Prayers for December 11, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs.
LAOSThree Laotian Pastors Released From Prison--VOM Sources
On December 6, Pastors Van Thong, Bua and Amkha were released after more than 12 months in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, "Their families will be rejoicing to see them come back home and be with them again." Pastors Van Thong, Bua and Amkha were arrested on November 21, 2006, along with nine other pastors, after attending a Christian meeting. The nine pastors were released from prison in May 2007. The Voice of the Martyrs supported the pastors and their families during their time in prison. Praise God they will be reunited with their families shortly. Pray for their protection and for other believers in Laos. Ask God to give them courage to continually live for Christ despite the immense challenges they face. Pray their testimonies will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:5-6, Romans 8:31
AZERBAIJANImprisoned Baptist Pastor in Poor Health--Christian World NewsRecently, imprisoned Baptist pastor, Zaur Balaev, was transferred to a prison colony in Azerbaijan where his family is forced to bribe prison guards to bring him food. According to a Christian World News (CWN) report, Mission Network News and the Slavic Gospel Association reported the frail pastor was experiencing harsh conditions at the prison. CWN reported, Joel Griffith of Slavic Gospel Association said, "Officials at this prison where he's being held are demanding a high level of payment in what seems to be basically bribes. They're demanding these bribes before Pastor Balaev is getting food or being able to meet with his family." The report added that since Pastor Balaev's transfer to Darnagyul, the pastor has been in poor health, and his church and family are concerned. However, they have been able to supply him with warm clothes, blankets and food. Pray God heals Pastor Balaev and works in his favor during the appeal process. Pray the Holy Spirit will encourage his family and church during this difficult time. Psalm 91, Isaiah 40:31
INDIATwo Pastors Beaten and Arrested--Compass Direct News
On November 25, Pastor Joemon, Pastor Jojo and another believer were stripped of their clothes, tied to a pole and beaten after a worship service at Christ Vision church was raided in the Hassan district of Karnataka. According to a Compass Direct news report, when police arrived several hours later, they took the Christians to the police station and charged the pastors with forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity. The Christians have reportedly refused to press charges, saying they have forgiven their attackers. Pray for the full recovery of those injured and for endurance for them to remain faithful despite this attack. Pray for Christian converts in India who are facing pressure to renounce their faith. Psalm 107:2
TURKMENISTANPastor Ordered to Leave Turkmenistan--Forum 18 News
Baptist pastor Vyacheslav Kalataevsky has been denied permission to remain in his native town of Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. According to Forum 18 News, "Kakataevsky's visa application to remain with his wife and family was rejected by the Migration Service and he will have to leave the country. He is due to leave on a flight to Moscow on December 11." Officials have refused to explain the reason for denying the visa, Pastor Kalataevsky explained to Forum, "But of course it is linked to my activity as a believer. Everything that has happened to me since 2001 is related to that." Pastor Kalataevsky was released in November after eight months in prison. Pray for his family during this difficult time. Pray for his church as they have no pastor, Ask God to protect them. Psalm 23, Isaiah 54:14
