Monthly archive for April 2023

A legislation was passed in 2006 that required all places of worship to first obtain a government permit before they commence operations. And such a permit is usually granted if there is an approval by at least 60 non-Christian residents in the area and the church has to have a minimum of about 90 members. Because the approval process is quite difficult and applications may potentially be rejected, many Christians gather together without the mandated permit.

The Simalungun Christian Protestant Church in Cigelam, which has a congregation of only 60 members, was forcibly closed in April 2023 due to opposition from a group of thugs. These thugs interrupted the church’s services on two occasions in March 2023 demanding an end to all church activities. When the church refused to comply, these thugs reported the matter to the authorities who forcibly closed the church and sealed the building. The church was asked to relocate to a different building in another location but this location was too far away and not so accessible for the congregants.

Please pray that the leaders of this church will receive divine guidance, direction, wisdom and encouragement as they determine what to do next. Pray for the Lord’s intervention and mediation for this church, and others facing opposition, so that they can continue to gather for worship, ministry and fellowship in peace without any threat of harassment.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

In February 2023, many long-term prisoners were released during a general pardon. Those released included several Christians who were imprisoned for practicing their faith.

Although they have been released, these believers are still facing significant hardships. They are constantly under surveillance and have to be careful when interacting with other believers. And they have difficulty getting employment because their work permits have been confiscated by the authorities.

Pray that the Lord will meet the needs of these recently released Christians and their families.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Pastor Geng was released on 19th March after serving 15 months in prison for allegedly “organizing illegal gatherings” when he served as pastor for the Church of the Rock. Click on this link to find out more : https://gosheninternational.org/china-imprisoned-pastor-highly-respected/.

Despite suffering health problems and that fact that his family was not allowed to visit him in prison, Pastor Gen continued to minister to fellow inmates and prison guards. This earned him great respect to the extent that people in prison would frequently approach Pastor Geng for advice.

Upon the pastor’s release, his wife, Hao Ying, posted a message on social media – “Thank you all for your constant care and concern. May God remember you and keep you. Please continue to pray for God’s blessing on each other.”

We thank you for praying for Pastor Geng. Thank you for obeying God’s word to be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere at all times and on all occasions (Eph 6:18).

Pray that every person who was ministered to by Pastor Geng in prison, will grow in their faith and knowledge of God. Pray that they will in turn bless and encourage others in the same way they themselves were blessed and encouraged.

Pray that Pastor Geng will have a meaningful and joyful time of reunion with his family. Pray that many people will come to salvation in Christ because of Pastor Geng’s ministry and testimony.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Deepa and her husband, Surya, were overwhelmed with fear when witch doctors predicted an early and unnatural death for Surya. Deepa confessed this fear to her brother, a Christian, who shared the gospel with Deepa and Surya and led them to place their trust in Christ.

Both Deepa and Surya live with Surya’s parents and grandparents. Surya’s family then started to pressurize the Christian couple into renouncing their faith. They also recruited other villagers to help increase pressure on the couple. Soon the verbal attacks turned physical.

Deepa and Surya were eventually evicted by their family. Thankfully, members of their local church helped to build a simple cottage nearby for them to stay. The couple survives by selling milk from one cow and Surya has gone abroad to try to earn money. Deepa remains an active member of the church while caring for her 5-year-old son, Shreya.

Pray that this family will be well taken care of and their emotional and financial needs will be met because the Lord is their Shepherd (Ps 23). Pray that they will continue to grow in their faith. Pray that their family members will encounter the Lord and receive salvation.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Elder Hu Shigen (“Elder Hu”), a former university lecturer, is a prominent  house church leader and pro-democracy advocate. He led several house churches in Beijing before his arrest.

In July 2015, he was accused of allegedly inciting “subversion of state power” and taken into custody because of his religious activities and ties to both foreign groups and human rights lawyers. He was convicted of those charges in 2016 and sentenced to seven and a half years imprisonment. Whilst in prison, Elder Hu suffered a heart attack in 2019. In total , Elder Hu has spent a total of 24 years in prison for his work.

We praise God that 68-year-old Elder Hu was finally released in March 2023 after serving a lengthy sentence.

Pray that Elder Hu can rest and recover from his lengthy ordeal in prison. Pray that the Lord will renew his strength and minister both physical and emotional healing to him.

Pray for other persecuted believers who are faithfully serving the Lord and sharing the Gospel to the spiritually needy. Pray that many will believe in the Lord and receive salvation.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church