Pray for believers in China

Hi guys:)
China already has a long history of persecuting Christians, and even with all of the attention it has gotten from around the world, Chinese Christians are still persecuted and killed for their faith in Jesus. Chinese officials have not yet declared a new court date for Alimujiang Yimiti, a Christian house church leader and ethnic Uyghur in China’s northwest province of Xinjiang, who has been detained since his arrest on Jan. 12. In mid-October, Chinese state prosecutors returned Yimiti’s case to a Xinjiang court for consideration. Charges against Yimiti include “inciting secessionist sentiment to split the country” and “collecting and selling intelligence for overseas organizations." These charges are likely to be exaggerated and untrue. Yimiti converted from Islam to Christianity more than 10 years ago and became active in the growing Uyghur church. Media reports state that Yimiti’s friends have said they believe his faith is the real reason for his arrest. Officials have threatened to hand down a sentence ranging from six years in prison to the death penalty.
Please pray:

• For Yimiti and his family during this difficult time.
• Ask God to protect and comfort them and for believers in China to continue living out their faith unashamedly.
• The Holy Spirit would convict the officials detaining Yimiti and they would release him to his family and church body.
• The Lord would lead and sustain Yimiti, and he would be given many oppertunities to share the gospel that he would be eager to take.

Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving and are enjoying your break! Don't forget to pray for our brothers and sisters!! Remember that we really are bound with them through Christ!

Thank the Lord for His goodness:)

Hey guys, since it is Thanksgiving, it seems like it would be fitting to thank the Lord for all that He has done in our lives and the life of His church around the world. Give Him praise for allowing us to live in a country where we can worship Him freely! Give Him praise for being so worthy that believers around the world worship Him even if it is illegal! You know what the Lord has done in your life, so thank Him for it:) Never forget that everything we have is from Him, by His grace alone, so praise Him for it!

"Sing a new song to the Lord!
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
He is to be feared above all gods.
The gods of other nations are mere idols,
but the Lord made the heavens!
Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and beauty fill his sanctuary."
Psalm 96:1-6

Pray for Christians in Mexico

Hi friends.
Today we are going to lift up our brothers and sisters in Southern Mexico. As more and more Mexicans become evangelical Christians, traditionalist Catholics, who blend native rituals and Roman Catholicism, have been increasing the persecution directed at them. They believe that they have the right to conform everyone to their beliefs, and when Christians refuse to pay for Catholic festivals, which Christians "regard as idolatrous adoration of saints and other rituals contrary to their faith," they have been threatened. In many villages, Catholics are telling families that they will be forced to leave, Christian families have no electricity or water, they cannot serve in the community, and they must pay different fines. This has happened frequently the past few years, and is continuing to increase as time goes on. Also, Mexico's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but many officials are joining in and inciting the persecution towards believers.
Please pray that:

• Jesus would fill these believers with His joy, and know that He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
• He would provide for them if they have no water or electricity, and that would be a testimony to the Catholics around them that our God is real, He is faithful, and He ALONE is worthy of worship.
• The persecutors would be convicted by the Holy Spirit, and He would move in their lives so they would see the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and understand why the believers around them don't want to take part in their ceremonies.

Have a blessed day guys

Pray for Christians in Vietnam

Hey guys.
We really need to lift up our brothers and sisters in Vietnam right now. There are many ethnic minorities located all over southeast Asia, the Hmong being one of them, and we prayed for those in Laos a a few days ago. Now, Hmong in Vietnam are facing persecution and pressure from the government to recant their faith in Jesus and return to animistic worship, which is worshiping trees, nature, spirits... things like that. Even though in 2004 the government created a law that made it illegal to make someone recant their faith, the government published a booklet in 2006 that explained how to make hilltribes leave Christianity and return to their old religions. Recently, authorities have been sent to North Vietnam to try to force new Hmong Christians to become animists again. They were threatened to not receive any government services, which for very poor Hmong could be really bad. This still didn't cause the Christians to leave Jesus, so, "the officials threatened to drive the Christians from their homes and fields, harm them physically and put them in prison." We've been going through Hebrews on Sundays, and this is a lot similiar to the Hebrew Christians problems. They were facing persecution, and it seemed easier to go back to their old ways to stop being persecuted. If these Hmong Christians leave Jesus and become animist again, they will be safe and unharmed. But, as we've learned, JESUS IS BETTER!
Please pray that:

• The Lord would encourage and strengthen these believers, and they would hold fast to their confession in Jesus and not turn back to their old ways.
• They would remember Jesus is much better than anything in this life and especially better than animism, even if it would be more comfortable in their old ways.
• The officials in Vietnam would be convicted by the Holy Spirit, and they would stop persecuting these Christians.
• Jesus would be so near to our brothers and sisters in Vietnam, and they would cling to Him and His promises and see that He is faithful.

Thank you so much for praying guys, the Lord is so faithful to answer prayers!

Pray for Christians in Sri Lanka

Hey guys:)
A bill is going through Sri Lanka's parliament that could make evangelism and becoming a Christian illegal. This bill, the "Prevention of Forcible Conversion Bill," while on paper doesn't look entirely bad, in practice could cause many faith based groups and other Christians in Sri Lanka to face violence or imprisonment for being/becoming a Christian. Sri Lanka has a small minority of Christians, and in the midst of civil unrest from militant Hindus and Buddhists, Christians have faced a lot of persecution.
Please pray for:

• The Parliament and that they would decide against this bill by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
• The Lord would guard Christians in Sri Lanka from Hindu and Buddhist militants, and they would be unashamed of the Gospel, for "the righteous are as bold as a lion."
• If this bill be passed, the Gospel would spread even more than it is now, and hearts in Sri Lanka would be opened to see the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Be blessed by the grace of our Lord today:)

Update for the Persecuted Church

Hey guys:) Here's a video updating us on the persecuted church around the world.
Be blessed today:)

Continue to pray for Iraqi Christians

On Nov. 12, two sisters were killed and their mother wounded by a gang of Islamic extremists in the Al Qahira section of Mosul, Iraq. The gunmen shot one of the sisters as she was waiting for a bus outside their home. They then stormed into the home, killed the other sister and injured their mother. A bomb placed by the assailants at the entrance of the house detonated as police arrived on the scene, injuring several officers. This is the latest in a series of attacks on Christians that have occurred in Mosul, in recent weeks. Since October, more than seven Christians have been killed and more than 200 families displaced. The Christian community in Iraq is estimated to be 3 percent of Iraq’s 26 million people, or about 800,000. Some Christians believe they are being targeted in an effort to wipe out the Christian community's economic activity and drive believers from the area. Since 2003, Christian leaders, churches and businesses in Iraq have been targeted by Islamic extremists. As a result, many believers have fled.
Please pray that:

• this family as they mourn their loss and for healing for the injured mother, and that other Christians would come alongside them for assistance.
• The Lord would protect and provide for persecuted and displaced believers in Mosul.
• Pray displaced families will return safely to their homes, and ask God to protect them and other believers in Iraq as they risk their all for their faith.

Thanks guys:) Have a blessed day

Pray for Christians in Iraq

A 16 year old girl, Asya Ahmad Muhammad, has been released from prison in Iraq last week. She, her parents and younger brother are all Christians, her dad being the first believer in 1998. One of seven brothers, Asya's father received a lot of persecution for deciding to leave Islam for Jesus. One of his brothers attempted to kill him five times, and burnt down his house in order to get back at him for becoming a Christian. Asya's uncle then decided to try to kill his brother's family, and one morning he furiously came into Asya's father's kitchen appliance store. He grabbed one of the knives and tried killing her mother as she and her brother watched, and preceeded to cut her. He mother managed to get away, but Asya and her brother still remained in the store. Her uncle then started to beat and attack Asya, trying to kill her with the knife. Out of defense, she grabbed a knife and stabbed him, which resulted in his death. She was originally sentenced to five years of prison, but it was reduced to 2 years and four monthes. We need to rejoice over this! However, we still need to lift this family up in prayer. The rest of Asya's extended family is still angry at her and her family for being Christians and killing her uncle, and they have threatened to kill Asya. The courts are demanding that almost $9,000 be paid in blood money by Asya's family, which is impossible as they barely have enough money to buy food.
Please pray that:

• The Lord would provide money for the Muhammed family, and they would be able to eat, sleep in a house every night, and if needed, escape to a different country.
  
• The Lord's hand of protection would be upon them, and the anger the rest of their family has towards them would be replaced by the peace of Jesus Christ.
• Asya's testimony and love for the Lord would encourage other believers to stand strong even when faced with death and persecution for becoming a Christian in an anti-Jesus culture.
• This family would grow closer to the Lord, and they would hold fast to His grace and promises.

Draw near to Jesus today, guys:)

Pray for persecuted Christians in Laos

Three Christians were released from prison last month in Laos for "believing and worshipping God." They had spent several weeks in prison after they and 60 other believers in a village refused to stop worshipping the Lord. Laos is known for its severe persecution against Christians (You can hear more about it in the video on this page) from both citizens and Lao officials. Hundreds of pastors have been murdered and many village Christians face intense persecution and fled to neighboring Thailand. The Lao government refers to Christianity as being  an "enemy to the state." Even though Christianity isn't necessarily against the Law, Lao officials will look for ways to label it as a crime worthy of a fine or imprisonment. They have fined several villagers in this specific region for loving Jesus, and taken away their farm animals which are absolutely necessary to live, which is a normal practice because most villagers don't have any money. Lao officials are restricting worship in this village and families have been forced to either sign a renunciation of their faith or be forced out of the village.

First of all we need to praise the Lord for releasing three of our brother's in Laos!

Please pray that:

• The Lord would protect the believers of this village and Lao officials would be unable to make them renounce their faith in Jesus or lose their joy, but instead the Lord would cause their joy to increase and they would continue to "believe and worship God."
• The Lao government would be put to shame by believer's faith in God, and that Christians would continue to preach the Gospel with selfless boldness and endurance
• The Lord would stir in the hearts of the Lao believers to lift up in prayer their government, and the demonic stronghold's over this country would be released by the power of Jesus Christ (They are in subjection to Him now because of the cross!!)
• Most believers are Hmong (Mong) and Lahu villagers, and they are the ones who are being targeted with the most brutal persecutions. Please pray that they would not lose heart, but press on towards the upward call in Christ Jesus.

Be blessed today!!

Pray for persecuted Christians in Africa

Hey guys! Sorry, this wasn't updated because of college camp, but don't stop coming back because we're still going strong!
We're going to lift up the nations of Eritrea and Sudan today. Because of human rights violations and persecution against Christians, Christians are forced to leave these countries and have fled to Egypt. Many refugees have sought political asylum in Egypt, which means they aren't citizens, but they are legally allowed to live in Egypt because it's too dangerous for them to go back to their countries. This has been taking place for years, but recently the Egyptian border patrol have been taking brutal measures against them. A few days ago thirty African refugees were shot and murdered while attempting to cross the border by the Egyptian border patrol.
Please pray that:

• The Lord would guard the Christians that are fleeing their countries because of persecution, they would be hidden in Him, and guards would be blind as these refugees make it to safety.
• Egyptian Christians would advocate for these people, and the hearts of government leaders would be softened and refugees would be granted asylum.
• The countries of Eritrea and Sudan would be transformed by the Gospel, Christians within them would count it all joy to face trials and persecution, and those who are persecuting would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ so Christians are no longer forced to leave.
  

Pray for Christians in Orissa, India

Hi guys!
As you might remember from the video last Sunday (which if you have not watched, it's right over to your right on the screen) there has been an incredible amount of persecution against Christians in Orissa, India. The countless number of stories from Christians that have lost family members, homes, churches, and even lives continues to come in. Hindu extremists will not settle for these Christians living freely, and so far 70,000 Christians have been displaced, or forced to leave their villages in Orissa, and fled to neighboring areas. Horrible things have taken place against our brothers and sisters, and many have been tortured, raped, and killed because of their faith in Jesus. We really need to lift up our family in India at this time, as the violence increases and gets worse as time goes on.
Please pray that:

• The Lord would guide and protect those who are fleeing from Orissa, that families would stay together, and if they have been seperated, the Lord would bring them back together.
• Ask that believers would be strengthened by knowing their struggle isn't against flesh and blood, and they would supernaturally be able to forgive and love those who are persecuting them
• Jesus would be near to the brokenhearted, be a shield about believers, and a spirit of praise would come upon the Christian chuch in Orissa to lift up His name

• Hindu extremists would be put to shame by the humility and love of Christians, and God would soften their hearts so they would come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus

Thank you so much for praying friends, our brothers and sisters really need it right now in Orissa. Keep them in your prayers today! Our prayer is very powerful and the Lord is so faithful to answer when we ask! God bless you all :)

Pray for Iranian Christians

Hey friends.
Today we are going to lift up Ramtin Soodmand. He is the son of an Iranian Pastor who was martyred by the government on false accusations. Now almost twenty years later, Soodmand was arrested on charges of "promoting anti-government propaganda." In reality, Soodmand just loves and follows Jesus Christ in a nation where anyone found converting from Islam to Christianity could face death. This month the government is trying to make it a capital offense, or something worthy of the death penalty, by being an apostate, or leaving Islam. It has become increasingly more difficult for Christians in Iran, and not only is the government arresting and persecuting Christians, other Mulsims are persecuting their Christian neighbors and former friends.
Please pray for :

• Ramtin and his family would be protected from violence, they would be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and they would cling to the Lord and His promises
  
• Also as Ramtin is awaiting trial, he would be given favor with the judges, their hearts would be softened, and he would be allowed to go free and not face the death penalty
  
• Christians in Iran would have discernment as government spies are pretending to be church members to get information for the government, yet still be unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
  
• The Lord would have mercy on those who are in prison right now, their families, and use them to share His love with the people of Iran
  

Hope you guys had a good day! Thanks for lifiting up Iran!

Pray for the Karen in Burma

Hey guys:)
Today we're going to lift up the tribal group called the Karen (Kah-ren) in Burma. They have faced persecution at the hands of the ethnic majority in Burma called the Burman. This past week, Burmese army officials killed 4 Karen and have forced 250 Karen from their village. This happens frequently, and many Karen have fled to different parts of Burma and Thailand to escape this persecution. Almost all of the Karen are Christian, and that has been a major reason why the Burmese Government has persecuted them. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Burma for:

• Protection over individuals, families and villages as the Burmese Army tries to make them leave and commits acts of violence and evil towards them
  
• The church body would be encouraged and have joy even in the face of this persecution
• The Karen would have favor with the Thai government, and especially the Burmese Government, and the Lord would use their testimony to bring these officials,and even other citizens, to the Lord

Be blessed in all that you do today friends! Keep the Karen in your prayers!

PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH!

Hey guys:)

After this past Sunday you may be wondering...what next? That's why we made this blog. This is to keep us as a youth group involved with our church body that extends into the rest of the world, specifically those who are suffering for the same Jesus that we call King.

• PURPOSE-To pray for and remember our family being persecuted for their faith in Jesus
• HOW- Check this site every afternoon for a daily update about the persecuted church
• WHY- Most importantly... because of what the Lord tells us in Hebrews 13:3- "Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves are also in the body."

"When I was beaten on the bottom of the feet, my tongue cried. Why did my tongue cry? It was not beaten. It cried because the tongue and the feet are both part of the same body. And you free Christians are part of the same Body of Christ that is now beaten in prisons in restricted nations, that even now gives martyrs for Christ. Can you not feel our pain?" -Richard Wurmbrand, who was placed into communist prisons for 13 years because of his love for Jesus and who then started Voice of the Martyrs

We can't all go over to North Korea or Afghanistan and protect our brothers and sisters..but we do have a weapon much more powerful than us...PRAYER! -"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses"(1 Corinthians 10:3-4)- So, that's what we need to do! Everyday there will be a new update from somewhere in the world where Christians are being persecuted, and along with it a few things to pray for. This will honestly take up a few minutes of your day, and it is a great way to start praying for the nations as we grow in our walks with Jesus.

Be blessed in all that you do today!