Prayer Needed for Nuns in India

Last night I was reading a brand new book I received on the Old Testament, and as I was reading through the first chapter the author shared a few profound statements from people who have a very high opinion of the bible.  Since the Old Testament reveals the promise of God to his people, and the New Testament reveals that He has kept His promises through the person of Jesus Christ, I think when we consider praying for the persecuted - to the God who hears all of our prayers - we must also consider the book we receive these truths from and remember it can be trusted.

Immanuel Kant once stated, "A single line in the Bible has consoled me more than all the books I have ever read."  Abraham Lincoln called the bible, "the best gift God has given to man" and claimed, "But for it we could not know right from wrong."  Greek scholar A.T. Robertson said, "Give a man an open Bible, and open mind, a conscience in good working order, and he will have a hard time to keep from being a Baptist."  And Theodore Roosevelt said, "A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education."   

Do you find these comments amazing!  I do because they evidence such regard for the truth that is manifest in the pages of Scripture, and if these brilliant men see these truths, shouldn't we also be encouraged that when the Scriptures say that God hears our prayers  - He really does, and He answers them.  Therefore, this week, let us go boldly before the throne of grace on behalf of our sisters and brothers being persecuted for the name of Christ Jesus.

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada sent out the following praise and prayer requests this week.  If you'd like to see the full version - including pictures - please click here.

Praise in Cuba:
After 126 days in custody without charges, Pastor Carlos Lamelas was unexpectedly allowed to return to his home on June 26. Lamelas told Christian Solidarity Worldwide, "Our feet are on the ground, but our hearts are in the clouds!" Overwhelmed by the support of Christians around the world, Lamelas expressed his deep gratitude to those who prayed and acted on his behalf. Unfortunately, his legal status is not yet clear, since the meaning of a "provisional release" is uncertain. Continue to pray for Pastor Lamelas and his family.

Pray for Catholic Nuns Arrested in India

On June 25, four members of the Missionaries of Charity in India -- best known as the organization formerly led by Mother Teresa -- were visiting AIDS patients in a hospital in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh when they were accosted by Hindu militants. As many as fifty members of Dharma Parirakshana Samithi accused the nuns of trying to convert the patients to Christianity.  According to Asia News, Sister Maria Julia, Sister Chriselda, Sister Emma Felesia and Sister Reena Francis, were detained while their bags were searched for literature. Some militants in the crowd threatened to remove their distinctive blue and white saris and replace them with saffron-coloured clothes, a symbol of Hinduism. Some hospital managers, who were accompanied by militant BJP members, coerced the patients into accusing the nuns of attempting to convert them. Based on these testimonies, the four were taken to the local police station where they were charged. These charges were later dropped after intervention from the Archbishop of Hyderabad. An inquiry into the incident has been started.