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CHINA China Mission Aid AssociationImprisoned religious leader of South China Church, Gong Shengliang, was beaten again in Hong Shan prison, Wuhan, Hubei Province. On April 18, 2006, Pastor Gong's two sisters came to visit him and saw that the right side of Gong's face was swollen. Gong told them that March 21, 2006, another prisoner named Lei, who was assigned a mission by prison officials to watch Gong day and night, beat him without cause.

After the beating, Gong could not move his mouth for three days and suffered some hearing loss in his right ear. When Gong reported the beating to prison officials, they punished Pastor Gong by taking away two merit points he had earned during the last year. By contrast, the prison officers praised Lei. When Gong appealed to the leader of the prison to transfer Lei to another group, the prison leader refused and told Lei to apologize to "settle" the matter.

Pray God will protect Pastor Gong from more beatings. Pray the Holy Spirit's Mission will move in the hearts of the prison officials and other prisoners and they will come to know God as their loving Savior.

VOM INDIA Assist NewsThe administration of Rajasthan state's Kota district has leveled fresh charges of "exciting... disaffection towards the government of India" against Emmanuel Mission International (EMI) founder M.A. Thomas and his son, Dr. Samuel Thomas, the EMI president. Their attorney Mohammad Akram said he feared the additional charges could lead to the re-arrest of Samuel Thomas (released on bail under previous charges) and the re-issue of an arrest warrant against M.A. Thomas (granted anticipatory bail on previous charges). The new charge is based on the exclusion of Jammu and Kashmir states on a map of India shown on the website of Georgia-based Hopegivers International (which funds EMI). An offense under this law can lead to imprisonment for life.

Pray God His mission will continue to bring strength, comfort and encouragement to the Thomas family.

VOM INDIA Compass DirectWith the encouragement of a local chief and the apparent backing of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, villagers in the north-central state of Madhya Pradesh gang-raped two Christian women Sunday (May 28) after the husband of one refused to deny Christ. The attack took place at 10 p.m. in Nadia village in Khargone district's Bhagwanpura block.

A Christian source requesting anonymity said that villagers beat up Gokharya Barela, the husband of one of the victims, at 3 p.m. on Sunday. He took him forcibly to Sirvil village before the Panchayat (village court) and ordered him to reject Christianity. When he refused, the village leader, Pandya Patel, ordered Barela to drink wine. Villagers forced him to drink about half a bottle and warned him to move out of the village.

The village leader Patel told the villagers they could rape Christian women because no one would save them. That night three men went to the house of Gokharya Barela, dragged his wife to nearby bushes and raped her. When Gokharya Barela and his Christian friend Gudia Gyansingh tried to save her, villagers beat them. Two other Hindu villagers went to the house of Christian Garsia Barela and dragged his wife onto the verandah and raped her.

Superintendent of Police of Khargone district I.R.S. Borna confirmed that two women were raped by five men. "Our team is investigating," he said, "but no one has been arrested yet." The women were able to name the alleged rapists. (Mission: pray these men would be apprehended)

VOM(mission) Pray these Christian women and their families will find comfort and strength as they keep their eyes on their Lord and Savior and the mission He has set before us. Pray the other Christian villagers will remain strong in their faith in the face of threats and intimidation. Pray the attackers will be brought to justice.

Jesus died to save us from religion

That sounds strange and contradictory, but it's not! Not when you understand the difference between Christianity and religion. Religion is the idea that if you work hard and long enough, God will like you - it's the idea that you must obtain salvation through your own mission efforts. Christianity is totally different. It tells us that salvation has already been obtained for us through the efforts of Jesus. At its best, religion moves the focus from the work of Jesus to our own good behavior. At its worst, religion produces exclusivism, arrogance, un-biblical teachings, fanaticism and enslavement.

VOM Mission Prayers for June 13, 2006From The Voice of the Martyrs

VOM in BHUTAN Two Christians, Benjamin Dhunigana and John Dai, were arrested on January 8, 2006, in the western part of Bhutan. They have been imprisoned without trial for six months and now sentence has been announced, though apparently without a trial. Dhunigana was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison and Dai was sentenced to three years. They were given 10 days to appeal to the court for bail and then to fight the case with the help of prominent lawyer. A VOM contact says that Dhunigana has been active in sharing the gospel all across Bhutan, and in particular in reaching Buddhist monks for Christ. On January 7th, he and Dai were traveling together in a van when they stopped and offered a ride to woman walking along the road. Dhunigana and Dai drove the woman to her home, and she insisted that they eat dinner with her family. They stayed to eat, and then told the woman they'd like to show her a movie, the JESUS film. She asked if she could invite her neighbors also, and the house was soon full of people watching the film about the life of Christ. VOM sources say it was the neighbors who reported the two Christian workers; Dhunigana and Dai were arrested the following day. Both men are married and have children; local Christians have promised to provide for the mens families as long as they are incarcerated.

VOM Mission: Pray that the men will be a bold witness for Christ, even while they are in prison. Pray for justice for these two Bhutanese Christians. Please send polite e-mails of protest can be sent to the Bhutanese delegation to the United Nations at bhutan@un.int

VOM INDIA (Religion Today / Compass Direct) In the state of Tamil Nadu, Christian leaders are expressing joy and relief over the recent repeal of an anti-conversion law. The law specifically listed Dalits (who make up approximately one fifth of Tamil Nadu's population) as one group restricted from evangelism efforts. The newly-formed Tamil Nadu legislature introduced a bill on May 29th to repeal the four-year-old "Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religion Act." It went unopposed to the floor and was passed May 31st. "Thank God for this welcome change," said Gospel for Asia president K.P. Yohannan. "The law had been a heavy burden on our state and district leaders."

In Mayapuri Pradesh state a mob of Hindu extremists stormed a home prayer meeting in Mayapuri on June 4th and dragged Christians inside to a nearby temple to force them to bow before local gods. Police took 15 Christians into custody. Pastor Jagdish Bharti, 27, of the Bethel Fellowship Church, was charged with insulting religious beliefs "with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging" religious feelings. He was released June 6th on bail of 20,000 rupees (US$435). The other 14 Christians were released June 10th on bail after four hours of interrogation. "Police also created a scene at the police station, colluding with the fundamentalist elements and encouraging them to beat me up the next time I am caught evangelizing," said Pastor Bharti.

VOM Mission: Pray God will protect Pastor Bharti and the members of his church from further harassment. Praise God for His favor toward the Dalits in Tamil Nadu. Pray the light of the love of Jesus will penetrate the spiritual darkness in India.

VOM CHINA (China Aid Association) Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers arrested 28 Christians at 11 a.m., May 28th, during a raid a house church raid in Xiguan Ma Jia Chang, Fugou County, Henan Province. PSB officers stormed the worship service and produced no IDs, summons, or detention papers. Bibles and notebooks belonging to the church members were confiscated by the police and no receipts were issued. After hours in jail, 23 Christians were released. Ms. Liu Yuemei, 59, was held until June 1st, after her family was forced to pay a fine of 1600 Yuan (US $200). Ms. Chang Xinhong, 35, was not released until June 8th, after she promised to pay her fine in cash. Three Christians still remain at Ba-Yi Prison, Fugou County, Henan Province. They are Ms. Chen Xuelan, 58, who hosted the gathering, Ms. Cao Yan, 55, and Pastor Li Shunmin, 52. The Christians decided to make a legal appeal and two members of the Chinese Christian Legal Aid Association, Dr. Li Baiguang and Dr. Fan Yafeng, have agreed to be their legal representatives.

VOM Mission: Pray God will comfort the three Christians who remain in prison with His presence and give them strength to endure. Pray they will have opportunities to share the Good News with other prisoners. Ask that the Lord will give favor to the legal representatives and all these prisoners will be released.

VOM LAOS/NORTH KOREA (ASSIST News Service) Ten North Koreans have been arrested and imprisoned in Laos while attempting to find a safe haven in a Southeast Asian country. Two South Korean Christian aid workers who were aiding the escapees were also arrested. The Washington, D.C.-based International Christian Concern says if Laos chooses to surrender the escapees to the North Korean embassy, they will almost certainly face either a long imprisonment in the Gulag or a death sentence.

VOM Mission: Pray God will work a miracle of His grace to help the North Korean Christians find a safe haven. Pray the aid workers will be released and allowed to return to South Korea. Continue in fervent prayer for religious freedom to return to North Korea.

VOM Mission Prayers for June 20, 2006From The Voice of the Martyrs

VOM CHINA (China Aid Association) CAA learned that a well-known disabled Chinese House church pastor was formally arrested May 26, 2006. Pastor Wang Zaiqing, 43, was accused of illegally printing and distributing Bibles and other Christian literature. On May 26, Pastor Wang's wife, Zhang Hongyan, received a formal arrest warrant which stated Pastor Wang was suspected of "being involved in illegal business practices." He had been printing and distributing Bibles and other Christian literature to fellow believers free of charge to meet the rapid growth of believers. Legal experts say this is the third such case in which the Chinese government used a criminal business related charge against a house church pastor.

"It's totally unacceptable for the Chinese authorities to arrest this pious crippled pastor simply for printing Bibles," said Rev. Bob Fu of CAA. Last April, Pastor Wang's house was searched twice and a number of items confiscated, including Christian literature, hymnals, bank cards and an electronic piano. Pastor Wang, crippled since the age of five, became a Christian in 1993 and later became a very well-known house church planter and preacher in several provinces. Since April 28, Pastor Wang was taken from his home and declared under ‘criminal detention' by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) of Huainan City.

VOM Mission: Pray God will move in mercy to bring about the release of this faithful, innocent man. Pray Pastor Wang will lead many to Christ during his imprisonment.

Mission: INDONESIA (VOM Canada) In 2000, Abraham Bentar, a Muslim, came to faith in Jesus Christ. When he was baptized three years later, he told his pastor that he wanted to evangelize Muslims. Since then, Abraham has been actively involved in evangelism to Muslims in Tasikmalaya, West Java through his clothing business. According to sources in Indonesia, Abraham was talking to his Muslim brothers on March 7 when three men burst into his home and assaulted him. He was dragged out of his home where a mob joined in, severely beating him until police intervened. Abraham was then charged with attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity. In May, Abraham appeared in court. His brothers were among those who testified that he had tried to convert them to Christianity. The judge sentenced him to four and a half years in prison. When contacts spoke with Abraham's wife, Kristowati, she asked for three Bibles for her husband so that he could share them with his six cellmates.

VOM Mission: Pray that Abraham will have many opportunities to share Christ with those around him and that their hearts would be open to the gospel. Pray that Kristowati and their daughter Rinda will be filled to overflowing with the comfort of the Holy Spirit while Abraham is in prison.

VOM KAZAKHSTAN (Forum 18) Baptist Pastor Yaroslav Senyushkevich was fined $856 U.S. on May 18 for leading unregistered religious activity. This is three times the average monthly salary in Kazakhstan. Pastor Senyushkevich, who leads a congregation in the capital Astana, was tried by the capital's inter-district administrative court and fined. The Council of Baptist Churches objected to official demands that they register their congregations with the government. Baptists claim the registration applications in some regions of Kazakhstan require extensive information, such as details of members' ethnicity, family status, religious education of congregational leaders, age, type of work and "the most acute problems worrying parishioners", as well as details of members' political affiliation. "Such registration is a web it's almost impossible to break free of," the Council said. Pray the Lord will give Pastor Senyushkevich and his congregation great faith and endurance as they stand up for Jesus. Pray the Kazak authorities will allow true religious freedom without the need to register churches.

VOM Mission: Pray God will bring many Kazaks into His Kingdom.

VOM INDIA (Compass Direct) The body of Prem Kumar, a 67-year-old preacher from the Church of South India, was found on June 8 in a forest in Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh state. Local authorities denied any religious motive in his death, saying personal rivalry was the most likely reason for the murder. Kumar's son, however, said his father had no enemies and strongly suspected Hindu extremists. A young man had approached Pastor Kumar early that morning and requested he hold a prayer meeting in Rampur Thanda village the same day. Though suspicious, Kumar agreed. When he arrived at the pick-up point, strangers were waiting. Kumar phoned his son and asked him to call frequently. Kumar's cell phone went dead at about 11 a.m. When Kumar's body was discovered, his head was crushed beyond recognition, apparently with heavy stones, the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported. A sub-inspector of the Kotagiri police station said the body was identified based on the description of the clothes worn by the preacher. Andhra Pradesh state is ruled by the Congress Party, with Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, a Christian, as the chief minister. Religious tensions have been high in the state, with Hindu extremists accusing Reddy of giving a free hand to Christian missionaries.

VOM Mission: Pray Jesus will give His loving comfort and consolation to Kumar's family and friends. Pray Dr. Reddy will continue to support Christian activities and not be intimidated by Hindu extremists.

VOM Mission: Pray the Holy Spirit will move in power throughout India to dispel the darkness of Hindu beliefs.

VOM LAOS/NORTH KOREA (Compass Direct) The 10 North Korean refugees and two South Korean activists arrested in Laos in May were released into the hands of South Korean embassy staff on Saturday, June 10. The communist authorities in Laos had arrested the 12 on May 31 as they attempted to reach safety in neighboring Thailand. Leaving North Korea without official permission is a serious crime. Those who return with a Bible or admit having contact with Christians in China face certain torture and imprisonment, and, in some extreme cases, execution.

VOM Mission: Give thanks to God for His mercy in allowing these prisoners to be released. Pray for their protection and God's provision for safe homes for all of them. Pray God will work a miracle of His love and grace to bring the authorities in North Korea to seek for peace and find their Savior.

VOM Mission Prayers for June 27, 2006From The Voice of the Martyrs

Christian Aid Association) On June 25, CAA released a report listing the cases of persecution against Chinese house churches in different provinces in China from May 2005-May 2006. According to the report, in the past 12 months, at least 1,958 Chinese house church pastors and Christians in 15 provinces have been arrested. It is reported that police officers and religious affairs cadres conducting the raids have mistreated and tortured Christians. The report shows that Henan has been the worst province in persecution against house churches. In 11 raids between July 2005 and May 2006, 823 pastors and mission believers were arrested. Five American citizens were arrested as well. Many of those arrested were abused. After a raid on March 13, 2006 in Wen county, two arrested Christian ladies, 72 and 21, were forced to strip off their clothes during the interrogation. A disabled mission pastor, Li Gongshe, was severely beaten with one of his ribs broken. (Read the whole story at www.ChinaAid.org). "Henan province should be put on notice as having the worst religious persecution record," said Rev. Bob Fu of CAA, "It is morally imperative for any conscientious foreign investors in Henan to address this serious issue."

VOM Mission: Communicate your concern to the Henan province authority: Governor of Henan Governor Li Chengyu Tel: +86-371-65908675 and 65907565Fax number: +86-371-65711621Emails: webadmin@cpmembers.org.cn and gufeng@cpmembers.org.cn

VOM Mission: Pray Christians in China's house churches will remain faithful to the One who has called them into His Kingdom. Pray those in prison will point their enemies toward Jesus. Pray for an international outpouring of protest that will cause the authorities to stop attacks on house churches.

COMOROS (VOM Canada) Four men have been imprisoned in Moroni, Comoros for their "involvement in Christianity" according to a June 14 report from the Dutch office of Open Doors. Police have detained a former Muslim teenager, a married couple, a Muslim home owner and another Muslim who showed interest in Christianity. The arrests took place in May, following a complaint by the brother of a 15-year-old Christian who was angry his brother had abandoned Islam. During his interrogation, the Christian young man told police, "I am a follower of Jesus and study the Bible." Police forced him to reveal the location of the home where the Bible studies were held. They then arrested the Bible study mission leader and the owner of the home. While searching the residence, police found Bibles and other Christian literature, as well as a list containing the names of other Christians. When the Bible study leader's wife came to visit him in prison, she was also arrested. Two days later, she was sent to a women's prison where she was mistreated by guards and fellow prisoners. She has since been released but the four men have each been sentenced to three months in prison. It is reported that both the young convert and the Bible study leader have suffered mistreatment while in detention. In Comoros, a small three-island nation off the east coast of Africa, freedom of religion is guaranteed in the constitution, but the three church buildings in the nation are restricted to foreigners only.

VOM Mission: Pray that the four men will remain faithful to Christ even as they suffer for His sake. Pray Jesus will give His special peace and comfort to the families of those arrested. Pray the Holy Spirit will overcome the spiritual darkness in Comoros and overwhelm the people with His love.

VOM INDIA (Compass Direct) On Sunday, June 11, Hindu extremists dragged an independent pastor to a police station in Karnataka state, accusing him of converting Hindus to Christianity. They beat Pastor Sundar Rao severely both inside the police station and after he was released the following day. The pastor has since been hospitalized. The police were mute spectators to the beatings, according to a local Christian mission leader who requested anonymity. The extremists forced Rao to sign a piece of blank paper inside the police station. They also told him the land he had bought for a church would instead be used for constructing a (Hindu) temple.

In separate incident in Chattisgarh state on Sunday, June 18, Hindu extremists broke into Hossana church in Kosa Nala, Bhilai district. Extremists attacked Pastor David Raj and other church members, including his wife. The radical Hindus placed a rubber tire around the pastor's neck and attempted to burn him to death. After the mob beat them, Raj and his wife Ratna Jyoti were arrested and charged with attempted forced conversion and promoting enmity between religious groups. Local sources said two women were tricked into signing a statement accusing Raj and his wife of offering them cash and a motorcycle if they converted to Christianity.

VOM Mission: Pray the Lord will heal Pastor Rao so quickly and completely that his recovery will be a witness to God's loving care. Pray God will not allow the land dedicated to His glory to be the site of a temple. Pray Pastor Raj and his wife will be released from prison and protected from further attacks. Pray Christians worldwide will pray for the Hindus in India who need to know their Savior.

VOM SAUDI ARABIA (Compass Direct) Armed with wooden clubs, ten Saudi Arabian police raided a private Christian worship meeting in the coastal city of Jeddah on June 9. Police arrested four East African citizens leading the mission service. More than 100 Eritreans, Ethiopians and Filipinos were gathered for worship in a home in Jeddah's Al-Rowaise district at 11 a.m. June 9. Startled worshippers brought chairs to seat the policemen, who sat and waited with clubs in hand. At the conclusion of the three-hour worship service, police arrested Ethiopians Mekbeb Telahun and Masai Wendewesen and Eritreans Fekre Gebremedhin and Dawit Uqbay. The two Ethiopian and two Eritrean mission Christians remain in the city's deportation jail. One Christian who spoke with them by telephone reported they were "doing fine, with okay morale." But he said he did not know how they were being treated.

VOM Mission: Pray God will protect the four leaders who were arrested. Pray they will be able to boldly witness for Christ even while in custody. Pray the Holy Spirit will tear down the dark curtain of unbelief in Saudi Arabia and the bright light of Jesus will shine through.

Mission Prayers for July 4, 2006From The Voice of the Martyrs

VOM CHINA (China Aid Association)May 27th and 28th, 2006, 30 house-church mission leaders from Langzhong City, Sichuan Province were arrested and forced to pay fines. Eyewitnesses and family members of the victims reported that the arrests happened from 11 a.m. on May 27th until 9 a.m. on the 28th during a fellowship meeting. Fifteen members of the Public Security Bureau in six police vehicles raided the meeting. Eyewitnesses say that during the arrests and interrogations, Christians were abused inhumanely by constant heavy beatings. Though some of those arrested were released on the 28th, on morning of the 29th, 14 house church mission leaders received criminal detention notices. They are:

VOM Mission leader: Li Ming

VOM Mission leader: Wang Yuan

VOM Mission leader: Li Jinbo

VOM Mission leader: Li Chengxi

VOM Mission leader: Shi Zhihe

VOM Mission leader: Gou Yongcai

VOM Mission leader: Jin Jiyun

VOM Mission leader: Wang Shuhua

VOM Mission leader: Gou Qingju

VOM Mission leader: Ke Xiufang

VOM Mission leader: Sun Changfen

VOM Mission leader: Hu Yongju

VOM Mission leader: Zhang Shulan

VOM Mission leader: Liao Zhoulan

and

VOM Pastors Li Ming, Wang Yuan, Li Jinbo and Jin Jiyun who are major mission leaders of the Chinese House Church Alliance which was established in 2004.

It is made up of approximately 300,000 members from various house church movements scattered across 21 provinces. CAA also learned that in recent weeks a number of house churches from Beijing, Shangdong and Guangdong were forced by the local authorities to close. Polite letters of protest and concern may be sent to the Chinese Embassy.

Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong,Embassy of the People's Republic of China 2300 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20008 TEL: 202-7456743 Fax: 202- 588-0032; 202-7457473

Pray Jesus will draw close to the prisoners with His loving comfort. Pray God will protect them and their mission from further beatings. Pray their faithfulness to Jesus will inspire Christians everywhere to seek a closer walk with our Savior and Friend.

(VOM Compass Direct) Chinese officials have expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 12th condemning rising persecution of religious believers in China. The resolution came after U.S. President George W. Bush invited three members of China's house-church network to the White House on May 11th--Author Yu Jie, law professor Wang Yi and legal scholar Li Baiguang. Yu, 33, attends Ark Church, an unregistered Protestant house church that has had to change locations six times to escape harassment. When Yu was asked to visit the White House, secret police in Beijing immediately called his wife, Liu Min, at her office in downtown Beijing. "They bluntly asked me to stop attending Ark Church, assuming that if I stopped going, the others would also scatter," she said. When she replied that she could not obey the order, the police said they would spread rumors to damage her husband's reputation. Police also advised her to divorce Yu.

Give thanks to God that information about the lack of religious freedom in China is being made public. Ask God to protect the house church representatives who were willing to suffer the consequences of reporting to President Bush. Pray all those who are threatened by the Chinese authorities will continue to stand up for Jesus and our mission.

ERITREA (VOM Canada) In the early morning of May 16th, 15 Christians escaped from a military training camp in Asabe, Eritrea and attempted to escape across the desert into neighboring Djibouti. According to a June 23rd report from Open Doors U.K., the men had been detained in metal shipping containers for the past two years because of their faith in Christ. Military police pursued the men when they were discovered missing. After two days, the bodies of five of them were found dead from exposure. At last report the other 10 had not been found and there was no indication if they were successful in crossing the border into Djibouti. If they remain in Eritrea, their lives and mission are in grave danger.

Pray if there are survivors, the Lord will help them to complete their mission and bring them safely to a place where they can recover from their ordeal. Pray the families of the deceased will find comfort in the fact that Christ is victorious over death, and their loved ones will be raised with Him. Continue to pray for the safe release of the many Christian prisoners in Eritrea.

INDIA (VOM sources) A group of junior doctors of Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh beat up a Dalit Christian laborer for several hours, cut his hair and forced him to drink his own urine in Gandhi Medical College hostel on June 21st. The police sources said the junior doctors started beating the Christian at 2:30 p.m. and continued the thrashing until night. The man somehow managed to free himself from the clutches of his tormentors and rushed to the nearest police station. The police are looking for the unknown persons on charges of wrongful confinement and physical abuse. In Bothli village in Durg district Sunday, June 25th, dozens of activists of a Hindu group, Dharam Sena, disrupted a weekly prayer meeting of Christians. As the prayer meeting was going on, more than a dozen Hindu fanatics surrounded the house, shouting slogans against Christians. They then barged into the house and started to attack all those present. Attacks on minorities, particularly on Christians, are increasing alarmingly. They are suffering a series of attacks and assaults by hardliner Hindu groups in many of the North and South Indian States.

Pray God will protect the Dalit Christian mission who are the poorest of the poor and give them peace and safety. Give thanks to God for the perseverance of the saints who remain faithful to Jesus in spite of severe persecution. Pray the Holy Spirit will come in glory and loving power to the whole country of India.

VOM ERITREA(Compass Direct)

Two days after an evangelical Christian mother was arrested at her home and jailed by Eritrean police, her 6-month-old son died on his sickbed in Nefasit, 10 miles East of Asmara.

Ghenet Gebremariam was arrested on May 8th, with two other Protestant women, also mothers with children and members of Nefasit's banned Full Gospel Mission Church. They were detained on accusations of "actively witnessing about Christ."

Two days later, Gebremariam's baby, Hazaiel Daniel, died of unknown causes. Subsequently Gebremariam was released on bail. The other two mothers, Meslale Abraham and Alganshe Tsagay, remain in police custody.

In a separate crackdown two weeks ago, 50 evangelical Christian students were put under harsh military punishment at Mai Nefhee Educational Institution, a military service center in Asmara.

The discovery of the 33 young women and 17 men was attributed to a Defense Ministry campaign to identify all students at the institution involved in "illegal" Protestant mission activities.

Pray Jesus will comfort Ghent Gebremariam with His presence and peace, assuring her that her baby is safely at Home with Him. Pray the other two mothers will soon be released and returned to their families. Pray the mission of the Holy Spirit would rise in power to win the spiritual battle for Eritrea.

VOM INDONESIAOn May 10th, police in Indonesia announced seven suspected Islamic terrorists have confessed to beheading three Indonesian schoolgirls in Poso, on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, in October 2005.

Five men were arrested on May 5th, in Tolitoli regency, Central Sulawesi. Jakarta Post identified them as Apriyantono, alias Irwan; Arman, alias Haris; Asrudin, Nano and Abdul Muis. "Two of the arrested men were involved in the murders," national police spokesman Brig. Gen. Anton Bachrul Alam told reporters. "Another was detained for carrying ammunition, while the other two were arrested as accessories to the crimes."

Two additional suspects have not yet been publicly identified. Theresia Morangke, 15, Alfita Poliwo, 17, and Yarni Sambue, 15, were beheaded early in the morning of October 29, 2005, as they walked to a Christian school in Poso district. A fourth girl, Noviana Malewa, 15, received serious injuries to her face and neck but survived the attack.

"Two of the arrested men were involved in the murders," national police spokesman Brig. Gen. Anton Bachrul Alam told reporters. "Another was detained for carrying ammunition, while the other two were arrested as accessories to the crimes."

Alam said the suspects would be taken to national police headquarters in Jakarta for further interrogation. Praise God these men have finally been arrested. Pray they will be brought to trial and God's justice will prevail. Pray the Lord will comfort the VOM families and friends of the girls as they are reminded of the murders and their loss.

(VOM ASSIST News Service)Gunmen attacked a Pentecostal church mission radio station, killing one person and setting the building on fire. The AP report, reprinted in The Washington Post, says church workers, worshipers and curious onlookers gathered outside offices of a Pentecostal radio station in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday, May 13, 2006, hours after unidentified gunmen shot and killed one person, wounded two others and torched part of Hope FM during the broadcasting of a program that compared teachings of the Bible and the Quran.

VOM AP says a security guard was stabbed and later shot dead during the attack, and another was wounded, according to a passer-by who was shot when he went to look into why the emergency alarm had gone off. The independent Kenya Television Network reported that some of the assailants poured a flammable liquid in some of the offices at the radio station and then set it alight.

The eight masked assailants shouted angrily that producers had failed to take their telephone calls. They ordered a technician to take the station off the air, according to church mission workers. Gideon Kibunjah, a police spokesman, said there had been no arrests, and the identities of the gunmen were unclear.

VOM AP said church mission leaders pressed the government to quickly to investigate the attack and ensure the culprits are prosecuted. Pray our loving Father will comfort the family and friends of the guard who was killed. Pray the government will thoroughly investigate the attack and prosecute the culprits.

Our overall VOM mission is to PRAY 24/7 that this violence will cause more people to listen to the radio station and come to Christ.

VOM Prayers for July 18, 2006From The Voice of the Martyrs

VOM INDIA (Global Council of Indian Christians) On July 15th, around 11:00 p.m., a notorious group of Hindu radicals tried to burn down a transformer as part of a plan to attack 150 orphan girls in Kota, Rajasthan. The attackers allegedly had plans to rape the girls. The plan failed when the transformer led to an uncontrolled fire and created many onlookers. This is the latest in a serious of attempts to shut down the mission work of Emmanuel Orphanages. Previously, officials from the Rajasthan social welfare ministry tried to extract false complaints against Emmanuel Orphanages, but their repeated attempts have failed. Mr. Madan Dilavar, the social welfare minister of Rajasthan has made over 50 statements and threats against M.A. Thomas and Emmanuel Mission. Previously, Emmanuel Mission's licenses were canceled and bank accounts for the orphanages were frozen. (actions that were later rescinded). Most of the orphan girls that Emmanuel Orphanages help are from Dalit background.

Pray God will continue to protect the children in Emmanuel orphanage. Pray The Spirit of our risen Lord will give the Emmanuel mission workers His supernatural love for those who oppose them. Pray this spiritual battle will prove the power of our God of Love to overcome the spirit of hate.

VOM PAKISTAN (Compass Direct) Freed on bail, a Pakistani man charged with raping Ribqa Masih has continued to threaten the young Christian woman who accused him of pressuring her to convert to Islam by violating her. "I'm afraid to go outside," said Masih before breaking into tears. "Mentally, I've been too disturbed to study." Masih had finished her high school examinations and was awaiting the results in September 2005, when wealthy Muslim neighbors in this town near Faisalabad kidnapped and raped her, she said. Among them was Muhammad Kashif, who was granted bail on a technicality the law gives to criminal suspects suffering from illness. His illness is psoriasis. "Psoriasis did not stop him from raping Masih," said Khalil Tahir Sindhu, Masih's lawyer. Nor did it keep Kashif from fleeing police in a Faisalabad courtroom last October when his initial request for pre-arrest bail was rejected.

Give thanks to God that Masih was willing to testify to the suffering she endured at the hands of Muslim men. Pray Jesus Himself will comfort her and take away her fears. Pray the men who violated her will repent of their actions and seek the only One who can truly forgive them.

VOM News and Mission Prayer Update: August 22, 2006

"And Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'"(John 6:35)

INDIA(VOM Canada) On the night of August 5th, more than 50 Hindu militants stormed the House of Hope orphanage in Dantewara, Chhattisgarh state, in an attempt to forcibly close it. According to sources, the mob was armed with clubs and bamboo sticks. They beat the director, Suresh (35), and threatened to kill him if he continues with the orphanage. They also questioned and threatened several of the children. Suresh is presently in treatment for his injuries. Efforts to lodge a police complaint have failed.

(VOM Compass Direct) Hindu extremists have threatened four Christian women mission workers accused of "forced" conversion in Tamil Nadu state, while two priests of a Catholic high school in neighboring Karnataka state have been attacked. August 5th police led a team of four women from the Good Shepherd Community Church in Erode district of Tamil Nadu to reach a compromise agreement with the person who had accused them of forced conversion. The women had shown a Christian mission film to about 150 people without incident. Under the agreement, the mission women are not to preach Christ to anyone who objects or expresses unwillingness to listen. Earlier, in Hebbagodi, near Bangalore, Father Soby Thomas, vice-principal of St. Francis de Sales High School, and school administrator Father Vinod Kanat, were attacked with cricket bats by a group of about 20 people outside the hostel for poor students at Kammasandra.

(VOM Compass Direct) August 14th, when Vinod Karsal, pastor at the Assembly of God Church in Jabalpur, visited another pastor to pray for him, a mob of 45 to 50 people gathered outside the house, and began shouting anti-Christian chants and broke in. Unable to find the Bible the pastors had hidden, the Hindu extremists planted gospel tracts in the glove compartment of Karsal's scooter and police soon arrived to arrest him for "forcible conversion." Police held him until 11:30 p.m., until raging crowds outside the station baying for the pastor had dispersed.

Ask our Father to defend all these faithful believers who want to please Him. Pray the perpetrators of these crimes will know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the lives of the Christians. Pray God will heal all injured in mind and body, blessing them through their suffering with His strength.

IRAQ(VOM Compass Direct) On August 17th, Iraqi mission church leaders issued appeals today for the release of a Chaldean Catholic priest kidnapped the day before in Southeast Baghdad. Chaldean Archbishop of Kirkuk Louis Sako said Father Saad Sirop of St. Jacob parish in Baghdad's Doura district was on his way home from celebrating mass at St. Jacob church at about 6:30 a.m. when his car was stopped by three armed men with masks who forced him into their car. "I think there are two reasons these kidnappings are taking place," Sako told Compass. "The first reason is money. But the second reason is they want to push Christians out of Iraq."

Sirop is the second Chaldean Catholic priest to be kidnapped in Baghdad this month. According to Sako, Father Raad Kashan of Baghdad's Battawin district was abducted two weeks before by a group seeking ransom almost two weeks ago. The priest managed to escape after three days in captivity by promising to return to his captors with funds for his release.

Pray Jesus will make Himself known to these priests with a comforting sense of His loving presence. Pray thir mission will be the light of Christ to those around them. Pray God will move in power in Iraq, bringing the message of salvation to many nominal Muslims who live in superstitious fear of Allah.

KYRGYZSTAN(VOM Canada) July 28th, a church mission planter and his son were surrounded by a large mob opposed to their ministry in the predominantly Muslim community in Kara Kuldza, Kyrgyzstan. The church planter suffered broken fingers and severe head injuries. Both his home and the building where the church meets were ransacked and all the Christian literature was taken out and burned in the street. The national director for the Bible League in Kyrgyzstan reports that such incidents are not uncommon. Mobs have frequently disrupted worship services and threatened to burn down their homes if the religious activities do not stop. In several locations, the wives of the church planters have been raped when they would not flee.

Pray this mission church planter will fully recover from his wounds. Ask God to protect him and his family from further attacks. Pray the Holy Spirit will bring many people in Kyrgyzstan to a precious relationship with Jesus.

VOM News and Mission Prayer Update: August 29, 2006

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."(Galatians 6:2)

CHINA(VOM Compass Direct)On August 17th, Chinese authorities released Zan Aizong, a journalist who reported the Hangzhou City police using force to demolish an unregistered mission church building and beating hundreds of believers on July 29th. Zan, the former China Ocean News Zhejiang Province bureau chief, was arrested on August 11th for "spreading rumors and disturbing social order." Two days before his arrest, Zan received a notice from his employer that he was "no more suitable for the job." As a journalist, Zan said in a telephone interview on August 20th, "my responsibility is to report the truth, even though it means losing my job." According to Yu Jie, a founder of the Beijing Church of Ark, Zan was recently baptized in a mission house church in Hanzhou. Yu believes Zan's experience in jail will only make him identify more with the plight of the believers.

Give thanks to God for Zan's release. Pray the Lord will provide a job for him and allow his mission ministry to continue to counter the lies of the enemy. Pray Jesus will use Zan's increased compassion for suffering Christians to bring relief to many believers.

INDIA (VOM sources) Official sources reported that on August 20th, one person was killed and five others injured when unidentified persons fired at a mission congregation in Churachandpur district of Manipu. Evening services were being held in the Evangelical Baptist Church in Vengnuom area when some armed persons in combat dress came in a vehicle and started firing in the direction of the church. The incident happened when armed persons in a van were challenged by armed miscreants near the church. Immediately after they were challenged, the occupants of the van, whom local residents suspect to be security forces in mufti, emerged from the vehicle and started indiscriminate firing towards the church which was filled with people. One believer died at the spot, while another succumbed to his injuries at the district hospital. Four others were injured. In addition, one man was hurt when he was knocked down by someone evacuating the injured on a scooter.

That same day, Pastor Jwala was conducting a morning mission worship service in Sheopur near Jhalsy when a group of radicals with a local leader entered the meeting with hockey sticks and mercilessly attacked Pastor Jwala and members of the congregation. After the brutal attacks, they were taken to the police station where pastor Jwala was booked under the Anti Conversion Law. Bail was not granted to the victims.

Pray God will comfort these VOM mission workers with His deep peace for those who mourn for the dead. Pray the Lord Jesus will touch the injured with His healing power. Pray the Christians will be faithful witnesses of the love and forgiveness of their enemies, leading them to repentance and salvation.

MALAYSIA (VOM ASSIST News Service) Lina Joy (42), who was born Azlina Jailani to Malay parents, converted from Islam to Christianity when she was 26. Since Malaysian law requires a Muslim's religious matters to be decided in a Sharia (Islamic) Court, Lina had to get a certificate from the Sharia Court to show she had permission to convert to Christianity. As long as Lina is officially identified as a Muslim she is legally compelled to marry a Muslim man in a Muslim ceremony and be subject to Islamic Laws, including Islamic family law. Lina has been fighting for her rights. Two earlier court cases were dismissed, so her counsel is now challenging the decision in the Federal Court. The Federal Court ruling will clarify whether the religious freedom of Malaysia's Muslims is determined by the Constitution (which gives liberty) or Sharia (which denies it). The decision is still pending. As all Malays (50 percent of the population) are defined by the Constitution as Muslim, religious freedom is thereby denied them from birth on racial grounds.

Meanwhile, in the northern state of Kelantan, state-funded Islamic missionaries are receiving financial incentives to convert tribal Orang Asli people to Islam. Islamic missionaries who agree to live and work among them will receive free housing, a monthly allowance of 1,000 ringgit (US$270) and a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Those who marry tribal women will be given 10,000 ringgit (US$2,700).

Pray God's VOM mission would give Prime Minister Badawi the courage to stand for justice and religious liberty. Pray the mission of the Holy Spirit will move in the hearts of the judges to enable Lina Joy and all Malaysians to enjoy freedom to live under God's law without interference. Pray Malaysian Christians will be filled with supernatural love for those who oppose them, allowing them to see the One who loves them and longs to draw them close to Himself.

PAKISTAN (VOM Compass Direct) In an attempted land-grab, Muslim attackers have terrorized a predominantly Christian village in Pakistan's Punjab province over the past two weeks and demolished its church. Three Christian men were hospitalized with serious hatchet wounds from an initial August 7th attack on a village 20 miles southwest of Lahore. The Muslim aggressors, led by Yaqoob Maher, came from a neighboring village. Another critically injured Christian mission worker, Bashir Masih, was abducted and remains missing since a second assault on the village on August 12th, when he tried to stop armed attackers from stealing his cattle. When Christian villagers tried to file an official complaint against the assailants, Sharaqpur police instead filed an official complaint against 10 of the villagers, accusing the Christians of "opening fire" on Maher.

Pray the power of the Holy Spirit will give these villagers a mission of boldness and zeal for the Lord, not allowing the Muslims to have victory over their minds. Pray the Lord will keep Bashir Masih safe and quickly return him to his village. Pray for the Muslims whose eyes have been blinded by the enemy of their souls.

UZBEKISTAN (VOM Forum 18) Uzbekistan intends to impose massive fines and jail people and the leaders of their religious communities for sharing their beliefs outside places of worship. The proposals were made at an August 4th meeting of religious mission leaders, called by the state Religious Affairs Committee. Those attending the meeting were representatives of state-registered religious organizations, including the Spiritual Administration of Muslims in Uzbekistan, the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Central Asia, the Catholic Church in Tashkent, the Jewish community, the Baptist Union and the Full Gospel Church. All unregistered religious mission activity is illegal in Uzbekistan. The state Religious Affairs Committee told the religious leaders that they and their clergy must stop their members and those who regularly attend places of worship from sharing their beliefs with anyone outside their churches. The fine for sharing their beliefs would be between 200 and 600 times the minimum monthly salary. Persistent proselytizing would impose jail sentences between three and eight years on them and their religious leaders. Leaders of religious communities are fearful of openly attacking the proposals because of the danger of reprisals against their communities by the authorities. There is currently a crackdown on religious believers of many faiths taking place in Uzbekistan.

Pray all Christians will be emboldened to obey God and His VOM mission, rather than man. Pray their witness will confound the authorities as they see the power of Jesus through the life of His followers. Pray our merciful God will bless thousands of VOM mission workers in Uzbekistan with every spiritual blessing in the knowledge of Christ their Savior.

VOM Prayers for September 12, 2006From The Voice of the Martyrs

VOM CHINA (China Aid Association)Four Christian VOM mision workers in custody in Langzhong City, Sichuan Province have submitted applications demanding their right to read the Bible in the detention center where they have been since June 27. They also asked that a suitable place inside the detention center be provided for regular Sunday services. The four Christians, Li Ming, Jin Jirong, Wang Yuan, and Li Mingbo, were illegally arrested when they went to the local Social Order Office to inquire about the situation of two members of their mission church, currently imprisoned. The four applicants have not been allowed to read the Bible since they were sent to the detention center. The officers even forbid them to use biblical terms such as God, Jesus, etc, when they communicate with their families. August 20, 2006, the four engaged Dr. Li Baiguang, from Beijing, and Miss Gou Qingju, as their lawyers. The formal application on their behalf requests the assurance of their right to read the Bible and a place to meet for regular Sunday services at the detention center. Dr. Li Baiguang commented, "Though we know our legal action may have little obvious effect, we will persevere. This case would also shake up Chinese judicial officers and let them know religious freedom is a birth right that can never be deprived. Secondly, it can serve as a legal education for officers in the Chinese government who lack the basic concept of Rule of Law."

Pray these four Christians VOM mission workers find favor with the court and receive their requests. Pray their witness of faith and courage will allow the officials to see the reality of Jesus in their lives. Pray the name of Jesus will be glorified in all the proceedings.

VOM INDONESIA (Compass Direct)A pastor and his wife living in Aceh province, Indonesia, have gone into hiding after a Muslim mob set fire to a church building September 1st. Several weeks ago, Pastor Luther Saragih of an Indonesia Evangelical Mission Church congregation, distributed letters to several villages in Aceh inviting Christian VOM mission workers to a revival service. A Muslim resident somehow received a copy of the letter and edited it, making it appear that Muslims were invited to the service. More than 500 Christians arrived for the service, along with a large crowd of irate Muslims. Police detained Saragih and scolded him for organizing the service, but another pastor was able to deliver a brief sermon before the event was cut short. Later that night, a mob of more than 100 men poured gasoline over the building and set it on fire. They also attempted to burn a second building used as a church kindergarten and came looking for Saragih and his wife at their nearby house. The couple escaped to the jungle. Christians in a neighboring province have provided shelter for Saragih and his pregnant wife. Local police and Muslim leaders are reportedly still searching for the couple. Despite this grave resistance, church members have moved their worship services to a local house, as they refuse to buckle under Muslim attacks.

Pray God will keep his faithful VOM mission servants safe from harm. Pray many of the Muslims who heard the brief sermon will be moved to seek the Lord. Praise God the members of this church are continuing to meet, praising God in the knowledge that He is building His church and the gates of hell can not prevail against it.

VOM IRAN (Compass Direct)One month after ordering his arrest, Iranian court authorities in the Northern city of Rasht have released Christian convert Issa Motamedi Mojdehi, declaring the former Muslim "free for the moment." Motamedi Mojdehi was granted bail August 24th on the basis of a written guarantee from a fellow Christian, who signed over his personal work charter to a revolutionary court in order to obtain the prisoner's release. Although the initial drug charges that were the pretext for Motamedi Mojdehi's arrest remain in his legal file, the judge introduced new accusations against him at his August 24th hearing. According to unnamed "confidential witnesses," the judge said, the convert's 8-year-old daughter, Martha, allegedly had been trying to lead other children to the Christian faith.

Give thanks and praise to God for Issa's temporary release. Pray God will put a hedge of protection around him and his family, particularly his daughter, Martha. Pray the Lord will show Himself mighty in undermining all efforts of the Iranian government to stop the spread of Christianity and His VOM mission.

VOM PAKISTAN (Compass Direct)The Christian ex-wife of a Pakistani Muslim who abducted their young children from court custody two years ago cajoled him into meeting her last week in a Lahore park, where police arrested him. Accusing Maria Samar John of trying to convert the children to Christianity, Abdul Ghaffar had kidnapped his then 5-year-old son, Joshua, and 3-year-old daughter, Miriam, during a supervised parental visit within the Lahore Family Court premises on September 13, 2004. A police investigation had netted no tangible clues on Ghaffar's whereabouts. Lahore's Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement, which had sheltered John from her abusive husband since 2000, after she fled the forced marriage, reached a breakthrough last month when they traced Ghaffar's telephone number. After his arrest, Ghaffar told police a religious dispute was at the heart of the custody fight. "Maria was trying to convert my children to Christianity, so I abducted them," he said. At the time of this news release the children were with their paternal grandparents, but the police are looking for them and will return them to Maria. Under Pakistani divorce laws, children remain in their mother's custody until age 12, when the father has the right to claim guardianship. The court has a criminal complaint against Ghaffar, so Maria and the children will also have to appear. It is possible that Ghaffar's influential family might exert heavy pressures on the court.

Pray God will protect the children and reunite them with their mother. Pray for a miracle of God's grace to take away the trauma these children have suffered and replace it with joy and hope. Pray the Holy Spirit will bring Ghaffar to repentance and cause him to have a compelling desire to know Jesus.

VOM Prayers for September 19, 2006From The Voice of the Martyrs

VOM ERITREA (Compass Direct)Newly compiled statistics smuggled out of Eritrea indicate that at least 1,918 Eritrean citizens are imprisoned and subjected to torture and forced labor because of their religious beliefs; 95 percent of these known religious prisoners of conscience are Christians. Of the total in prison, 35 are pastors, priests and church elders under arrest in Asmara's Wongel Mermera investigation center. In 14 other cities and towns, an additional 1,758 Christians of both evangelical Protestant and Orthodox confessions are jailed. None of those imprisoned for their religious beliefs, in the government crackdown which began more than four years ago, have been brought before a court of law to be charged or tried.

Pray these innocent believers and VOM misson workers will continue to hope in God as they await their release from this terrible suffering. Pray they will have opportunities to share their faith with those who would otherwise never hear of Jesus. Pray international pressure will force the Eritrean government to let God's people go.

GLOBAL (VOM sources)September 24th through October 23rd is the Muslim celebration of Ramadan. Militant Islamists grab the world's headlines day after day as terrorist attacks increase. However, the stories that don't make the headlines are the testimonies of countless Muslims around the world, who encounter the risen Christ because Christians pray. Ramadan is a time when Muslims are especially open to spiritual things and want to hear from God. Because Christians pray, many Muslims receive dreams, visions and revelations of Jesus—and their lives are changed for all eternity.

Please join us in prayer for the Muslim World during Ramadan. Jeremiah 29:13 says: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Pray many will call on the Lord and hear him say, "Here I am."

VOM INDIA (Compass Direct) Hindu extremists investigating the activities of Varghese Thomas, an evangelist in Karnataka state, laid a trap for him on Sunday, September 3rd, before beating him and his wife. Thomas is 60 years old and his wife, Leelama, is 57 years old. Thomas has established a small congregation in his home village of Guttigar that meets in a believer's house. On his way to a meeting Sunday evening, Thomas and his wife saw the apparent victim of a motorcycle accident lying in the middle of the road, and he left his car to assist the victim. As soon as Thomas bent over the victim, the man threw red chili powder into his eyes, temporarily blinding him. A group of about 15 Hindu extremists hiding in the bushes nearby then jumped out and assaulted Thomas, accusing him of tricking people into coming to prayer meetings. His wife said, "One of them came up to the car and told me that both of us would face a cruel death if we continued to preach in the village."

Pray God will protect Thomas and his wife and give them a spirit of courage and loving boldness. Pray the members of the congregation will also know the love and power of Him whom they serve. Pray God will open the eyes of the Hindus who used Thomas' compassion to trap him, will come to know the love of Jesus and seek His forgiveness

( VOM Compass Direct)Attacks against Christians in Madhya Pradesh continued this week, with Hindu extremists attacking at least three Christian gatherings. A total of eight Christians were accused of attempted forced conversion or hurting Hindu religious sentiments. One was released without charges and four were released on bail, while another three remain in police custody. In the most recent case, on Tuesday (September 12th), police in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, detained the Assemblies of God pastor, Venkatesh Kumar Sadhu, after extremists accused him of attempted forced conversion. A family in Ghama Thana village had asked Sadhu to visit their home and pray for a sick family member. While he was praying, members of the Hindu extremist group Bajrang Dal arrived, attacking the pastor and damaging his scooter. The Bajrang Dal then filed a complaint against Sadhu, and the pastor was taken to the local police station for questioning. The police later admitted that Hindu extremists were pressuring them to prosecute Christians such as Sadhu.

Pray the Christians will be filled with the peace that comes from knowing they are in the center of God's will. Praise God that He alone is the force that brings new converts into His Kingdom. Pray many Hindus will realize God is with the Christians and they can do nothing to change that.

VOM IRAN (Compass Direct)Tehran prison authorities released Iranian Christian Hamid Pourmand in late July; informing him he would not be required to serve the remaining 14 months of his three-year prison sentence. No explanation was given for the surprise release of Pourmand, now 49, although prison officials had granted him occasional home visits of three days or more with his family during the past year. After his July 20th release, Pourmand reportedly was warned that attending church services could cause his release orders to be revoked, sending him back to finish his prison term. In February 2005, a military tribunal in Tehran found Pourmand guilty of deceiving the Iranian army by concealing his conversion from Islam to Christianity, despite evidence presented to the contrary.

Thank God for this encouraging answer to many prayers. Praise God that Pourmand is continually in the palm of His hand. Pray the prisoners who heard Pourmand speak of his Savior will seek to know the One who gave him so much peace.

VOM UZBEKISTAN (VOM Sources) During the past month, The Voice of the Martyrs has stepped in to help Christians in Uzbekistan who have suffered arrests, imprisonment, torture and deportation at the hands of police. VOM recently received information from inside Uzbekistan that two leaders from Bethany Church were deported. On September 5th, Pastor Sergey Khripunov and his family were taken under police escort to the airport in Tashkent, where they will be flown to Moscow, Russia, to live. They were stripped of their Uzbek citizenship and deported for practicing their Christian faith. Ivan Bychkov, another pastor of Bethany Church, and his family were expelled for the same reason on August 11th. They are now living under very poor conditions in Moscow. VOM contacts also report that 27 Christians were arrested on August 28th, in the city of Termez in Southern Uzbekistan, for their involvement in illegal religious activities. Six of the believers were severely beaten by police and then held up to six days in jail until the marks left from the torture disappeared from their bodies. At the time of his release, the eye of Khusan Pirimov was still red from the beatings. The names of the other five who suffered harsh abuse are, Azamat Radjapov, Abdusattor Kurbanov, Laziz Umarov, Yesimdjohn Mamadjanov and Yurij Stefanko (a Ukrainian citizen from Kiev).

Pray the Lord will quickly heal the bodies, minds and spirits of those who were beaten so severely. Pray the refugees will be encouraged and strengthened by the help they receive from their brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray God will move in power to protect Christians in Uzbekistan from any more abuse from the authorities.

Prayers for October3, 2006From The Voice of the Martyrs

VOM NIGERIA Muslim Rioters Destroy 18 Churches - VOMsources/persecution.comNearly 5,000 Christians were displaced and six were injured on September 20th, when Muslim rioters destroyed at least 18 churches, 20 Christian homes, and 40 Christian shops in Dutse, Jigawa state. After a Muslim young man made several unsuccessful advances on a female Christian, he angrily reacted by calling her a "fake Christian" who follows a "useless Jesus." She responded by telling the boy he followed "a useless prophet." Furious, the boy raised an alarm through the town, proclaiming a Christian lady blasphemed Muhammad. She was taken to the local police station and kept in custody to diffuse the potentially volatile situation. Pray this precious child will rest in her omnipotent Father's protection. Romans 12:17-18

INDIA Congregation Attacked for Second Time - VOM sources/persecution.comFor the second time in three weeks, Pastor Vijayakumar's congregation of 30, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, was attacked on September 10th. Reappearing after their first violent attack on August 20th, a militant Hindu mob stormed the prayer and worship service. The frightened congregation continued to worship, even though the militants threatened there would be a blood bath the following Sunday if they persisted in worshipping Jesus Christ. Pray for God's protection on His people and the militant Hindus who sit in darkness will be brought into the glorious light of His kingdom. Psalm 36:9

INDONESIA Muslim Mob Reduces Church to Ashes - VOM sources/persecution.comInfuriated by reports that Christians were scheduling revival meetings at the Indonesia Evangelical Mission Church in Aceh province, a militant Islamic mob set the worship center ablaze on September 1st. Local Muslims from the town of Siompi, which was the first in Indonesia to implement Shariah law, reduced the building to ashes in an attempt to wipe out those in their province not bowing down to Allah.. Church members have moved their worship services to a local house, as they refuse to buckle under Muslim attacks. Give thanks to God for these Christians who are remaining faithful to Jesus. Psalm 33:20-22

PAKISTAN Teenage Christian Jailed on False Charges - VOM sources/persecution.comA young Pakistani Christian was jailed last week on suspicion of ripping book pages containing Quranic verses. He appealed to Punjabi police because the sole evidence against Shahid Masih, 17, was the testimony of a Muslim man already accused of the same crime. If convicted, Masih will serve a life sentence. Pray God will open the eyes of the authorities to the truth of Masih's innocence and he will be released. 2 Timothy 4:17, 18

INDIA Muslim Militants in India Attack Christian Missionary School - Compass Direct Recently a mob of around 250 Muslim militants attacked the Good Shepherd Mission School in Kashmir state, destroying the boundary wall and damaging the school building and equipment. A national newspaper has named the Dutch missionary director, Fr. Borst, as one of a handful of people encouraging Muslims to convert to Christianity, and officials have attempted to expel him from India. Pray Fr. Borst and the students will rest in God's peace and His assurance for the future of the school. Matthew 6:34

GLOBAL VOM's Bibles Unbound projectPray those who receive Bibles will read them and want to know more about Jesus Christ. Pray they will find Christian fellowship and their lives will bear much fruit. Luke 8:15

VOM News and Prayer Update: October 10"The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him."(Exodus 15:2)

VOM EGYPTChristian Girl Abducted - Whereabouts Still Unknown – VOM sources/persecution.com. After working 14 hours in the fields, Saber, an Egyptian Christian, had his plans of relaxation interrupted by a knock on his door. It was his neighbor's teenage son who wanted to buy some hay. Having no energy to fetch the hay, Saber sent his 16-year-old daughter, Suzanne, to get the hay from his backyard. She never returned, and Saber suspects the teenager forcibly converted and married her. Our contact reports Saber has forgiven his daughter's abductor but desperately wants to know where Suzanne is and how she is living. Pray Saber's Christ-like forgiveness will soften the hearts of his Muslim neighbors and they will not only return Suzanne to her home, but want to know the God who forgives. Romans 12:20

VOM AZERBAIJANAzeri Officials Deprive Christian Baby of Name – Compass DirectThree-month-old Ilya Eyvazov has no official name. Local authorities in the town of Aliabad at first refused to issue a birth certificate when they saw the baby's name was the Russian form of Elijah. After a month, Novruz Eyvazov, the baby's father, succeeded only in securing a birth certificate that left his son's name blank. Considered part of a "foreign" religious sect, the three Baptist congregations in Aliabad face ongoing harassment from the local government, which has refused them official church registration for the past 13 years. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in power to overcome the spiritual darkness in Azerbaijan and bring unity among VOM mission workers and the people. Ezekiel 22:30

VOM INDIAYouth Abducted, Tortured for Receiving Christ – VOM Compass DirectOn October 4th, Hindu extremists in Orissa state abducted a Christian youth from his house. They tortured and tonsured him (shaved his head), allegedly to punish him for accepting Christianity. Ranjan Dangua remained missing at press time. Pray God will protect Ranjan Dangua and other VOM mission workers and help him be a strong witness for Christ. Psalm 7:9, 10

(VOM Compass Direct)Hindu extremists in the Southern state of Andhra Pradesh attacked at least four Christians in the last three weeks, including a beating of three Dalits and a threat to have their government benefits withdrawn. On September 29th, a group of Hindu extremists barged into a church in Nizamabad district and manhandled Pastor Kavalla Shadrak late in the evening. On September 22nd, a mob of about 40 people surrounded three Dalit Christians in Nandiwaddeman village while three people beat them. When the church pastor went to the village head to report the attack, he refused to listen to him – then allegedly held a meeting with village elders to accuse him of forcibly converting the villagers. Pray God will strengthen Christians and VOM mission workers in Andhra Pradesh to remain faithful to Jesus in spite of all opposition. 2 Thessalonians 1:11, 12

VOM IRANChristian Couple Released on Bail – Compass DirectAfter nine days in secret police custody, Reza Montazami and his wife, Fereshteh Dibaj, were released on bail this morning by order of a Revolutionary Court in Mashhad, Iran. Montazami's elderly parents posted bail for the detained Christian couple, turning over the title deed for property worth $25,000. Within hours, Montazami and his wife were allowed to return home. Although no specific charges against the Christian couple have been made public, the file on their case reportedly remains open. Give thanks to God this couple is now free. Continue to pray for their protection and all the VOM mission workers in the area. Psalm 64:1, 2

VOM NIGERIAYoung Christian Woman Eight Months in Hiding after Escape from Stoning – VOM Compass DirectEight months after she escaped from a judgment by officials in Sokoto to be stoned to death for "blasphemy," 22-year-old Ladi Muhammed is still in hiding. Pray the Lord will keep her safe and give her the supernatural peace that comes from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2


VOM News and Prayer Update: January 23, 2007

"But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.' "(Jeremiah 7:23)

VOM ETHIOPIAHomes of Christians Burned, Christian Man Killed - VOM SourcesOn 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 familiesthreatened 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

VOM NORTH KOREAA 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

VOM INDIAChristian Dies after Being Thrown from Train in India - VOM Sources/ Asia News 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

VOM NIGERIAChristians Attacked while Rebuilding Burnt Church - Compass Direct News: 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

VOM News and Prayer Update: February 20, 2007

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'"(Romans 1:16-17)

ERITREAPastor Arrested – VOM SourcesPastor 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

CHINAHouse-Church Leader and Elderly Mother Formally Charged/Pray for Pastor Fenggang – China Aid AssociationOn February 8, Beijing house-church leader Hua Huiqi was formally arrested by Beijing Public Security Bureau Chaoyang Branch and his 76-year-old mother was arrested for the second time by Beijing Security Bureau Chongwen Branch. In January, Hua Huiqi and his elderly mother were attacked and wounded by seven police officers while walking near a 2008 Olympic hotel site in Beijing, China. His family later learned he was sentenced to one month of criminal detention. Pray God protects Hua and touches the body of his ill mother. Pray the Holy Spirit encourages and comforts their family. Hebrews 10:23 Pastor Liu Fenggang, who was recently released from prison, is in the hospital with heart problems. Pray God heals his body and comforts his family. Isaiah 53: 4, 5

LAOSMuslim Mob Attack House Church – VOM SourcesIn Southern Laos, two Christian men have been taken from their farms and put in prison. No charges have been filed and no news is forthcoming about their current situation. Pray God protects and encourages these men and their families in this difficult time.

In North Central Laos, on January 18, five police officers showed up at a Christian brother's home and arrested him. VOM sources have known him and his family for 20 years. His wife and 12-year-old son did not get an opportunity to speak to him before he was taken away. All efforts to locate him or allow his wife to know where he is being detained have been unsuccessful. According to VOM contacts, in several similar incidents, the people taken by police were never found alive. Pray for this family, that has led more than 500 people to Christ in the past two years. Ask God to protect this brother and comfort his wife and child. Psalm 119: 49-56

UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan Authorities Admit Arrest of Protestant Pastor – Compass Direct NewsUzbekistan'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

VOM News and Prayer Update: April 10, 2007

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."(John 16:33)

PAKISTANFive Christians Charged with Blasphemy – VOM SourcesFive Christians have been charged with blasphemy under Pakistan's blasphemy laws 295-A and 295-C, in Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan. Daniel, an 11-year-old Christian boy, refused to play with his Muslim friends, resulting in them beating him. When Daniel's family confronted the attackers, the Muslims called the police and made a false report saying they had blasphemed the name of the Holy Prophet. Now Daniel's family-Rashid Masih, Salamat Masih, Sahba Masih Motta, Bao Masih and Sheela Masih-is living under threat of attack by Muslim extremists. The Muslim family told other Muslims at a religious gathering that the Christians had disgraced the Holy Prophet, tore a holy sticker and beat it with a shoe. This has led to tension in the city. Christians in the area fear Muslim extremists will attack the family. There was fear there would be attacks during celebrations leading up to Easter Sunday. If convicted under blasphemy laws 295-A and 295-C, the family faces three years imprisonment, a fine and the death penalty, or life imprisonment and a fine. Pray God protects these believers and provides a way of escape for them. Psalm 41:2-3

CHINAHouse Church Pastors Arrested – China Aid Association / VOM SourcesLIAONING PROVINCE – On March 14, local police arrested 54-year-old house-church leader, Gu Changrong, in Fushun City, Liaoning Province, after she shared her faith with the secretary of the Communist Party in her village. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Yu Mingfu called the police and accused Gu of "poisoning Communist Party members with the Christian message." According to Gu's relatives, she has been sentenced to one-year of re-education through labor for "using evil cult organizations to obstruct the exercising of state laws." The family has not received a formal notice of her sentence since her arrest, according to CAA. Gu is serving her sentence at Ma San Jian Labor Camp, which is known for its harsh treatment and torture against thousands of imprisoned Falun Gong members. ANHUI PROVINCE – Recently two house-church leaders were arrested for distributing Bibles and leading a Bible study in Anhui province. According to China Aid Association (CAA), on January 4, Pastor Chen Jiaxi, of Chencun village was arrested for distributing free Bibles and other Christian literature to house-church members, while Pastor Chen Lianmin of Ma An Shan city was arrested on February 23, for leading a Bible study attended by high school students. "Chen Jiaxi has been charged with 'illegal business management' and his relatives believe he will be put on trial soon. Chen Lianmin has been released, but his computer and other Christian literature were confiscated," CAA said. The Voice of the Martyrs' sources working in China, report that Chen Jiaxi will be sentenced to three years in prison. Pray God comforts the families and congregations of the arrested house-church leaders and ask God to encourage the pastors. 2 Corinthians 1:5 -7

INDIAPastors Arrested – VOM SourcesIn the city of Varanasi, Rajendra Chawhan, a pastor and evangelist, has been working to reach non-believers in an area outside Varanasi. He has been holding prayer meetings that have grown to more than a thousand believers and this has angered radical Hindu groups. The pastor has been arrested and beaten several times. Following a recent prayer and healing service, Pastor Chawhan was beaten by Hindu extremists and taken to the police, who arrested him. This was the sixth time he had been arrested. Some Christians went to jail to protest his arrest and were beaten by extremists, while the police turned a blind eye. Pray God encourages, protects and gives wisdom to this pastor, and for his ministry to expand in the midst of these tough times. Ephesians 3:14-19

VOM News and Prayer Update: April 17, 2007"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."(James 1:27)

ETHIOPIA

Bible Students Arrested; Church Leaders' Houses Raided - VOM Sources

JIMMA - On March 22, two Bible school students were imprisoned on the accusation of attempting to kill an imam. They were released one week later with after paying a fine. A court hearing was scheduled for April 2, 2007. BAMBASSE - April 2, the home of evangelist Tolosa Megersa was raided by local Muslims. Six of his cattle and sheep were killed. Five days later, the home of Full Gospel Church leader Lemmu Abdissa, was also raided. All of his property was destroyed, including 4,000 kilograms of grain. Thank God for the release of the two students. Pray those who have lost property will be encouraged and rest in knowing they have "better and lasting possessions." Hebrews 10: 34-37

INDIAPastors Imprisoned; Church Building Demolished - VOM Sources/ Global Council of Indian ChristiansGALIMERA TOWN - Pastor Jeremiah Majhi held a three-day evangelistic meeting in his church in April, 2006, following which he baptized 20 new believers. While he was baptizing them, some members of anti-Christian Hindu groups came and beat him and the people who were being baptized. They destroyed his church and house. The attackers filed false charges against Pastor Jeremiah saying he was smuggling drugs and other materials. The authorities arrested him along with his nephew and have held them in prison since April 26, 2006. Bail applications have been presented and rejected. A new hearing is expected April 14, 2007.

GUNTHAPUT VILLAGE - On March 30, a mob of 300 Hindu militants completely demolished a church building in an attempt to kill Pastor Shri Chetti. According to a report from the Global Council of Indian Christians, during the demolition, the militants demanded that all Christians leave the village and said they will not allow any Christian worship centers in the area. The church has been suffered persecution in the past when Hindu villagers burned down their building. Pray these believers will continue to meet despite losing their property. Ask God to encourage them and for the persecutors to know Christ's love forgiveness and blessing through the testimony of these Christians. Romans 12:14, 21


VOM News and Prayer Update: June 19, 2007

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust."Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers,and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:1-4)

UZBEKISTAN Imprisoned Pastor Transferred to Harsher Camp – Forum 18 News/ VOM Sources Imprisoned Pentecostal pastor, Dmitry Shestakov, has been transferred to a harsher labor camp in Navoi, Uzbekistan. The new camp is a longer distance from his wife and three children. In May 2007, Shestakov was sentenced to four years in an open work camp, in Andijan, for "religious activity." Christians in Uzbekistan told Forum 18 News, "The authorities claim he misbehaved in the open work camp and that’s why they ordered his transfer to a harsher camp. We believe this was deliberately set up." Forum 18 News reports that Pastor Shestakov’s transfer comes as authorities prepare administrative trials against members of his congregation in his home town of Andijan in the Fergana Valley in eastern Uzbekistan. Pray for Pastor Shestakov and his family. Ask God to watch over them during this difficult time. Psalm 32:7, Psalm 91:14-16

CHINA House-Church Leader Assaulted by Police – China Aid Association On May 15, 2007, Liu Fenngang, a house-church leader in Beijing, was assaulted and detained by police, while he was going to a birthday celebration. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Liu’s family was threatened and told not to draw public attention to his unlawful arrest. Liu told CAA, "It was at 7:15 a.m., and I was stopped by a plain clothed police man while walking down stairs. After a bit of shoving, I managed to work my way to the bottom of the stairs. Then, more policemen confronted me, saying they had no good reason or legal basis to arrest me, but they simply couldn’t allow me to leave the building." CAA adds that some police officers told Liu they knew arresting him was illegal, but said if they let him go, they would lose their jobs. Pray Liu Fenngang and his family remain strong in their faith. Pray his health will not be affected by the assault. Isaiah 38:16, Acts 4:29-30

ERITREA Twenty Christians Arrested by Security Forces – VOM Sources / Release Eritrea

UTTER PRADESH - On June 2, 2007, two Christian leaders were stabbed to death at a At least 20 Christians, including several children, were arrested and detained when security forces raided a home south of the capital, Asmara. According to Release Eritrea, authorities went to the home expecting to arrest a group of Christians gathered for prayer. When they did not find a meeting they arrested the families living in the home and several Christians in the neighborhood, including a well-known Bible teacher and church leader, Pastor Michael Abraha, of the Kale-Hiwot Baptist church. There is considerable concern for the pastor’s health because he is diabetic. Pray the arrested Christians will be encouraged. Ask God to raise up more believers in Eritrea to take the place of those who are imprisoned. Pray for Pastor Michael’s health. Psalm 91: 1-2

TURKEY Pray for the Families of Martyred Christians – VOM Sources Continue to pray for the families and loved ones of three men martyred in Turkey in April. Pray God will heal their hearts and meet their needs. Some Christians have been singled out in media coverage of this case; pray for their protection and God's provision for them. Pray that Muslims in Turkey will be drawn to ask why these three men were willing to die, and through their testimonies will be drawn to faith in Christ. Psalm 68:5

VOM News and Prayer Update: July 31, 2007 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."(Joshua 1:9)

CHINA House Church Leader Released from Prison - China Aid Association On July 26, 2007, Beijing house church leader Hua Huiqi was released from prison after serving six months. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Hua Huiqi and his 76-year-old mother, Shuang Shuying, were arrested in January after being attacked by seven police officers. "While they were walking near a 2008 Olympic hotel site in Beijing, they were kicked to the ground and later taken to the Olympic police station for questioning. Hua's mother was later sentenced to two years in prison. She is being held in a medical center because her health has deteriorated," CAA said. Praise God for Hua Huiqi's release. Please continue to pray for the release and healing of Shuang Shuying. Ask God to encourage Christians in China as they face escalating persecution ahead of the Olympics in 2008. Psalm 103:1-5, 1 Peter 2:24

IRAQ

Christian Persecution in Iraq on the Rise - Christian Broadcasting Network News

Christians in Iraq are experiencing a rise in persecution from Islamic extremists. According to a Christian Broadcasting Network News (CBNNews.com) report, Reverend Canon Andrew White, an Anglican minister from Baghdad, told a committee on religious freedom that Christians have been kidnapped, tortured and killed. Rev. White said in the last three to four months conditions in Iraq had deteriorated considerably. He added that he was given disturbing news at a congregational meeting this month. "Things are bad for everybody in Iraq. I said to them (church members), 'tell me what has happened over the past week.' And the people went through what had happened, and I realized that 36 of my congregation in that past week and been kidnapped. None of them have been returned," Reverend White said. Pray God protects and encourages Christians in Iraq. Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to refresh believers who face hardships everyday. Romans 8:31, Isaiah 54:17

INDIA Christian Martyred in India's Assam State - VOM Sources On June 28, Hemanta Das, a Christian convert from Hinduism to Christianity, was brutally beaten by suspected members of a religious fanatic group. Das, a former member of the Hindutva fanatic group known as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, died four days later in a local hospital. The Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India has declared Brother Das the first Assamese martyr. Das was a member of the Guwahati Baptist Church. The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts in India report, "On several occasions, Brother Das was cautioned by radical groups of the dire consequences that would follow if he tried to convert people to Christianity." Christian leaders in Assam state say that this murder case has been reported to local police, but police have not yet found those responsible. Pray for the family of Brother Das and for the Holy Spirit to convict those responsible for this attack. Ask God to protect and encourage Christians in India. John 14:27, Colossians 3:15

AFGHANISTAN Two South Korean Christians Killed by Taliban - Reuters News Agency/VOM Sources

The Taliban killed two of the 23 Korean Christian hostages they had been holding since last week. Reuters News Agency reported kidnappers threaten to kill more of their 21 captives if the Afghanistan government fails to free rebel prisoners by 7:30 a.m. GMT on Wednesday. The 23, including 18 women, belong to the "Saemmul Church" in Bundang, a city outside Seoul, South Korea's capital. They were working at Korean Action, an aid organization in Kandahar. Most of the Koreans are in their 20s and 30s, and include nurses and English teachers. Killed on July 25, Bae Hyung-kyu (42), was a pastor and the leader of the group. Shim Sung-min (29), killed on July 31, was a former IT firm employee and planned to go to graduate school. Please pray for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Pray for comfort for the families of the two Christians killed. Pray for the safety of the hostages and pray for their loved ones at home in South Korea. Psalm 91, Psalm 23

VOM News and Prayer Update: November 13, 2007

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16

EGYPT

Church Set on Fire - Compass Direct News Christians Acquitted of Charges of "Insulting Islam" - Compass Direct News

On November 5, Adel Fawzy Faltas, the Egyptian leader of the Middle East Christian Association, and Peter Azzat, an associate, were acquitted of charges of "insulting Islam." They were also released from prison after being held three months. According to Compass Direct News, journalists, lawyers, clergyman, family and friends gathered at Faltas' home to celebrate the acquittal and release. "Faltas, 61, and Peter Ezzat, 25, had been held on unsubstantiated charges of insulting Islam and tarnishing Egypt's reputation abroad. Charges without evidence against Faltas and Ezzat included insulting Islam, posing a threat to national security and tarnishing Egypt's reputation abroad," Compass said. Compass reported Faltas said, "I was always a free man. When you respect yourself and what you are doing, then you are free." According to the report, "Faltas recounted how 30 State Security Investigation officers and plain clothes policeman had raided his house at 2:30 p.m. on August 8. He said the most difficult part of the ordeal was spending the first 14 days in an isolation cell 1.75 meters in length and three-quarters of a meter in width with no seat." Praise God for the release of Faltas and Azzat. Pray for Christians in Egypt to remain faithful in their relationship with Jesus Christ despite being treated as second-class citizens. Psalm 91, Romans 8:31

IRAN Christian Couple Sentenced to be Whipped - Farsi Christian News Network

In July 2007, an Iranian Christian couple was sentenced by the Justice Court of Revolution to be whipped, two years after they were accused of attending a house church. According to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN), "The couple was arrested on September 21, 2005, by government agents. They had gathered in a house, in a town northwest of Tehran (gohar dasht) for their regular prayer and devotional time." The FCNN reported, the woman was born into a Christian Assyrian-Iranian family, while the man converted to Christianity long before their marriage. Following the arrest in 2005, the couple was required to check in with authorities on a regular basis until the court decided their punishment. FCNN reported that on one occasion when the wife met with authorities, she was abused and decided not to return. According to FCNN, "After a few days, in September 2007, two female and four male agents went to this couple's house and showed them a letter from the court saying they should execute the sentence of whipping right there in their house. This couple is under high mental pressure right now." The Voice of the Martyrs is providing assistance to this couple. Pray for this couple and Christians in Iran who face great challenges because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask that the Holy Spirit will give them peace, health and protection during this difficult time. Psalm 23; 2 Timothy 1:7

TURKEY

Malatya Murder Trial Date Set - Compass Direct News Malatya's Third Criminal Court has set November 23 to open the trial of the confessed murderers of Turkish Christians, Necati Aydin and Ugur Yuksel, and a German Christian, Tilmann Geske. The three Protestant Christians were tortured and killed by having their throats cut on April 18 of this year in the Zirve Publishing Company's office in the southern province of Malatya. Last week, all news about the pending trial in the Turkish press sensationalized justifications the killers offered for their crimes while under police interrogation, including far-fetched allegations against the victims. "It is clear from these statements of the suspects that there is some group of powerful influence behind them," spokesperson Isa Karatas of the Alliance of Protestant Churches in Turkey told Compass. "These people want to portray Turkey's Protestants as enemies of the nation." Pray for justice in this case, but most importantly that the testimonies of the martyrs will draw nonbelievers into the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray for the families of the slain believers. Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 26:3

VOM News and Prayer Update: November 27, 2007

"I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:12-13)

TURKMENISTAN

Pastor Released from Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News On November 9, Baptist Pastor Vyacheslav Kalataevsky was released after eight months in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, Kalataevsky and his family are thankful for the prayers and support of believers around the world. Forum 18 News reports government officials have warned Pastor Kalataevsky not to meet for worship with fellow believers. Pastor Kalataevsky told Forum 18, "Officials summoned me for what they said was a conversation, but at the end presented me with a pre-written statement saying that I agreed not to meet with my fellow believers. All it lacked was my signature, but I refused to sign it, both on my behalf and on behalf of my wife." The Forum 18 report added, "Although Kalataevsky's congregation does not oppose state registration in principle. Officials kept telling him that his congregation does not have enough adult citizen members to apply for registration. They added that unregistered religious activity, including people meeting together for worship in homes, is banned." Praise God for Pastor Kalatatevsky's release from prison. Ask God to protect his family and congregation as they face scrutiny and pressure from the government. Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 54:17

AZERBAIJAN

Imprisoned Pastor Required to Pay for Necessities in Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News

Pastor Zaur Balaev's friends and family are said to be "shocked" by the financial demands he is facing in prison. According to VOM sources, Pastor Balaev is required to pay for hot water to wash or do laundry and cook his food. His family is allowed to visit him only after paying "a considerable amount." Zaur's wife was allowed to stay with him for three days for his birthday, but as she was leaving the prison, she said, "I am shocked by the conditions and the sum spent, because I was forced to pay for everything." According to Forum 18 News, officials deny payment was demanded. "The state pays for everything, including food," said Mehman Sadykov, spokesperson for the Justice Ministry. "Such reports don't correspond with reality." Pray for strength for Balaev and his family during this time. Pray their appeal will be successful. Pray that Balaev will be a testimony to other prisoners, demonstrating the love and power of Christ. Philippians 4:19; 3 John 2

INDIA

Christians Attacked, Church Building Destroyed - VOM Sources KARNATAKA - On November 18, Pastor Siddarama Gokhavi (60) and six other Christians were beaten by Bajrang Dal activists who attacked them as they were worshiping in Ananda Nagara, Karnataka. The attackers vandalized the building, burned Bibles and chanted slogans against Christians. The militants included a senior police officer. Pastor Gokhavi and his wife, Rekha, were injured in the attack, along with five others. The attackers accused the Christians of coercing Hindus into becoming Christians. Praise God there were no serious injuries in the attack. Pray those responsible for the attack will come to recognize the love and grace of God and turn to Him in faith. Pray for the continued ministry of this house church. Psalm 91, Romans 8:11

CHHATTISGARH STATE - On November 19, Hindu militants attacked a church, tied up and beat the pastor unconsciousness, and burned down a recently constructed church building in Manduwa in Chhattisgarh State, India. There are no reports on the present condition of Pastor Sudharu. The Hindus accused the church of being involved in the conversion of tribal people in the region. According to reports, missionaries in this remote area face regular threats from Hindu militants. Pray for the continued witness of this church. Pray for healing for Pastor Sudharu as he recuperates from the assault. Psalm 23, Psalm 107:20

VOM News and Prayer Update: December 11, 2007

"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." I Samuel 17:47

LAOS Three Laotian Pastors Released From Prison – VOM Sources On December 6, Pastors Van Thong, Bua and Amkha were released after more than 12 months in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, "Their families will be rejoicing to see them come back home and be with them again." Pastors Van Thong, Bua and Amkha were arrested on November 21, 2006, along with nine other pastors, after attending a Christian meeting. The nine pastors were released from prison in May 2007. The Voice of the Martyrs supported the pastors and their families during their time in prison. Praise God they will be reunited with their families shortly. Pray for their protection and for other believers in Laos. Ask God to give them courage to continually live for Christ despite the immense challenges they face. Pray their testimonies will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:5-6, Romans 8:31

AZERBAIJAN Imprisoned Baptist Pastor in Poor Health – Christian World News Recently, imprisoned Baptist pastor, Zaur Balaev, was transferred to a prison colony in Azerbaijan where his family is forced to bribe prison guards to bring him food. According to a Christian World News (CWN) report, Mission Network News and the Slavic Gospel Association reported the frail pastor was experiencing harsh conditions at the prison. CWN reported, Joel Griffith of Slavic Gospel Association said, "Officials at this prison where he's being held are demanding a high level of payment in what seems to be basically bribes. They're demanding these bribes before Pastor Balaev is getting food or being able to meet with his family." The report added that since Pastor Balaev's transfer to Darnagyul, the pastor has been in poor health, and his church and family are concerned. However, they have been able to supply him with warm clothes, blankets and food. Pray God heals Pastor Balaev and works in his favor during the appeal process. Pray the Holy Spirit will encourage his family and church during this difficult time. Psalm 91, Isaiah 40:31

INDIA Two Pastors Beaten and Arrested – Compass Direct News On November 25, Pastor Joemon, Pastor Jojo and another believer were stripped of their clothes, tied to a pole and beaten after a worship service at Christ Vision church was raided in the Hassan district of Karnataka. According to a Compass Direct news report, when police arrived several hours later, they took the Christians to the police station and charged the pastors with forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity. The Christians have reportedly refused to press charges, saying they have forgiven their attackers. Pray for the full recovery of those injured and for endurance for them to remain faithful despite this attack. Pray for Christian converts in India who are facing pressure to renounce their faith. Psalm 107:2

TURKMENISTAN Pastor Ordered to Leave Turkmenistan – Forum 18 News Baptist pastor Vyacheslav Kalataevsky has been denied permission to remain in his native town of Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. According to Forum 18 News, "Kakataevsky's visa application to remain with his wife and family was rejected by the Migration Service and he will have to leave the country. He is due to leave on a flight to Moscow on December 11." Officials have refused to explain the reason for denying the visa, Pastor Kalataevsky explained to Forum, "Bu