Monthly archive for September 2020

Christians in Wa state, in eastern Myammar along the Chinese border, are facing an intense season of persecution.

Since 2018, it has been reported that many church buildings were destroyed or confiscated, and many pastors in the region have been imprisoned. Pastors are afraid to share their faith because of death threats and the fear of returning to prison. Christian leaders in the area are rethinking new church strategies and transitioning into underground churches. They are now training and encouraging local pastors not to fear, and they are teaching church planters how to start house churches.

Pray for our beloved brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they explore new ways of gathering for worship, fellowship and ministry.

Pray for divine protection over the Church in Myammar – that the Lord will guard and multiply the fruit of her labour.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

#persecuted Church

Many people are struggling to survive economic losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Rahib’s family are not spared either.

Rahib, the only son in the family, was killed in a shooting in April 2018. 16-year old Rahib was leaving a church service in Quetta, Pakistan, when 4 men on motorbikes sprayed the area with gunfire, killing Rahib and another Christian. His father is in poor health and have not been able to see a doctor during the coronavirus lockdown.

His parents and 3 sisters struggled to support themselves without the income Rahib had contributed, so Voice of the Martyrs has been providing monthly support. “Due to the lockdown, all people are facing crises,” Rahib’s mother said. ‘I feel blessed and lucky because you people are with us.” Every gift matters, no matter how small it is.

We praise and thank God for all those who supported the persecuted Church through prayer and financial giving.

Pray for Rahib’s family and for all Pakistani Christians whose lives have been further complicated by the pandemic. Pray that they will experience God’s sustaining power and divine providence.

“My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

#persecuted Church

In March 2017, Cao San-Qiang (John Cao) was detained and accused of “organizing illegal border crossings” between Myanmar and China. Pastor Cao, who is married to an American citizen, has been a long-time resident of North Carolina. Well known for his humanitarian work among the poor in Myanmar’s Wa State, he built 16 schools that serve about 2,000 impoverished children.

Pastor Cao was arrested and detained, along with a co-worker, for almost a year without charges. He was eventually sentenced to seven years in prison. In July of last year, his latest appeal against his incarceration was rejected.

A few days ago, Pastor Cao was finally allowed to meet with his mother via a video link. We praise God that Pastor is in good health. He is able to read and interact with other inmates and is praying daily for his brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as everything that is taking place in the world.

Please pray that God will provide Pastor Cao and other imprisoned believers renewed strength as they eagerly await their deliverance. Pray that their interactions with fellow inmates and guards will be mightily used to lead more people to a saving faith in Christ.

Pray for his wife Jamie and their two sons, Benjamin and Amos, who are living in the United States, and also for his dear mother.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

#persecuted Church