Monthly archive for September 2021

Since the beginning of 2021, about 20 cases have been taken to court for holding religious meetings without state permission and made to pay fines equivalent to between three weeks’ to four months’ average wages.

Places of worship are being closely monitored to determine if any laws have been contravened. A Baptist church in the city of Oral, which was previously fined, is regularly being visited by an official who sits at the back of the sanctuary to monitor the church’s services and write down the names of those present.

Pray for wisdom and discernment as church leaders and congregation members seek ways to meet the needs of their communities in spite of the many restrictions. Pray that they will find innovative ways to effectively reach out to those around them with the message of God’s peace in these unprecedented times. May the Lord speak clearly into the hearts of the officials monitoring the church services, working by His Holy Spirit in and through their lives so that His great Kingdom purposes will ultimately be fulfilled.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Jante is a Christian. She is a writer and an advocate for women and Hazaras. Her writing features criticism of the current regime and their crimes. She is currently now in hiding.

Ako is a known Afghan Christian who worked as an engineering contractor for the US. Thugs are now searching for Ako and his family with the intention of killing them for being Christians and for collaborating with US forces.

Pray for Jante and Ako and their respective families. Pray that God will hide them and keep them safe from their enemies.

Pray that they will be strong and courageous. And they will not be afraid or terrified because of their enemies, for their Almighty God will go with them and He will never leave or forsake them (Deut 31:6).

*Names changed to protect the individuals.

 

(Source : VOMau, Photo : Internet)

#Persecuted Church

Some thugs in Gujarat held a rally and issued a statement to the district authorities asking them to stop church activities in the region or else they would take matters into their own hands. The statement they produced had a list of the names of 56 churches and pastors, and they gave the authorities three days to go into action.

In response to the thugs’ demand, pastors were told not to conduct church services or they would risk being attacked. And if that happens, the authorities will not protect Christians but would arrest the pastors. Several pastors have already been arrested and many churches have stopped meeting altogether. Pastors are also not able to visit people.

Pray that God will strengthen believers such that their faith will not waver even when they are unable to meet for worship and fellowship. Pray that every believer will instead grasp the opportunity to study and meditate on His word and seek a deeper intimacy with our Heavenly Father.

Pray that God will soften the hearts of these thugs. May they encounter the Lord’s goodness and mercy and turn to Him for salvation. Pray that Christians will be able to gather freely for worship.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Suiy became a Christian and was healed from her sickness.

In her joy and excitement, she called her children and shared her testimony with them but they did not receive the news well. Her daughter told her to stop believing in God or else she would not visit her anymore. And her son disowned her completely. They told her that if both their employers discovered that their mother was a Christian, they would be fired from their jobs.

Upon hearing this, Suiy felt discouraged and embarrassed. She is not young and both her children are her only source of income. However, she was encouraged by her pastor to stay faithful to the Lord. It has been difficult for Suiy to make it through the day. And some days she does not even have enough to eat.

Pray that God will provide for all of Suiy’s needs. Pray that the church will be a source of encouragement and support for her. Pray that her faith will continue to grow and her love for Jesus will draw many people to God.

Pray that Suiy’s children will also come to know the Lord and experience His goodness. 

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

The Marwands* are a Christian family whose father is a human rights lawyer. The family has 2 sons and 1 daughter. One son has left Afghanistan for the West. The other son who worked as a linguist for the US fears for the safety of his family. His sister and brother-in-law also worked with the US as contractors.

It has been reported that certain men are in search of people who have worked with the previous government as well as those who profess to be Christians.

Pray that no harm will come to the Marwands and their family and friends. Pray that God will rescue them and hold them safe beyond the reach of their enemies and save them from violent opponents (Ps 18:48).

*Name has been changed

 

(Source : VOMau, Photo : Internet)

#Persecuted Church