On 7th August, hundreds of Christian families fled their homes when they say a huge mob, chanting anti-Christian slogans, marching towards their church building.

Pastor Gulzar, who leads the Presbyterian Church, received a message at around 1.30pm notifying him of the impending riot.

The riot was sparked by a youth seminar on the topic of “False Prophets” which took place the day before the attack, and which was misunderstood to be sacrilegious. The attack was averted due to the police’s swift intervention at the scene and the tense situation de-escalated after Pastor Gulhaz explained what the course had been about and apologized for any hurt feelings.

An agreement was subsequently signed by local Christian leaders and the rioters, promising to maintain peace in the area. However, despite the peace agreement, tensions remain among those who strongly oppose the practice of Christianity in the community. As a result, many of the Christian men have sent their wives and children to stay with relatives until they are confident that the threat if danger is no longer a concern.

Pray that church members and leaders will experience the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as they endeavour to reach out to the community, including those who oppose the gospel, with the love and grace of God. Pray that harmony will be restored in the area.

Pray that families that were forced to flee for their safety will receive God’s strength, peace and discernment as they determine when it is safe to return to their homes without negative consequences.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

On 11th August 2022, Elder You Guanhui of Beijing Shouwang Church was not allowed by the authorities to leave his home whilst three other church members were taken to the police station for questioning before being released. As a result of increasing challenges and being regularly forced out of their meeting place, the Beijing Shouwang Church decided in 2001 to conduct their worship services outdoors instead. And they have been meeting outdoors since then.

Then on 14 August, a branch of the Beijing Zion Church was raided by the authorities. Two computers were confiscated. Nine adults, including Pastor Yang, and two children were taken into custody. Pastor Yang was released the next day but another leading member of the church, Zong, was released four days later.

On the same day, a gathering of 50 to 60 believers from the Early Rain Covenant Church at a tea house was raided by the authorities. The believers were eventually permitted to leave.

Another church facing increasing challenges is the Wang Family Wedding Church in the Southern city of Zhuhai.  In 2016, various members, including the pastor and her husband and a church staff, were arrested and later released after they paid a fine. Then in 2021, three of the church’s leaders were fined a total of about 36 million yuan (about SGD $7 mil).

Pray for the members of these churches and the many others who are experiencing ongoing persecution. Pray that they will be comforted by the presence of God, especially those who have been imprisoned or are facing penalties/restrictions due to their commitment to Christ. Pray that they will receive divine guidance, provision and direction  from the Lord on what they should do in their given situation. Pray that their persecutors will ultimately discover the reality of Christ and come to faith in Him.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

In Central Asia, many Christians gather in unregistered house churches because it is difficult to get a church legally registered.

Pastor Abdulla has been leading several house churches, two of which have received a fine in recent months for “illegal religious activities”. And Pastor Abdulla himself may face criminal charges and a possible prison sentence for multiple violations of laws restricting Christian worship.

Pray that believers will be able to continue meeting regularly for worship, teaching and fellowship without the threat of harm or harassment. Pray that these house churches will have neighbours who are kind and understanding enough to allow these believers to practice their faith in peace. Pray that the church in Central Asia will grow in numbers and maturity through the courage and faithful witness of believers. Pray for the safety of Pastor Abdulla and his family as they persevere in their service to the Lord.

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Christian teen, Azadeh, was raped when she was 12 years old. Since then, she started having panic attacks, seizures and severe depression. She even attempted suicide on several occasions.

Azadeh decided to commit her life to Satan.  But after making that dedication, her health worsened.

One day, friends in a coffee shop gave her some Christian reading materials.  Desperate for anything that would help, Azadeh read the first story about God. She immediately asked the Lord to bring His light into her soul. That same day, she felt darkness leave her room and she stopped having nightmares during her sleep. She said, “it was as if a curtain had been pulled away from in front of my eyes and the darkness in my heart left.”

Today, she is a young disciple of Christ, growing in her walk with the Lord.

Pray that Azadeh will continue to grow in her faith and maturity in Christ. Pray that she will shine for Jesus wherever she goes and her testimony will draw many to place their trust in God.

When the Taliban gained control of the governance of Afghanistan about a year ago, many organizations were forced to shut down their in-country operations and thousands of believers left the country because of the suffering they knew would be coming as a result.

Women are now restricted from working or receiving a proper education, and they are not permitted to leave their house without an accompanying male relative. And it was reported that in May this year, the country’s human rights commission was dissolved for reasons that it was “not necessary”.

Despite the danger, some Christians have chosen to remain in the country to be witnesses for Christ. These brave believers have found opportunities to share the Gospel and reach out to those suffering under severe economic hardships. Several Christian organisations are also bringing the hope of Christ into the nation through multimedia technology.

We thank and praise God that there is light and hope even in the midst of darkness.

Please pray for the Christians still living in Afghanistan. Pray that they will be strengthened and empowered to be effective witnesses for Christ even during these very difficult times. Pray that God will supply and provide them with all that they need for themselves and for the community they are reaching out to.

Pray also that God will bless the ministries endeavouring to spread the Gospel message in Afghanistan. Pray that God will multiply the effort and the work of their hands and expand their ministry.

(Source : VOMC, Photo : Internet)

#Persecuted Church