Persecuted Watch

13-year old Nayab was forced to renounce her Christian faith and marry her employer Saddam, who was already married with five children. In May 2021, the Pakistani courts upheld the legality of the marriage and gave custody of young Nayab to Saddam. The Christian family appealed against the court’s decision but a hearing scheduled in November 2021 was postponed indefinitely.

Now a year later, Nayab’s family members received reports that the young teen may have been sold to an unknown person. Fearing for her safety, the Christian family requested assistance from the courts. On 25th July this year, the Lahore High Court ordered Saddam to present Nayab to the court by 27th July 2022.

Pray that God will protect young Nayab and minister healing to her through the power of His Holy Spirit. Pray that her family will be filled with God’s shalom peace, comfort and hope as they await further news of her whereabouts.

Pray that the Pakistani Courts will ensure that justice prevails in this case and the young teen will be rescued from captivity and rightfully returned to her concerned family. Pray also for the many other young girls in Pakistan who have been forced into similar situations.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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There were recent reports of harassment against Christian citizens and others in Russian-occupied Crimea, which Russia seized control of in 2014. Three Baptists – S. Gerasimenko, P. Shokha and L. Shokha, were charged on 1st July this year for participating in “missionary activities”. So far, no date has been set for their hearings.

Then in February this year, Liana P. was found guilty of leading a Pentecostal group without informing the Russian authorities. And three others were arrested around the same time for handing out religious leaflets outside a shopping centre in Kerch. Thankfully, the case against these three Christians was dismissed in mid-May this year.

Pray for those who are presently facing trial  for endeavouring to share their faith in Christ with others. Pray that these believers will receive strength and courage to stand firm in their faith. Pray for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine so that any further threat of destruction and potential loss of life will come to an end.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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Cheng Yuan was arrested in 2019 for his work as a lawyer and for his involvement with an organization known to protect the rights and interests of vulnerable members of society. Cheng was sentenced to 5 years in prison whilst 2 other members of the organization received sentences of two or three years.

Cheng’s wife, Shi Minglei, and their daughter had to flee the country for safety in 2021. Shi continues to advocate for her husband’s freedom from the United States where she is presently residing.

On 5th July this year, Shi received a letter from Cheng informing her that he was transferred to the Hunan Chishan Prison and placed in solitary confinement from 18th January to 18th April. And during that time, he was prohibited from making any contact with his family or his lawyer and subjected to forced labour. Cheng disclosed that he was made to work all day operating a sewing machine and forced to submit to indoctrination each evening.

According to former inmates of Hunan Chishan Prison, the living conditions of the prison are torturous – the cells have no windows and can barely accommodate a small bed. A blinding light is kept on for 24 hours a day and prisoners are not allowed to cover their eyes from the blinding light with their blankets.

Please uphold Cheng in prayer. Pray that the Lord will give him the strength to endure the harsh conditions and treatment in prison. Pray for Shi and their daughter as they cope with the separation and limited contact with Cheng. Pray that this Christian family will be able to find peace and comfort and hope in the Lord and be encouraged that they are not alone but that the sovereign God is with them.

Continue to also remember and pray for other believers who are also suffering in prison because of their faith in Christ.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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A Christian mechanic, Ashfaq, has been sentenced to death by hanging after he allegedly made remarks that are deemed derogatory and for saying that Jesus Christ is the “true prophet”.

It started on 6th June 2017 when a customer, Irfan, went to the Christian’s shop to arrange for the wheel balancing of his bike. After the repair work was completed, Irfan refused to pay for the services rendered claiming that he should not be made to pay since he was a religious ascetic. Ashfaq replied that he is a follower of Jesus Christ and requested that the customer pay the outstanding bill.

Ashfaq, who denied ever speaking against anyone in a derogatory way, believes this incident was orchestrated by a rival motorbike mechanic in an effort to drive him out of business.

Pray for Ashfaq who has a wife and daughter to support. Pray that Ashfaq and his loved ones will be ministered to by the Lord’s presence and His peace will fill their hearts and strengthen them during this time of uncertainty.

Pray for wisdom and guidance on behalf of Ashfaq and his legal counsel as they appeal against this ruling. Pray that the courts will make the right decision and justice will prevail.

Pray that they Holy Spirit will work in the lives of those opposing Ashfaq, that they will be touched by the gospel message and turn to Christ for salvation.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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A Chinese Christian woman was recently banned for one year from using DingTalk, a business-related platform, because one of her posts allegedly violated the platform’s rules by including “illegal religious content”. However, the subject matter of the post was no different from the content she regularly published for her job.

Pray that God would grant Christians in China the wisdom and discretion regarding the words they use during their daily online media interactions so that they will not be prevented or restricted from continuing or managing their work.  

Pray that believers will still find meaningful ways to continue sharing the hope of the gospel in spite of the challenges they are facing.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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