Monthly archive for December 2023

According to front-line workers, God is moving in Israel, including Gaza and the West Bank, amid the conflict raging throughout the region.

One Christian leader said, “Please pray for believers inside of Gaza. As the conflict intensifies and the possibility of death increases, there is a growing intentionality to share the gospel with friends and families. We have heard testimonies that those living in shelters because their homes were damaged, have been sharing Christ boldly. There seems to be an openness.”

Another ministry worker reported that an Israeli soldier gave his life to the Lord and was baptized shortly before being called to active military service.

There have also been reports of Christians from a Jewish background meeting with Christian Arabs and Palestinians. “These days, we must be a people of hope in the midst of so much hopelessness. And hope is only a wish if it is not hope in Christ,” a front-line worker said.

Pray for the protection of civilians and front-line workers residing in and near the conflict zone. Pray that believers will take every opportunity to share the gospel and many people will respond and come to faith in Christ

 

(Source & Photo: VOM)

#Persecuted Church

On 11th November, Pastor David was kidnapped from his farm in the Obajana area of Kogi State. Church members negotiated with his kidnappers and raised a reduced ransom of one million naira. Sadly, the transaction to pay the ransom in exchange for Pastor David’s release was abruptly ended when armed men called the pastor to come back. As the pastor turned to walk towards them, they shot and killed him.

In another case, Pastor Joshua was killed and his wife kidnapped when their home in Damakasuwa  in Kaduna State was raided on the night of 17th November.

Pastor Joshua had always encouraged his congregation to preach the gospel with courage and without reservation. He said, “The message of the gospel is for Jesus, so don’t fail to preach it because of fear. Preach it, whether they like it or not.”

Pray that God will minister to the grieving families and congregation members of the two recently slain pastors. Pray for the release of Pastor Joshua’s wife.

Pray for other persecuted Nigerian believers that they will be empowered to persevere in their faith and seize every opportunity to share the gospel message with those in need around them.

 

(Source & Photo: VOM)

#Persecuted Church

In July this year, Huu Dat (name changed for security reasons) decided to leave behind a tradition of tribal ancestor worship and chose to follow Jesus.  His wife and 4 of his 6 children also received salvation in Christ.

However, Huu’s eldest son became extremely angry when he found out about his family decision to follow Christ. He views this as a betrayal of the family’s ancestral legacy and the beliefs of their tribal group. This son demanded his family to renounce their allegiance to Christ and return to their tribal religion but the family refused.

After various failed attempts to convince his family to recant their belief in Jesus, the eldest son physically attacked his father in late October, repeatedly striking him with a wooden rod. The beating left Huu with broken ribs, a deep wound on his face and bone fractures in other parts of his body.

Pray for a speedy and complete recovery for Huu. Pray that the Lord will provide the finances needed for his treatment. Pray that these believers will continue to persevere and remain steadfast in their faith. Pray that the Lord will touch the heart of Huu’s eldest son – that he will respond to the ministry of the Holy Spirit and come to faith in Christ.

 

(Story & Photo: VOMC)

#Persecuted Church