VOM-USA Prayer Update for September 30, 2011

Iran—Pastor Youcef Confirmed to Be Apostate
Assist News

Proverbs 21:1

After being ordered by the Iranian Supreme Court to review the apostasy charge against Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, the 11th branch of the Gilan Provincial Court has confirmed his conviction and again ordered him to recant his faith in Jesus Christ. On Monday, Sept. 26, the court ruled that because Pastor Youcef has Muslim ancestors, his faith in Christ makes him an apostate from Islam. When the judges asked Pastor Youcef to “repent,” he replied, “Repent means to return. What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?” The judges said, “To the religion of your ancestors, Islam.” Pastor Youcef then replied, “I can not.” Pastor Youcef will be brought before the court two more times, on Sept. 27 and 28, and ordered to recant his Christian faith. Sources in Iran report that although they have been told the case will return to the Supreme Court, they fear that the lower court may act on a law that would allow them to carry out Pastor Youcef’s execution. Please pray that God might turn the hearts of the Iranian judges in Pastor Youcef’s favor, and pray for his family.

Nigeria—More than 100 Killed in Extremist Attacks
Compass Direct News

Isaiah 40:29

More than 100 Christians have been killed in recent attacks on villages in Nigeria’s Plateau state, according to Compass Direct News. On Sept. 10, 2011, Muslim extremists stormed Vwang Fwil village at 3 a.m., killing 13 Christians. Attackers killed 14 more Christians, including a pregnant woman, when they attacked the Christian community of Vwang Kogot on Sept. 9. And on Sept. 8, 10 Christians from one family were killed in an attack on Tsohom Foron village. Compass Direct reports that some of the attackers were wearing Nigerian Army military uniforms. Please pray for the Christians in Plateau state who have lost family members. Pray that government officials will protect Christians rather than aid their persecutors.

Myanmar—Family Refuses to Support Young Christian
VOM Contacts

Matthew 19:29

A student at an underground seminary in Myanmar has chosen to give up a comfortable life with her aunt and two stepsisters in order to follow Christ. The young girl, Ying, became a believer two years ago and began attending seminary immediately after her conversion. Recently, Ying’s relatives locked her in the house while she was preparing to leave for seminary. They threatened to disown her, beat her and withdraw all support, including food, if she continued to attend a seminary or church. In addition, her aunt and two stepsisters said they would send her to a remote village with no known Christians unless she recanted her faith. But instead of denying Christ, Ying ran away and left her family behind. Ying’s mother is deceased, and her father disappeared after leaving her with her aunt. Please pray for Ying. She has lost all support by leaving her family, and she has no one to provide for her needs as she continues in seminary.