Prayers for January 28, 2008
From The Voice of the Martyrs.
MALAYSIABibles Confiscated at Airport - Compass Direct News
On January 28, a customs officer confiscated two boxes containing 32 Bibles from a Christian woman in a Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia. According to Compass Direct News, "Online news agency Malaysiakini reported that upon arrival at the airport, Juliana Nichols was asked to open boxes and declare their contents. Despite producing a letter from her parish priest stating that the English Bibles were meant for use in her church, the officer told Nichols the texts needed to be cleared with the Internal Security Ministry's Control Division of Publications and Al-Quran Texts." The Compass report added that Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri, general secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia, released a statement stating, "The Bible is Holy Scripture for Christians," and "no authority on earth should deny Christians the right to possess, read and travel with their Bibles." Shastri called for the immediate release of the Bibles and an official apology from the customs department. This incident is the latest in a series of seizures of Christian literature by the Malaysian government. Pray for the people of Malaysia, who are concerned by the government's crackdown on religious freedom. Ask God to protect and encourage Malay-Muslim converts who are cut off from meeting with a larger fellowship of believers. Joshua 1:9
CHINAChristian Leader Detained - China Aid Association
On January 29, Bai Cheng, a Christian leader, was detained in Luoyang, Henan Province. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Cheng was arrested while he was leading a Bible study. CAA reported, "That same day Cheng's sister-in-law received a criminal detention notice issued by the Public Security Bureau of Luoyang stating that Cheng had been put in criminal detention at Luoyang City Detention Center for his suspected participation in 'evil cult' activities under Article 61 of China's criminal law."The police confiscated two computers from Cheng's car. Isaiah 54: 17
IRANNew Draft Law Proposing Death Penalty for Apostasy - Institute on Religion and Public Policy
The Iranian parliament is reviewing a bill for the Islamic Penal Law (Penal Code) that legislates the death penalty for apostasy. According to the Institute on Religion and Public Policy, the draft law defines an apostate as "any Muslim who clearly announces that he/she has left Islam and declares blasphemy." This proposed law is aimed to deter conversion from Islam. Pray for strength, wisdom and grace for believers in Iran as they faithfully continue to share Christ despite pressure from the Islamic government. Psalm 119:105
BELARUSGovernment Renews Pressure on Baptists - Forum 18 News
The Belarus government has recently issued fines to the Baptist Council of Churches for "unregistered activity." According to Forum 18 News, this increased pressure is aimed at pressuring Baptists to register their church activity. Forum reported, "The Council's congregations reject state registration in post-Soviet countries, believing that it leads to government interference." Nikolai Varushin, who recently faced persecution told Forum, "This is our path; we are prepared to suffer for our faith. We just pray that our people will remain true to the Lord." Pray for believers in Belarus. Ask God to encourage them to remain courageous in the midst of increased persecution. Psalm 37:23
