Monthly archive for October 2021

On Sunday, 22 August, 28 Early Rain Covenant Church (“ERCC”) members who gathered in a home for a worship service was arrested. The leaders of the service spent two weeks in jail and were made to pay a fine.

A week later, ERCC member, Zhang Fan, whose wedding was scheduled for 28 August, was forced to look for a new wedding venue – twice – after officials threatened the venue’s owners. In the end, Zhang had to host her wedding in her home instead.

A few days later, ERCC members living in the Jiaoda Garden Wuhuo gated community were told to move out of their homes within 3 days. ERCC members have endured intense persecution since December 2012 when the church was raided and Pastor Wang Yi arrested and sentenced to 9 years in prison.

Pray that these believers will be able to find new and better accommodation. Pray that all their needs will be provided for and that their faith will remain strong.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Three Indian believers were arrested after sharing the gospel, and interrogated for more than 9 hours. Whilst in custody, the three men decided to fast and pray, and read Scripture together from an app on one of the men’s handphone.

After their arrest and while they were still in custody, one of the wives of the men wrote, “I am feeling at peace knowing God is in control of this situation. I am asking that He would be glorified and the national believers to be encouraged and their faith strengthened. I am starting to feel tired and drained, but still hopeful in Him and all the ways He desires to use this and be glorified.”

The men were eventually released many hours later.

Pray that the Lord will bless and empower these believers such that whenever they share the gospel many will be touched by the Lord, believe and receive salvation. 

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

After a member of the Grama Missionary Church passed away, the family was not allowed to hold a Christian funeral. Because Christian rites could not be performed in a public cemetery. The deceased’s family members felt intimidated and decided to comply. This is a recurring issue facing Christians in this area.

Pray for the grieving family – that they will experience the comfort and strength of the Holy Spirit.  Pray that their faith will be renewed in the Lord despite the obstacles and opposition they may face when practicing their Christian faith.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

In August this year, sixteen-year-old Christian teen, Nitish, from Northern India’s Bihar State was attacked with acid causing him to suffer severe burns on much of his body. Click here for more information : https://gosheninternational.org/india-lift-up-16-year-old-nitish-in-prayer/.

The reason for the attack and the identities of those responsible remain unknown. However, Nitish’s family believes the attack was motivated by the evangelistic work of Nitish and his brother, Sanjeet.  Sanjeet received increasingly alarming messages from those opposed to the Christian ministry in which he and Nitish participated in.

Although Nitish was transferred to the Apollo Burns Hospital in Patna, located about 80 kilometres from his village, doctors could not save him. The young believer succumbed to his injuries and passed away on 26th September.

Pray for Nitish’s family members and friends who are grieving the loss of such a precious young life. Pray that the Lord will intervene on their behalf so that the truth will be revealed and the perpetrators brough to justice.

Pray that the family will find strengthen and comfort as they draw near to God, the Father of compassion and all comfort (2 Cor 1:3).

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Fifteen Christians gathered for worship service in Western Sri Lanka when the pastor received a call telling him that a demonstration was going on and that he should stop the service in order to maintain the peace.

About fifteen minutes later, a group of 15 villagers gathered outside the church. The pastor was told by the authorities that there were five noise complaints against the church, and since the villagers were opposed to the church, he should stop the meeting.

Pray for Pastor Yaqoob and his congregation. Pray for guidance and wisdom to resolve the situation peacefully.

Pray that no amount of opposition can stop the gospel message from being spread in this village and nation. Pray that many lives will be touched by the Lord and transformed for the better.

 

(Source : VOM, Photo : Internet)

#Persecuted Church