Persecuted Watch

Many people are struggling to survive economic losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Rahib’s family are not spared either.

Rahib, the only son in the family, was killed in a shooting in April 2018. 16-year old Rahib was leaving a church service in Quetta, Pakistan, when 4 men on motorbikes sprayed the area with gunfire, killing Rahib and another Christian. His father is in poor health and have not been able to see a doctor during the coronavirus lockdown.

His parents and 3 sisters struggled to support themselves without the income Rahib had contributed, so Voice of the Martyrs has been providing monthly support. “Due to the lockdown, all people are facing crises,” Rahib’s mother said. ‘I feel blessed and lucky because you people are with us.” Every gift matters, no matter how small it is.

We praise and thank God for all those who supported the persecuted Church through prayer and financial giving.

Pray for Rahib’s family and for all Pakistani Christians whose lives have been further complicated by the pandemic. Pray that they will experience God’s sustaining power and divine providence.

“My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

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In March 2017, Cao San-Qiang (John Cao) was detained and accused of “organizing illegal border crossings” between Myanmar and China. Pastor Cao, who is married to an American citizen, has been a long-time resident of North Carolina. Well known for his humanitarian work among the poor in Myanmar’s Wa State, he built 16 schools that serve about 2,000 impoverished children.

Pastor Cao was arrested and detained, along with a co-worker, for almost a year without charges. He was eventually sentenced to seven years in prison. In July of last year, his latest appeal against his incarceration was rejected.

A few days ago, Pastor Cao was finally allowed to meet with his mother via a video link. We praise God that Pastor is in good health. He is able to read and interact with other inmates and is praying daily for his brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as everything that is taking place in the world.

Please pray that God will provide Pastor Cao and other imprisoned believers renewed strength as they eagerly await their deliverance. Pray that their interactions with fellow inmates and guards will be mightily used to lead more people to a saving faith in Christ.

Pray for his wife Jamie and their two sons, Benjamin and Amos, who are living in the United States, and also for his dear mother.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

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The 2nd largest church in Algeria, Spring Life Church in Makouda, with about 700 members was ordered in October 2019 to close, along with 2 other churches.

According to an ordinance enacted in 2006 permission must be obtained before using a building for Christian worship. But when churches fail to receive any response to their application for permission, it became common practice to rent a building first and later inform that it is being used as a place of Christian worship. Since November 2017, several churches have been forced to close, including the Full Gospel of Tizi-Ouzou church which is the largest Protestant church in Algeria.

Pray for the church leaders represented by Algeria’s various denominational groups as they seek to wisely address these mounting challenges and determine how to carry on with the work of the Gospel. Pray that God will make a way for the churches to continue with ministry.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

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Crosses from 2 church buildings in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, were removed on July 7th. More than 100 security personnel arrived at the Aodi Christian Church and the Yinchang Christian Church at 5am with cranes. After breaking the locks, they began removing crosses from the churches’ steeples.

When church members tried to stop them, the members were beaten and a man in his 80s was pushed to the ground. As the crosses at both churches were demolished, Christians sang hymns and prayed outside.

On Aug 11th this year, a Christian man, Zhang Wenli, received a hefty fine for conducting a Bible study online. It has been reported that books, photo albums, newspapers and literature printed by churches are being inspected and regulated.

Pray for our brothers and sisters in China – that they will have the wisdom and discernment to deal with the many unexpected challenges. Pray that they will still be able to receive the necessary spiritual feeding and fellowship despite the restrictions. Pray that the church in China will continue to flourish and be a blessing to others.

 

(Source & Photo Credit : VOM)

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On May 5th, 49-year old Dinh was offered help during the coronavirus pandemic if she signed a statement giving up her faith in Christ. When she refused to sign the document, they grabbed a kettle of boiling water from her kitchen and poured it all over her legs. Dinh was taken to hospital but she could not afford to pay for treatment and she did not have any health insurance. Voice of the Martyrs was able to provide assistance and Dinh is grateful for their help.

Pray for Dinh – that she will find strength to endure the challenges and still stand firm in her faith in Christ. Pray for divine providence for her daily needs.

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