For many North Korean defectors who successfully reach South Korea, adjusting to life outside the strict control of the North Korean regime can be difficult and overwhelming.

According to one North Korean Christian brother who is ministering to defectors, such difficulties led many defectors to succumb to hopelessness and materialism.

In May, this brother helped host a camp in central South Korea for the children of North Korean defectors to help them find meaning and purpose through the good news of Jesus Christ.

Pray that God will bless all ongoing outreaches to this new generation. Pray that they will learn the value of freedom in Christ.

(Source: VOM, Photo: Internet)

#Persecuted Church

Four Christians from the Shingjia Church in Shunde City were arrested on suspicion of conducting “illegal business practices”. The accused believers include Pastor Deng and three co-workers.

The church’s education centre was raided by police officers on 24th May 2023. During the raid, all education materials, including computers, desks, chairs and books, were confiscated. The premises were sealed and the four Christians were taken into custody.

Pray that these detained Christians will be released from custody and not subjected to further legal problems. Pray that God will comfort and minister to the families of these believers during this challenging time of separation. Pray for ongoing ministries throughout China. Pray that the Lord will bless and multiply the efforts of believers so that the message of the gospel will continue to spread and transform lives for the better.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Haroon Shahzad, a Christian, posted a Bible passage from 1 Corinthians 10:18-21 about sacrificing food to idols on his Facebook page on 29th June 2023.

The post, which had no accompanying comment, was deemed disrespectful by a local villager who made a police report and shared a screenshot of the post with local social media groups. This stirred up anger within the community and mobs from other villages gathered in protest.

Potential attacks against the 250 to 300 Christian families living in the village were prevented when authorities intervened. However, majority of the Christians were forced to flee the village, including Haroon and most of his family.

Haroon has since been released on bail on 3rd July and taken into “protective custody”.

Pray for Haroon, his family and the other Christians who were forced to flee their homes. Pray that God will strengthen and protect them. Pray that the Holy Spirit will teach them what to say to dispel the anger of hostile community members. Pray that all charges against Haroon will be dropped.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Evangelism is restricted in isolated Bhutan. Believers face serious consequences when their faith is known. Nevertheless, Christians continue to boldly share Christ.

Front-line workers in Bhutan report that many children’s programs have been impacting churches throughout this nation.

One local ministry reached more than 500 children through 30 Bible clubs, while 224 local churches host programmes with more than 4,000 children involved. And VOM was able to distribute Christmas Care Packs and children’s Bibles through many of these outreaches.

Pray that God will bless these outreaches to children in Bhutan. Pray that God will provide the resources and finances needed to host and run these programmes. Pray that many more children will have the opportunity to hear the gospel message and receive salvation.

(Story & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Many Christians in Bhutan are often refused citizenship cards and other official documents needed for employment, education and most necessities.

For example, Pastor Deki and her son, Ratno, were denied citizenship cards because of their Christian work. Pastor Nidup and his wife were unable to get a marriage certificate because of their faith, which lead to their children being treated as “stateless”. And the wife of another pastor had difficulty renewing her visa to permit her to stay in the country.

Pray that these faithful Christian workers will be able to obtain the citizenship documents or other official documents they need. Pray that God will make a way where there was previously no way (Isa 43:14-21).

Pray that the Lord will encourage these believers such that they will continue to be powerful witnesses for Christ in spite of the persecution.

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church