Monthly archive for July 2022

Cheng Yuan was arrested in 2019 for his work as a lawyer and for his involvement with an organization known to protect the rights and interests of vulnerable members of society. Cheng was sentenced to 5 years in prison whilst 2 other members of the organization received sentences of two or three years.

Cheng’s wife, Shi Minglei, and their daughter had to flee the country for safety in 2021. Shi continues to advocate for her husband’s freedom from the United States where she is presently residing.

On 5th July this year, Shi received a letter from Cheng informing her that he was transferred to the Hunan Chishan Prison and placed in solitary confinement from 18th January to 18th April. And during that time, he was prohibited from making any contact with his family or his lawyer and subjected to forced labour. Cheng disclosed that he was made to work all day operating a sewing machine and forced to submit to indoctrination each evening.

According to former inmates of Hunan Chishan Prison, the living conditions of the prison are torturous – the cells have no windows and can barely accommodate a small bed. A blinding light is kept on for 24 hours a day and prisoners are not allowed to cover their eyes from the blinding light with their blankets.

Please uphold Cheng in prayer. Pray that the Lord will give him the strength to endure the harsh conditions and treatment in prison. Pray for Shi and their daughter as they cope with the separation and limited contact with Cheng. Pray that this Christian family will be able to find peace and comfort and hope in the Lord and be encouraged that they are not alone but that the sovereign God is with them.

Continue to also remember and pray for other believers who are also suffering in prison because of their faith in Christ.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

A Christian mechanic, Ashfaq, has been sentenced to death by hanging after he allegedly made remarks that are deemed derogatory and for saying that Jesus Christ is the “true prophet”.

It started on 6th June 2017 when a customer, Irfan, went to the Christian’s shop to arrange for the wheel balancing of his bike. After the repair work was completed, Irfan refused to pay for the services rendered claiming that he should not be made to pay since he was a religious ascetic. Ashfaq replied that he is a follower of Jesus Christ and requested that the customer pay the outstanding bill.

Ashfaq, who denied ever speaking against anyone in a derogatory way, believes this incident was orchestrated by a rival motorbike mechanic in an effort to drive him out of business.

Pray for Ashfaq who has a wife and daughter to support. Pray that Ashfaq and his loved ones will be ministered to by the Lord’s presence and His peace will fill their hearts and strengthen them during this time of uncertainty.

Pray for wisdom and guidance on behalf of Ashfaq and his legal counsel as they appeal against this ruling. Pray that the courts will make the right decision and justice will prevail.

Pray that they Holy Spirit will work in the lives of those opposing Ashfaq, that they will be touched by the gospel message and turn to Christ for salvation.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

A Chinese Christian woman was recently banned for one year from using DingTalk, a business-related platform, because one of her posts allegedly violated the platform’s rules by including “illegal religious content”. However, the subject matter of the post was no different from the content she regularly published for her job.

Pray that God would grant Christians in China the wisdom and discretion regarding the words they use during their daily online media interactions so that they will not be prevented or restricted from continuing or managing their work.  

Pray that believers will still find meaningful ways to continue sharing the hope of the gospel in spite of the challenges they are facing.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Shagufta was arrested in July 2021 for allegedly forwarding a text message in a WhatsApp group chat that was deemed insulting. The Christian woman’s court hearings had been repeatedly delayed by the Pakistani courts.

Shagufta’s husband was allowed to visit her but he and their sons have had to flee to Islamabad for the sake of their safety. The accused Christian woman has asked for prayer that her faith would remain strong. She said, “I’m in prison for my faith and not for any criminal act.”

Pray that Shagufta will receive strength and shalom peace as she awaits trial in solitary confinement. Pray that she will be cleared of all wrongdoing and released early to be reunited with her loved ones.

Pray that God will also strengthen, protect and sustain her husband and children, and help them to relocate and settle down safely as they await the outcome of the trial. Pray that this family will continue to remain strong in their faith.  

 

Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

In May this year, Protestant church leaders in Tajikistan were summoned to a meeting and told that the government would no longer be registering any new churches. They were also reminded that those under 18 years of age are not permitted to participate in any religious activities or events except for attending funerals. This ban includes participation in religious camps.

Tajikistan believers feel that such regulations would restrict the sharing of their faith and limits any potential increase in the country’s Christian population.

Pray for Tajikistan’s church leaders and pastors. Pray that God will give them the wisdom and guidance to address these challenges to their ministry. Pray that Christian families will receive the help and support they need as they endeavour to raise their children in the ways of  the Lord. Pray that these unjust restrictions on religious freedoms will be lifted.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church