Monthly archive for July 2020

VOMK have been successfully getting God’s Word into the closed nation of North Korea through the use of various innovative methods, like launching large balloons and bottles containing rice, vitamins and small Bibles.  However, these efforts have recently been questioned and VOMK has been told to cease and desist all further Bible launches.

The Foleys, co-founders of VOMK, are presently facing possible criminal charges and VOMK’s status as a registered Non-Governmental Organisation (“NGO”) is also being reviewed.

In a recently sent email, Rev. Dr. Eric Foley and his wife Dr. Foley wrote, “We stand accused in our own country as criminals, and we do so alongside our North Korean Christian brothers and sisters.”

Please pray for the Foleys and the rest of the VOMK staff as they navigate how to wisely deal with these present challenges while endeavouring to honour God through the distribution of His Word and the provision of humanitarian aid.

Pray that the North Koreans who have received the distributed Bibles will be touched by what they read, resulting in their eternal salvation.

Pray that those opposing the Gospel will willingly embrace our Heavenly Father’s love and become convicted of their need to accept His Son Jesus as their own personal Saviour.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

#persecuted Church

In the early morning of July 7th, more than a hundred people arrived at the Aodi Christian Church and Yinchang Christian Church in Wenzhou with cranes and removed crosses from atop the church buildings. Door locks were also broken and some church property was destroyed.

When church members tried to intervene, they were physically assaulted, resulting in several injuries. The elderly among them were not exempt from mistreatment. An elderly man in his 80s was disrespectfully pushed to the ground.

In the state of Anhui, crosses were removed from at least 250 churches during the first four months of 2020 alone. Similar action is being taken against symbols of other religions as well.

The persecution Christians are currently facing in China has been described as the most intense in decades.

Please continue to lift up China’s Christians in your prayers, asking God to minister His grace, healing, spiritual encouragement and renewed hope in the midst of the many restrictions and the resulting harm it has caused to many.

Pray that God will work in the lives of those who are persecuting Christians. Pray that they too will become keenly aware of the Lord’s presence and recognise His sovereignty. Pray that the continued outreach of churches throughout the country will be mightily used to bring multitudes from all walks of life to a saving faith in Christ.

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

#persecuted Church

A Syrian church leader in Turkey has been serving his community during the coronavirus pandemic by transporting sick people to the hospital.

One of those he transported — and even escorted to the coronavirus care unit — was a church member’s 70-year-old father. As the man recovered in the hospital for 17 days, he thought about how Christians had cared for him even though he was not a believer. When he was released from the hospital, he asked the Christian leader to pray with him as he placed his faith in Christ.

We thank and praise God for the way He is working in difficult times and for the committed Christians who are reaching out in love to others.

Pray that these courageous and faithful believers will be divinely protected from the coronavirus. Pray that many more will come to know and believe in the Lord through the acts of love and kindness of these believers.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

#persecuted Church

27-year old Kande Mudu, also known as Philip, converted to Christianity 4 years ago. His family were the only Christians in the village of Bari in Jharkland, and ever since their conversion, they faced much opposition and threats from other villagers.

In 2018, the family’s home was attacked and Kande’s mother-in-law was gang raped. 5 of the 6 attackers were convicted but the 6th perpetrator continued threatening to harm Kande if he refused to abandon his faith in Christ.

On June 7th, a group of men came to Kande’s house and demanded that Kande step outside. Suspecting what might happen, he encouraged his wife, Bindu, to remain strong and never give up her faith in Jesus. She took their children and sought safety from nearby houses, but no one would help the fleeing family. She finally found refuge at the home of another Christian who lived several kilometres away.

Kande’s body was later found on the side of the road by his younger brother. The attack was so brutal that Kande’s body was barely recognizable. The next day charges were laid against the 8 men.

Bindu’s father tried persuading her to forsake Christianity if she wanted to stay alive, but her response was, “I will live for Jesus and die for Jesus, but I will never turn back.”

Pray for Bindu and her family as they face this devastating time. Pray for their protection, comfort, guidance, provision and peace. In the midst of this tragedy, may the faithful testimony of Kande and Bindu serve as a light to others in their village, so that many will see the truth of the Gospel and, as a result, receive God’s eternal salvation through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

#persecuted Church

Members of a church in a Central Asian country are reaching out to help those affected by the coronavirus even though their church is closed and their pastor is stuck in Russia.

After a church member recovered from COVID-19, she and another woman from the church began to visit the sick, bringing them food and medicine. The women also help around the house and pray for affected family members. Several church leaders are among those suffering from illness. Although these women are rejected by their families because of their Christian faith, they joyfully serve as the hands and feet of Christ to others.

Pray that these women will remain in good health and be protected from the coronavirus as they serve and minister to others.  Pray that God will provide the necessary finances and resources so that these women can continue bless others who are in need.

Pray that many will believe in the Lord and receive salvation through the acts of kindness of these women of faith.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

#persecuted Church