Voice of the Martyrs update (12/11/07)

Prayers for December 11, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs.


LAOS

Three 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

AZERBAIJAN

Imprisoned 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

INDIA

Two 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


TURKMENISTAN

Pastor 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

Voice of the Martyrs update--11/29/07

Prayers for November 15, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs.


TURKMENISTAN

Pastor Released from Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News

On November 9, Baptist Pastor Vyacheslav Kalataevsky was released after eight months in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, Kalataevsky and his family are thankful for the prayers and support of believers around the world. Forum 18 News reports government officials have warned Pastor Kalataevsky not to meet for worship with fellow believers. Pastor Kalataevsky told Forum 18, "Officials summoned me for what they said was a conversation, but at the end presented me with a pre-written statement saying that I agreed not to meet with my fellow believers. All it lacked was my signature, but I refused to sign it, both on my behalf and on behalf of my wife." The Forum 18 report added, "Although Kalataevsky's congregation does not oppose state registration in principle. Officials kept telling him that his congregation does not have enough adult citizen members to apply for registration. They added that unregistered religious activity, including people meeting together for worship in homes, is banned." Praise God for Pastor Kalatatevsky's release from prison. Ask God to protect his family and congregation as they face scrutiny and pressure from the government. Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 54:17


AZERBAIJAN

Imprisoned Pastor Required to Pay for Necessities in Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News

Pastor Zaur Balaev's friends and family are said to be "shocked" by the financial demands he is facing in prison. According to VOM sources, Pastor Balaev is required to pay for hot water to wash or do laundry and cook his food. His family is allowed to visit him only after paying "a considerable amount." Zaur's wife was allowed to stay with him for three days for his birthday, but as she was leaving the prison, she said, "I am shocked by the conditions and the sum spent, because I was forced to pay for everything." According to Forum 18 News, officials deny payment was demanded. "The state pays for everything, including food," said Mehman Sadykov, spokesperson for the Justice Ministry. "Such reports don't correspond with reality." Pray for strength for Balaev and his family during this time. Pray their appeal will be successful. Pray that Balaev will be a testimony to other prisoners, demonstrating the love and power of Christ. Philippians 4:19; 3 John 2

INDIA

Christians Attacked, Church Building Destroyed - VOM Sources

• KARNATAKA - On November 18, Pastor Siddarama Gokhavi (60) and six other Christians were beaten by Bajrang Dal activists who attacked them as they were worshiping in Ananda Nagara, Karnataka. The attackers vandalized the building, burned Bibles and chanted slogans against Christians. The militants included a senior police officer. Pastor Gokhavi and his wife, Rekha, were injured in the attack, along with five others. The attackers accused the Christians of coercing Hindus into becoming Christians. Praise God there were no serious injuries in the attack. Pray those responsible for the attack will come to recognize the love and grace of God and turn to Him in faith. Pray for the continued ministry of this house church. Psalm 91, Romans 8:11
• CHHATTISGARH STATE - On November 19, Hindu militants attacked a church, tied up and beat the pastor unconsciousness, and burned down a recently constructed church building in Manduwa in Chhattisgarh State, India. There are no reports on the present condition of Pastor Sudharu. The Hindus accused the church of being involved in the conversion of tribal people in the region. According to reports, missionaries in this remote area face regular threats from Hindu militants. Pray for the continued witness of this church. Pray for healing for Pastor Sudharu as he recuperates from the assault. Psalm 23, Psalm 107:20

Voice of the Martyrs Update--10/16/2007

Prayers for October 16, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs.


AZERBAIJAN

UPDATE: Imprisoned Baptist Pastor's Appeal Rejected - Forum 18 News

On October 3, the Sheki Appeal Court in Azerbaijan rejected Pastor Zaur Baleav's appeal to have his two-year prison sentence overturned. According to Forum 18 News Service, the head of the Baptist Union, Ilya Zenchenko, said, "We are stunned at the result the court handed down. We don't know what to do. It is a tragedy for his wife and children. It was all over in two minutes. Zaur's son is distressed, complaining that there is no hope and no law in Azerbaijan. He is very young, but his emotional reaction is understandable." Pray the Holy Spirit encourages Pastor Balaev, his family and believers in Azerbaijan. Ask God to use his testimony to draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Hebrews 13:5,6; Isaiah 54:17


CHINA

Prominent House Church Leader Repeatedly Beaten by Police--China Aid Association

On October 11, prominent house church leader, Hua Huiqi, was repeatedly attacked by police at his home. According to China Aid Association, "Hua was reading his Bible at his home despite police surrounding his house. He was sent to Beijing Tiantan Hospital, because he lost consciousness after repeated beatings from the police." China's Public Security Bureau (PSB) recently put Hua under house arrest. PSB officers had been surrounding his house when they attacked him. Pastor Hua's 77-year-old mother, Shuang Shuying, remains very ill in prison, serving a two-year sentence. VOM contacts say she is being held hostage by police in order to put pressure on Pastor Hua to reveal names and information of believers. Pray for Hua's speedy recovery and for God to encourage him. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict his attackers and draw them into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 3 John 1: 2; Psalm 107:20


SUDAN

Suicide Bomber Kills Youth, Wounds Others in Sudanese Church--VOM Sources

On September 27, a suicide bomber in military clothing detonated a grenade, killing five youth and critically wounding four others, in Sudan's Upper Nile state. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts in Sudan, "A pastor was having an overnight service in Khorfullus town, when an unidentified man walked into the service and detonated a grenade, killing himself, five children and critically wounding four others, including the pastor and his wife." VOM contacts added that the bomber was dressed in full military clothing, normally worn by government officials. VOM is assisting families affected by this tragedy during this difficult time. Pray God comforts and encourages the families of those killed. Pray for a speedy recovery for those injured. Psalm 118: 17, Isaiah 40:31


GAZA STRIP

Gaza Bible Society Worker Murdered--Christian Broadcasting Network

On October 7, 26-year-old Rami Ayyad's body was recovered near the Teachers' Bookshop in the Palestinian territory of Gaza where he worked. His body had stab wounds and bullet holes. According to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Ayyad was kidnapped the day before by an unidentified group. CBN quoted the spokesperson for the Palestinian Bible Society, Simon Azazian, who said, "We do not know the exact identity of the group, but we know he was martyred for his faith in Christ." The report added, "Ayyad told co-workers he'd noticed a car with no license plates following him. At 6 p.m. (on Saturday), his wife received a phone call from him saying he'd been taken captive by a group of people and would be home late. A second phone call relayed the same message." Rami is survived by his pregnant wife and two young children. Pray the Holy Spirit comforts his family during this difficult time. Pray Rami's testimony will bring non-believers, especially his killers, into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Ask God to protect believers in Gaza. Psalm 23, Psalm 91

Voice of the Martyrs update--10/9/07

Prayers for October 9, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs.


AZERBAIJAN

UPDATE: Imprisoned Baptist Pastor's Appeal Rejected - Forum 18 News
On October 3, the Sheki Appeal Court in Azerbaijan rejected Pastor Zaur Baleav's appeal to have his two-year prison sentence overturned. According to Forum 18 News Service, the head of the Baptist Union, Ilya Zenchenko, said, "We are stunned at the result the court handed down. We don't know what to do. It is a tragedy for his wife and children. It was all over in two minutes. Zaur's son is distressed, complaining that there is no hope and no law in Azerbaijan. He is very young, but his emotional reaction is understandable." Pray the Holy Spirit encourages Pastor Balaev, his family and believers in Azerbaijan. Ask God to use his testimony to draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Hebrews 13:5,6; Isaiah 54:17


NIGERIA

Christians in Northern Nigeria Threatened and Forced Underground - Compass Direct News
Death threats and other dangers have driven most of the Muslim-background members of a church in Northern Nigeria underground. However, three members have remained. According to Compass Direct News, "Of the 25 converts who formed a church in the northeastern state of Borno two years ago, only three remain. Still while worshipping separately in towns where they reside, once a month the converts brave the threats of Islamic extremists and family members to return to Maiduguri to secretly pray and praise together." Rev. Titus Doma Pona, the founder and pastor of an underground fellowship in Northern Nigeria, told Compass, "The venue and time is agreed among themselves, and the venue is also changed every meeting, so that they are not attacked.". These recent reports of persecution in Northern Nigeria reflect the trials believers endure. Churches have been burned and the abduction and forcible conversion of teenagers by Muslims has become common. Pray for Nigerian Christians who face death, destruction and hatred for their faith in Jesus Christ. Psalm 91; 2 Timothy 1:7


TURKEY

Alleged Instigators Named in Malatya Murder; Christians Called to Pray - Compass Direct News
The Turkish media recently discovered an e-mail message sent to Turkish Christian leaders in June, revealing the names of Malatya officials who allegedly plotted to murder three Christians in April. The leaders have submitted the letter to the Malatya prosecutor's office. According to Compass Direct News, "The Firat News Agency (ANF) reported on September 18 that an anonymous e-mail message signed ‘A.A.' had named a colonel in the Malatya gendarmerie along with an Islamic faculty member, as the instigators of the plot to kill three Christians. The ANF article identified the officer as Mehmet Ulger, but gave only the initials of several others. A September 19 article in Birgun newspaper, however, listed the name of the faulty member as Ruhi Babat. It also identified a member of parliament from Malatya, one military commander and another suspect, claiming that the murder conspiracy had been planned for four or five months in advance." Meanwhile, Christian leaders in Turkey have called on Christian congregations to designate each Thursday for prayer and fasting, praying for the upcoming trial and for other cases in Turkish courts dealing with the rights and freedoms of Christians. Pray God gives Christians in Turkey boldness to stand for Him, and for the Holy Spirit to touch the lives of all those who were involved in the martyrdom of these believers and the persecution of Christians. Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 27:1


CHINA

Two House Church Leaders under House Arrest - China Aid Association
On October 1, the Chinese government placed two house church leaders, Hua Huiqi and Liu Fenggang, under house arrest. According to China Aid Association (CAA), "Each of their houses has been surrounded by two dozen police. Some Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers were even staged on top of Pastor Hua's roof in order to prevent anyone from coming in or going out. On October 3, eight PSB officers broke Hua and his wife's bedroom windows, and then cut off the electricity to their house." Hua Huiqi was released from prison in July after serving six months, while Liu Fenggang was released in February after three years in prison. Meanwhile, Hua Huiqi's 77-year-old mother, Shuang Shuying, is serving a two-year sentence. According to CAA, Shuang Shuying was recently beaten severely, received no medical care; she is now dying in her prison cell. Pray for Christians in China who face increased persecution ahead of the 2008 Olympics. Pray God encourages and heals Shuang Shuying in prison. Romans 8:11, Exodus 15:26