Prayers for the Persecuted Church (3/22/2012)

03/12/2012 China (ChinaAid) Members Detained and Sent to Labor Camp as Chinese House Church Repeatedly Targeted for Persecution - A house church belonging to the China for Christ denomination has been the target of months of attacks from local authorities in the city of Zhuozhou, Hebei province, with church members being illegally detained, interrogated and sent to labor camps -- simply for attending worship services or other activities.Local authorities have also forcibly confiscated 170,000 yuan ($27,000 USD) of church funds without following any of the required legal procedures. They have also sent people to labor camps and demolished the home where the church was meeting.A religious affairs bureau official announced that the church's November 8, 2011 meeting, which was attended by over fifty villagers, was an illegal service because it had not been registered with or approved by the government departments supervising religious affairs. Full Story Pray for the house churches in China as their number is rapidly increasing but is continually targeted by Chinese authorities for persecution. Praise God for watering the planted seeds of the Gospel in China! Pray for these villagers who have been sent to labor camps for their faith. May their faith remain strong under the intentional oppression by the government. Pray that the Lord will providentially use these events to bring the Gospel to others in these labor camps and in the government bureaus.

03/12/2012 India (BosNewsLife) India Militants Attack Prayer Meeting, Pastors Suspected Hindu militants broke up a Christian prayer meeting and forced two women leading the gathering to stop evangelizing in India's southwestern state of Karnataka, as part of several attacks against devoted believers across the country. As many as twenty Hindu "radicals" and "extremists" raided the March 3 prayer meeting in the Vijayanagar neighborhood of Bangalore, local Christians said. The mob allegedly insulted worshipers and ordered the two women leading the service, Parimala, 36, and Padmavathi, 35, to stop the prayers immediately. The two women are members of the Mahima Prarthana Mandira - an independent church in the Vijayanagar neighborhood. Both believers, who were Hindus before becoming Christians twelve years ago, also lead a sixty-member congregation which often gathers for prayer services at a rented home. Additionally, they have been distributing evangelical publications with the Gospel. These activities angered the militants and filed complaints of "forceful conversion" and pressured the two to write down that they would halt prayer meetings and no long conduct their evangelistic activities. Full Story Pray for these two women who are specifically being targeted for spreading the Gospel. Jesus said He will build His church and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it. Pray for fruit of their evangelistic efforts. Pray for these Hindu militants, that like these two women, will see the beauty of Christ and put their faith in the one true God. Pray for India as they have seen increasing persecution and attacks by Hindu militants.

03/14/2012 Afghanistan (AsiaNews) Christian Fears Grow Worse as Taliban Prepare New Attacks The recent killing of 16 civilians by a US soldier has left Afghanistan's Christian population increasingly fearful as the Taliban has promised new attacks. Coupled with the recent Qur'an burnings at an American military base, violent protests have erupted across the country leaving more than forty people dead. "Resentment against the West and Christians is growing stronger, even though no direct threats have been made against individuals," sources say. International media have shown Afghans protesting by burning crosses and Christian symbols. For most Afghans, the West and Christianity are the same, the sources note. "Sadly, the crazy act of a madman will be paid [for by] Christians." Full Story Pray that U.S. presence in Afghanistan will be a blessing and not a catalyst for hatred and violence towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for the small population of Christians in Afghanistan who have been continually targeted by Muslim extremists. Pray for their safety and for the faith. Pray that the church continues to grow in Afghanistan. Pray that the eyes of the people will be opened to the joy and satisfaction that is found in Christ alone.

03/14/2012 Eritrea (International Christian Concern) Imprisoned Head of Eritrean Orthodox Church in Urgent Need of Medical Attention Patriarch Antonios, who has been imprisoned for his faith, is a diabetic and his situation is deteriorating due to lack of medical attention. He has been detained at an undisclosed location since 2006. The Eritrean government is known for their oppression of Christians. There are over 3000 Christians in prison in the country simply because of their faith. ICC's Jonathan Racho said, "We are deeply concerned about the health of the Patriarch and urge the international community to pressure Eritrea to release him. Eritrea must end the unlawful detention of Christian prisoners." Patriarch Antonios was detained for asking the Eritrean government to release members of his church detained for their beliefs and urging the Eritrean officials not to interfere in the affairs of the church. Full Story  Pray for Patriarch Antonios as his health declines. Pray for the Lord to sustain him during this time. Pray that those Christians also serving sentences for their faith. Eritrea is notorious for the brutal prison conditions for Christians. Be in prayer for sustained faith, safety, and providential opportunities for the Gospel to be shown and preached. Pray for the hearts of those in Eritrea to be fertile soil for the Gospel.

03/14/2012 United States (FoxNews) NASA Scientist Claims He Was Harassed, Demoted Over Intelligent Design Beliefs David Coppedge, a high-level computer systems administrator at the laboratory maintains he was fired nine months after expressing his beliefs in intelligent design to his co-workers. Lawyer William Becker spoke on behalf of Coppedge to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ernest Hiroshige in trial of the religious discrimination lawsuit his client filed in April 2010. JPL attorney James Zapp argued that Coppedge was laid off as part of a staff reduction and that Coppedge had trouble getting along with other employees, becoming defensive when a supervisor instructed him on avoiding confrontations with co-workers. According to his suit, Coppedge was demoted for allegedly "pushing religion" by loaning interested co-workers DVDs supporting intelligent design. Full Story Pray for this trial as it could have significant repercussions for free speech in the workplace. Pray for the judge in this trial, that he or she rules objectively. Pray that this case awakens the U.S. to the plight of the persecuted church.

03/14/2012 Pakistan (CNN) Petition: Free Pakistani Woman Set for Execution  In a weird twist of irony, Asia Bibi is facing the death penalty following a false accusation of blasphemy in Pakistan, which is running for a seat on the United Nation's Human Rights Council. However, activists presented a petition Tuesday to the U.N. calling on Pakistan to free the Christian mother of five from being put to death on the charge. Pakistani courts found Asia Bibi guilty of defiling the name of the Prophet Mohammed during a 2009 argument with Muslim fellow field workers. As a result, Bibi was sentenced to death by hanging. But an investigation by a Pakistani government ministry found the charges stemmed from religious and personal enmity and recommended Bibi's release. The petition was signed by fifty activists including a former Czech foreign minister, the president of the U.N. General Assembly, a survivor of Tienanmen Square, and a women's rights activist. "With Pakistan now running for a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council, the government should make an important gesture by releasing Asia Bibi, and repealing its blasphemy law, which is inconsistent with basic human rights," said Hillel Neuer, director of U.N. Watch, a Geneva-based human rights group that organized the petition. Full Story Pray for the nation of Pakistan. With increasing pressure on the government to reverse laws that target Christians and with increasing pressure on maintaining religious freedom, Christians may be able to worship freely someday in this country. Pray for Asia Bibi who has been in prison for nearly three years. Pray for her safety and strength of faith. Her faith is something to praise God for, as the Lord has been faithful in encouraging her. Pray for the many needs of her family. One of her five children has special needs and the burden on this family is great, not just because of their size, but coupled with persecution, they have struggled to meet their needs.

3/16/2012 Pakistan (Deccan Herald) Majority of Christian and Hindu Women Face Sexual Harassment in Pakistan A recent study has shown that the majority of minority women, both Christian and Hindu, are subject to discrimination and harassment. Out of 1000 women interviewed, 74 percent of them had been sexually harassed in the workplace in 2010 and 2011. Due to their economic status, these women are "on the margins of social and economic development," says Peter Jacob, executive director for the National Commission for Justice and Peace. This position makes minority women easy targets for discrimination. Full Story Pray for Christian and Hindu women of Pakistan, that God will protect his daughters, encourage them and empower them to be victors in their environment. Pray for the NCJP, that their work will be seen, heard and acted upon. Pray that Pakistan will safeguard women's rights.

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Prayers for the persecuted church (7/2/2010)

06/23/2010 Pakistan (ICC) Use of Blasphemy Laws In Order To Make Christian Leave Land— Rehmat Masih currently resides in prison and faces the death penalty because he has been falsely accused of blaspheming Mohammad, a crime punishable by death. Masih’s family has stated that the accusation was made because the Muslims were having a land dispute with Masih. Full Story.

Pray that Masih will be released from prison and that the charges will be dropped.
Pray that Masih’s family will remain safe and be able to keep their land.
Pray that other Christians will not be wrongly accused of Blasphemy Laws to solve vendettas.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Pakistan.

06/22/2010 Pakistan (CDN) Christian Child Kidnapped and Forced into Cruel Labor— An 11-year-old should never work 11 hours a day, however Danish Masih is forced to toil over farmland in chains. Fed only half a loaf of bread per day, Danish is now weak and ill from working in these conditions for the last one-and-a-half years. The landowner has invited the boy to convert to Islam and promised in return that he "will be freed from the iron chains, and his work will be eased and he will be served better meals." He also suggested that his family's debt might be forgiven if he converted. Full Story

Pray that Danish Masih will be reunited with his family.
Pray that strength would be given to Masih.
Pray that the Muslim landowner will find Christ through Masih.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Pakistan.

06/22/2010 Kyrgyzstan (Christian today) No End to the Violence in Krygystan— Imagine whole streets in your neighborhood burnt to the ground. This is the reality in Osh, Kyrgyzstan where fierce fighting is still occuring between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks. There are riots, killings, and pillaging. Humanitarian help has been limited and food supplies are diminishing. Full Story .

Pray that the Kyrgyzstan violence will cease.
Pray that Christians will be safe especially when aiding people.
Pray that more food and water will be given out by humanitarian organizations.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website.

06/21/2010 Vietnam (Open Doors) Vietnamese Pastor and Believer Cruelly Targeted — Pastor Du was not taken to prison in a car, but rather was dragged by his own motorcycle. He is a prisoner who refuses to denounce his faith. Another family (Po) has had their food supply and motor bike stolen by their neighbors because they refused to pay homage to ancestors. The family is now forced to live in a forest with their three children. Full Story

Pray that Pastor Du will be released from prison.
Pray that the Po family will find adequate shelter and food.
Pray that the Po family's Vietnamese neighbors will be intrigued by Christians rather then exploiting them.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Vietnam.

06/21/2010 Morocco (Christian Today) Two Christians Deported Without Children— Eddie and Lyn Padilla were punished for taking in unwanted children. The Padillas were forced to leave the country, charged with proselytizing children living at the Village of Hope, a place for orphaned children. Within two hours, the Padillas had to pack and to say goodbye to their children. The family has appeared on Capitol Hill for help. Full Story

Pray that the Moroccan government will let the Padillas take back their children.
Pray that other Christian organizations will remain safe in Morocco.
Pray that there will be greater religious freedom in Morocco.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Morocco.

06/19/2010 United States (ANS) Son of Hamas In Danger of Being Assassinated if Deported to West Bank— Mosab Hassan Yousef will be appearing in front of Congress on June 30 to see if he will be sent back to the West Bank. Mosab, the son of one of Hamas' founders, converted to Christianity after spending time spying for Israel. His work for Israel and his book that exposed Islam and Hamas would put him in serious danger if he is forced to return to the West Bank. Full Story

Praise God that Mosab has decided to follow Jesus Christ.
Pray that other Muslims will be inspired to convert.
Pray that Congress will intervene in Mosab's situation.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website.

06/23/2010 United States (ANS) Four Christians arrested for Proselytizing at Arab Festival— On Friday, police arrested four Christians for sharing their faith with Muslims during the Arab International Festival in Dearborn, Michigan. A visiting resident of Toronto, who observed the incident, said the Christians were engaged in intense, but respectful dialogue when they were arrested. He also reported that when one of the men, Dr. Nabeel Qureshi, was arrested, people were clapping and shouting "Allahu Akbar." Full Story.

Pray that Christians will have good relationships with Muslim communities.
Pray that the court hears both cases without bias.
Pray that churches will find unique ways to share gospel.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website.

Prayers for the persecuted church (5/21/2010)

5/19/10 United States (BP) References to God Banned from Classroom- "I wondered what had changed in our culture and in the school district's opinion of the banners that they'd all the sudden tell me to take them down," said a San Diego math teacher who was forced to remove posters with phrases like "In God We Trust" from his classroom walls. Although a federal judge ruled that the school district was wrong to order the removal of the posters, the school district is now appealing that decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Full Story

Pray that the judge's first decision would be upheld and that the teacher would be allowed to leave the posters in his classroom.
Pray that the Father would raise up righteousness in our nation.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict hearts and draw many to Himself.


For more general information, please go to ICC’s website.




5/18/10 Morocco (ICC) New Wave of Christian Expulsions from Morocco- International Christian Concern has learned that 23 foreigners have been notified of expulsion from Morocco since May 10, marking a second wave of Christian deportations from the country. The recent notifications of expulsion are officially attributed to proselytizing, which is illegal under Moroccan law. Earlier this year, the enforcement of anti-proselytizing laws resulted in the deportations of approximately 40 US citizens and many other foreign expatriates from Morocco. However, Moroccan authorities have refused to explain the charges. Full Story.

Pray that the Father would continue to raise up faithful witnesses in Morocco.
Pray for the families of those believers being expelled from Morocco.
Pray that all of the Moroccan authorities' efforts to restrain the word of truth from being released in their country would be completely futile.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Morocco.



5/17/10 Pakistan (ICC) Pakistani Official Fires 15 Christians- International Christian Concern has learned that on May 12, an official of the Pakistani government fired 15 Christian employees in an apparent discriminatory measure in Lahore, Pakistan. Though the administrator of the Solid Waste Management Department allegedly accused the Christians of neglecting their duty, the Christians disputed the charge and contended that they were fired because of their faith. Their Muslim colleagues were not fired from their job. The Christians have asked the Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs to intervene in this situation and reinstate them to their position. Full Story

Pray for the light of truth to shine on this situation and expose all the works of darkness.
Pray that the fired employees would trust in the Father for their provision.
Pray that the Father would use these believers as salt and light among their colleagues.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Pakistan.

5/17/10 Pakistan (Christian Today) Brutal Attacks Prompt Call for Protection of Pakistan's Christian Minority- Following a report from Release International documenting the reports of Christians "who told of relatives who were burnt alive by militants in their homes in Gojra...and others who had been falsely accused of blasphemy," the former Bishop of Rochester is calling on the Pakistani government to protect its Christian minority. One believer told Release International, "These people can attack again whenever they want. We can do nothing - only believe in Jesus. We have a strong trust in him." Full Story

Pray that true justice would be established in Pakistan and uphold the lives of the oppressed.
Pray that the Father would continue to increase the capacity of His church in Pakistan to trust in Him in all circumstances.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Pakistan.




5/15/10 Laos (CDN) Lao Christians Expelled from Village Suffer Critical Illnesses- A group of 48 Christian villagers in Laos were forced from their village at gunpoint in January for refusing to renounce their faith. They have built temporary shelters at the edge of the jungle and have been forced to survive "on food found in the jungle and water from a hand-dug well that is unfit for cooking or drinking." Despite being assured of their religious rights by officials in March, Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom reported that the villagers have suffered from "diarrhea, dehydration, eye and skin infections, fainting and general weakness for the Christians expelled from Katin village, and one person has died." Full Story

Pray that the Father would bring swift and miraculous healing and restoration to the villagers who are suffering in order that His name might be glorified in Laos and cause many to come to salvation in Messiah.
Pray that the villagers would continue to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in the Father.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Laos.




5/18/10 India (ANS) Believers Plead for Pastor's Release- Close to 50 anti-Christian extremists attacked a church in India on a Sunday morning and kidnapped Pastor Abhay Jhadav. While looting the church, the extremists dragged the pastor outside and began to beat him. The pastor was held behind bars for about seven hours under allegations of forced conversion before the members of the church were fortunately able to convince the police that the allegations were false and provoked by envy. The church is requesting prayer for Pastor Jhadav - "that he will be protected from future attacks, and also that those who oppose Jesus will come to know Him intimately." Full Story

Pray for the strengthening of Pastor Jhadav's faith in the face of persecution.
Pray together with the church in India that "those who oppose Jesus will come to know Him intimately."

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on India.

5/21/10 India (CDN) Hindu Nationalists in India Plan 'Religious Cleansing' in Madhya Pradesh District- Hindu nationalist organizations are beginning to prepare for a large "reconversion" event next year. The organizations have declared their intentions to "rid Mandla district of all Christian influence." The ground-breaking ceremony for the rally to be held in February incited some nationalists to attack a house church on May 2nd. One of the "objectives" that has been disclosed so far includes "(driving) away Christian pastors, evangelists and foreign aid workers from the district." Full Story

Pray that the Father would bring the pride of those who hate His children low in order for them to recognize their own need for salvation.
Pray that the efforts to drive believers out of the district would be futile, and that the Father would strengthen His church and so frustrate the plans of the nationalists organizations that the "reconversion" event is entirely prevented from taking place.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on India.

Weekly prayers from Voice of the Martyrs (1/23/2010)

01/20/10 Egypt, Nigeria, Malaysia, Turkey, Lebanon (Scripps News) May: Islam’s war against others- There is an alarming trend in a growing number of Muslim-majority countries because they are waging a war against non-Muslim minorities.

Connect these dots: In Nigeria this week, Muslim youths set fire to a church, killing more than two dozen Christian worshippers. In Egypt, Coptic Christians have been suffering increased persecution. For example, there was a drive-by shooting outside a church in which seven people were murdered this month. In Pakistan, Christian churches were bombed over Christmas. In Turkey, authorities have been closing Christian churches, monasteries and schools. Recently, churches in Malaysia have been attacked, too, provoked by this grievance: Christians inside the churches were referring to God as "Allah."

Many Muslims, no doubt, disapprove of the persecution of non-Muslims. But in most Muslim-majority countries, any Muslim openly opposing the Islamists risks being branded an apostate. And under the Islamist interpretation of Sharia, Islamic law, apostates deserve death.

Not so long ago, the Broader Middle East was a diverse region. Lebanon had a Christian majority for centuries but that ended around 1990 -- the result of years of civil war among the country's religious and ethnic communities. The Christian population of Turkey has diminished substantially in recent years. Islamists have driven Christians out of Bethlehem and other parts of the West Bank; almost all Christians have fled Gaza since Hamas' takeover.

When the dots are connected, the picture that emerges is not pretty: An "Islamic world" in which terrorists are regarded often with lenience, sometimes with respect and occasionally with reverence, while minority groups face increasing intolerance, persecution and "cleansing," where even their histories are erased. And we in the West are too polite, too "politically correct," and perhaps too cowardly to say much about it. Full Story.

Pray for a hedge of protection around all the Christian churches and all those who are in ministry in the Muslim-majority countries.
Pray that Christians will remain committed to the Lord in the midst of systemic persecution of the faithful by radical Islam.
Pray that those of the Islamic faith will realize the deception in their beliefs and they will realize the truth of the Bible and likewise accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
Pray that the West will be courageous enough to expose the hostile beliefs and actions of Muslim-majority countries which enforce Sharia, Islamic law, which proclaims that apostates deserve death-including Christians.

For more general information, please go to ICC's website.

01/19/10 Nigeria (Compass Direct News) Christians in Jos, Nigeria Fear Further Attacks- Gunshots and smoke continued to alarm residents of Jos in central Nigeria today, with the Christian community fearing further violence from Muslim youths who on Sunday (January 17th) attacked a Catholic church and burned down several other church buildings. Also burned were buildings of the Christ Apostolic Church, Assemblies of God Church, three branches of the Church of Christ in Nigeria and two buildings of the Evangelical Church of West Africa, Christian leaders said. The number of casualties continued to grow, reportedly reaching more than 100 as security forces tried to rein in rioters, with both Christian and Muslim groups still counting their losses. Hundreds have reportedly been wounded.

“What we have witnessed only goes to show that the problem in the state is far from over,” Rev. Chuwang Avou, secretary of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria said. “Many families have been displaced. There are a number who are receiving treatment in the hospital. The dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in the state has not solved any problem, as there is still tension in the land.” Avou said the crisis broke out when Muslim youths pursued a woman into a church during worship on Sunday, wreaking havoc on the service.

State Commissioner of Police Greg Anyating stated that Muslim youths were to blame for setting off the violence. The Nigerian army was reportedly summoned to try to restore order.

The secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, said attacks on Christians are a manifestation of terrorism in the country. “What we should realize is that the government is not helping situations,” he said. “It is an illusion that Nigeria is safe.” “The Muslim fundamentalists want to take over Jos by all means,” Pastor Adefarasin said. “They claim that Jos is a Muslim state, which is not true.”

Violence against Christians has been going on for many years. For example, in the same area on November 28th & 29th of 2008, there was murderous rioting sparked by Muslim attacks on Christians and their property whereby six pastors died, at least 500 other people were killed, and 40 churches were destroyed, according to church leaders. More than 25,000 persons were displaced in the two days of violence. Full Story.

Pray that the authorities will effectively protect the Nigerian Christians from Muslim fundamentalists and promptly arrest and prosecute the Muslim youths who committed acts of hatred.
Pray that the Lord will comfort the Christian families who lost their loved ones to the barbaric murders by Muslim fanatics.
Pray that the Nigerian Christians will continue in worship and that they proclaim the Good News of salvation with courage and discernment.

For more general information, please go to ICC's website on Nigeria.





01/19/10 Egypt (Christian Newswire) Christians of Egypt are Massacred, and President Mubarak is Still Silent- The Copts, Egypt's Christian minority, number approximately 12 million, about 15% of Egypt's population. Under the rule of President Mubarak, violent attacks against them run rampant. These attacks were once carried out mainly by organized Islamic terrorist groups. The climate of hatred in Egypt has worsened to the point that attacks against Christians are now carried out by their Muslim neighbors.

The latest attack took place in Naga Hamady, Upper Egypt, during the late hours of Wednesday, January 6th of 2010. Drive-by gunmen opened fire with machine guns as worshippers were coming out of church after celebrating Coptic Christmas mass. Seven people were instantly killed and many others were seriously wounded.

The escalation of attacks is encouraged by the Egyptian government's lack of resolve in addressing the problem and adopting a plan of action to stop it at its roots. The climate of hatred is deeply entrenched in Egypt's mosques, the Egyptian media, and the Egyptian educational system. Very seldom are killers of Copts apprehended, and when arrested, they are often released for lack of evidence, or given a very light sentence. President Mubarak, now in power for almost 3 decades, during which 7 American presidents took office, turns a blind eye to what happens to the Coptic citizens of his country. This seems to be an attempt at appeasing the Islamists to strengthen his hold on power and pass it on to his son. Not once, did President Mubarak address his nation assuring the Copts that he cares about their problems.

Egypt, the recipient of 2 billion dollars yearly of American foreign aid since the signing of the Camp David peace treaty in 1978, can not continue abusing the human rights of its Coptic Christian citizens, a basic perquisite for receiving American foreign aid.

We ask President Obama, the US Congress and government officials, and all freedom-loving people and organizations in the US and around the world to support the rights of the Copts, for protection from aggression and equality under the law. Full Story.

Pray that the Christian families who lost their loved ones to murder will be comforted by the Lord, that the wounded will heal from their wounds, and that they all will stay strong in their Christian faith.
Pray that President Mubarak will have the fortitude to protect all Egyptian Christians from savage attacks by radical Muslims.
Pray that President Obama, the US Congress and government officials, and all freedom-loving people and organizations in the US and around the world will support the right of the Copts for protection from aggression and equality under the law.

For more general information, please go to ICC's website on Egypt.

01/19/10 United States (Baptist Press) Arson Suspected in Two More Texas Church Fires- The number of suspicious fires at churches in East Texas has climbed to seven as federal investigators join state and local authorities in seeking clues to two blazes in Tyler, Texas. The latest fires were at the Tyland Baptist Church and the First Church of Christ, Scientist, both in Tyler. Tyland is the third Southern Baptist church to burn in what investigators believe is a string of arsons. Both fires took place on the weekend of January 16th & 17th.

Authorities in the three affected counties are being aided in their investigation by the Texas state fire marshal's office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities first suspected burglary as a motive at the Athens churches, said Athens Assistant Police Chief Rodney Williams, but the investigation is ongoing.

Tyland Baptist Church Pastor David E. Mahfood posted a statement on the church's website: "Dear Friends, as most of you know, our beloved church building was consumed by fire on Saturday evening, January 16. We grieve the loss of church home, the place that we loved and shared so many memories with our church family. It was a very special place to all of us, and our emotions at this time are varied and many.

"Yet as deep as our sadness is our conviction is that our God is a mighty God, and that He is able to prevail through any adversity. We are confident that He is by our side as we come to grips with this devastating loss, and we know He will embolden us to move forward. We also take great comfort in His Word, which says:

"'We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.'" Full Story.

Pray that the police will quickly ascertain the cause of the destruction of seven churches in East Texas and prosecute any criminals if they torched the churches.
Pray that Christ will embolden the Christians at the Tyland Baptist Church to move forward and that they take great comfort in His Word as they proclaim the Gospel.
Praise God that no one was hurt in the fires.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website.

01/15/10 India (Assist News Service) Indian Pastor and Believers Attacked and Beaten, Church Service Disrupted in Andhra Pradesh State- A group of Hindu radicals barged into a prayer service held in a church in Jalliguda, which is located in Hyderabad City, Andhra Pradesh state, India and mercilessly beat the pastor and the attendees at a meeting in on Sunday, January 10, 2010. According to the Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), an advocacy group, they reported that on January 10, at around 9:00 am, approximately 50 members belonging to the Hindu radical groups, Rashtriya Swayam Sevaks (RSS) and Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP), barged inside the prayer hall and beat Pastor Benhur who was conducting the prayer service and also some of the attendees. It was known from the source that these Hindu radicals warned them to stop preaching about Jesus in their locality.

The source also said that the Hindu radicals continued to beat the pastor and the members of the congregation in the presence of a police officer and his team who were present during the attack. According to the news source it was known that these Hindu radicals later dragged some of the church members and the pastor and then filed a complaint against the pastor, despite the fact that he was the victim in this attack.

For the past three years, Pastor Benhur has been organizing Sunday Services regularly at Jalliguda. More than 50 believers get together for the prayer meetings. Pastor Benhur ministers with an organization called Heavens Glory Ministries. He is married to Prassanna (30) and blessed with a daughter Jessika (3 years). Full Story.

Pray that the Indian believers will remain committed to the Lord in the midst of ongoing beatings and intimidation by Hindu radicals.
Pray that the police will protect Christians from victimization and that they promptly arrest and prosecute the criminal Hindu extremists.
Pray that those of the Hindu faith will accept the truth of the Bible and likewise believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Pray that Pastor Benhur, who was brutally beaten, will be comforted, healed, and strengthened by the Lord.

For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on India.