Today I thought that I would give you a recap of the stories we shared with you this week, just in case you missed something.   We have so much to pray for and rejoice in the Lord over.  Please share this with your friends and family who care about the persecution of Christians around the world.

Monday we shared with you a devotion called He Actually Chooses Affliction, a story coming out of Laos and the persecution happening there, and and Persecution Podcast 103 where we focused on prayer for Laos, Pakistan and Azerbiajan.

Tuesday was Valentines Day so we shared with you a letter from Tom White about Asia Bibi, a little history about Valentines Day in our post Valentinus Beheaded in Rome, and
and about a revival happening in Egypt.

Wednesday we shared some news from Pakistan and a new blasphemy charge for Dildar Youcaf , we asked you to help us write 416 more letters to Gao, who is still in prison and we gave you more information on the blasphemy charges from our friends at Mission Network News, concerning Dildar Youcaf.

Thursday we shared some praise coming out of China because of our Bibles Unbound program, as well as some news about a few priests who were abused and released from prison in South Sudan, and a video report from CBN News about the 200 Christians who died in fire in Honduras.

Thank you for reading our blog and for caring about the needs of Christians worldwide.  I pray the Lord blesses you, as you remember that we are bound with them!

Last week we encouraged you to take a few minutes and write Gao who has been suffering for Christ in prison for over 200 days.  I'm happy to share that another 276 letters were written to Gao, just last week!!  Amazing!  You all wrote more letters last week than in the previous few weeks before that.  Thank you so much!!

We've still got 416 letters to go before we reach 5000 letters written to Gao.  Will you write a letter today if you haven't done so yet?  Even more so, will you spread the word about Gao and get your friends, your pastor, your teacher, or your neighbor to write a letter also... it takes under 5 minutes to do this.

Please   click here to write your letter.   Please also share about Gao with your circle of influence on Facebook, Twitter and in your church and work environment.  Let's show Gao we stand with him in 2012.

You can also learn more about Gao's past and the torture he has endured, and may still possibly be enduring, by visiting FREE GAO and sign the petition.

Click here to write you letter now!  Thank you.

Today I'd like to share with you an exciting event from The Voice of the Martyrs and Christ in Youth.  Together, Christ in Youth and The Voice of the Martyrs are presenting a film called Love Costs Every Thing.

There are two simulcast events planned for March, so now is the time to get your church involved and sign up.  March 7th and March 11th are the two dates the movie will be simulcast to churches everywhere.  Learn more by visiting http://www.lovecostseverything.com

Hope to see you there!

Love Costs Every Thing - Francis Chan Promo from Christ In Youth on Vimeo.

Increasing violence in Nigeria has only strengthened local Christians’ faith, even sparking a revival at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Gombe, where nine Christians were martyred in a Jan. 5 attack on the church. During a funeral service on Jan. 19 for those killed, many believers rededicated their lives to Christ, and others came to faith in Christ for the first time, according to a VOM worker.

Weeping and singing on their knees, a choir led about 500 attendees and 50 pastors in worship. The martyrs’ relatives and other dignitaries — including the deputy governor speaking on behalf of the state’s governor — spoke about each murdered Christian. The four-hour service then moved on to intercessory prayer for the church in Nigeria, the nation at large, Muslims in Nigeria and the Muslim extremist group Boko Haram.

“The leader of the prayers based most of the prayers from the book of Isaiah 61:1–4, among other scriptures, which strengthen and encourage the Church. He encouraged the Church to be more prayerful than complaining,” said the VOM worker. “He said the Lord knows how to fight his own battle in his own way, and we should not revenge whatsoever.”

On Jan. 5, Godwin Odoh, a 36-year-old teacher, was leading prayers at a weekly meeting called “The Hour of Revival.” When the church came under attack, Godwin was shot in the head, chest and legs and died instantly. Eight other attendees were also killed, including children as young as 10 years old and a pastor’s wife.

Ten days later, 72-year-old Yahaya Wuro Buntu, a pastor at Deeper Life Bible Church, was brutally murdered by a group of men who came to his house asking about the Christian faith. Yahaya was often sought out by Muslims to discuss Christianity, so he welcomed the men into his home. The men subdued him, took him to an uncompleted building near his house and killed him, according to a VOM worker. His life was celebrated during the Jan. 19 memorial service for the nine Christians killed during the church attack.

Ever since Boko Haram published an ultimatum on Jan. 3, 2012, threatening violence if Christians did not leave northern Nigeria, the extremist group has claimed responsibility for the murders of at least 44 Christians. On Jan. 22, Muslim extremists and members of Boko Haram attacked a church in Bauchi state, killing at least seven more Christians.

Ayo Oritsejafor, head of the Christian Association of Nigeria, told Compass Direct News that Christian leaders have decided to find a way to defend themselves against the senseless killings. “We have the legitimate right to defend ourselves,” Oritsejafor said. “We will do whatever it takes.”

Sources: VOM contacts, Compass Direct News

A few months ago, American missionary Jessica Buchanan, was captured by Somali kidnappers, while doing mission work in Africa. The following video report is from CBN News and explains what happened to her, and the good news being reported today is that she has been rescued and is on her way home. Read more here about her rescue.

Today I  would like to ask you to take a few minutes and write Gao Zhisheng a letter of encouragement.

We've been focusing on Gao this month since we heard the news about finding his current location.  I see it as God's mercy in providing this vital information, this way we can write directly to the prison where he is being held.

Click here to write your letter to Gao today and don't be afraid to share this with others who want to be an active voice for the persecuted church.

To learn more about Gao's past and the torture he has endured, and may still possibly be enduring, click here to visit FREE GAO and sign the petition.

I would love to see us generate 700 more letters this month, reaching 5000 individual letters written to our suffering brother.  He is standing firm in his faith for Christ, will you stand with him by writing a letter today?  Click here to write you letter now!  Thank you.

This week we have prayer requests from Pakistan, Israel and Afghanistan.  I would also ask you all to keep Christians in Nigeria in your prayers, as not only has violence continued to increase, but even our workers, at The Voice of the Martyrs, have left for safety reasons.  Please share with your friends, church and family.

Pakistan--Evicted Couple Stands Strong
Source: VOM Contacts

Micah 5:2
" But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."

A Pakistani couple who have endured several years of persecution from villagers and local authorities remain strong in faith even after losing their home and possessions. Arif, 35, used to spend evenings in his small village visiting friends and neighbors, sharing the gospel and praying. But in 2009, several men began to harass Arif, trying to compel him to deny Christ. He was beaten seven times, and police continued the beatings for 13 days after arresting him on Sept. 27, 2009. When Arif refused to return to Islam, he was imprisoned on false robbery charges. Arif was released four months later when his wife paid his bail. But that same evening, the village leader confiscated their livestock and home and told them to leave. They left with $2 in their pockets. Last month, a VOM staff member met with the couple for several days to pray through the events with them. Arif prayed, "O God, we thank you because you have not left us. ... But [now] we have seen and experienced that you never leave us. ... Lord, we are ready to obey you." Praise God for the testimony of Arif and his wife.

Israel--University Forbids Contact with Messianic Jews
Sources: VOM Contacts, Ariel University of Samaria, IsraelNationalNews.com

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

One of the largest universities in Israel has made it clear that Christian students will have their visas revoked if they work with or fellowship with Messianic Jews, according to VOM contacts. Many Christian students have submitted to Ariel University's stipulations. "Believers allow their God-given freedom of choice and worship to be taken away in order to spare themselves," wrote a VOM contact. Ariel University of Samaria, which serves more than 11,000 students, is located in the West Bank city of Ariel. Every student at the university is required to take classes in Judaism, Jewish heritage or Land of Israel studies. The VOM contact continued, "May God give us the strength when the time comes to cling to the words of Yeshua, ‘Greater love has no man, than to lay down his life [or his self-interest or his ministry] for his brother.'" Pray for the body of Christ in Israel.

Afghanistan--Believer Imprisoned for Faith
Source: Compass Direct News

2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

The simple act of reporting a burglary cost a Comoros man his family and eight months in jail. After Musta Kim reported a burglary at his home, police officers investigating the burglary discovered a Bible and a copy of the "JESUS" film at his home. Police then arrested Musta for practicing a forbidden religion and locked him in jail. After being held eight months without a trial, Musta appealed for his freedom. He was finally granted his freedom, but his family rejected him and he could not return to his home. Musta now suffers from a skin disease that he contracted in prison. Pray for Musta and other Christians in Comoros who suffer for practicing a "forbidden" religion. May they be ambassadors for Christ in these tiny islands.

“Push it! Don’t stop!” the man yelled in my direction. I start to run again.

I was miserable, and I blamed my sister. After all, she had the bright idea to buy my family these bootcamp sessions at the local fitness center. Her reason: to spend quality family time while getting into shape. I had no idea what I was getting into when I said yes.

On the first day, our trainer made us do The Beast — a workout so intense that I get tired writing it all down.

Another day, we carried rocks. But these were not simple rocks — these “rocks” were boulders weighing a third of my body weight. I struggled to pick them up. It was a lot of rocks, too. The group made piles with these rocks; we jogged up terrible, long hills with the rocks; threw the rocks and did push-ups; and when we thought we were finished, our trainer said, “Okay, now take the pile you just made and put it back. Don’t stop. Go!” 

He made us do this for up to an hour and a half. By the end of the day, my arms would be like wet noodles, my legs had turned to jelly and my stomach could scarcely hold my body erect.

If you ever attempt a “boot camp” like this, here are some tips:

• Take a large bottle of water or Gatorade
• Get a good night’s rest
• Have a cup of coffee in the morning
• Eat a healthy breakfast to keep you going

One day at training, a thought stopped me in my tracks — just long enough for my trainer to yell, “Pick it up!”

Why did I stop? Because I had never considered the countless Christians working harder than I was that day. They don’t have a good-intentioned trainer; they don’t have a good night’s rest; and they certainly don’t get a cup of coffee and big breakfast to boost their energy in the morning. In places like China, Vietnam and North Korea, Christians sentenced to hard labor might get only a meager bowl of rice and some dry bread.

Sweat dripped down my now-burnt nose as I sprinted up a 100-meter incline with a 25-pound bag. I am currently in my best physical shape ever, but I was struggling with the effort. I can only imagine what my brothers and sisters in Christ experience as they work for hours at a time.

I reached the top of the incline and did 25 shoulder presses. I needed a break, to put the bag down and breathe — in, out, in. Christians working in labor camps don’t have this privilege. If they pause, they are beaten back into working. They receive no rest.

Simply put, I have no understanding of what they endure. And yet many of them remain committed to Christ as they suffer for his name. One Chinese pastor even told us he was glad not to be released early, because he started a church in prison!

How do they do it? How do they work hours like this without energy, proper nourishment or even sick? I believe that it is solely the power of the Holy Spirit that sustains these believers.

I picked up my heavy bag and started again, but not without a prayer for my persecuted family. Pray with me as they suffer for their faith in Jesus Christ and stay faithful.

 

Read Genesis 39.

For Joseph, slavery, Potiphar’s wife and prison were not detours from God’s will for his life. In fact, they were God’s will for his life. They were the path to the palace. They were not in the way; they were the way.

Circumstances and the people around you are not your enemy. They are God’s servants placed there to sanctify you and take you to higher ground.

Chinese pastor Zhang Rongliang realizes this truth. Rongliang, a founder of one of China’s largest churches of over ten million members, is also one of China’s most prominent pastors. The Chinese government fears and despises him — or perhaps, they fear the way God uses him.

God uses this man wherever he goes. He was released last month after seven years and six months in prison, convicted for a crime that usually only receives a six-month sentence.

Two major things happened during this time. You see, Chinese Christians are not allowed to visit prisons or start prison outreach ministries. So Rongliang took advantage of this opportunity. He ministered to everyone he could – prisoners, prison guards and officials he could never have met outside prison. Over 5,000 men lived in prison with Liang, and many of them were able to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

While Rongliang ministered inside the prison, outside the prison, people throughout the world acted. Thousands of people wrote letters, the U.S. State Department worked to secure his release, and China Aid Association ardently supported Liang while also trying to gain his freedom. Even more people — countless people — prayed for his release.

I keep reading and re-reading something Rongliang said in an interview after his release; I can’t seem to stomach it.

“I am happy that you and others tried to arrange for my release, but in one way, I am happy that you failed. You almost made a big mistake. If you had been successful, there would be no church in that prison today.”

As I sit and ponder, I ask myself, “Was it a mistake to pray for his release?” I struggle with this idea — questioning my intentions, but the Holy Sprit speaks the undeniable, “I have a better plan,” into my heart.

If what I thought was best had actually happened, China would be without a significant ministry inside one of its prisons today. A pastor might have fewer problems, but 5,000 Chinese prisoners would not.

I should not have been so close-minded to think that the only answer God had was release.

When we pray only for someone’s release, we pray for what we think is best. However, His plan often looks much different than ours. We must depend on God and pray for His plan to be fulfilled.

Our activism, the letters we write and the petitions we sign may not have the effects we have in mind, but it does strengthen the church. Before Rongliang was released, he knew that he was supported. In an interview with a VOM contact, he mentioned multiple times how much the West supported him through prayers and letters.

Perhaps, all our activity on the outside kept him alive on the inside. We don’t know what our actions are really doing for someone. We do not know how God uses our activism.

I am more determined than ever to live as an activist.

If God uses my prayers to reach 5,000 people versus one person, let it be. After all, He is sovereign. He knows what needs to happen much more than I do.

So, what would you do if you knew you would fail?

Over the New Year's holiday there were at least 21 Coptic Christians killed by a church bombing in Egypt, and yet it has gone severely under reported in the worldwide press. As a result, I don't want us to ever take for granted that our Christian brothers and sisters are safe in all countries, which is why I'd like to ask you all to pray for our family in Christ in Russia as they prepare to celebrate Christmas on Friday.