Monthly archive for February 2021

Sithong Theppavong, the pastor of a small church in the farming area of Savannakhet Province in the Western part of Laos, was arrested without any charge on 15th March 2020.  Before his arrest, he received repeated warnings to cease his ministry.

For more details on his arrest, visit Goshen’s website at: https://gosheninternational.org/arrested-for-leading-worship/

Nearly a year later, Pastor Sithong’s whereabouts remain unknown.  However, his wife continue to face harassment and her motorcycle was taken from her. And anyone inquiring about Pastor Sithong and his family’s situation were being investigated.

Please uphold Pastor Sithong and his family in prayer.  Pray that new information about his whereabouts will be released, especially to his concerned wife. Pray that his family, friends and church members will receive much needed comfort, hope and peace in the Lord during this time of uncertainty.

Pray that the work of the Lord and Pastor Sithong’s ministry in Savannakhet Province will continue to flourish and be fruitful. Pray that many in Laos will have the opportunity to hear the gospel message and receive salvation in Christ.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

#persecuted church

Ebrahim spent many years in prison for his faith.  He was finally released from prison in October 2020 and began serving his two-year exile.

However, in early February 2021, Ebrahim released a series of videos was detailing the persecution he faced while in exile.  Even his brother, who is not a Christian, was experiencing harassment because of Ebrahim’s faith.  As a result, he was re-arrested in February 2021 and sent to Chabahar prison.

Pray that the Lord will bless Ebrahim and surround him with His favour as with a shield (Ps 5:12) wherever he goes. Pray that God will be glorified through Ebrahim’s life and testimony.  

Pray for a positive outcome to his recent imprisonment.  Pray that he will be released from imprisonment and from the remaining term in exile.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

#persecuted church

A former drug smuggler became an evangelist after meeting Jesus.

He was being groomed by his father to become a spiritual leader when he decided to abandon the path his father intended and turned to alcoholism and drugs. He also became involved in drug trafficking. Along the way, someone shared the gospel with this man and God transformed his life.

Today, this man brings Bibles into Iran and distributes them to various villages. He and another man have started 19 house churches in the area where they work.

Pray that God will continue to bless this man’s ministry. Pray that he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, and his ministries will be fruitful and whatever he does will prosper and come to maturity (Ps 1:3).

Pray that God will continue to raise up, in Iran, more faithful labourers of integrity with the characteristics of Titus and Timothy.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

#persecuted church

Christians in Myanmar are requesting for urgent prayer after the military coup that occurred on 1st February 2021.

“Things seem uncertain,” says a VOM worker in Myammar, “but one thing we are sure about is that Jesus is still our King and nothing happens to us without His knowledge and permission.”

Pray that God will intervene in the situation. Pray that peace and not bloodshed will prevail in the nation.

Pray that Christians will remain firm in their faith. Pray that they will not be disheartened or troubled by the uncertainties, but they will continue to trust in the sovereign Lord and wait patiently upon Him.

Pray that even in such times, the work of the Lord will carry on and the gospel message will bring much hope and relief to those in need.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

#persecuted church

On 22nd January, 3 families from Dhurki village in the Garhwa District of Jharkhand were reportedly ordered to be caned, fined and excommunicated from the village. This was because the 3 families, who come from the Korwa tribal group, converted to Christianity.

Pray for believers in India. Pray that God will keep them in perfect and constant peace, their mind will remain steadfast, committed and focused on the Lord, and they will trust God and take refuge in Him (Isa 26:3).

 

(Source : ICC, Photo Credit : Internet)

#persecuted church