On 7th September 2023, a young Christian boy from the city of Khanewal, Pakistan, was sitting in class with a workbook in front of him. As he was unable to properly read it, he fiddled with the book and ended up making some rips and tears of its pages.

When the teacher saw what he had done, the teacher beat up the boy severely because the workbook had some religious verses on it. The boy was so badly injured during the beating that he ended up in hospital fighting for his life.

At the time of this report, the boy was recuperating at home with his family. However, there is no news about his present condition or the safety of this Christian family. And there has been no reports of any police action being taken against the abusive teacher.

Pray for complete physical and emotional healing for this young boy. Pray that the Lord will extend His compassionate love, comfort and peace to this family. Pray that they will be protected from any physical dangers from any potential mob violence.

Pray that the Lord will touch the hearts and minds of the people of this nation so that there will be greater religious tolerance and freedom.

(Source & Photo: VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

Lavanya’s whole family came to faith in Christ after she was miraculously healed from paralysis and other disabilities she struggled with since birth.

She would follow her father, Prakash, whenever he went out to share the gospel with others. Prakash did not stop sharing the gospel even though he had been warned by local villagers to stop his evangelistic outreaches.

On 16th January 2023 Prakash and Lavanya were travelling home on a bike from a neighbouring village. Some of the people who had threatened Prakash previously, followed them in a vehicle and caused the bike to crash. As a result, both father and daughter were seriously injured.

A few months later, Lavanya, aged 8, died from her injuries. The local community was greatly affected by this.

After this incident, front-line workers reported that many villagers have come to the church to repent and hear the gospel.

Pray that Lavanya’s family will be comforted by the Lord as they grief over the loss of little Lavanya. Pray that they will not harbour any bitterness but will release forgiveness towards those who threatened Prakash and caused the accident.

Pray that the Lord will bless Prakash and his family for being faithful witnesses for Christ. Pray that many people will respond to the Gospel message and receive salvation.

(Source: VOM, Photo: Internet)

#Persecuted Church

Since 2005, The Voice of the Martyrs Korea (“VOMK”) has been using large balloons to carry Bibles and Scripture pamphlets into the restricted nation of North Korea. VOMK had enjoyed excellent and mutually respectful relationships with local law enforcement and local communities to ensure that their Bible balloon launches into North Korea are conducted safely, quietly, accurately, lawfully and in environmentally friendly ways.

But in 2020, the South Korean government passed a law criminalizing this activity.

However, on 24th September 2023, South Korea’s Constitutional Court struck down this law, calling it an excessive restriction on free speech. The Supreme Court ruling has also affirmed the approach taken by VOMK as the best approach.

We thank God that this effective method of sharing the Gospel message has once again been made legally possible.

Pray that the seed of God’s Word will yield a bountiful harvest in North Korea. Pray that those who are desperate and in need of hope will find comfort and salvation of the Lord through His Word.

(Story & Photo: VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

A church with a congregation of about 50 members in an isolated area of Nepal was recently vandalized by a group of local thugs. The church’s windows were busted with rocks in the middle of the night.

So, Pastor Amrit started sleeping in the church to protect it from further damage. The church continued to meet for worship and fellowship.

These thugs then interrupted a worship service to demand that the church stop meeting. Because of the disruption, Pastor Amrit discontinued the church service for that day but the church boldly resumed services the following week.

Besides several threatening phone calls to the pastor, the church has experienced no further disruptions or damage.

According to Pastor Amrit, the persecution has increased his prayer life and strengthened church members’ faith.

Pray for protection for Pastor Amrit and the church as they courageously continue their ministry. Pray that this church will flourish and be a blessing to the community in this remote area.  

(Source: VOM, Photo: Internet)

#Persecuted Church

Pastor Jawahar and other members of the church were gathered at the pastors’ home in Madhya Pradesh state on 26th December 2021 when a group of thugs and police officers interrupted the meeting.

The believers were accused of trying to convert other people by means of fraud. Pastor Jawahar and two elders of the church were taken into custody and charged with coerced conversion.  Pastor Jawahar was subsequently jailed for 45 days.

On 9th July this year, these three Christian brothers were found guilty in a court of law and sentenced to two years imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 rupees.

This is the first successful case brought against Christians in Madhya Pradesh under this anti-conversion law. Appeals have been filed on their behalf and The Voice of the Martyrs are assisting with Pastor Jawahar’s legal expenses and family needs

Pray that these believers will succeed in their appeal against this ruling. Pray that the Lord will protect them and their families during this time. Pray for wisdom and guidance as they navigate these challenges.

(Source & Photo: VOM)

#Persecuted Church