Every week we ask you to join us in prayer for those suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. Here are this weeks requests, why not print them up and pray daily this week for them. Thanks!
INDIA – Pastors Attacked by Hindu Extremists – VOM Sources
On March 9, Hindu extremists barged into Pastor A.K. Wilson’s home in New Dehli armed with rods and hockey sticks and accused him of forcibly converting people, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The extremists beat him, his wife and his son and robbed him of 15,000 rupees ($219 US). They also told him they would burn his house down and murder his family if he did not leave the area within one week. Meanwhile on March 11, Pastor Erra Krupanamdam was returning from a prayer meeting in a new believer's home in the district of Medak, Andhra Pradesh when he was attacked by a mob of Hindu extremists. The extremists spoke out against the pastor's faith, told him not to conduct any more prayer meetings and beat him. He suffered fractures to his back and ribs. Later that night, with the aid of local pastors, Pastor Krupanamdam registered a complaint at the police station. At last report, authorities had apprehended one of his assailants. Pray for healing for these believers. Ask God to give church leaders in India the wisdom to know how to shepherd believers through times of suffering.
UZBEKISTAN – Persecution of Believers Increasing – Forum 18 News
Six Christians were detained after police raided a home in Kurgantepe, Andijan, Uzbekistan, where believers had gathered to share a meal, according to Forum 18 News. Three Christians were detained at the Kurgantepe Rehabilitation Centre for Homeless Persons for not having their identification documents with them. One was released on March 6 for health reasons while the other two were released on March 13. Three other believers were sentenced to 15-day jail terms for allegedly violating procedures for teaching religious doctrines. At last report, they were being held at the Temporary Detention Centre of Kurgantepe Police Department. Meanwhile, on March 11, Roman Tsoi, a member of the Korean Baptist Church, was sentenced to 10-days in jail for "violating the procedure for arranging and holding gatherings, meetings, street marches and demonstrations" in the country's capital, Tashkent. The charge comes after approximately 20 officials barged into the church on March 6 during a prayer meeting, reportedly searching for foreign missionaries. The believers were told that they needed to obtain special permission to gather together on days other than Sunday and could not meet later than 10 p.m. At last report, Tsoi was being held at the Tashkent City Police Department's Detention Centre. Ask God to protect believers in Uzbekistan. Pray the prisoners will be released and that they may forgive their persecutors.
TAJIKISTAN – UPDATE: Restrictive Religion Law Approved – VOM Sources
On March 13, the Tajikistan Lower House of parliament approved a restrictive draft law which will make the life of believers in the country more difficult. The law was approved by parliament in November. It is expected to be signed into law by President Emomali Rahmon in the coming weeks. Pray for believers in Tajikistan who will face increased persecution when this law is signed. Ask God to give them courage to continue to stand in their faith.
On March 9, Hindu extremists barged into Pastor A.K. Wilson’s home in New Dehli armed with rods and hockey sticks and accused him of forcibly converting people, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The extremists beat him, his wife and his son and robbed him of 15,000 rupees ($219 US). They also told him they would burn his house down and murder his family if he did not leave the area within one week. Meanwhile on March 11, Pastor Erra Krupanamdam was returning from a prayer meeting in a new believer's home in the district of Medak, Andhra Pradesh when he was attacked by a mob of Hindu extremists. The extremists spoke out against the pastor's faith, told him not to conduct any more prayer meetings and beat him. He suffered fractures to his back and ribs. Later that night, with the aid of local pastors, Pastor Krupanamdam registered a complaint at the police station. At last report, authorities had apprehended one of his assailants. Pray for healing for these believers. Ask God to give church leaders in India the wisdom to know how to shepherd believers through times of suffering.
1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
UZBEKISTAN – Persecution of Believers Increasing – Forum 18 News
Six Christians were detained after police raided a home in Kurgantepe, Andijan, Uzbekistan, where believers had gathered to share a meal, according to Forum 18 News. Three Christians were detained at the Kurgantepe Rehabilitation Centre for Homeless Persons for not having their identification documents with them. One was released on March 6 for health reasons while the other two were released on March 13. Three other believers were sentenced to 15-day jail terms for allegedly violating procedures for teaching religious doctrines. At last report, they were being held at the Temporary Detention Centre of Kurgantepe Police Department. Meanwhile, on March 11, Roman Tsoi, a member of the Korean Baptist Church, was sentenced to 10-days in jail for "violating the procedure for arranging and holding gatherings, meetings, street marches and demonstrations" in the country's capital, Tashkent. The charge comes after approximately 20 officials barged into the church on March 6 during a prayer meeting, reportedly searching for foreign missionaries. The believers were told that they needed to obtain special permission to gather together on days other than Sunday and could not meet later than 10 p.m. At last report, Tsoi was being held at the Tashkent City Police Department's Detention Centre. Ask God to protect believers in Uzbekistan. Pray the prisoners will be released and that they may forgive their persecutors.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
TAJIKISTAN – UPDATE: Restrictive Religion Law Approved – VOM Sources
On March 13, the Tajikistan Lower House of parliament approved a restrictive draft law which will make the life of believers in the country more difficult. The law was approved by parliament in November. It is expected to be signed into law by President Emomali Rahmon in the coming weeks. Pray for believers in Tajikistan who will face increased persecution when this law is signed. Ask God to give them courage to continue to stand in their faith.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
