A pastor of the Good Shepherd Church in the Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka oversees a drug rehabilitation centre as part of his ministry to the community.

It was reported that a Christian man working at the centre suffered abrasions on his neck after being attacked by two opposing villagers on 16th June 2023.

Then on 19th June, two other believers working at the same centre were assaulted by a few people armed with iron rods whilst they were travelling on their bicycle. One of the believers suffered an injury to his head while the other sustained wounds to his hands. Both had to seek  medical treatment in hospital.

On the evening of 19th June, the same perpetrators went to the homes of two other families who were members of the Good Shepherd Church to threatened them and demand that they stop attending church.

Pray for divine protection for members of Good Shepherd Church and for believers working in the drug rehabilitation centre. Pray that those responsible for the attacks will be held accountable and restrained from committing further assaults. Pray that these perpetrators will have a personal encounter with the Lord and turn to Christ.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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Pastor Nguyen was previously imprisoned in 2011 on alleged charges of “anti-state propaganda”. He was rearrested in 2017, convicted in 2018  for allegedly “carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the government” and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.

It has been reported that Pastor Nguyen suffered a persistent cough after contracting COVID-19 but was denied medical treatment. He also has an eye condition resulting in almost total loss of his vision.

Pastor Nguyen’s wife is concerned for her husband’s life due to poor prison conditions.

Please pray for physical healing for Pastor Nguyen and an improvement in his health. Pray also for his spiritual and emotional well-being during this very difficult time of incarceration and being separated from his loved ones. Pray for his early release. Pray that the Lord will minister His shalom peace and comfort to this couple and provide for the needs of their family.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Please pray for Pakistan.

Protests have swept across Pakistan after the 28 June incident in Sweden where pages from a holy book was publicly burned.

During the government’s rallies in protest against the incident, angry protestors desecrated crosses and insulted Christianity.

Christians across the nation are bracing for attacks. Believers living in and near Sargodha have not been able to leave their homes because of dangerous protests and Christian street sweepers in Hasilpur have been pulled from their duty.

Pray for divine protection for believers during this difficult time such that no innocent person will be harmed. Pray for restoration of peace and stability across the country.

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

An underground church in China has been discipling a family from a highly restricted people group in a sensitive location.

This family is part of a small fellowship of Christians who have suffered rejection and persecution from their community because of their faith.

Leaders of the church are training the father of this family to evangelize and pastor his people.

Pray that the Lord who does not slumber or sleep will watch over this family to ensure that no harm will come to them (Ps 121).  Pray that the community this family is ministering to will have open and receptive hearts. Pray that this pastor-in-training will grow in his faith and maturity in Christ to lead the church according to the qualifications for elders in 1 Tim 3.

(Source: VOM, Photo: Internet)

#Persecuted Church

For many generations, 15-year-old Shebona and her family lived and worked on tea plantations. They did not have any dreams or aspirations because they expect to just continue living the same life as their parents and grandparents.

Then Shebona met a Christian girl who worked on the plantation. This girl was different from the others who worked at the plantation – she was more joyful.

This girl shared some literature with Shebona and connected her to two font-line workers who subsequently led Shebona to Christ. Initially, Shebona experienced some pressure from her family when she told them about her newfound faith. But over time, she won over her older siblings to Christ and now her parents are also open to the gospel.

Shebona hopes to attend discipleship training so that she can greatly impact her nation.

Pray for Shebona and her family – that they will grow in their knowledge and love for Jesus. Pray that many people will be drawn to Christ through the testimonies of this family. Pray that the Lord will bless them and provide for their every need.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church