Eight years after the bombing in Peshawar, Pakistan, Aqeel and Samina are still suffering from the devastating attack. They were among the 150 injured in the 2013 suicide bomb attack on All Saints Church.

Aqeel’s left leg was injured in the blast and doctors had to amputate his leg due to subsequent infection. Although he remains strong in his faith, Aqeel is struggling with his new and limited life.

Samina Azeem suffered shrapnel injuries to her legs and feet. She is still struggling to walk, even after several surgeries. Her latest surgery, which took place in March, likely won’t be her last.

Pray for Aqeel and Samina and others injured in the blast who are still recovering. Pray for physical and emotional healing from that traumatic experience. Pray for restoration of their lives.

Pray that they will be encouraged through their church, the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, to remain steadfast in their faith.

(Source & Photo : VOM)

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Churches in Sri Lanka need our prayers as they continue to face harassment from various groups.

14th March
The pastor of an Assemblies of God church in Padukka was stopped by a group of villagers while he was on his way to the place of worship. The group demanded that the pastor leave town and declared that Christians are no longer allowed to worship in the area. The matter was reported to local authorities. As the church was officially registered, the villagers were unable to pressurize authorities to shut it down. However, the church was requested to temporarily pause their activities in order to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

15th March
Fifteen kilometres away in the city of Ranala, the pastor of Calvary Church received a phone call demanding that he stop all religious activities because of multiple complaints. The pastor was asked to conduct worship activities somewhere else or to obtain and produce a court order allowing for worship services to continue in the village.

18th March
Officials visited the home belonging to the mother of a pastor who leads another Calvary Church in Padukka. The pastor’s mother was questioned about her religious activities as well as information on the pastor and her husband.

Pray for believers in Sri Lanka who are enduring all manner of trials in varying intensity. Pray that God will strengthen their spirit and their resolve to keep following Christ. Pray that their passion for the gospel and their personal testimonies will shine for Jesus and lead many others to repent of their sin, seek forgiveness and receive salvation in the Lord.

Pray for the three mentioned churches. Pray that God will give the leaders and congregants wisdom to make wise choices and decisions under such undue pressure and harassment from community members. Pray that these pastors will continue to remain steadfast in their faith. Pray that they will exemplify the love of God in both word and deed and patiently persevere in prayer.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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Samina had to work in a factory to support her family and pay for her husband’s medical expenses. Her husband, Amjed, suffers from kidney disease requiring dialysis three times a week.

When Samina prayed to the Lord at work, her co-workers stopped her and pressured her to renounce her Christian faith. Despite the pressure, Samina and Amjed have stood firm in their faith, praying regularly at home and at church.

Pray for the couple to continue to be encouraged as they navigate Amjed’s health challenges, their financial troubles and persecution at Samina’s workplace.

Pray for Amjed to be healed from his disease. Pray for God’s provision for this family and for Samina to continue to exhibit God’s grace and truth at work. Pray that her testimony and faith in the Lord will draw many to receive salvation in Christ.

(Source & Photo : VOM)

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During Christmas, Tatyana, a member of a local Baptist church offered Christian magazines to 15 of her neighbours. She was subsequently summoned for questioning and told that the magazines were imported illegally, not approved and distributed unlawfully. As a result, the magazines were confiscated and later destroyed. Tatyana was fined the equivalent of 2 weeks’ average wages. She intends to appeal the decision of the court.

Pray for Tatyana and other believers who are facing legal pressures or other forms of persecution because of their faith. Pray that God will protect them, anoint and empower them as they seek ways to share the Good News of the Gospel with their friends and neighbours.

Pray that a favourable decision will be made regarding Tatyana’s appeal against her conviction.

Pray that citizens of Uzbekistan will be able to freely share their Christian faith without any interference or repercussion.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

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Elder Zhang from Renai Reformed Church was arrested on 16th March when a gathering at the Church was forcibly broken up. After his arrest, Elder Zhang’s home was searched and a computer, cell phone and other items belonging to his wife was confiscated. The homes of other church members were also raided.

When Elder Zhang’s administrative arrest was completed on 28th March, it was expected that he would be released. But instead, he was transferred to criminal detention on allegations of fraud. Attempts have been made for Elder Zhang’s lawyer to meet with him, but the requests have been denied.

Pray that Elder Zhang will have a deep awareness of God’s reassuring presence throughout his detainment, filling him with peace and fortifying his spirit. Pray for his release soon

Pray that his wife and  family, as well as the congregants of his church, will find strength in the Lord through this time of trial.

Click on this link for more details on this case : https://gosheninternational.org/china-pray-for-christians-arrested-after-church-raid/

(Source & Photo Credit : VOMC)

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