Weekly Prayer Updates

Groups: Weekly Prayer Update: Weekly Prayer Updates

Each Friday VOM updates you with prayer requests and news about the persecuted church. Subscribe to this topic and the news will be emailed to you each week.

VOM-USA Prayer Update for July 16, 2010

INDIA — Assailants sever Christian's hand in India — VOM Contacts

On July 4, unknown assailants attacked a college professor, severing his right hand and part of his arm in Kerala, India. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts T.J. Joseph, a professor at Newman's College in Thodupuzha, was returning from a Sunday service at his church when a van pulled up beside him. The assailants forced him from his car and attacked him with knives and swords, amputating his lower arm and inflicting deep wounds to his body. At last report, doctors were attempting to save his limb. According to reports, several Muslim students were offended by test questions on an exam T.J. Joseph gave two months ago. After protests by Islamic groups, T.J. was suspended from his job and apologized for his “unintentional error.” Nevertheless, he continued to receive threats. T.J.’s assailants in the July 4 attack are suspected to be members of the Islamic militant group, the Popular Front of India, but the attack was condemned by other Islamic groups. The media in India reported that T.J. Joseph forgave his attackers. Praise God T.J. has forgiven his persecutors. Pray for his full and speedy recovery. Pray that the misunderstanding which led to the attack will be resolved. Pray for peace among India's religious communities.

Psalm 5:11-12

IRAQ — Christian killed in bomb attack — VOM Canada/ Asia News

On July 5, Behnam Sabti, a Christian, died instantly when a bomb exploded under his car in Mosul, Iraq. According to local reports, Behnam was killed because of his “religious identity.” In recent months, Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq have faced violence because of their beliefs. Pray for Behnam’s wife and three children as they mourn the loss of husband and father. Pray that those responsible for this attack will be found and brought to justice. Pray for peace in Iraq and that Christians will be able to live their faith in freedom. Pray Christians will forgive their persecutors.

Joshua 1: 8-9

INDONESIA — Christians face death threat and increasing opposition — Compass Direct News

In recent months, Christians in Bekasi, Indonesia have faced growing opposition from Muslim extremists opposed to “Christianization,” according to Compass Direct News. Compass reported that on June 27, Muslim organizations in Bekasi announced they would establish “paramilitary units in local mosques” to oppose “ongoing attempts to convert people to Christianity.” Muslims have accused Christians of “aggressive proselytizing.” Church services throughout the city have been interrupted repeatedly and Christians have been threatened. In June, the Bekasi Islamic Congress met and set up a “mission center” along with a youth army to oppose Christian efforts. There is also a push for Shariah law in the region. Pray for protection for Christians in Bekasi. Pray the authorities will protect the Christians against opposition from militant Islamic groups.

Revelation 2:9-11

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VOM-USA Prayer Update for July 23, 2010

PAKISTAN -- Two Christians Killed -- VOM Contacts

Two Christians who had been arrested and accused of blasphemy were killed on July 19 in Faisalabad, according to VOM contacts. Rashid and Sajid were attacked and killed by a young Muslim while walking from court to a police van. Following their murders, angry Christians and Muslims began to throw stones at one another in the streets, and one Christian boy was injured. Police have used tear gas to control the situation. Rashid and Sajid had been accused of distributing a pamphlet "against Islam and Mohammed." "[There is no] evidence that these two brothers were distributing [literature] against Islam," VOM contacts said. Pray for the families of Rashid and Sajid and for the protection of Christians in the area, including VOM staff. Pray that tensions between Christians and Muslims will be diffused and that Christians will behave in a way that glorifies God.

Romans 8:34-36


NIGERIA -- Eight Killed in Sectarian Violence -- Agence France-Presse

On July 13, violence erupted between Muslims and Christians in Eastern Nigeria. "Eight people have been killed and 40 others seriously injured in the violence, while six mosques and one church were burnt," Taraba state police commissioner Aliyu Musa told Agence France-Presse (AFP). A local observer told AFP the violence was caused by the "construction of a mosque at a police headquarters." A Christian mob opposed to the construction of the mosque razed it. Muslims responded by attacking a nearby church, leading to the eruption of violent clashes between the two sides. Pray that the situation will not escalate. Pray that the testimony of true believers in Nigeria will draw both nominal Christians and their Muslim neighbors into fellowship with Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10


IRAN -- Christian in Solitary Confinement -- Farsi Christian News Network

Ali Golchin, an Iranian Christian, has been held in solitary confinement in Tehran's Evin prison since he was arrested in his hometown of Varamin, according to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN). After appealing to authorities for weeks, Ali's father was finally allowed to visit him on June 17. "Ali's father shared that he was distressed to find his son ‘crying uncontrollably' and in obvious pain," FCNN reported. Sources believe Ali has been treated harshly during interrogations because he is suffering from "weakness and severe stomachaches." The Iranian government has not filed criminal charges against Ali, and no lawyers have been appointed for his defense. "Ali's wife has been warned not to attend church and told that she will only be able to negotiate with the authorities about Ali's release if she converts to Islam," according to FCNN. Please pray for Ali's release. Pray that the Lord will sustain him and his family and that Ali's testimony will strengthen the faith of other believers.

Psalm 91:1-6

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VOM-USA Prayer Update for July 30, 2010

NIGERIA — Attacks on Christians Continue — Agence France Presse

On July 17, Muslims killed eight people in the predominantly Christian village of Mazzah, near the city of Jos, according to Agence France Presse (AFP). In addition, seven houses and a church building were burned. “At approximately 1:30 a.m., Muslims entered the village and began shooting sporadically in the air to lure sleeping residents outside their homes,” AFP reported. “They then attacked people with machetes, including children.” Seven people died at the scene, another died on the way to the hospital and three others were seriously injured. During this attack, Reverend Nuhu Dawat of the Church of Christ in Nigeria escaped with one of his children, but his wife and two other children were killed. His grandson, Nanfa, was shot in the foot, thrown into a bathroom and left to die. Fortunately, he was found by the police and taken to a hospital, where he is recovering. Local villagers told AFP that although security forces arrived in time to stop the violence, they waited until the attack had ended before entering Mazzah. The area is currently reported to be “quiet but tense.” Some residents have fled the area in fear of further violence. Pray for peace between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. Ask God to comfort those who have lost loved ones, and pray that believers’ testimonies will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ.

Revelation 2:9–11


RUSSIA — Pastor Murdered in Dagestan — VOM Canada / Barnabas Fund

On July 15, Pastor Artur Suleimanov was shot to death by a gunman as he was leaving the Hosanna House of Prayer in Makhachkala, Dagestan, according to VOM Canada and Barnabas Fund. Dagestan is a federal republic of Russia in the North Caucasus region. Pastor Suleimanov was known as a dynamic leader of one of the largest Protestant churches in Russia. “Pastor Suleimanov was a wonderful Christian brother, and his shocking death is a devastating loss for the Dagestan church,” a coordinator with Barnabas Fund said. “He and the Hosanna House of Prayer church were very active in ministry and outreach in particular. We see his murder as an attempt to put further pressure on Christian converts in Dagestan.” Pastor Suleimanov is survived by his wife and five children. Pray for Pastor Suleimanov’s family as they grieve his loss, and pray that God will touch the heart of Pastor Suleimanov’s murderer. Pray that Christians in Russia will be emboldened to spread the gospel despite opposition.

2 Corinthians 1:5


UZBEKISTAN — Authorities Crack Down on Christians — Forum 18 News

Authorities in Karakalpakstan, an autonomous region of Uzbekistan, have renewed a crackdown on Protestant Christians in recent weeks, according to Forum 18 News. On July 8, two Christians were sentenced to 10 days in prison for religious activities. One of the imprisoned believers, Lepes Omarov, had previously faced opposition for his Christian activities. According to Forum 18, only state-registered Muslim communities and one Russian Orthodox parish are allowed to operate in Karakalpakstan. All other religious activity in the area is illegal. In May and early July, police raided the homes of many Protestants, confiscating Christian books, DVDs and computers. Pray for believers in Uzbekistan who face these ongoing hardships. Pray that God will grant them the boldness and faith to preach the gospel without hesitation.

2 Timothy 1:7–12

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