Persecuted Watch

Pastor Zhang was the pastor of state-sanctioned church, Nanle County Christian Church in Henan. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for “gathering a crowd to disrupt public order” in 2014 after he sent a petition to authorities regarding a land dispute involving his church.

When family members visited him in Dec 2019, they reported dramatic changes to his personality and his mental was failing. It was recently reported that Pastor Zhang has been transferred to Zhengzhou City to serve the remaining 5 years of his sentence. And he will be sent for treatment referred to as “concentrated education”. Only one visitor per month will be permitted, subject to proof of relationship with Pastor Zhang.

Pray for Pastor Zhang’s mental, emotional and physical healing and well-being. Pray that he will be given proper medical treatment whilst in prison and his health will improve.

May he find comfort and strength in the Lord such that he will not feel alone, abandoned or forgotten. Pray that he will continue to fight the good fight, keep the faith and focus on finishing the race well, knowing that there is in store for him a crown of righteousness which the Lord will award to him (2 Tim 4:7-8). Pray for his early release.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

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After Mr Han and his family believed in Jesus and became Christians, villagers treated them with contempt and threatened to force him and his family out of the village. When Mr Han and his family chose to remain firm in their faith, villagers seized his farmland and rubber trees. Mr Han was also made to pay an extra tax.

But he was not discouraged. He continued to pray for the sick and share the gospel with others. There are now 11 Christian families in the village worshipping in Mr Han’s house, which is rather run-down due to the difficulties he faced.

Pray that God will provide the resources and help for believers to refurbish the house so that it can accommodate all the worshippers. Pray that Mr Han will be abundantly blessed in return for all the suffering he endured because of his faith.

Pray that Mr Han will be endowed with wisdom and understanding of God’s word so that he can disciple others. Pray that God will anoint his lips and many will receive salvation as Mr Han shares the gospel message.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

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Maung Cia and two of his friends accepted Christ after a pastor, from a neighbouring village, shared the gospel with them.

Maung then led 10 other villagers to Jesus and invited the pastor to lead a worship service in his village. Halfway through the service, villagers came and severely beat up the pastor and stoned the worshippers. Village leaders also kicked 5 Christian families, including Maung Cia and his family, out of the village. Fortunately, these 5 families were able to receive food and housing assistance from Voice of the Martyrs.

Pray that Maung Cia and these Christian families will not be discouraged but remain strong in their faith. Pray that their needs will be met and they will grow in their knowledge and maturity in Christ.

Pray that believers in Myanmar will continue to seek the Lord and trust that He is in control even in uncertain times. Pray that they will be a pillar of strength and encouragement to those around them, and their testimonies of faith will draw others to Jesus.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

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Shortly after Sung A Khua and his family became Christians in 2018, they experienced persecution from fellow villagers who tried to prevent him and his family from attending church. When Sung and his family did not accede to the villagers’ demand to renounce their Christian faith, the villagers later destroyed his home and confiscated his properties.

Sung and his family had to live in the forest temporarily. He was caught and charged for illegally logging and destroying the forest because he needed wood to repair his house. After serving a 2½ years sentence, Sung has since been released.

Pray for Sung and his family as they face other challenges after his release from prison. Pray that they will continue to trust the Lord with their future as the Lord has never forsaken those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).

 

(Source : ICC, Photo Credit : Internet)

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An Yankui, the pastor of Xuncheng Reformed Church in Taiyuan, China, was taken into custody on 30th December 2020 whilst hosting a Bible study in his home. Pastor An was sentenced to 15 days in prison.

We thank and praise God that Pastor was released on 16th January this year to the joy of his family and Xuncheng Reformed church members.

Pray that the Lord, who preserves all who love Him (Psalm 145:20) will watch over and protect Pastor An, his family and fellow church members in the days to come as they continue to follow Christ and practise their faith.

Pray that the church will be able to resume worship services and conduct Bible studies.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

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