Monthly archive for February 2022

On 5th February 2022, two places of worship were destroyed by thugs. One was a Catholic place of prayer and hospitality located near the city of Mangalore, Karnataka, and the other was a Protestant place of worship in the village of Kistaram, Chhattisgarh.

St. Anthony’s Holy Cross Centre was built 40 years ago and served as a gathering place for the Christian community in Mangalore, as well as a means of ministry for disadvantaged families. But recently a group of thugs claimed that the structure was illegal and therefore it should be destroyed. Ignoring an interim court order that no one should enter the building until an official decision has been reached, these thugs arrived with a bulldozer on 5th February and proceeded to demolish the building.

In the other case, the Protestant church in Kistaram was built five months ago. And about 100 believers regularly attended prayer meetings and Bible studies in the thatched-roof building. The church building was burned down at 3am in the morning.

Pray that that the Lord will soften the hearts and minds of those who are violently opposed to Christianity. Pray that these people will come to understand the error of their ways leading to true repentance and salvation in Christ.

Pray that the resiliency of Christians in the villages of Mangalore and Kistaram will be a testimony of God’s love and grace, drawing many to believe in the Lord. Pray for the leaders of both churches, that they will receive wisdom, discernment and guidance on the best way to move forward. Pray that God will supply the resources needed to rebuild their worship facilities.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted by masked men on 13th February 2017 and has not been seen or heard from since the incident. Prior to the incident, Pastor Raymond and his wife Susanna received death threats. They were suspected of converting people to Christianity.

Every year on the 13th of February, the anniversary of Pastor Raymond’s disappearance, a vigil has been held in Kuala Lumpur, reminding people to pray for him. At this year’s event, Susanna shared, “whether he is dead or alive, God is with him.” She further stated that if her husband is dead, she thanks his kidnappers for “giving him the privilege and honour to die as a martyr.”

Please prayerfully remember Pastor Raymond’s family as they continue to deal with the uncertainty of his whereabouts. Pray that God’s comfort and strength will continue to sustain them. Pray that they truth of the abduction will be revealed and that those responsible will be held accountable.

Pray that wisdom, courage and fortitude be granted to our Christian brothers and sisters in Malaysia as they continue with the work of the ministry.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

On 18th January, two village leaders assaulted Taeng for his trust in Christ.

Many in the village already disliked Taeng for his Christian faith, but the hatred toward him escalated when he began drilling a well to draw water for his family. When village leaders told him he had to renounce his faith if he wanted to continue drilling, Taeng refused. Many villagers watched the two leaders attack Taeng but did nothing to stop it.

Finally, Taeng’s father managed to stop the attack, preventing his son from being strangled to death. Taeng stayed in the hospital for three days and later attempted to file a police report, but the police refused to help him. Since the attack, village leaders have prevented Taeng and his family from accessing the village’s source of electricity.

Pray for Taeng’s healing and for his family’s needs to be met as he heals. Pray for his family’s faith to not be shaken, and pray that Taeng’s faithfulness serves as a witness to the truth of the gospel to Taeng’s village.

Pray also that the leaders who attacked him will come to know Christ.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Symona serves in a Voice of the Martyrs’ sponsored front-line ministry advancing the gospel in Lebanon. However, life for Symona and her family has become increasingly challenging. Although she is battling health problems and spiritual discouragement, she continues to serve those around her faithfully.

“My life has been a desert. Spiritually, I am at my lowest,” Symona said. “I need light and I believe in the power of prayer.”

Pray for Symona to be renewed in the joy of the Lord. Pray that the Lord will satiate and replenish her weary soul (Jer 31:25). Pray that the goodness and love of the Lord will follow her all the days of her life such that she will not lack any good thing. And she will always dwell in the house of the Lord and in His shalom peace forever (Ps 23).

Pray that her ministry in Lebanon will continue to flourish, and many more women will be blessed and encouraged to follow Jesus through her personal testimony.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

In June 2016, Naser and three visiting Azerbaijian believers were arrested at an engagement party near Tehran, Iran. The three Christians were subsequently granted a conditional release and they have since returned to their homeland.

Naser, who was considered the leader of the Christian gathering, was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of “acting against national security through the formation and establishment of an illegal church organization in his home”.

Although Naser’s previous appeal against his sentence was rejected, he did not give up. The Supreme Court has decided that his latest appeal will be heard, although the date and time of the hearing is not known at the time of publishing this report.

Please pray for strength and protection as Naser continues to serve his prison sentence in a notorious and dangerous prison. Pray that he will find peace, comfort and encouragement in the Lord even during the darkest times of his life.

Pray that Naser’s conviction will be overturned and he will be released and reunited with his family.

 

(Source & Photo :VOMC)

#Persecued Church