On 16th August 2023, protests in the Christian colony of Jaranwala resulted in damages to hundreds of homes and over 20 churches. Click here for more on this incident : https://gosheninternational.org/pakistan-mass-violence-causing-damage-to-church-buildings-and-homes/.

Although the riots have been quelled, tensions persist and anti-Christian sentiments remain. On 28th August, some religious slogans were painted on the wall of the Myong-Sang Naserth Church building in Jaranwala which happened to be one of the many churches that were attacked during the riots on 16th August. The slogans included a curse against Pastor Eleazar, who serves as the pastor of the Myong-Sang Naserth Church.

The vandalism was reported to the police and the writings have since been painted over. However, a few days later, a group of thugs intercepted Pastor Eleazar and threatened to kill him because he had removed the writings on the wall of the church.

On 3rd September, two unidentified men stopped Pastor Eleazar, whilst he was on his way home, and shot him in the chest. The men were angered by the pastor reciting the Apostle’s Creed.

Pastor Eleazar was taken to hospital where doctors were able to remove the bullet. He is now out of danger and recovering well after surgery. This incident has led to renewed concerns regarding the safety of Christians in this area even though police guards have been deployed to protect churches.

Pray for complete healing for Pastor Eleazar. Pray that he and his family members will feel  God’s tangible and comforting presence throughout his recovery and be strengthened. Pray that the Lord will protect believers in this nation.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

New religious restrictions took effect on 1st September 2023 which requires all religious activities to be carried out only in official venues and religious symbols must not be displayed outdoors.

In recent years, more than 1,500 crosses have been torn down from officially recognized churches in the Zhejiang province alone.

The new regulations also put further restrictions on the preaching taking place in government-approved churches. Any clergy members who refuse to comply will face disqualification from preaching.

Pray for the church in China. Pray that believers will be endowed with wisdom and discernment as they seek to share the gospel message.

Pray that our Chinese brothers and sisters-in-Christ who currently remain in prison for their faith will be renewed and strengthened in their spirit during this difficult and challenging time. Pray that they will continue to shine for Jesus and minister to others around them.

(Source & Photo : VOMC)

#Persecuted Church

On 25 November 2022, Drithi and about 25 other believers were worshipping God when a group of thugs interrupted the service.

The thugs demanded that the believers renounce their Christian faith and proceeded to beat them up, including Drithi and her father.

Because of this incident, 14 of the Christian families renounced their faith. Drithi and her father are now the only Christians in their village. Undaunted, Dithri said, “In life or death, we will follow the Lord.”

Pray that God will strengthen and encourage Drithi and her father as the only Christians in their village. Pray that they will remain firm in their faith. Pray that the 14 Christian families who renounced Christ will repent and turn back to the Lord.

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

Village leader, Wawan, and ten other villagers rudely interrupted a worship service at the Tabernacle of David Christian Church on 19th February. Click here for more details : https://gosheninternational.org/indonesia-official-stops-church-service/.

This incident was reported to the police because of the violent nature of the confrontation. In May, a settlement was reached wherein church members agreed to leave any prosecution to the authorities in exchange for a public apology from Wawan and a temporary permit to continue worshipping.

At the trial, the prosecutor proposed that Wawan be sentenced to four years in prison but the judge did not agree. Because Wawan sought peace with the church, the court sentenced him to only three months in jail. And since he had been already detained for nearly two months, he was ordered to serve the remaining 34 days.

This case is the first in Indonesia where perpetrators did not walk free and is seen as a “wake-up call for intolerant people”.

Pray that this case will cause those who oppose Christianity to reconsider their attitudes and bring about greater freedom of worship in Indonesia.

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church

The death of a young woman in September 2022 whilst in custody led to a spontaneous uprising. According to front-line workers, this incident has caused many to be disillusioned and to search for truth.

“Iranian women want their dignity back,” said a font-line worker. “In Iran, girls as young as nine can be given in marriage and a woman’s testimony in court is worth only half a man’s.”

Despite the monitoring and restrictions on the usage internet, many Iranians are finding the truth about Christ through satellite television broadcasts. “We have registered more salvations in the last three years than in the last 20,” said an Iranian Christian broadcaster.

Praise God for these new believers, for with God all things are possible and no Word of His will ever fail (Luke 1:37).

Pray that these new believers will grow in their faith and maturity in Christ. Pray that they will be strong in the Lord as they meditate on and obey His Word, and choose not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly (Ps 1:1-2).

(Source & Photo : VOM)

#Persecuted Church