Monthly archive for June 2023

Many Christians in Bhutan are often refused citizenship cards and other official documents needed for employment, education and most necessities.

For example, Pastor Deki and her son, Ratno, were denied citizenship cards because of their Christian work. Pastor Nidup and his wife were unable to get a marriage certificate because of their faith, which lead to their children being treated as “stateless”. And the wife of another pastor had difficulty renewing her visa to permit her to stay in the country.

Pray that these faithful Christian workers will be able to obtain the citizenship documents or other official documents they need. Pray that God will make a way where there was previously no way (Isa 43:14-21).

Pray that the Lord will encourage these believers such that they will continue to be powerful witnesses for Christ in spite of the persecution.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

On 13th February 2017, Pastor Koh was abducted off the streets of Malaysia. In 2019, the  Malaysian Human Rights Commission issued a report blaming the abduction on the “Special Branch” of Malaysia’s police.

Since then, no one has been held accountable and Pastor Raymond Koh’s whereabouts and condition remain unknown.

Court hearings were held in June 2023 as sister Susanna Koh continues to seek the truth of her husband’s disappearance. A new judge was appointed to hear her case and a judicial review was recently allowed in another disappearance case.

Pray that these recent developments will lead to a favourable outcome of the hearings in June and the truth of Pastor Raymond’s disappearance will be revealed.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Sehar, a 13-year-old Christian girl, worked at a local brick kiln together with 11 of her siblings to help support the family because their elderly father was ill and unable to work. According to her brother, Irfan, three men on motorcycles kidnapped Sehar from her home in Okaro at gunpoint on 23rd April 2023. One of the kidnappers was recognized as Allah Rakha, who also worked at the same brick kiln as Sehar.

Rakha was friends with Sehar’s brother, Adil, who was deceived into renouncing his Christian faith just three months before Sehar’s abduction. Sehar’s family is concerned that Rakha has similar plans for Sehar as there have been many reports of young Christian Pakistani girls being frequently kidnapped, and forcibly converted and married to their kidnappers.

Pray that Sehar’s whereabouts will soon be discovered and she will be returned to her family unharmed. Pray that those responsible for her abduction will be brought to justice.

Pray that the Lord will comfort both Sehar and her family members with His love and peace and He will continue to meet the daily needs of this family as they struggle with this added challenge.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Within days of the earthquake on 6th February 2023 that devastated eastern Turkiye, Turkish Christians rushed from other parts of the country to help.

“One church group used their hands to dig people out of the rubble,” a front-line worker said. Others set up emergency kitchens and shelters.

One improvised cafe was so successful in feeding survivors and emergency workers that it attracted the attention of the local governor – “He was so impressed, he told the group, ‘Please continue what you are doing. Let me know how we can help,’ and he offered free use of some government trucks and additional food,” said a front-line worker.

“Local Christians are doing the work of Matthew 25:35 — ‘I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me a drink.’” The worker said local news coverage of the Christians’ activities increased requests for Bibles.

Pray that God will bless the church abundantly so that she can continue to shine for Jesus and minister to those affected by the earthquake. Pray that divine provisions will continue to pour in and meet the needs of both the survivors and emergency workers. Pray that many will come to faith in Christ through the love of these believers.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

On 16th April 2023, a mob of approximately 40 men disrupted the evening service at The Voice of Jesus Church in Khokhar, Pakistan. The church’s gates and windows were damaged and three bullet hoes were left in the outer wall of the building. Thankfully, the injuries perpetrated by the mob was minimal.

The conflict arose when three men on motorcycles harassed the 19-year-old daughter of Pastor Younas Javed before the service. Her brother Sharjeel asked them to stop, but they responded by abusing him. The men then recruited others, and the violence turned against the church facility and the service being held inside.

The pastor of the church says that harassment of this kind is common in the area. And police have increased security around the church.

Pray that members of this church will be kept safe from any further potential violence. Pray for courage and protection of the Christians living in this area as they continue with their ministry and reaching out to the community with the Gospel. Pray that the lives and words of believers throughout Pakistan will be a testimony of God’s love and grace to those around them, leading many to faith in Christ.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church