VOM-USA Prayer Update for January 21, 2011

LAOS -- Villagers Destroy Christians' Rice Fields -- VOM Sources and Compass Direct News

On Sunday, Dec. 26, officials and residents of Katin village destroyed the rice paddies of 11 Christian families. The families have been camped on the edge of the jungle since they were expelled from the village one year ago because of their faith. Since their expulsion, seven other families have decided to follow Christ. Village officials told the new converts that they, too, would be expelled unless they gave up their faith. The seven families refused and were kicked out of the village at gunpoint. They joined the other Christian families outside the village. A few days later, while the believers were worshiping in a temporary shelter, residents of Katin drained the water from the Christians' rice paddies, burned fencing around their farmland and stomped on rice seedlings to ensure it could not grow. The 18 families now have nothing to eat, and authorities have done nothing to help them. Pray that God will provide the newly expelled believers with food, clothing and shelter. Pray also that their firm commitment to Christ will cause their persecutors to want to know him, too.

Psalm 61:4

EGYPT -- Bomb Kills 21 Outside Church in Egypt -- VOM Canada and The New York Times

At least 21 people were killed and 100 wounded on Jan. 1, when a bomb exploded outside a Coptic church in Alexandria, Egypt. The explosion occurred as churchgoers were leaving a New Year's Eve service at the Church of the Two Saints. Witnesses reported that a driver parked a car near the entrance of the church, then ran away seconds before it exploded. No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing. Attacks against the minority Coptic Christian community have increased greatly in the last two years. Last January, several Coptic Christians were killed by a gunman as they left church. Pray that all Christians in Egypt will remain firm in their faith, even as opposition against them grows. Pray that these attacks will cause Copts to welcome Christian converts from Islam into their churches and better understand their unity in Christ.

Exodus 12:31

NORTH KOREA -- North Korean Defectors Shot in China -- VOM Sources

Five North Koreans were shot to death and two others wounded by North Korean border guards as they tried to flee the country. The seven crossed the frozen Yalu River into China on Dec. 14. They were pursued by North Korean border guards, who shot them after they had reached the Chinese side of the river. The two wounded North Koreans were taken back to North Korea. Border guards have never before shot a defector inside Chinese territory, and this incident may reflect a change in policy toward defectors. Observers say border guards must have new instructions. Please continue to pray for Christians in North Korea and China, as well as all North Koreans who suffer under an incredibly harsh regime.

Deuteronomy 32:40-42