Monthly archive for February 2023

In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake in Turkiye and northern Syria, many survivors have been left homeless amid the cold winter, and in tremendous need for basic necessities. Many others are suffering due to the loss of loved ones. The ongoing conflict with the Kurdish rebels living in the areas badly affected by the earthquake has also greatly hindered the provision of relief for those in need.

Before the latest crisis struck, many believers who were persecuted for their faith have fled from the Middle East and sought asylum in Turkey. But some of these asylum seekers are now facing possible deportation.

17 Iranian Christians asylum seekers from 5 families,  were recently arrested and taken to “removal centres” to be deported back to Iran. These detained believers presently have no access to hot water and are receiving very limited resources. Food is often withheld, and the few meals they do receive are infested with insects and worms. Individual members of these families have also been separated from one other.

Pray for the people of Türkiye and Syria who must now cope with the exponential loss and resulting suffering in the aftermath of this major earthquake. Pray that urgently needed aid will reach all those needing it.

Pray that God’s provision, peace and protection will sustain the 5 detained Christian families facing possible deportation.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Anu earned money by predicting people’s future as a seer. When her young daughter became ill and no other efforts or treatment could heal her, Anu brought her to a Christian church where a pastor prayed for her.  After the prayer, Anu’s daughter was healed and Anu immediately put her faith in Christ and decided to turn away from her occult practices.

Anu’s husband, Prakash, who suffers from mental illness, tried to kill the pastor. But he was healed after receiving prayer and subsequently became a believer. When Prakash’s family found out about their conversion, the couple were forced out of the family home and forced to stayed temporarily in the church building.

Anu and Prakash chose to keep following Jesus and have since been baptized into the faith.

Pray that this Christian family will be able to build and own a home where they are free to practice their new-found faith and be a blessing to the community the live in.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Pastor Tony, from Anuradhapura province in Sri Lanka, heard some noises outside his home. He went out to investigate only to be assaulted by two men with a shovel who demanded that Pastor Tony stop his religious activities. He managed to quickly crawl back into the house before the men began breaking windows and causing other damages.

When the pastor’s son heard the commotion and tried to intervene, he too was knocked down and beaten. As a result of the beating, he had to be hospitalized for 3 days for treatment of his injuries.

Six days after the attack, charges were filed against Pastor Tony for inciting the attack. Although the charges were proved to be false, local officials sealed Pastor Tony’s home and confiscated church property.

Pray for Pastor Tony and his family, as well as his congregation, that they will remain strong in their faith. Pray that they will continue to be bold witnesses for Christ in spite of the challenges they are facing.

 

(Source : VOM, Photo : Internet)

#Persecuted Church

In August 2021, four house church leaders were arrested for allegedly carrying out “illegal business operations” in relation to their work at the Jordan River Learning Centre which is a house church affiliated with Mount Carmel Church in Wuhu, Anhui State. To find out more about this case, click on this link : https://gosheninternational.org/china-pray-for-christian-teachers/.

Two of the four leaders were subsequently released on bail in late February the following year, whilst the other two, Wang Minhai and Wan Hongxia remain in custody. Wang, a gastroenterologist who donated his time and money to assist the school, and Wan, principal of the learning centre, were later formally charged pending trial in November 2022. Both claim that they did not break the law and have rejected all charges against them.

According to a report from ChinaAid, both Wang and Wan were released from prison on 13th January 2023. According to fellow prisoners, both leaders were referred to as “great joyful witnesses of the Lord” while in prison.

We thank and praise God for their release and for their faithful witness for the Lord whilst in prison. We pray that their legal troubles will be fully resolved and they will be able to resume their ministry activities without further harassment from the authorities.

Pray for other believers who remain in prison because of their faith in Christ. Pray that God will strengthen and comfort them and their families. Pray that they will not lose hope but will remain firm in their faith.