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