VOM-USA Prayer Update for February 17, 2009

Pray ... pray... pray... CHINA – Christian Released after Two Years – China Aid Association

On Feb. 8 Shuang Shuying was released from prison in China and immediately went to a local hospital to visit her deathly ill husband, 91-year-old, Hua Zaichen. Two days later, Hua Zaichen passed away. Shuying, 79, wrote a letter thanking everyone for praying and supporting her, according to China Aid Association. In the letter she revealed that while in prison she was tortured by the Public Security Bureau (PSB). “The PSB went to my prison interrogating, threatening and harassing me numerous times,” Shuying said. “They even directed other prisoners to take off all my clothes and forced me to stand alone outside in the evening without letting me sleep.” Shuying added she was slapped on her face and forced to drink her own urine. Despite these harsh conditions, Shuying’s faith remained strong. “During these terrible circumstances, I prayed without ceasing. I asked God to give me strength,” Shuying said. “Every time when my son came to visit me and shared with me that brothers and sisters from all over the world had been praying for me, I felt greatly strengthened and empowered, which has enabled me to continue to live.” Pray for this family that has endured tremendous hardship, as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Praise God Shuying was able to see her husband and pray the Holy Spirit will minister to her during this time. Ask God to protect this family as they continue to stand for Him.

BELARUS – Danes Deported for Praying in Church – Forum 18 News

Two Danish visitors to Belarus were detained by police and are being deported because they were praying at Gomel’s charismatic Living Faith Church, according to Forum 18 News Service. The visitors were greeting people, praying, reading and speaking from the Bible at a worship service when they were arrested because they expressed “ideas of a religious nature.” Erling Laursen, one of the two detained believers, said they were not leading the service, but police took video footage of the two praying. The church’s pastor, Dmitry Podlobko, told Forum 18 that a young man he had never seen before filmed the service with his mobile phone. Pastor Podlobko said that “it’s not news to us that the security organizations are watching. They visit and watch us secretly.” The secret police in Belarus is known to closely monitor all communities. This incident brings the number of foreigners barred from Belarus in recent years for their religious activity to 31. Recently, four Catholic priests and three nuns were expelled and banned at the end of 2008. Pray the Word of God will continue to spread in Belarus despite intense persecution. Ask God to give Christians boldness and hearts filled with forgiveness and love for their persecutors. Ask God to encourage this congregation.

AZERBAIJAN – Pastor Convicted, but Not Imprisoned – Forum 18 News

UPDATE: On Feb. 12 Pastor Shabanov was convicted of “possessing an illegal weapon,” but he will not serve a prison sentence, according to Forum 18 News. Shabanov, who insists that he is innocent of the charges, will have a criminal record unless the conviction is expunged. “I will continue to fight against this sentence and clear my name,” he said. Forum 18 News reported that the head of Azerbaijan’s Baptist Union, Ilya Zenchenko, welcomed the outcome and stressed it was good Pastor Shabanov would not be going to jail. Pastor Shabanov was arrested in 2007 for possession of an illegal weapon. His family has always insisted the gun was planted by police. While VOM rejoices that Pastor Shabanov will not be going to prison, we encourage you to pray for him. Ask God to encourage him and other believers in Azerbaijan who face challenges when they live for Christ. Ask God to give them courage and boldness.