Persecuted Watch

More than 6 months after his arrest on 17th November 2021, Elder Hao was finally allowed to meet with his lawyer on 31st May 2022. Elder Hao is from Early Rain Qingcaodi Church.

According to Elder Hao’s wife, her husband is in very poor health. But he was not allowed to leave the detention centre in order to seek medical treatment because of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Another church elder, Elder Wu, who was arrested at about the same time as Elder Hao, is also currently awaiting trial.

Pray that justice will prevail for these two imprisoned church leaders and they will be released soon.

Pray that God will watch over their family members, provide for their every need, strengthen and comfort them during this trying time.

Pray that Elder Hao will be able to receive the medical treatment that he needs.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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Kalithas, a prominent and active leader in his church, received many threats from the community, warning him that he would face severe consequences if he continued his bold witness of Christ in the village.

On 16th December 2021, four men went to Kalithas’ home and attempted to destroy his house. When confronted, the men threw alcohol in Kalithas’ face and beat him until he fell to the ground. Whilst on the ground, three men held him down while the fourth struck his head with an iron rod before fleeing from the premises.  Kalithas was rushed to hospital and was in a coma until he died on 20th December.

Pray for Kalithas’ family, that they will find strength and comfort in the Lord as they grieve the loss of their loved one. Pray that Kalithas’ labour for the Kingdom of God will not be in vain but will bear much fruit. Pray that many villagers who hear his story will believe in the Lord and receive salvation, including the four men who killed him.

 

(Source & Photo : VOM)

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On 17th May, the day that the anti-conversion law came into effect in Kartanaka State, a complaint was filed against Pastor V and his wife for allegedly converting more than 1,000 people from the Yerava tribal community during their visits to the area’s coffee plantations.

The accused Christians were caught trying to get Paniyaravara and his family, whom had received Bibles from the couple, to pray with them. Paniyaravara submitted a written complaint that the pastor and his wife was trying to convert him and his family just as they did to his nephew earlier.

Pray that Pastor V and his wife will be filled with God’s shalom peace. Pray that they will not fear but will trust in God who is their strength and defense. Pray that they will receive wisdom and guidance  

From the Lord as they deal with these allegations. Pray that all charges against them will be dropped.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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Zhang and Xiao, members of the Early Rain Covenant Church, was forced to postpone their wedding scheduled on 21st May because of harassment from local authorities. Read more here : https://gosheninternational.org/china-christian-wedding-disrupted-by-authorities/.

They rescheduled their wedding to 24th May but was again faced with much opposition trying to secure a venue. And the pastor who was supposed to officiate the wedding and another church elder was prevented from attending the ceremony in person. So, the couple held the wedding ceremony online with only a few church members in attendance. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Dai remotely.

Although it was a small ceremony and many were unable to join the celebration, it was reported that the entire wedding was filled with God’s presence and grace.

Praise God that Zhang and Xiao were able to wed despite all the obstacles placed in their way. Pray that this newly married Christian couple will experience God’s blessings on their lives and a great understanding of His wonderful love for them throughout the years ahead. May the members of the Early Rain Covenant Church continue standing firm in their faith, relying on the Lord for needed strength, perseverance and guidance in the midst of persecution.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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Saba was a Christian teenaged girl living in Faisalabad, Pakistan. She was out walking with her older sister on the morning of 20th May when they were approached by four men, one of whom was their neighbour, Yasir. The four men forced Saba into a rickshaw and fled.

Whilst in captivity, Saba was forced to embrace another faith and forcibly married to her neighbour, Yasir as his fourth wife. Her family reported the incident to the police and because of extensive pressure from the community, Saba was rescued and returned to her home on 29th May. Even though she is now at home, Saba is still suffering from the emotional trauma of the abduction and forced marriage.

It has been reported that at least 1,000 women from poor minority groups are forcibly converted and married each year in Pakistan. It is believed that the number could be higher since many cases go unreported.

Pray for healing for young Saba as she grapples with the horrible shock and trauma of her abduction and the days spent in captivity at the mercy of her kidnappers. Pray that those responsible for the crime will be held accountable and systemic changes will come about resulting in greater equality, protection and justice for all members of Pakistan’s society.

Pray for strength for Saba’s family as they endeavour to help Saba in her recovery whilst at the same time also dealing with their own shock, anger and pain.

 

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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