Persecuted Watch

In August 2022, Pastor Geng was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for allegedly “organizing illegal gatherings”.

During his imprisonment, Pastor Geng experienced health problems and his family was not allowed to visit him. However, it has been reported that both fellow inmates and prison guards are treating Pastor Geng with respect.

Whilst other inmates are required to work the night shift, Pastor Geng was exempted from the night shift. And in prison, Pastor Geng is revered and addressed as “Pastor”, and frequently approached for discussion and advice.

Pray for healing and strength for Pastor Geng as he continues to faithfully endure this time of incarceration. Pray that there will be many opportunities for Pastor Geng to minister and share the gospel to fellow inmates and prison guards. Pray that many will believe, repent and receive salvation.

Pray for Pastor Geng’s family and church members – that they will be able to rest in the assurance of God’s abiding presence with them as they await his release soon.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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About ten families living in Bara Chomri Village, Madhya Pradesh, were denied government rations because of their faith in Christ. On 26th January, these families were summoned to a village gathering where they were pressured to renounce their Christian faith failing which they would be denied provisions that are being given to the poor.

The families came to faith in Christ four years ago and have faced harassment and abuse ever since. About eight months ago, a visiting pastor was leading a worship service when believers were attacked by a group of thugs. The pastor was taken into custody and questioned but eventually released with a warning never to enter that village again.

Pray for these ten impoverished families – that God will provide for and meet all their practical and emotional needs (Phil 4:19). Pray that they will find peace and comfort in the Lord and continue to trust in Him.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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A group of children and youths are in desperate need of help.

They live in the South Western part of the Philippines where religious freedom is seriously threatened. Their families are too poor to pay for basic necessities, school fees and transport for these children.

Find out more about this project on pages 8 to 11 of the Mar-Apr 2023 issue of our Stand! magazine.

To help them, you can consider sponsoring one or more children with a gift of only S$280 per child. Contact us for more details.

 

(Photo : Internet)

On 19th February, members of the Tabernacle of David Christian Church in the village of Rajabasa Jaya were praying together on a Sunday morning when a local chief, Wawan, jumped over a one-metre high fence and stormed into the church.

Chief Wawan took to the pulpit and demanded that the service end. At about the same time, ten other villagers entered the church and joined in Wawan’s demands. Someone grabbed the pastor’s neck and began to choke him. Eventually the congregation was forced to disperse.

Chief Wawan claims that the church does not have a permit to meet and referred the matter to the police even though there are governmental laws guaranteeing the constitutional right to gather for worship.

Pray that the authorities will take the appropriate action against the villagers involved in this incident and ensure that religious freedom is granted to all people. Pray that  God will strengthen and encourage the pastor and members of this church. Pray for wisdom and guidance on how they should respond and continue their ministry.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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During the 15 years that Pastor Nithin has been leading a church in Karnataka state, India, he has had the windows of his home broken and received official warnings to stop the loud singing of worship or for openly displaying a cross.

Recently a local man living near Pastor Nithin’s home began to create problems for the church. In September last year, Pastor Nithin was accused of participating in a forced conversion and arrested. He was jailed for 2 days. His wife, Sathyam and their son also face the same charges but were not sent to jail. The church, however, has been barred from meeting and Pastor Nithin can only visit a few members of the church due to ongoing threats against  him.

Members of the church are working on obtaining documents that will allow them to reopen the church. Since the closure, no church members have denied their faith despite intense pressure to do so.

Pray that all charges against Pastor Nithin and his family will be dropped and the church will be able to reopen for worship services. Pray that God will guide and give wisdom to Pastor Nithin and church members on how they can continue their ministry and the work of the Lord.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

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