Iranian forces arrested Rev. Robert Asserian on Tuesday, May 21 as he conducted a prayer meeting at the Assemblies of God church in Tehran where he serves as one of the pastors. Security forces raided his house earlier in the morning, confiscating belongings such as his computer and books before moving to the church to arrest him. He was taken to an unknown location.

Church leaders had been expecting some sort of retaliation against the church. A few days ago, the elders met with government officials to ask for information and clarifications on another pastor,  Farhad Sabokrough, his wife and two other church members from the AOG church in Ahvaz, who were called this month to serve one-year prison sentences. Officials told the elders the detainees would be released when the church permanently shut down.

Tension between the officially-sanctioned Central Assemblies of God Church in Tehran has been growing in recent years. The church was informed that it may have to cease all its services by next month. On Sunday, May 19, AOG leaders announced to the congregation that they would soon come to an important decision about the future of the church due to increased pressures from Iran’s intelligence ministry. Church leaders are meeting this week to pray and finalize plans for the total closure of the church by mid-June.

Sources told Article 18 that the AOG church leaders are being forced to choose between closing if they continue to offer Farsi-language services or limiting their services to only the Armenian language. The whole congregation is invited to a service on May 26 to hear the announcement of the church leaders.

“The pressure has become unbearable,” a source told Article 18. “They [the government authorities] constantly threaten the church leaders and their families with imprisonment, unexplained accidents, kidnapping and even with execution. We cannot go on like this.” 

The AOG church in Tehran is one of the few remaining churches that offers worship services in Farsi. In 2009, the same church was ordered to discontinue their Friday services, which were being attended by an overwhelming number of visitors each week. In February 2012, the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church was also ordered to cease its Friday services. Friday is the weekly day off for Iranians, and church services on Fridays attracted both new converts and Muslims interested in Christianity.

 

Sources: Article 18, Farsi Christian News Network, Middle East Concern

Every week we like to end the week by sharing with you some prayer requests for the persecuted church.  This week is no different, and since Christmas is early next week I'd like to also ask you to remember to pray on Christmas for our dear brothers and sisters in Christ in restricted nations, since persecution on Christian holidays often increases.  Please share these requests with praying friends and family.

Pakistan—Christian Worker Shot to Death
Sources: VOM Sources, VOM Canada

Romans 10:15

A 70-year-old Swedish Christian worker was killed on Dec. 3 by unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle as she returned home from work. Birgitta Almby, Area Director of Full Gospel Assemblies (FGA) in Lahore, was flown to Sweden for treatment after the shooting, but she died in the hospital. “From the information available so far, it seems that the two assailants were following her or were waiting for her to reach her house, where they opened fire on her,” said Liaqat Qaiser, the principal of FGA Bible school. Birgitta served in Pakistan for 38 years. Pray for the peace and encouragement of Birgitta’s fellow Christian workers.

Egypt—Constitutional Referendum Prompts New Violence
Source: VOM Sources

Isaiah 19:21–25

A VOM worker in Egypt reports that violence has increased as the country considers a referendum on a new Egyptian constitution. Egyptian protestors opposed to the new constitution recently attacked a building belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood, who helped install President Muhammad Mursi in June. “Protestors tried to attack the building and burn it,” the VOM contact said. The VOM worker temporarily moved his family out of the neighborhood last week. “It was a terrible time in our area [because of] the fighting between protestors and radical Muslim groups,” he said. Voting on the new constitution will occur in two stages; the first round was Saturday, Dec. 15, and the second phase is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 22. The VOM worker requested prayer for Egypt and especially for Egyptian Christians. “Pray that Egyptians will know the Lord and the Lord will be known to them,” he said.

Laos—Christians Pressured to Perform Cult Rituals
Sources: VOM Sources, Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom

1 Corinthians 16:13

Local authorities in Phin district, Savannakhet province, have pressured Christians for months to renounce their faith, and now they are threatening to expel believers from their homes if they refuse to perform occult rituals. In September, district police arrested three area pastors and bound their hands and feet in stocks. After provincial authorities declared the arrests illegal and ordered local authorities to escort the men home, the pastors’ families expected their release. But they were never released. On Oct. 19, the same local authorities called the 31 Christian families and 70 non-Christian families together and told them that the Christians would have to perform occult ritual oaths stating that they would adhere to the traditional religion. They were also asked to sign a statement renouncing Christ. The officials have threatened to expel the Christians from their villages if they do not perform the rites. So far, they have refused the authorities’ demands. Pray that higher authorities will intervene and that the Christians will stand strong.

Iran—VOM Project

Pray for increased effectiveness of Christian TV programs broadcast into Iran. Pray that the broadcasts will strengthen new converts and help seekers come to know Christ.

Thank you all for praying and sharing this weeks prayer requests.  So much to pray for, but the good news is the Lord hears our prayers!

 

Syria—Christian Workers Kidnapped
Source: VOM Sources

Psalm 42:3–5

Two members of the United Bible Society were kidnapped by radicals recently in Aleppo. The kidnappers demanded a $200,000 ransom, according to a VOM contact who is close to one of the men. One of the kidnapped men was released a few days later, but the other remains with his captors. In response to the kidnapping, another Syrian partner wrote, “The pressure on Christians started, and many of the Islamic groups are working hard to oblige the Christians to leave the country.” He also reported that many churches have been damaged in the fighting. “During the last year we had a number of churches destroyed,” he wrote. “[That has] never happened in Syria, even during the whole last hundred years.” Pray for wisdom for Syrian Christians, who must decide whether to flee or stay. Also pray for the safe and quick return of the Bible Society worker still being held for ransom.

Kenya—Caplain Killed in Church Attack
Sources: VOM Sources, Voice of America

Exodus 14:13

A Nov. 4 grenade attack by the Somali terrorist group al-Shabab killed a police chaplain and wounded 11 worshipers at a church inside a Garissa police compound. Militants tossed the grenade onto the roof of the church at about 10 a.m. “Most of those injured are police officers because the church is inside an Administration Police camp,” a police officer said. Several other churches closed early that day, in fear of another attack. Gunmen attacked two other churches in Garissa last July, killing 18 and wounding 40, and a church in Nairobi was bombed in September. Pray for Christians in Kenya, who are increasingly targeted by extremists.

Azerbaijan—Update: Pastor’s Home Raided
Sources: Forum 18 News Service, Mission Network News

2 Corinthians 2:5

The home of a Baptist pastor who spent almost a year in prison was raided while he and his wife were abroad seeking treatment for her pancreatic cancer. Zaur Balaev was sentenced to two years in prison for holding “illegal religious meetings” in 2007. (Pastor Balaev was featured on www.prisoneralert.com so readers could write to him.) He was released in March 2008 during an amnesty, and VOM workers met Zaur as he left the prison. His wife was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and the couple had traveled to Russia so that she could undergo surgery. They had planned to continue on to Germany for chemotherapy but were delayed by a lack of funds. While the couple was out of the country, officials raided a meeting being held at their home. Officers took photographs of the house and seized about 17 pieces of Christian literature, including New Testaments and notebooks. “They told us it is illegal to meet without registration,” one of the church members told Forum 18. Pray that God will comfort the Balaev family.

Iraq
VOM Project

Pray for the recipients of Action Packs and Bibles in the Baghdad and Kirkuk areas. VOM is developing an in-country persecution network to help identify and serve persecuted Christians in Iraq.

Please take time to pray for this weeks prayer requests and share them with your praying friends.

Click here for a printable version.

Philippines—Philippine Government and Rebels Make a Deal
Source: BBC News

Colossians 1:11

The Philippine government reached a peace deal with the largest Muslim terror group last week, ending 40 years of conflict between the two groups. The government conceded another autonomous region in Mindanao to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). While most Filipinos are Catholics, in the Mindanao region, Muslims are the majority. The MILF has long agitated for an independent state, but the agreement to give Bangasamoro leaders more political and economic freedom appears to have pacified them. What is not clear, is how this will affect Christians in the Mindanao region. Christians have long been the victims of violence and land-grabs. Pray for the protection of Christians in the region, that God will strengthen them in his power.

Iran—Another Christian Convert to Spend Six Years in Evin Prison
Sources: VOM Contacts

Romans 5:3

A Christian convert from Islam was sentenced to six years in prison after he was charged with crimes against the regime and caught trying to flee the country. Alireza Seyyedian, 37, has been a Christian since 2006. Last year, authorities found a video of his baptism in Turkey on his laptop, which had been seized in a raid. In December 2011, he was charged with crimes against national security and propaganda against the regime. The judge cited his baptism in Turkey as evidence that Alireza was trying to express dissatisfaction with the regime. He was also accused of hosting a house church and distributing Bibles to youth. In March, Alireza was caught fleeing to Turkey, and was brought back to Iran to Evin prison. He is being held in the section for political prisoners. Pray for Alireza. Ask God to strengthen his faith and give him endurance.

Indonesia—Bomb Attacks Revive Church Fears
Source: Release International, BBC News, The Jakarta Globe

1 John 4:18

Bomb attacks on Christian targets in the city of Poso have revived painful memories of religious violence in Central Sulawesi. Explosives were detonated outside a Christian’s home just after 8 p.m. on Oct. 9 — then, about an hour later, a bomb went off outside Imanuel Church in nearby Taripa, Pamona Timur. Police said the house targeted in the first attack was that of Okrifil Mamuaya, a Christian working for the local government. No one was injured in the blasts — but they have alarmed Christians in an area blighted by religious conflict in the past. Groups such as Laskar Jihad have carried out jihad, or holy war, against Christian communities, particularly in the Moluccas and Central Sulawesi between 1999 and 2002. Pray that Christians in Poso and other parts of Central Sulawesi will know God's peace and love. Thank God that His perfect love drives out fear.

Vietnam—VOM Project

Pray for tribal Christian training centers operating in Vietnam. The centers provide materials and training for 400 rural and tribal Christian pastors with the goal of strengthening house churches in rural areas, which face more persecution.

Yesterday I posted another clip of this video from Richard Wurmbrand from the video documentary Solitary and this particular clip will be sure to inspire you.  Please watch and share with your friends.

 

Thank you all for praying for this weeks important prayer requests.  Your prayers really do make a difference.  Please print these up and share them with your praying friends.

Central Asia—Sewing Machines Help Make Gospel Outreach Possible
Source: VOM Contacts

James 1:17

Ten Christian women in a Central Asian country received sewing machines that will help them generate an income for their families. “Thank you for your blessing,” wrote one of the sewing machine recipients. “We wanted to buy a good sewing machine for a long time, but we didn’t have funds. It will help us to earn money and to bless other church members.” Nearly all the sewing machine recipients mentioned that they will also use the machines to bless other church members with clothing and linens. These families live in an area where potential employers first ask if job applicants are Christians. If the job applicants say they are, they will not be hired. Each of these families is involved in ministry. The sewing businesses will also allow them to be flexible with their work hours so they have more opportunity for ministry. One mother of four who received a sewing machine wrote, “I will teach my children, and we will serve our church and neighbors with a practical gospel.” Thank you for your part in blessing these women with sewing machines. Praise God for his work in Central Asia.

Kenya—Boy Dies in Al-Shabaab Attack on Church
Sources: VOM Contacts, Release International

1 Peter 1:6–7

A grenade tossed near the Sunday school area of ACK Polycarp Church in Nairobi on Sunday, Sept. 30 took the life of a 9-year-old boy and injured several more severely. John Ian Maina suffered fatal injuries in the explosion that happened as he waited around 10:25 a.m. with a group of other children for Sunday school to start. Police had just warned the previous day that al-Shabaab was planning retaliatory attacks in the country following the capture of Kismayu port by the Kenya Defense Forces in southern Somalia. St. Polycarp’s is near Eastleigh, a district of Nairobi popularly known as “Little Mogadishu” due to its many Somali immigrants. The bomb left a six-inch deep, 12-inch wide hole in the floor. Pray for Christians in Kenya, who are increasingly subject to harm at the hands of al-Shabaab militants from Somalia.

Nigeria—Students Shot to Death in Apparent Boko Haram Attack
Source: BBC News, Release International

Mark 13:24

Twenty-two students were shot dead or stabbed at a Federal Polytechnic University in northeastern Nigeria in Adamawa state Oct. 2 by suspected Boko Haram militants. Just after midnight, men in military uniform entered a residence hall and called some students by name. The students were marched out of their rooms and lined up outside the building. Some were shot, and others were knifed. Their bodies were left lying in lines. Some of the dead were Muslims, while others were Christians. Police aren’t sure why the 22 students and three security guards were killed, though the military arrested dozens of people suspected of Boko Haram links days earlier. Cell towers in the area were recently attacked by Boko Haram, making getting information out of the area difficult. One of the students told BBC News, “Everybody is scared.” Pray God will show his power in defeating Boko Haram and that members of the group will turn to Christ.

China—VOM Project

Pray for those involved in a digital Bible project. Digital music players are loaded with audio New Testaments, portions of the Old Testament, VOM books and hymns.

 

Thank you all for praying for this weeks prayer needs. 

Iran—Friend and Ministry Partner Passes Away

Source: VOM Sources

 Revelation 21:3–5

A VOM partner reported last week that a dear friend and important Christian leader in Iran has died after a long illness. “Glory be to God because [my friend] is now in His arms and without pain,” wrote the VOM partner. The man who died leaves behind a wife of just a few years. “Please pray for us,” the VOM partner asked, “because he was our best friend, confidant and co-worker. I have personally known him for almost eight years, and for all of us it’s very difficult. In Iran, church is more of a family than a place we meet, and we really feel that we have lost our brother. His place is so empty without him.” Praise God for this man’s life, and thank God for the people he touched through his work for Christ. Please lift up the Christian leader’s wife, our partner in Iran and all believers who share Christ in Iran.

 

Tanzania—Muslim Radicals Burn Christians’ Homes and Livestock

Source: VOM Sources

 1 Peter 4:12–13

Extremists in Tunduru District in southwestern Tanzania burned the homes and livestock of several Christians on Sept. 17. One home was burned to the ground, but bystanders managed to save five others from complete destruction by dousing them with water. The Muslim extremists also burned more than 60 pigs belonging to Christians. In another recent incident in the region, the cars of a Pentecostal pastor and another believer were burned on the night of Sept. 25. “It’s unfortunate to say that even though all these incidents were duly reported to the nearby police stations, no one has been arrested so far,” a VOM contact said. He explained that 80 percent of the region is Muslim. “Please do pray with us against this demonic spirit of attacks on Christians and their properties!” he added.

 

China—Shouwang Believers Rejoice During Hardship

Sources: China Aid, VOM Canada

 Psalm 33:22

Believers at Beijing’s Shouwang Church in China are full of joy despite 17 months of outdoor worship and continual arrests. The believers have been meeting outdoors ever since the government began blocking their efforts to rent or purchase worship space. During their 38th worship service of the year, 22 believers were arrested. Ten were quickly released, but the others were detained at a local police station until afternoon. Shouwang Church has submitted an application for an official administrative review in response to the harassment and continual arrests by authorities. Please pray that the administrative review will recognize the persecution these believers face and help prompt more freedoms in China. Pray that God will use the faithfulness of the believers at Shouwang Church to draw others to himself.

 

Lebanon

VOM Project

Pray for a bold evangelist who works among radical Muslims. Pray for his family and for fruitful outreach work.

 

Happy Friday to all of you!  As usual, I have this weeks very important prayer requests to share with you.  Please take a moment to download them and share them with your praying friends.  Click here for the printer friendly version.

Sierra Leone—More Muslims Converting to Christianity
Source: VOM Contacts

Psalm 22:22–24

In the past year, more Muslim leaders in Sierra Leone have converted to Christianity than ever before, according to a VOM partner. “My heart is overflowing with joy, by taking a brief reflection on what the Lord has accomplished,” he said. Evangelists in the area, all of whom are converts from Islam, have received support and tools that enable them to go farther for ministry and to visit converts more often. They are using motorcycles and bicycles to reach new communities, and they are providing the communities with solar and crank radios that broadcast Christian radio programs. “Most evenings brings a group of new converts together to listen,” the VOM partner said. “The result and outcome of these tools cannot be overemphasized.” Praise God for these new Christian converts in Sierra Leone.

Kazakhstan—Uzbek Pastor Facing Extradition
Sources: VOM Canada, Forum 18 News

Revelation 2:10

An Uzbek pastor who fled Uzbekistan in 2007 has been arrested in Kazakhstan and faces extradition to his home country on charges of illegally teaching religion and distributing literature. Makset Djabbarbergenov, whose wife is expecting their fifth child, was arrested after police held his sister-in-law for two weeks in an effort to discover his whereabouts. The 32-year-old pastor faces up to three years in prison on each charge. A court in Kazakhstan has ordered that Makset be detained until the General Prosecutor’s Office decides whether to extradite him to Uzbekistan. Please pray that Makset will not be turned over to Uzbek authorities. Pray that his growing family will not be fearful but will continue to trust God.

Laos—Five Christian Leaders Arrested
Source: VOM Contacts

Psalm 69:33

On Sept. 11, three Laotian pastors and two other Christian leaders were arrested by district police. The three pastors were bound with chains and sent to the Phin distric prison, while the two others were turned over to provincial leaders and released two days later. The three pastors are enduring harsh conditions in prison — all remain in handcuffs and one is in stocks, bound by the ankles. District police have visited the pastors’ homes and churches, asking members where their churches obtain funds, why they became Christians and whom the pastors have led to Christ. All three pastors remain in prison, and two are seriously ill. Pray that God will grant these pastors strength and endurance. Pray that authorities will provide them with needed medical treatment.

North Africa
VOM Project

Pray for a team of teachers working in a “Mobile Bible School.” The teachers travel across the country in a van, teaching in underground Bible schools.

Please take time to read and pray for these important prayer requests. 

China--Missionary Couple Ordered to Leave
Source: VOM Contacts

Psalm 119:104-106

Officials from China's Public Security Bureau (PSB) asked a missionary couple to leave the country after they were caught attending a house-church service on Aug. 31. At the beginning of the meeting, several PSB officers walked to the front and announced, "We know there are some foreigners in the church tonight, and it is illegal for any foreigner to do any religious activities in the Chinese church." They ordered everyone to leave the building and detained the missionary couple, who are ethnic Chinese but hold U.S. passports. They had served in China for seven years, and officials ordered them to leave within 10 days. "They did great mission work in China teaching the Bible and training disciples," a VOM contact wrote. "They don't know what to do next." Pray for this couple as well as the church they are leaving behind.

Sri Lanka--Pastor and Wife Assaulted by Mob
Source: VOM Contacts, World Evangelical Alliance

Psalm 31:14-16

A pastor and his wife were attacked recently in Deniyaya, Sri Lanka, while returning from a church member's home. A mob of about 40 men, along with five Buddhist monks and a local government authority, approached the pastor and his wife, shouting, "Attack them ... kill them!" The pastor was assaulted and accused of spreading Christianity in the area. He and his wife were then dragged to the home of the woman they had just visited, where the mob shouted at the woman and demanded to know how much she was paid to convert to Christianity. She replied that she had become a Christian based on conviction and was not paid to do so. The pastor was beaten again, but he and his wife managed to escape. He suffered injuries to his legs and body. Pray that the pastor's attackers will find Christ, and pray for the healing and restoration of the pastor and his wife.

Jordan--Missionary Murdered in Irbid
Sources: International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, VOM Contacts

Isaiah 61:2–4

A veteran school teacher was stabbed to death recently in Irbid, Jordan, in what police are calling a crime motivated by robbery. Police arrested a young Jordanian man in connection with the murder of 55-year-old Cheryll Harvey, of Sudan, Texas, who had taught English in Jordan for 24 years. Although authorities claim the motive was robbery, nothing was taken from the apartment where she was murdered. Cheryll founded an English-language center in Irbid 10 years ago that served 300 to 400 college students each semester. She was known as someone dedicated to her work, to her students and to living out the love of Jesus to her Jordanian friends. She is survived by two brothers. A statement from Southern Baptist officials said, "We pray her witness continues to bear much fruit." Pray for her family and her friends in Jordan as they grieve her loss, and thank God for Cheryll's life of service.

Bhutan
VOM Project

Pray for 30 to 40 pastors and leaders who are studying in an underground Bible school. They are using VOM materials to gain solid, practical Biblical training for work among persecuted believers in Bhutan.

Last Friday I had half of a day disruption of my internet service so I wasn't able to share with you on Friday about our weekly Persecution Podcast.

Today, I wanted to make sure that you know that we posted Persecution Podcast #131 in which David and Dory shared prayer requests from Central Asia, Iran, Indonesia and Pakistan.

The good news is that since the posting of our podcast, God has already answered our prayers.  Rimsha Masih, the teen with Down Syndrome, has been released from prison on bail!

Please keep praying for her and her family because they are under threat.  Pray for the Lord's protection and provision.

In Indonesia please pray for two evangelists who recently had charges dropped against them for being Christians and sharing Christ with a Muslim woman.  Even though their case was dismissed, there is always a possibility that the police can bring new charges against them. 

Iran recently suffered a massive earthquake in which hundreds were killed and thousands displaced.  Several Christians in Iran reported they were assisting the injured and displaced. Iranian officials first rejected international assistance before being overwhelmed with the needs. Pray for families who have lost loved ones and for the recovery of the homes, schools and businesses in the affected area.

Lastly, in Central Asia, Christians with Muslim backgrounds need your prayers.  These believers were expelled from their families and threatened with death. Children in this country are especially subject to extreme persecution. They are ridiculed and threatened at school during anti-Christian propaganda events organized by local authorities.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST.