Friday we posted our 104th Persecution Podcast which dealt with specific prayer requests coming from the Sudan, Bosnia and Algeria.  Please take 5 minutes to listen to the prayer requests and to pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering dearly for Jesus.  Click here to listen.

Algeria
On Feb. 1, Muslim extremists attacked a church in Ouargla, eastern Algeria, damaging church property. According to VOM contacts, Pastor Mourad had received a threatening letter two weeks earlier demanding that he leave the area but had not taken the threat seriously. However, around midnight on Feb.1, several men broke through the rear gate of the church and destroyed some church equipment. They also tried to break into the church building but were unsuccessful. In 2009, Pastor Mourad’s wife was beaten and seriously injured by an unknown group of attackers. And last year, an angry mob shouted death threats while throwing heaps of trash over the church walls. Despite these attacks, Pastor Mourad is convinced that the Lord has called him to serve in Ouargla, and he refuses to leave. “No matter what happens, we will stay here,” he says. Praise God for his faithfulness.

Bosnia
A Christian in Bosnia recently shared the gospel with his neighbors by giving them some humanitarian supplies along with a VOM-provided gospel story book. After receiving a package of supplies from the Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, “Henry” offered the supplies to his neighbors, along with an illustrated Jesus: He Lived Among Us story book, which tells the story of Jesus from the gospels. A 25-year-old woman kept asking Henry questions about the difference between Croatian Christmas celebrations and Christian celebrations. “It came to my mind to use the book to talk more about Jesus and his plan for humanity,” Henry said. “In the end, I told her to read the book and find out more about the life of this wonderful and unique man.” Praise God for the creativity and willingness believers all over the world have to share Christ’s message.

Sudan
On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, Sudanese forces bombed a school run by Samaritan’s Purse in the Nuba mountains in Southern Kordofan. The bombing occurred on the first day of school, when the Heiban Bible College campus was crowded with students, teachers and families. Although Sudanese forces dropped eight bombs, destroying two buildings, no one was killed. A statement from the United States’ ambassador to the United Nations said the attack “underscores the viciousness of Sudan’s ongoing military campaign in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states” in a conflict affecting 50,000 people. Samaritan’s Purse reported that four churches in the region have been destroyed since August. Nearly 30,000 refugees from the Nuba mountain have filled a camp across the border in South Sudan. Please pray for those affected by the ongoing violence and for those who are bringing Jesus’ name to the area.

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!

Thank you all for taking the time to pray for these specific prayer requests.  The bible says that the prayer of the righteous man, availeths much - James 5:16 - So, never think for a second that your prayers do not matter or accomplish anything, because they do. 

Algeria--Church Attacked in Ouargla, Algeria
Sources: VOM Contacts, International Christian Concern

Psalm 54:1-3

On Feb. 1, Muslim extremists attacked a church in Ouargla, eastern Algeria, damaging church property. According to VOM contacts, Pastor Mourad had received a threatening letter two weeks earlier demanding that he leave the area but had not taken the threat seriously. However, around midnight on Feb.1, several men broke through the rear gate of the church and destroyed some church equipment. They also tried to break into the church building but were unsuccessful. In 2009, Pastor Mourad's wife was beaten and seriously injured by an unknown group of attackers. And last year, an angry mob shouted death threats while throwing heaps of trash over the church walls. Despite these attacks, Pastor Mourad is convinced that the Lord has called him to serve in Ouargla, and he refuses to leave. "No matter what happens, we will stay here," he says. Praise God for his faithfulness.

Bosnia--Believer Uses VOM-Provided Book to Share Gospel
Source: VOM Contacts

John 20:30-31

A Christian in Bosnia recently shared the gospel with his neighbors by giving them some humanitarian supplies along with a VOM-provided gospel story book. After receiving a package of supplies from the Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse, "Henry" offered the supplies to his neighbors, along with an illustrated Jesus: He Lived Among Us story book, which tells the story of Jesus from the gospels. A 25-year-old woman kept asking Henry questions about the difference between Croatian Christmas celebrations and Christian celebrations. "It came to my mind to use the book to talk more about Jesus and his plan for humanity," Henry said. "In the end, I told her to read the book and find out more about the life of this wonderful and unique man." Praise God for the creativity and willingness believers all over the world have to share Christ's message.

Sudan--School Bombed by Government Forces
Sources: Samaritan's Purse, State Department, VOM Contacts

Psalm 61:1-3

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, Sudanese forces bombed a school run by Samaritan's Purse in the Nuba mountains in Southern Kordofan. The bombing occurred on the first day of school, when the Heiban Bible College campus was crowded with students, teachers and families. Although Sudanese forces dropped eight bombs, destroying two buildings, no one was killed. A statement from the United States' ambassador to the United Nations said the attack "underscores the viciousness of Sudan's ongoing military campaign in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states" in a conflict affecting 50,000 people. Samaritan's Purse reported that four churches in the region have been destroyed since August. Nearly 30,000 refugees from the Nuba mountain have filled a camp across the border in South Sudan. Please pray for those affected by the ongoing violence and for those who are bringing Jesus' name to the area.

Thank you for taking time to pray for this weeks prayer requests.  Please share them with your praying friends in your circle of influence.

Laos--Village Leaders Retract Demands
Source: VOM Contacts

Proverbs 15:1-2
A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

A pastor's wise words turned away the demands of a village leader in Laos recently. On Nov. 21, 2011, seven village officials demanded that a pastor and his church members sign documents promising they would stop witnessing. The church members refused to sign, explaining that to do so would be a betrayal of God's teachings. The village head continued to pressure them, saying, "Christians are not good people. They do not drink, smoke or participate in the important [village] occasions." The pastor finally agreed to sign the documents under the condition that he receive copies to show Lao Communist party officials, the governor and leaders of his church denomination. The village leaders then immediately backed off of their demands. Our VOM contact wrote, "The Christians in this village are poor and uneducated people, but the Holy Spirit puts the words in their hearts to say!" Thank God for these faithful villagers, and pray that they will remain strong in the face of harassment from local officials.

Pakistan--Evangelist Faces Harassment and Spiritual Attack
Sources: VOM Contacts

Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

A VOM-supported evangelist in the Afghan-Pakistan border region reports that he is being harassed by a local Muslim leader and is also under attack by spiritual forces. After a recent Christmas service that was attended by a few Muslims, the evangelist received a letter warning him that his congregation was not respecting the Muslim call to prayer. Police have monitored the evangelist's activities, and the local mullah has told his audience that Christian activities "must be stopped." The evangelist says the region historically has been difficult for mission workers and that he is affected spiritually when he goes on prayer walks. Pray that God will grant supernatural strength to this brother and his church.

Azerbaijan--New Laws Further Restrict Religious Freedom
Sources: Forum 18 News, VOM Canada

1 Timothy 2:1-4
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Under new amendments to Azerbaijan's Criminal and Administrative Codes, anyone who distributes religious materials that haven't been through state censorship may be imprisoned for two to five years or fined the equivalent of nine years' salary. President Ilham Aliyev signed the amendments into law on Dec. 12, 2011, the latest in a series of increasingly restrictive legislative actions by the government. In July 2011, amendments introduced new controls on religious education among other restrictions. In December 2010, fines for illegal religious activity under the Administrative Code were greatly increased, and in 2009, the Religion Law was twice amended to restrict rights and freedoms related to religion. Pray that President Aliyev will stop enacting laws that restrict the religious freedoms of his people, and pray that believers in Azerbaijan will continue to be bold in sharing their faith.

This morning as my husband and I were having our morning devotions and prayer time, we prayed for the persecuted church and were remembering our brethren who are in chains.  This got me thinking about how the Persecution Podcast is  really a very helpful resource for focusing our prayers.  Every week we post a podcast so that you can hear directly from the staff of The Voice of the Martyrs about what is happening behind the scenes and specifically about some of the recent prayer requests we have from around the world.

In Persecution Podcast 102 we are also excited to announce the winner of our contest.  Be sure to listen to the show by clicking here.

Please also pray for our specific requests on Vietnam, Colombia and the Sudan.  Read those requests in their entirety here.

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.

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?

Have you heard the term “first world problem?” It refers to the annoyances and “problems” we have because of our wealth and possessions. These are “problems” many people in the developing nations would be happy to have. An example of a first world problem would be not being able to find a matching chair for a new sofa, a restaurant running out of your favorite dessert or having too many options to choose from at the supermarket.

As I go about my day, my internal monologue often has to do with complaining about my perceived problems. “Why do I have to do this task?” or “Why is xyz so stressful for me?” I caught myself at it again the other day. I don’t even remember what I was complaining about now. As my inward self heard the complaints, suddenly an image of our Pakistani brothers and sisters came to mind, and I felt guilty.

Many Christians in Pakistan are poor. They live in one- or two-room houses, use an outhouse or a field for a bathroom, and wash their few dishes in a plastic tub. But their biggest disadvantage in life isn’t the poverty, it’s the difficulty they face because they have chosen to follow Christ.

Martha Bibi is a Christian woman in Pakistan who is currently on trial, accused of blasphemy. Another Christian woman in Pakistan, Asia Bibi, was given a death sentence for blasphemy, so this is a serious charge. Martha was accused after some men rented business equipment from her husband and then refused to pay or return the equipment. Because the family is Christian, the Muslim men thought they could take advantage of them.

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws make it easy. Anyone can accuse someone of blasphemy, and the testimony of one or two Muslim witness is enough to convict. Nearly every time, these laws are used against Christians. As a Christian, Martha has very few people to help her and fewer still to stand up for her against a court system and a government that cater to the Muslim majority. That is a real problem.

Knowing about our brothers and sisters around the world shouldn’t make us feel guilty. It should make us act. After listening to the complaining voice in my mind for a while, I decided I was going to fight back. I decided that every time I hear get frustrated by the minor details in my life, I’m going to start praying for my persecuted brothers and sisters. It will only take a few seconds of my time, and it will be a built-in reminder to “pray without ceasing.”

I predict I’m going to be praying a lot more.

Will you join me? It’s easy to pray knowledgeably for persecuted Christians— the VOM newsletter, our blog, website, twitter and facebook page are constantly filled with news and prayer requests.

It just may be that prayer is the answer to changing our first world attitude.

Please take time to pray for the following needs from this weeks prayer update.

AFGHANISTAN -- Jailed Christian Refuses to Deny Faith -- VOM Contacts

Imprisoned Afghan Christian Shoaib Assadullah was recently offered his freedom if he would deny his faith, but Shoaib stood firm, according to VOM contacts. Shoaib has been in prison since Oct. 21, when he was arrested for giving a New Testament to a man in Mazar-e-Sharif, in Northern Afghanistan. Shoaib had expected to receive the death penalty when he was sentenced on Jan. 4, but international pressure forced the attorney general to intervene. The court has stated that Shoaib will be in prison for at least six more months, and some believe doctors are forcing mind-altering drugs on the 26-year-old Christian. Throughout his ordeal, Shoaib's faith has remained strong. He said he has placed his life completely in the hands of Jesus. "Without my faith, I would not be able to live," he said. Shoaib has requested prayer for his family's salvation. Pray also that international pressure will force the Afghan legal system to release Shoaib quickly, along with Said Musa, another Christian imprisoned in Afghanistan. Praise God for Shoaib's strong faith.

Philippians 1:12-13

BHUTAN -- Possible Status Change for Christians -- VOM Canada

At its December meeting, the authority that regulates religious organizations in Bhutan discussed allowing a Christian organization to register in order to represent its community. This would be the first time in history that Bhutan has recognized and given rights to its mostly underground Christian population. Government officials in Bhutan currently recognize only Buddhism and Hinduism as official religions. Therefore, only these two communities have the right to openly practice their beliefs and operate houses of worship. Non-Buddhist and non-Hindu religious practices were banned in 1969 and 1979, respectively. Sources indicate that the government's willingness to recognize Christians is partly aimed at bringing the Christian community under religious regulation. The government is likely to register only one Christian organization, expecting it to represent all Christians in Bhutan. Thank the Lord for this positive step. Pray that God will move in the hearts of authorities and make them open to hearing the name of Jesus.

Philippians 1:3-5

NIGERIA -- More Killed in Ongoing Plateau Violence -- Release International and Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Midnight raids on two villages in Plateau state have claimed the lives of eight people amid continuing religious tension in central Nigeria. Sources report that the raids occurred in the villages of Farin Lamba and Fan. Two men, a woman and a baby were killed in the attack on Farin Lamba. According to villagers, the attackers wore military uniforms. In response, protesters demanded the removal of the Special Task Force charged with keeping peace in the area. The force is accused of either turning a blind eye to attacks on Christians or even instigating the attacks. This is the fifth recorded attack on Christian villages in the area within two weeks. At least 13 people were killed during raids on villages in the area in January. Continue to pray for Christians in Nigeria. Pray that their Muslim neighbors will recognize the difference between followers of Jesus and those who are simply non-Muslims, and that they will want to know Christ, too. Pray that God will move government officials to provide protection and equality for Christians.

Philippians 1:9-10

NIGERIA -- Christians Killed in Christmas Eve Attacks -- VOM Contacts / Compass Direct News

On Christmas Eve, five explosions near Jos killed 31 people and severely injured more than 50 others. The explosions occurred in the Christian suburbs of Kadong and Kada Bui as people shopped in outdoor markets. Also on Christmas Eve, a Baptist pastor, the Rev. Bulus Marwa, and five other Christians were killed during attacks on Victory Baptist Church in Alemderi and a Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) congregation in Sinimari. Both churches are in the mostly Muslim Borno state, in northeastern Nigeria. The Islamic extremist group Boko Haram reportedly claimed responsibility for the explosions near Jos as well as the church attacks in Borno state. Tensions remain high in Jos, Plateau state, which lies on the dividing line between the majority Muslim north and mostly Christian south, and in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. Christians in these areas have been under attack for decades. Please pray for the families of those killed in the bombings and church attacks, and pray that God will heal the injured. Pray that the love and grace of Jesus Christ will be evident in the words and actions of Christians living in these troubled areas and that Christians will respond to their Muslim neighbors with love rather than revenge.

Romans 8:35-39

BANGLADESH -- Christians Threatened Over Christmas Worship -- Compass Direct News

A Buddhist political group, The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), threatened Christians in the Khagrachari district, about 180 miles southeast of Dhaka, Bangladesh, prohibiting them from holding Christmas services, according to an anonymous source. "They threatened the Christians, telling them not to celebrate Christmas in the village and not to do any other Christian activities," the source said. "The UPDF members warned the Christians that if they celebrated Christmas, they would be in grave trouble. They warned the pastor not to take care of the congregation and ordered him to go back to his previous religion, Buddhism." Christian elders told the UPDF leader by telephone that they had arranged food for around 100 people, but the UPDF members allowed them to eat only their rice and curry. "The UPDF leader threatened them, saying, 'If you worship today, it will land you in unforeseeable consequences,'" the source said. The pastor and some members of nearby Shuknachari Baptist Church have been living like refugees for several months due to threats from the armed UPDF. Of 18 Christian families in the village, only seven or eight families have maintained their faith in Christ in the face of this opposition, with the others returning to Buddhism under compulsion. Pray that God will grant strength and courage to the believers in this part of Bangladesh.

2 Corinthians 12:10