave his property. When he refused, they eventually accused him of insulting Muhammad. During Hailu's November 9 court hearing, Muslims brought in false witnesses to testify against him. The court ordered him to be imprisoned for an unspecified period of time. In another incident, November 17, the house of Jemal Tasisa was burned by Muslims in the village of Tongo. Tasisa, an elder in a local Lutheran church, has fled to Assosa, Benishangul state with his five children. Pray these believers will remain faithful to Jesus. Romans 12:19​

INDIA Faithful Christian Worker Killed - Compass Direct

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Two unidentified militants recently killed a Christian convert from Islam on a busy road in Mamoosa village in the terror-stricken state of Jammu and Kashmir. Bashir Ahmed Tantray, a 50-year-old engineer, was shot dead apparently by Islamist militants as he stood at a busy bus stand near his parents' house. Tantray, who had accepted Christianity about a decade ago and had been an active Christian worker ever since, is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons. A local Christian source said. "There is no doubt among the people, both Christian and Muslim, here that he was killed because of his identity as a Christian worker." John 16:1-3​

VIETNAM Government Plan to Subdue Spread of Protestantism - Christian Solidarity Worldwide

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Christian Solidarity Worldwide learned about an internal Vietnamese government training manual, which outlines a plan "to resolutely subdue the abnormally rapid and spontaneous development of the Protestant religion." This plan seeks to dampen the spread of Protestantism among ethnic minorities in the country's northwest highlands. Pray God will continue the "abnormal" growth of His kingdom in Vietnam. 1 Peter 2:9, 10​

PAKISTAN Drunken Mob Vandalizes Church - Compass Direct

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On November 12, armed and drunken Muslims struck two greeters at a Sunday evening service of a church outside Lahore. They returned later to pelt the building with stones and bricks. Ten men broke fluorescent lights and a cross on the outer gate of the Talab Sarai village Nazarene church. Pastor Rafiq Masih told the Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) that the Muslim men began to hit greeters who had stopped them earlier from harassing Christian women. The congregation of about 40 families quickly came out of the church, halting the attackers. The Muslim men "had every intention to use the firearms," a CLAAS coordinator reported. Because the Christians didn't respond angrily, the situation did not get worse. Pray the witness of these believers will lead others to their loving Savior. Matthew 5:43-46​

SRI LANKA Mobs Attack Churches - Compass Direct

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Buddhist militants attacked two church services in Sri Lanka on November 12 and hit Christian workers returning from a funeral. In the first attack, a mob of some 100 people, including four Buddhist monks, pasted anti-Christian posters in the neighborhood of an Assembly of God church in Yakkala, Gampaha district, and blocked the road leading to the church. Four days later, as a young Christian woman arrived at the pastor's house asking for prayer, a man doused her with a container of burnt oil. In another attack, a mob of about 35 people - including 12 Buddhist monks and a local government official - walked into the Sunday service of a prayer ministry in Kandy district, demanding that the service cease immediately. "We were threatened that if we gathered together for worship again, the building would be flattened," the local pastor said. Pray God will protect the Christians as they continue to follow Jesus. Ephesians 6:10-13​

Djamila said:

If not, to come into our house and spit on our floor - they'd better be prepared to face the consequences. I just hope more governments make such missionary work illegal before it breeds even more resentment towards Christians in general.

Click to expand...

With all due respect, no one, from any religion, deserves the kind of persecution the afore-mentioned Christians are experiencing. From the accounts, the Christians were doing nothing to deserve the attacks on them. Many were simply minding their own business. I would understand if the Christians were being violent----but such is not the case. Peaceful Christians don't deserve being set on fire. Christian missionaries don't deserve to be set on fire. I would reserve that fate for only the sickest, most perverted, and evil human beings. To say Christians deserve this kind of treatment....words fail me.

I support VOM as well, and think it's a great organization. Thank you, Michel, for posting their stuff. Reading about what Christians in other parts of the world are going through, helps me be more grateful for the blessings and freedom I have here in the US. It's humbling.

VOM News and Prayer Update: December 19

"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed."(2 Corinthians 4:8,9)

CHINA
House Church Closed in Anhui - China Aid Association
On November 26, a house church in Laodong Xincui, Tongling City, Anhui Province was closed by the government. The leaders were told to join the local Three-Self Church. The house church was founded 53 years ago by renowned Brother Wang Xingquan who was imprisoned for his faith during the Cultural Revolution. The nearly 200 members are under supervision from the local Religious Affair Bureau which is intimidating and exerting pressure on them. The employers of Brother Wang Xingquan's daughter have stopped paying her salary and threatened to fire her if she does not set an example and join the local Three-Self Church. Four Christian brothers from Xinjiang province, who were imprisoned for 32 days between October and November this year, were admitted to the hospital after being tortured by other prisoners. Pray God will keep all His faithful servants strong in their faith. 2 Corinthians 4:8-11

KENYA
Kenyan Churches Targeted in Letter Sent to Bishop - Compass Direct
Christians at Nairobi Pentecostal Church (NPC) began a three-day fast yesterday after a letter written to their bishop warned of an imminent attack on Christian radio station Hope FM. The threat comes seven months after a raid on the station, which is on church property, left one person dead. NPC Bishop Boniface Adoyo called for the fast in a letter read to church members, saying the threatening letter also mentioned other churches targeted for attack. On May 12, unidentified gunmen stormed the station, killed a guard, injured three others and torched part of the building after a regular broadcast aired comparing teachings of the Bible with those of the Quran. Pray our omnipotent Father will thwart the plans of those who are trying to keep people from hearing the Good News. Revelation 3:8

IRAN
Secret Police Arrest Leaders of "Jesus Only" Movement - Compass Direct
On Sunday, December 10, Iranian secret police began to raid and arrest leaders of the Islamic republic's indigenous "Jesus Only" movement, arriving unannounced in the early morning hours to search their homes in Tehran, Karaj, Rasht and Bandar-i Anzali. For five days, several members of the house-church movement were called in for a day or more of interrogations and then released. But eight remain under arrest, including one woman. According to one source, those arrested have been told they face 10 accusations, including evangelization activities and actions against the national security of Iran. Pray God will protect His servants who do not deny Jesus. Hebrews 12:1, 2

NIGERIA
Two Christian Converts from Islam Fleeing Persecution - Religion Today
Idris Aliyu received Christ's salvation in March after reading the Gospel of Luke account of the resurrection. Mohammed Sarajo became a Christian 12 years ago after a miraculous healing saved him from death. The disparate paths of the two former Nigerian Muslims, however, have put them on the same road - fleeing from those who want to kill them. Pray God will put a hedge of protection around His servants, giving them compassion and boldness to bring many into His Kingdom. Psalm 138:3

INDIA
Arrest of Hindu Extremist Leads to Retaliation - Compass Direct
On December 5, police in Honavar, a coastal town in Karnataka state, arrested a member of the Hindu extremist group Bajrang Dal for assaulting a Christian evangelist. Later that day, when Mayaeshak Baila, was waiting for a bus after attending a prayer meeting, a Bajrang Dal member spoke to him and asked him extensively about his activities. "When he realized I was a Christian, he slapped and hit me with his fists on my face and head," Baila said. "Then he threw me down on the road and continuously kicked me on my ribs, stomach and back." Also that same day, two other Bajrang Dal members assaulted Joseph Lopes and Agnel Dias, who were visiting Christian homes in Honavar village. Pray the Christians will show the reality of Jesus' love as they demonstrate His spirit of forgiveness. Romans 12: 19-21

IRAQ
Kidnapped Clergyman Released After Six Days - Compass Direct
A Chaldean priest kidnapped in front of his Baghdad home last week was released on December 10. Father Samy Abdulahad Al-Raiys was freed six days after he had been abducted while driving to his parish in Baghdad's Al-Sinaa Street near the University of Technology. Pray Father Al-Raiys will be filled with joy and gratitude for his release and have a compelling desire to bring others to salvation.

Prayers for January 16, 2007

From The Voice of the Martyrs ​

INDIA Pastor Attacked for Christmas and New Year Services - VOM Sources​

On January 7, 2007, Pastor Gabriel was attacked and beaten by Hindu extremists because he held Christmas and New Year services. The attackers were infuriated believers gathered to sing and pray to a "foreign God-Jesus." Pastor Gabriel sustained head injuries that have resulted in him losing his sight. Meanwhile, believers who were on their way to visit Pastor Gabriel in the hospital were involved in a car accident and incurred severe injuries. Pray God will heal Pastor Gabriel and those injured. Ask God to give believers in India boldness to continue serving Him in the midst of increasing persecution. Psalm 103:3, Psalm 138:3

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On January 9, 2007, police raided Rev. Hong Quang's church and residence and arrested 17 people who were having a prayer meeting. While in custody, some believers were threatened, crudely grabbed, led by the hair, slapped on the face and beaten. Pray God's protection and courage for Christians in Vietnam. Deuteronomy 31:6

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Sudanese police have denied attacking 800 Christians at a New Year's Eve service in Khartoum's Anglican cathedral. Six members of the congregation were injured after the police fired tear gas into the church. As a result of the attack, the sound system, pews, chairs and windows were damaged. Pray God will heal believers injured in the attack. Pray for protection and that publicity from the attack will cause Christians worldwide to lift the country of Sudan before God's throne. Proverbs 2:8

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The Romanian President has approved a controversial new Religion Law which bans religious defamation and public offense to religious symbols. Christians in Romania are concerned the law will make it difficult for religious communities not currently recognized by the government to gain recognition. Christians and human rights activists are hoping to appeal this law. Pray God guides and protects Christians in Romania and grants them wisdom as they seek to appeal this new law. Isaiah 59:11

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VOM workers in Bangladesh ask for prayer as Bangladesh has been plunged into political chaos. Elections scheduled for January 22 have been postponed and the president has stepped down as interim leader shortly after declaring a state of emergency following 10 weeks of street protests which killed 45 and injured hundreds. Bangladesh faces political instability. "There are now widespread fears that the political order could break down, leading to either a military government or yet more space for hardliner Islamist groups," a VOM source said. Pray for peace to prevail in Bangladesh and for God's protection upon believers in the midst of political chaos. Isaiah 26:3​

Prayers for January 23, 2007

From The Voice of the Martyrs ​

On January 8, the homes of three Christian families were burned by Muslims in the village of Begge. Even though the family belongings were burnt, no one was injured in the attack. At last report, the police had not yet investigated the incident or taken any action to bring the arsonists to justice. In the same area, 10 Christian youths have been living in a church building in Begge three months after fleeing from their homes. They were chased from their homes after their families threatened to execute them for converting from Islam. In a separate incident, a Christian man was killed by an unknown person in the town of Kofele. The father of five was hit on the head with a metal iron rod. His family believes he was killed by Muslims, since the Kofele area is dominated by Muslims. Pray God will comfort this brother's family in their grief. Ask God to encourage the Christian families who are homeless, so they can have deep assurance of God's love in the midst of tough times. Ephesians 3:14-19

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A North Korean evangelist has been executed for possessing and distributing a Korean New Testament. World Bible Translation Center has confirmed the incident, even though the details of the death are not available. Pray for the family and friends of this evangelist. Ask God to comfort them and encourage them, knowing that to be absent in this natural body, is to be present with the Lord. Also pray Christians in North Korea will entrust themselves to Christ and preach the gospel without hesitation. II Timothy 1:7-12

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On January 12, Bansi Lal died after being thrown from a train in the Devas district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is believed that Lal was returning from a Pentecostal meeting when he was thrown off the train. While police quickly ruled his death a suicide, Indian Christians believe his death was caused by members of a militant Hindu youth organization. Lal converted to Christianity two years ago and since then had received threats. Pray God will comfort those who mourn Lal's death. Ask that his story will bring others to Christ and pray for Christians in India to walk in love towards those who persecute them. Romans 12: 14, 21

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Christians in Nasarawa state were attacked by more than 200 Islamists as they were trying to rebuild a Reformed Church building that Muslims burnt down two years ago. The Nasarawa state government has since banned reconstruction of the facility. The church was planted more than a century ago by missionaries. Pray God encourages, protects and gives wisdom to believers in Nigeria as they find ways to rebuild their church. Acts 14: 21-23​

Prayers for January 30, 2007

From The Voice of the Martyrs ​

Prayers for February 6, 2007

From The Voice of the Martyrs ​

A VOM contact reports that three teachers working with a tribal group are being forced to deny Christ in order to be permitted to teach for the next year. All three teachers intend to stand firm. An effort is being made in some of the tribal areas to eliminate Christianity. Pray God gives these believers courage to stand against this persecution. Ask God to protect them and use their experiences to bring others to Christ. 1 Corinthians 16:13

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UZBEKISTAN Pastor Arrested by Secret Police in Uzbekistan - VOM Sources/ Compass Direct News​

A pastor was arrested by Uzbek secret police on January 21. During the raid of the Full Gospel Church in Andijan, secret service officers asked Pastor Dmitry Shestakov to step outside with them for five minutes. They then escorted him to the nearest police station. At last report, he was still in police custody. The pastor is accused of "incitement of national, racial and religious enmity," under Article 156 of Uzbekistan's penal code. He could face up to five years in prison if convicted of this charge. Pray God will give this Christian brother the right words to say when he stands before accusing authorities. Pray the Holy Spirit will bring his neighbors, friends and persecutors to Christ through his faithful witness.Romans 12:14, 21

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The entire leadership of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) and some journalists were arrested during a meeting in Kadoma on January 26. The alliance is involved in a number of measures to support those suffering from the on-going political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe and to work toward a resolution. At least 1000 people gathered in and around a church building to pray for Zimbabwe when armed riot police raided the meeting and arrested the leaders. Eight senior leaders were charged with holding an illegal political meeting. During interrogation, they were accused of working to overthrow President Robert Mugabe. After being interrogated throughout the weekend, the eight were arraigned on January 29 and released on $100,000 Zimbabwe dollars ($415 US) bail each. They are scheduled to appear in court on March 5. Those facing charges are Jonah Gokova, Pastor Raymond Motsi, Pius Wakatama, Pastor Ancelemon Magaya, Pastor Watson Mugabe, Pastor Zvizai Chiponda, Lawrence Berejina and Gerald Mubaiwa. Pray those charged will be acquitted. Thank God for their release. Ask God to encourage the leadership of ZCA to faithfully carry out their God-given task. 1 Peter 5:1-4

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Nine house-church leaders arrested in the village of Chencun, Henan province on January 6, 2007, were released from prison on January 20. The church leaders were not given any legal certificate of their arrest, detention or release. Local Christians believe police deliberately refused the Christians any legal evidence of their detention in order to prevent possible lawsuits. Thank God for the release of these believers. Pray their persecutors will be brought to justice.​

Prayers for February 13, 2007

From The Voice of the Martyrs ​

LAOS Christian Homes Destroyed in Fire – VOM Sources​

Twenty Christian families in Khmu village lost their homes and bamboo church in an accidental fire. About 150 people are in urgent need of blankets, mattresses, clothing and building materials. Relief supplies are on the way from a ministry in Laos which is helping these believers. Khmu Christians in Laos already have many difficulties because they follow Jesus; this recent fire adds extra burdens. Pray for God's provision for these families, especially since it is winter in Laos. Pray their testimony and reliance on God will bring others to Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-6

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This week 50 Muslim fundamentalists stormed a house church in an Indonesian village, questioning the use of the house for church services. According to VOM sources the mob raided the house disrupting the service and smashing a keyboard. Christians in the village are afraid and leaders are considering moving the house church to another area. Psalm 138:3, Psalm 32:7

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On Monday, February 5, 2007, Liu Fenggang was released after serving three years in prison. The well known house church leader expressed appreciation for the help his family received while he was in prison. "I am thankful of God's grace and the prayers and letters from brothers and sisters all over the world. The suffering my wife and son had to endure is nothing compared to the martyred brothers and sisters in China. I will continue to stand up for this just cause for which I am called to speak up for the persecuted," Liu said. 1 Corinthians 15:57, Psalm 41:2 VOM urges Americans to pray for Christians in China. You can also write to the Chinese government asking for the release of Christians. Go to​

www.prisoneralert.com for more information ​

prayers for those persecuted, harassed, or tortured for their faith. prayers for those left homless, fearful, or bereaved. may God's encouragement be with them, and may His mercy extend to those who have been merciless.

gracie said:

prayers for those persecuted, harassed, or tortured for their faith. prayers for those left homless, fearful, or bereaved. may God's encouragement be with them, and may His mercy extend to those who have been merciless.

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Amen to that! I know that this relates to the persecution of Christians; the persecution of anyone is awful.


Prayers for February 20, 2007

From The Voice of the Martyrs ​

Pastor Habtom Tesfamikael, one of the last remaining free Christian leaders in Eritrea, was recently arrested and imprisoned. He was a pastor of one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Eritrea, the Asmara Full Gospel Church. Pastor Habtom is married and has been serving the Lord for more than 30 years. Pray God will protect Pastor Habtom while in prison and comfort his wife. Ask God to use his experience to bring others to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Romans 12:14, 21

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LAOS Muslim Mob Attack House Church – VOM Sources​

UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan Authorities Admit Arrest of Protestant Pastor – Compass Direct News​

Uzbekistan's religious authorities admitted for the first time this week that an Uzbek pastor was arrested last month in the Eastern city of Andijan and now faces criminal charges. Dmitry Shestakov was arrested in a raid on his registered Full Gospel Church during Sunday worship services on January 21. The pastor was charged with operating an illegal religious organization, inciting religious hatred and distributing materials promoting religious extremism. If convicted on these charges, he faces maximum sentences from five to ten years in prison for each separate offense. Matthew 5: 43-48​

I suddenly realised that this thread is just for news about Christian sufferers - and that is wrong. I will try to find news of all "martyrdom"; just to show one side of it is prejudice.

Unforunately, the site I found does not produce a newsletter, but this is just 1 of 9 pages.........
http://www.ihrc.org/
Reports


‘The British Media and Muslim Representation: The Ideology of Demonisation’
16 February 2007

A report by Saied R. Ameli, Syed Mohammed Marandi, Sameera Ahmed, Seyfeddin Kara and Arzu Merali more... MONITORING THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL: Racism - Second session of the Human Rights Council
17 January 2007

A summary of the activity of the Human Rights Council during its second session, (18 September - 6 October and 27 - 29 November 2006). more... MONITORING THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL: Defamation of Religions - Second session of the Human Rights Council
17 January 2007

A summary of the activity of the Human Rights Council during its second session, (18 September - 6 October and 27 - 29 November 2006). more... MONITORING THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL: Minorities - Second session of the Human Rights Council
17 January 2007

A summary of the activity of the Human Rights Council during its second session, (18 September - 6 October and 27 - 29 November 2006). more... 'Social Discrimination: Across the Muslim Divide’ now available on-line.
21 September 2006

IHRC’s seminal report on discrimination against Muslims is now available to download without charge from our website: more... ‘Against Zionism: Jewish Perspective’ conference audio and papers on-line
29 July 2006

Listen to or download in PDF format the presentations of the July 2006 conference. more... British Anti-Terrorism: A Modern Day Witch-hunt (Revised July 2006)
06 July 2006

A must read for all those concerned with the British government\'s war on terror and its implications for its Muslim community. more... The 7/7 Backlash: How and Why You Must Report Hate Crimes
31 May 2006

Interview with IHRC\'s Fahad Ansari and Beena Faridi. more... Law and British Muslims: Domination of the Majority or Process of the Balance
18 May 2006

A report by Saied R. Ameli, Beena Faridi, Karin Lindahl and Arzu Merali for the Islamic Human Rights Commission. ISBN 1-903718-32-5, £8 pp 101
http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/index.do

Torture

The Denounce Torture Initiative aims to build a diverse array of Americans who rigorously oppose the use of torture and ill-treatment in the context of the U.S. led "war on terror," hold every person accountable who has been involved in these acts or fostered the environment under which they occurred, and to stop the practice of extraordinary rendition, also called "outsourcing of torture."


http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/renditions/index.htmlConnecting the Dots on Torture
Congress passed the anti-torture bill prohibiting the use of torture and inhumane treatment of detainees. However, President Bush issued a "signing statement" asserting that he could waive the ban on torture when he deems it necessary. Our new flash movie, "Connecting the Dots," illustrates how we are all connected to acts of torture and what we can all do to stop it.
See the flash movie »


Read the Latest from the denounce torture blog

• Amnesty International's responds to US army investigation into mistreatment of Guantánamo detainees (Thursday, 2/8/07 14:30)
• Bush Administration's "Cowboy-Like" Approach to International Justice Will Not Be Tolerated (Friday, 2/2/07 12:10)
• Amnesty International Responds to Salah Verdict (Friday, 2/2/07 12:09)

Take Action

Condemn Shooting and Torture of Tibetan Refugees, Including Many Children, in China On 30 September, an international group of mountaineers climbing in the Himalayas witnessed Chinese border control guards shooting at a group of Tibetans, including children, who were trying to flee to Nepal. Current reports suggest that they were tortured in custody. The older teenagers and adults were reportedly beaten with rubber batons and electric-shock prods. The younger children were not beaten, but were interrogated. More Actions »

Human Rights Goals

Safeguard Those in Custody Torture occurs most often in custody, and most torturers are police officers. Torture is likely to occur during the first few hours or days after arrest, and it is facilitated by the practice of incommunicado detention - which prevents a detainee from contacting anyone outside who could help.

• AI's 12 Point Program to Stop Torture in Custody
• The Right to a Fair Trial

End the Torture Trade The governments and companies who train and arm torturers depend on manufacturers and salespeople who often benefit from the complicity of governments. The tools of the torture trade include shackles, leg irons, thumbscrews, handcuffs, whips and -- more recently -- electro-shock technology. AI is campaigning for the immediate global suspension of the manufacture, export and use of electro-shock weapons until independent medical investigations have been carried out into their effects and operation.

• AI's Stopping the Torture Trade

Raise Public Awareness If there is widespread outrage when a case of torture is exposed, officials are more likely to order an investigation and act on its findings. Few will say they support torture, but many support "tough methods" against certain types of people -- the homeless, a drug addict, a thief. The challenge is to establish that the marginalized and the criminal have human rights, just like everybody else.

• Join the Online Action Center - Take Action to Stop Torture

Protect Those Fleeing Torture In theory, refugees fleeing torture should be granted asylum, but in practice this often doesn't happen. Even when refugees reach a "safe" country, they are not necessarily safe. In some countries, including the United States, they can be detained indefinitely in conditions that amount to ill-treatment.

• Amnesty International's Work on Behalf of Refugees

End Impunity for Torturers International law requires states to extradite or prosecute individuals found in their territory who allegedly committed acts of torture. Despite this clear mandate, accused torturers continue to enter and reside in the US with impunity. :menorah2: riest: :cross3:

Prayers for February 27, 2007

From The Voice of the Martyrs ​

BURMA Military Government Asks for List of Christians - VOM Sources​

The government in Burma has again asked for lists of all the names of Christian children’s homes, assemblies, church pastors, leaders, members and families. The military government has also fixed the time for worship which forbids Christians to meet outside these "official" times. Christian leaders in Burma do not know what the government is going to do with the lists. Pray God gives Christians in Burma wisdom and boldness during this time. Pray for protection of all Christians and ask their experience may draw non-believers into the knowledge of Christ. Revelation 2:10

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On February 26, 2007, Pastor Liu Fenggang had successful heart surgery in a Beijing Hospital. The doctors told the family that three aortas in his heart were 95% blocked. He and his wife are thankful for the prayers for his health. Continue to pray for healing and for wisdom for the doctors as they treat Liu’s diabetes. Malachi 4:2

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Police detained Christian families in Upper Egypt and forced them to deny arson attacks on their homes during an outburst of anti-Christian violence last week. Two Coptic Orthodox families have said police detained them for 36 hours when they attempted to report a February 13 assault on their homes in Armand, 373 miles south of Cairo. The fires came five days after Muslim groups set four Christian-owned shops alight on February 9. It is believed hostilities began over accusations that Christians were blackmailing Muslim women to convert. Authorities detained Christians when they tried to report the February 13 arson attack on their homes. Pray God will provide for the families that have lost their homes and property. Ask God to use their suffering to draw other into fellowship with Him. Psalm 5:11-12

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Our contacts in Laos have received updated information regarding the Southern Laos prayer request sent out February 20, 2007. We are pleased to report the two Christian men were not arrested as previously reported. Thank you for your continued prayers for the persecuted church in Laos.​