Monthly archive for July 2023

Haroon Shahzad, a Christian, posted a Bible passage from 1 Corinthians 10:18-21 about sacrificing food to idols on his Facebook page on 29th June 2023.

The post, which had no accompanying comment, was deemed disrespectful by a local villager who made a police report and shared a screenshot of the post with local social media groups. This stirred up anger within the community and mobs from other villages gathered in protest.

Potential attacks against the 250 to 300 Christian families living in the village were prevented when authorities intervened. However, majority of the Christians were forced to flee the village, including Haroon and most of his family.

Haroon has since been released on bail on 3rd July and taken into “protective custody”.

Pray for Haroon, his family and the other Christians who were forced to flee their homes. Pray that God will strengthen and protect them. Pray that the Holy Spirit will teach them what to say to dispel the anger of hostile community members. Pray that all charges against Haroon will be dropped.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Evangelism is restricted in isolated Bhutan. Believers face serious consequences when their faith is known. Nevertheless, Christians continue to boldly share Christ.

Front-line workers in Bhutan report that many children’s programs have been impacting churches throughout this nation.

One local ministry reached more than 500 children through 30 Bible clubs, while 224 local churches host programmes with more than 4,000 children involved. And VOM was able to distribute Christmas Care Packs and children’s Bibles through many of these outreaches.

Pray that God will bless these outreaches to children in Bhutan. Pray that God will provide the resources and finances needed to host and run these programmes. Pray that many more children will have the opportunity to hear the gospel message and receive salvation.

 

(Story & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church