Friday, February 27, 2009
"22 Christian Missionaries to be executed in Afghanistan"
I received this text message yesterday, as I'm sure many of you did as well. !!!NOTE!!! The number one reaction to a chain text is to test it's validity! I have been unable to find anything about this event on any persecuted church website, and CompassDirect news, which gives updates on the persecuted church, is reported to have said that this event is a hoax. Something as large as an execution of 22 missionary FAMILIES would be not exactly implausible, but the fact that it is foreign missionaries would raise a lot of outcry. There would also most likely be talks between the Afghani government and whatever nation these missionaries are from leading up to the execution(not saying this is always true, but for the most part these events are political so they are dealt with politically.) The only thing that is relatively similar to this event was in July 2007 when 23 Korean missionaries were held hostage in Afghanistan. You can read more about it here. So, I believe from the evidence presented, it is safe to say that this event, which was sent all over the world via text message, is in fact untrue. BUT, we can still pray for Afghanistan! This war-torn country has a small minority of believers and the Afghani people need the light of Jesus Christ to be shed on the darkness of Islam. Pray for missionaries to be sent that will be willing to give their lives for Christ in Afghanistan for the purpose of others coming to know Christ! Pray that the Lord would increase the boldness of those who are believers and He would strengthen existing missionaries. Above all, pray that God would be glorified in Afghanistan.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Pray for Christians in China
Hey friends :)
China has a long history of persecution towards Christians, one of the most brutal in recent history, but has seemed to calm down over the years. The Government has been completely unable to restrict the growth of the gospel, and presently thousands of unofficial churches are in China with millions of believers loving and worshiping Jesus against the Government's will. However, there are reports being leaked out of the government that crackdowns on the "foreign" religion of Christianity are to start with strong force this coming year. A meeting in one of the largest colleges in Beijing was held to educate faculty on the dangers of foreign influence, where they distorted the history and explained that Daoism, Buddhism, and Islam are "indigenous" religions, therefore making them safe, while Christianity is from the west making it dangerous. Believers are anticipating an increased amount of government sanctioned persecution, but are still confident that many more will be won over to Christ this year. Still at this time though many of our brothers and sisters are being horribly persecuted and abused for their faith in Christ and work with the underground Church in China.
Please pray:
-The Lord would soften the hearts of government officials and this year would be a year of peace for the Church in China; instead of persecution there would be more conversion from darkness into light
-If persecution continues or increases, Chinese Christians would be granted strength to stand firm against all opposition and continue to worship and glorify God
-The lies coming against the knowledge of Christ would be taken captive and exposed for what they truly are
-The Lord would continue to comfort and have mercy on our family in China that are facing torture and abuse just because they love Jesus
Be blessed today friends!
China has a long history of persecution towards Christians, one of the most brutal in recent history, but has seemed to calm down over the years. The Government has been completely unable to restrict the growth of the gospel, and presently thousands of unofficial churches are in China with millions of believers loving and worshiping Jesus against the Government's will. However, there are reports being leaked out of the government that crackdowns on the "foreign" religion of Christianity are to start with strong force this coming year. A meeting in one of the largest colleges in Beijing was held to educate faculty on the dangers of foreign influence, where they distorted the history and explained that Daoism, Buddhism, and Islam are "indigenous" religions, therefore making them safe, while Christianity is from the west making it dangerous. Believers are anticipating an increased amount of government sanctioned persecution, but are still confident that many more will be won over to Christ this year. Still at this time though many of our brothers and sisters are being horribly persecuted and abused for their faith in Christ and work with the underground Church in China.
Please pray:
-The Lord would soften the hearts of government officials and this year would be a year of peace for the Church in China; instead of persecution there would be more conversion from darkness into light
-If persecution continues or increases, Chinese Christians would be granted strength to stand firm against all opposition and continue to worship and glorify God
-The lies coming against the knowledge of Christ would be taken captive and exposed for what they truly are
-The Lord would continue to comfort and have mercy on our family in China that are facing torture and abuse just because they love Jesus
Be blessed today friends!
Friday, January 30, 2009
prayer update
SRI LANKA – Anti-conversion Law Under Review in Parliament – VOM Canada
On Jan. 6, the Buddhist- led Jathika Hela Urumaya (National Heritage Party) presented an anti-conversion bill to the Sri Lankan Parliament. The purpose of the bill, which was first presented in 2004, is to "provide prohibition of conversion from one religion to another by use of force or allurement or by fraudulent means." The current legislation no longer contains two clauses that the Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional following challenges from several civil and religious rights groups. However, Christians and other religious minorities remain concerned because the bill, if passed, will introduce serious penalties for those found guilty of "forcibly" converting people, including jail terms, and could violate the right to religion and worship in the country. Ask the Lord to intervene so that this legislation will not be passed. Pray for wisdom and endurance for those serving Christ in Sri Lanka.
Psalm 27:1-3
KYRGYSTAN – UPDATE- Restrictive Religion Law Passed – Forum 18 News
The draft religion law approved by Kyrgyzstan's parliament in early November has been signed and approved by President Kurmanbek Bakiev, according to Forum 18 News. Religious leaders across Kyrgyzstan have expressed concern for their communities, especially those with small numbers. The new religion law stipulates that 200 adult citizens are necessary to apply for state registration, whereas previously only 10 citizens were required. The new law also bans the involvement of children in religious organizations, forbids religious groups from spreading their faith and prohibits the distribution of religious material. Pray for believers in Kyrgystan to remain faithful to Christ despite this repressive law. Ask God to encourage them and give smaller communities creative ways and means to continue meeting and worshipping together.
Joshua 1:9
INDIA – UPDATE - Relief Camps Closed in Orissa - VOM Sources
Government authorities in Orissa state have shut down relief camps forcing thousands of Christians displaced by the wave of violence that began last August to flee, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Believers have been left without adequate protection against further attacks or compensation for damages sustained. Many of the believers were threatened with violence while in the camps and fear further attacks if they return to their homes, many of which have not been rebuilt. Officials are providing some of the refugees with 10,000 rupees (US$201). However, the sum is inadequate to meet their long-term needs and it is unlikely that many will be able to secure employment, as local Hindus often refuse to hire Christians. Ask God to protect believers as they face potential challenges and danger. Pray their needs are met and for them to find employment so they can provide for their families.
Isaiah 40:31
On Jan. 6, the Buddhist- led Jathika Hela Urumaya (National Heritage Party) presented an anti-conversion bill to the Sri Lankan Parliament. The purpose of the bill, which was first presented in 2004, is to "provide prohibition of conversion from one religion to another by use of force or allurement or by fraudulent means." The current legislation no longer contains two clauses that the Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional following challenges from several civil and religious rights groups. However, Christians and other religious minorities remain concerned because the bill, if passed, will introduce serious penalties for those found guilty of "forcibly" converting people, including jail terms, and could violate the right to religion and worship in the country. Ask the Lord to intervene so that this legislation will not be passed. Pray for wisdom and endurance for those serving Christ in Sri Lanka.
Psalm 27:1-3
KYRGYSTAN – UPDATE- Restrictive Religion Law Passed – Forum 18 News
The draft religion law approved by Kyrgyzstan's parliament in early November has been signed and approved by President Kurmanbek Bakiev, according to Forum 18 News. Religious leaders across Kyrgyzstan have expressed concern for their communities, especially those with small numbers. The new religion law stipulates that 200 adult citizens are necessary to apply for state registration, whereas previously only 10 citizens were required. The new law also bans the involvement of children in religious organizations, forbids religious groups from spreading their faith and prohibits the distribution of religious material. Pray for believers in Kyrgystan to remain faithful to Christ despite this repressive law. Ask God to encourage them and give smaller communities creative ways and means to continue meeting and worshipping together.
Joshua 1:9
INDIA – UPDATE - Relief Camps Closed in Orissa - VOM Sources
Government authorities in Orissa state have shut down relief camps forcing thousands of Christians displaced by the wave of violence that began last August to flee, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Believers have been left without adequate protection against further attacks or compensation for damages sustained. Many of the believers were threatened with violence while in the camps and fear further attacks if they return to their homes, many of which have not been rebuilt. Officials are providing some of the refugees with 10,000 rupees (US$201). However, the sum is inadequate to meet their long-term needs and it is unlikely that many will be able to secure employment, as local Hindus often refuse to hire Christians. Ask God to protect believers as they face potential challenges and danger. Pray their needs are met and for them to find employment so they can provide for their families.
Isaiah 40:31
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Prayer Update
Hey guys, sorry for the lack of posting!! Winter Camp was last weekend for the High Schoolers, and this past week has been recovery :) Here is a VOM update for the past week, but don't worry, there will be other postings this week! Be blessed friends!
CHINA - Deathly Ill Husband Denied Visitation with his Imprisoned Wife – China Aid Association
Chinese government authorities have denied Hua Zaichen, 91, visitation with his imprisoned wife, 79-year-old Shuang Shuying, according to China Aid Association (CAA).
Zaichen, who is deathly ill, requested a final meeting with his wife to say his goodbyes, but officials refused to grant the request. “Authorities say Shuang Shuying is not allowed to leave prison before February 8, 2009, the end of her two-year sentence. Officials stated that if her husband died before then, she would be allowed to see his body for 10 minutes and would have to be chained, handcuffed, shackled and wearing a prison uniform,” CAA added. Pray for this family that has endured many hardships for the sake of their faith. Pray for Shuang Shuying to be released. Praise God for their courage!
Joshua 1:9
INDIA - Four Christians Arrested in Madhya Pradesh – VOM Sources
On Jan. 5, police arrested four Christians in the village of Kushalpura, Madhya Pradesh, India on false charges of forcible conversion. At 10:00 a.m., Pastor Kantilal Bhuria went to the home of a local Christian where 25 believers were gathered for prayer. During the service, a mob of Hindu extremists barged into the house and accused Pastor Bhuria of forcibly converting Hindus. The extremists verbally abused those present and beat a Christian woman. The police arrived on scene after receiving a phone call from the attackers and arrested four believers. At last report, these Christians remained in detention. Pray for the release of these Christians. Ask God to give them and other suffering believers in India grace, wisdom and endurance as they serve Him.
1 Peter 5:10-11
KAZAKHSTAN – President Sends Repressive Law for Constitutional Review – Forum 18 News
President Nursultan Nazarbaev of Kazakhstan has sent a repressive new law which aims to severely limit freedom of religion or belief to the country's Constitutional Council, Forum 18 News Service reported. Meanwhile, the government continues to repress the exercise of freedom of thought, conscience and belief. In January a Baptist pastor, Aleksandr Kerker, was fired from his job because he led worship without state permission. Pastor Kerker lost his job after authorities visited his employer. Pray for believers in Kazakhstan facing the possibility of harsher conditions if this repressive law is passed. Ask God to provide for Pastor Kerker and his family during this challenging time. Pray this pastor forgives his persecutors and for God to touch the heart of these authorities.
Philipians 4:6-7
UZBEKISTAN – Children and Parents Threatened for Attending Services – Forum 18 News
Police in southeast Uzbekistan have begun a campaign against children attending places of worship, Forum 18 News Service reported. The authorities' campaign, which also uses the state-controlled mass media, attacks schools and parents who allow children to attend religious "sects." Pray for Christian families who have come under scrutiny in Uzbekistan. Ask God to give them courage to continue serving the Lord despite what authorities say.
Psalm 91
CHINA - Deathly Ill Husband Denied Visitation with his Imprisoned Wife – China Aid Association
Chinese government authorities have denied Hua Zaichen, 91, visitation with his imprisoned wife, 79-year-old Shuang Shuying, according to China Aid Association (CAA).
Zaichen, who is deathly ill, requested a final meeting with his wife to say his goodbyes, but officials refused to grant the request. “Authorities say Shuang Shuying is not allowed to leave prison before February 8, 2009, the end of her two-year sentence. Officials stated that if her husband died before then, she would be allowed to see his body for 10 minutes and would have to be chained, handcuffed, shackled and wearing a prison uniform,” CAA added. Pray for this family that has endured many hardships for the sake of their faith. Pray for Shuang Shuying to be released. Praise God for their courage!
Joshua 1:9
INDIA - Four Christians Arrested in Madhya Pradesh – VOM Sources
On Jan. 5, police arrested four Christians in the village of Kushalpura, Madhya Pradesh, India on false charges of forcible conversion. At 10:00 a.m., Pastor Kantilal Bhuria went to the home of a local Christian where 25 believers were gathered for prayer. During the service, a mob of Hindu extremists barged into the house and accused Pastor Bhuria of forcibly converting Hindus. The extremists verbally abused those present and beat a Christian woman. The police arrived on scene after receiving a phone call from the attackers and arrested four believers. At last report, these Christians remained in detention. Pray for the release of these Christians. Ask God to give them and other suffering believers in India grace, wisdom and endurance as they serve Him.
1 Peter 5:10-11
KAZAKHSTAN – President Sends Repressive Law for Constitutional Review – Forum 18 News
President Nursultan Nazarbaev of Kazakhstan has sent a repressive new law which aims to severely limit freedom of religion or belief to the country's Constitutional Council, Forum 18 News Service reported. Meanwhile, the government continues to repress the exercise of freedom of thought, conscience and belief. In January a Baptist pastor, Aleksandr Kerker, was fired from his job because he led worship without state permission. Pastor Kerker lost his job after authorities visited his employer. Pray for believers in Kazakhstan facing the possibility of harsher conditions if this repressive law is passed. Ask God to provide for Pastor Kerker and his family during this challenging time. Pray this pastor forgives his persecutors and for God to touch the heart of these authorities.
Philipians 4:6-7
UZBEKISTAN – Children and Parents Threatened for Attending Services – Forum 18 News
Police in southeast Uzbekistan have begun a campaign against children attending places of worship, Forum 18 News Service reported. The authorities' campaign, which also uses the state-controlled mass media, attacks schools and parents who allow children to attend religious "sects." Pray for Christian families who have come under scrutiny in Uzbekistan. Ask God to give them courage to continue serving the Lord despite what authorities say.
Psalm 91
Monday, January 12, 2009
VOM update
Hey guys, here is a quick update of a few countries from Voice of the Martyrs. Check out the verses that are corresponding to these events, they are really helpful in seeing the Lords heart and being able to use scripture in our prayers.
Be blessed today!
ERITREA – Approximately 100 Christians Arrested – VOM Canada
Since late November, approximately 100 Christians, including men, women and children have been arrested by Eritrean authorities, VOM Canada reported. The wave of house arrests began in northern Eritrean cities and moved to southern regions before reaching the capital, Asmara, on Dec. 12. Some of the detained Christians were reportedly transferred to a military facility and were severely mistreated. Local sources indicate that an unspecified number may have died due to untreated injuries sustained in detention. Pray for the release of those detained. Ask God to comfort those who have lost loved ones. Pray that Eritrean Christians will continue to follow Christ's example of faithfulness, even at great cost. Pray that Eritrea's leaders will repent and come to faith in Christ.
1 Peter 2:21
BANGLADESH – Christians Held Captive – Compass Direct News
On Dec. 10, 13 believers who converted to Christianity from Buddhism four months ago were forcibly held captive by Buddhist clerics and local officials in Rangamati district, Chittagong division, Bangladesh, Compass Direct News reported. In an attempt to coerce them to reconvert to Buddhism, the Christians were reportedly pressured into undergoing Buddhist rituals, such as shaving their heads and wearing saffron robes. According to local Christian leaders, believers in this predominantly Buddhist area often face eviction from their homes or bodily harm if they refuse to return to Buddhism. Pray that these Christians will be released unharmed. Pray that they will cling to God for their strength. Ask God to work in the hearts of those who oppose His followers in this area.
Psalm 63:8
CHINA – Church Building Destroyed, Believers Beaten – China Aid Association
On Dec. 17, the officially registered Chengnan Christian Church of Tinghu district in Jiangsu province was attacked by a mob led by government officials, according to China Aid Association. Over 50 Christians were gathered for worship when police officers barged in and dragged several believers outside where more than a thousand people were gathered, including government officials and security guards. The crowd then demolished the church's office, training center and cafeteria and confiscated church property. Ten believers were beaten when they tried to stop the destruction. The church has faced ongoing harassment from government officials and had obtained a court order on the evening of Dec. 16 to protect their building from such an attack. It is suspected that the destruction was the result of officials and powerful businessmen working in collusion to obtain the coveted church property by force. Pray for these Christians in the aftermath of this attack. Ask God to give healing to those injured. Pray that those responsible will come to repentance and be reconciled to God.
Romans 8:11
Be blessed today!
ERITREA – Approximately 100 Christians Arrested – VOM Canada
Since late November, approximately 100 Christians, including men, women and children have been arrested by Eritrean authorities, VOM Canada reported. The wave of house arrests began in northern Eritrean cities and moved to southern regions before reaching the capital, Asmara, on Dec. 12. Some of the detained Christians were reportedly transferred to a military facility and were severely mistreated. Local sources indicate that an unspecified number may have died due to untreated injuries sustained in detention. Pray for the release of those detained. Ask God to comfort those who have lost loved ones. Pray that Eritrean Christians will continue to follow Christ's example of faithfulness, even at great cost. Pray that Eritrea's leaders will repent and come to faith in Christ.
1 Peter 2:21
BANGLADESH – Christians Held Captive – Compass Direct News
On Dec. 10, 13 believers who converted to Christianity from Buddhism four months ago were forcibly held captive by Buddhist clerics and local officials in Rangamati district, Chittagong division, Bangladesh, Compass Direct News reported. In an attempt to coerce them to reconvert to Buddhism, the Christians were reportedly pressured into undergoing Buddhist rituals, such as shaving their heads and wearing saffron robes. According to local Christian leaders, believers in this predominantly Buddhist area often face eviction from their homes or bodily harm if they refuse to return to Buddhism. Pray that these Christians will be released unharmed. Pray that they will cling to God for their strength. Ask God to work in the hearts of those who oppose His followers in this area.
Psalm 63:8
CHINA – Church Building Destroyed, Believers Beaten – China Aid Association
On Dec. 17, the officially registered Chengnan Christian Church of Tinghu district in Jiangsu province was attacked by a mob led by government officials, according to China Aid Association. Over 50 Christians were gathered for worship when police officers barged in and dragged several believers outside where more than a thousand people were gathered, including government officials and security guards. The crowd then demolished the church's office, training center and cafeteria and confiscated church property. Ten believers were beaten when they tried to stop the destruction. The church has faced ongoing harassment from government officials and had obtained a court order on the evening of Dec. 16 to protect their building from such an attack. It is suspected that the destruction was the result of officials and powerful businessmen working in collusion to obtain the coveted church property by force. Pray for these Christians in the aftermath of this attack. Ask God to give healing to those injured. Pray that those responsible will come to repentance and be reconciled to God.
Romans 8:11
Friday, January 9, 2009
Update for the Persecuted Church
Here is January's persecution update. Be blessed and prayerful while watching it friends:)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Pray for Christians in Nigeria
Hey friends.
I'm not sure if you all remember, but a few weeks ago we lifted up the country of Nigeria as violence broke out in the capital city of Jos, which resulted in the destruction of churches and loss of many lives. So far, about 500 people have been murdered, including both Muslims and Christians. Many pastors were murdered by Muslim rioters as they tried to protect their churches and flocks. Release International published an article saying,
"The wife of a Christian pastor murdered in the recent wave of violence in the city of Jos says she forgives his killers.
Mary Yari told new agency Compass Direct that her husband Joseph was shot as he tried to stop rioters from destroying a Baptist church in the Plateau state capital. 'They were ignorant of the crime they have committed because they do not know Jesus,' she said."
This is a reason to praise the Lord! It is only an act of the Holy Spirit that enables someone to forgive something like that. It is also a reason to lift up our brothers and sisters around the world who have lost a loved one to persecution. Just like we learned about last night at youth group, bitterness is debilitating, and it is incredibly easy to fall into bitterness after losing someone special to you unfairly. We need to pray for those who have lost fathers and husbands, and any one else for that matter, to the violence Nigeria. We need to keep in mind our family across the globe who is suffering and hurting, and that they'd be able to forgive those who have murdered their dads, moms, sisters, brothers...that they would be able to love their enemies and pray for those that persecute them.
Please Pray that:
-The Holy Spirit would pour the love of the Father abroad in the hearts of those who are mourning the loss of a loved one to persecution, and He would be their comforter.
-The Lord would reconcile those who have taken lives of Christians out of hatred and anger to Himself, and they would come to know the love of Christ that surpasses understanding.
-The Lord would change our hearts- that we would be more thankful for the blessings He has given us.
Have a blessed day and week guys, be mindful of the graciousness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
I'm not sure if you all remember, but a few weeks ago we lifted up the country of Nigeria as violence broke out in the capital city of Jos, which resulted in the destruction of churches and loss of many lives. So far, about 500 people have been murdered, including both Muslims and Christians. Many pastors were murdered by Muslim rioters as they tried to protect their churches and flocks. Release International published an article saying,
"The wife of a Christian pastor murdered in the recent wave of violence in the city of Jos says she forgives his killers.
Mary Yari told new agency Compass Direct that her husband Joseph was shot as he tried to stop rioters from destroying a Baptist church in the Plateau state capital. 'They were ignorant of the crime they have committed because they do not know Jesus,' she said."
This is a reason to praise the Lord! It is only an act of the Holy Spirit that enables someone to forgive something like that. It is also a reason to lift up our brothers and sisters around the world who have lost a loved one to persecution. Just like we learned about last night at youth group, bitterness is debilitating, and it is incredibly easy to fall into bitterness after losing someone special to you unfairly. We need to pray for those who have lost fathers and husbands, and any one else for that matter, to the violence Nigeria. We need to keep in mind our family across the globe who is suffering and hurting, and that they'd be able to forgive those who have murdered their dads, moms, sisters, brothers...that they would be able to love their enemies and pray for those that persecute them.
Please Pray that:
-The Holy Spirit would pour the love of the Father abroad in the hearts of those who are mourning the loss of a loved one to persecution, and He would be their comforter.
-The Lord would reconcile those who have taken lives of Christians out of hatred and anger to Himself, and they would come to know the love of Christ that surpasses understanding.
-The Lord would change our hearts- that we would be more thankful for the blessings He has given us.
Have a blessed day and week guys, be mindful of the graciousness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
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