How can you pray for persecuted Christians this week? Here are some specific requests for this week. (Feel free to print them out and take them with you to church this weekend to share with Christian friends and others who will pray with you.)
NIGERIA — Christians Displaced by Muslim Insurgents
VOM Sources
Between May and September of 2013, Boko Haram militants killed more than 60 people and caused 14,000 to flee their homes in the Gwoza community of Borno state, Nigeria. Three young Christian girls were kidnapped and abused by the group for three weeks during the same period. The militants also occupied, burned or destroyed many churches, schools and homes of Christians. The violence has forced about 6,500 Christians to seek shelter in area refugee camps, and another 5,000 have fled to the bordering country of Cameroon. VOM staff took the three girls who were abducted to the VOM-supported Stephen Center, a boarding school for victims of persecution in Nigeria, where they are recovering. Psalm 71:20–21
COLOMBIA — Pastor Killed for Refusing to Close Church
VOM Sources
Pastors in Colombia’s Putumayo province continue to face extreme pressure to close their churches or face execution by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). According to a VOM worker, the pastor of a Pentecostal church in Puerto Guzman, Putumayo, was recently killed for refusing to close his church. And the FARC told the pastor of the Christian Cross Church in Puerto Humbria, Putumayo, that they would kill him, too, if he didn’t close his church. John 14:19
IRAN — Church Leaders Released from Prison
Mohabat News
After 220 days in prison, Pastor Farhad Sabokrouh and another church minister, Naser Zamen-Dezfuli, were released on Dec. 4, 2013. On Dec. 23, 2011, Iranian authorities raided their Assemblies of God church service and arrested everyone in attendance, including children. Several hours later, the authorities released everyone but Pastor Sabokrouh; the pastor’s wife, Shahnaz Jayzan; Naser Zamen-Dezfuli; and another church member, Davoud Alijani. The four were later released on bail, but in October 2012 they were each sentenced to one year in prison for “converting to Christianity, inviting Muslims to convert and acting against state security through evangelistic activities.” The four were summoned to court on May 1, 2013, to begin serving their sentences. Davoud Alijani was sent to Karoon prison in Ahvaz, while the other three were transferred to Sepider Prison in Ahvaz. Davoud and Shahnaz remain in prison. 1 Peter 2:20–21
Image credit: PossAbilities Prayer Team
prayed for each of these requests. spreading the word about VOM. thank you for standing firm in the faith Christ Jesus. will continue to pray for release and safety of Christians worldwide and for theose who have not yet experienced His love.
Posted by: sally Bickett | December 14, 2013 at 06:57 AM