VOM-USA Prayer Update for January 27, 2012
Thank you for taking time out of your day to pray for this weeks prayer needs. Please share them with your church, friends, Sunday school and bible study.
South Sudan--Gunmen Attack Village
Source: VOM Contacts
Job 5:10-12
He gives rain on the earth, And sends waters on the fields. He sets on high those who are lowly,
And those who mourn are lifted to safety. He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans.
Gunmen shot and killed a number of people in a South Sudan village last week, exposing VOM workers to potential danger. On Jan. 17, a VOM worker reported that gunmen had killed a man named Godana, who had gone to fetch water for his family. "Godana was the watchman at the compound for more than 20 years," the worker said. "I knew him well." The town is small, and residents walk between shops and the market, making them vulnerable to attack. "I'm very concerned about our staff and their families," the worker said. Pray for the safety of our staff in the region and for other Christians during this dangerous period.
India--Hindu Nationalists Attack Prayer Meeting
Sources: Global Council of Indian Christians, Asia News
2 Corinthians 2:8-10
Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
Hindu radicals invaded a pastor's home on Jan. 9, severely beating several of the 20 believers who had gathered at the home near Bangalore for a prayer service. At about 10:30 p.m., a group of Hindu nationalists rushed in with clubs and iron rods and began to beat the Christians. The attackers, who accused the Christians of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity, disappeared after the attack. Pastor Shanthakumar, 39, lost a finger on his left hand during the attack, a young man received a serious injury to his leg, and a woman received head injuries and suffered nerve damage in her right hand. All those admitted to the hospital were released two days later. Police are searching for the attackers, but no arrests have been made. Pray that the faith of these believers will remain strong and that they will be obedient to God. Pray also for Pastor Shanthakumar, who oversees two churches that he founded in the area.
Laos--Christian Leaders Released
Source: Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
Seven Christian leaders who were arrested during a Christmas service nearly one month ago in Boukham village, Laos, were unconditionally released on Jan. 12. The village chief ordered authorities to raid the service on Dec. 16, 2011, and the seven leaders were held without charge until Dec. 30. Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the Lao constitution, so authorities were unable to charge the pastors with violating a religion law. Instead, the leaders were eventually charged with violating the village's customs and beliefs known as hiit, and they were fined the equivalent of $1,425, about 35 times the average monthly wage. International organizations pressured authorities to release the Christians, and they received their unconditional release three days after their families filed complaints against Boukham village authorities. Praise God for the release of these Christian leaders, and pray for them as they return to their families and churches.