VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 1, 2012

Please take some time to pray over this weeks prayer requests.  Please share these requests with your networks.  Thank you.

Indonesia -- Urine, Rotten Eggs Thrown at Christian Worshippers
Source: Compass Direct News, Jakarta Globe

Matthew 5:39

A mob of 300 Islamic extremists threw bags of urine and ditchwater, rotten eggs, stones and dirt at the Filadelphia Batak Christian Protestant Church (HKBP) as they attempted to hold an Ascension Day worship service on May 17, 2012 in Bekasi. The church dispersed to avoid further attack, but Pastor Palti Panjaitan received a death threat before filing a police complaint. No arrests for the disturbance have been made. Although the Supreme Court overruled a local administration’s decision in 2011 and granted HKBP a building permit, authorities have not yet allowed the church to worship on their property. The Asian Human Rights Commission called on Bekasi district authorities to start enforcing the laws and protecting religious freedom. Pray that the members of the church will act with love despite the circumstances.

Vietnam -- Families Choose Faith Over Everything
Source: VOM Contacts

Ephesians 3:13

Officials in Cao Bang province in northern Vietnam continue in their persecution of Christians. Recently, two Hmong families were forced to move from their village by local officials who demanded they give up their new-found faith or leave. Those who live in Cao Bang are very poor and still practice ancestor worship; those who convert to Christianity are forced to leave the village. Instead of giving up their faith, the two Christian families moved to Thai Nguyen province. Although the land is inadequate for farming, they are happy to be able to freely worship God. Please pray for these families and other Christians from Cao Bang province as they are forced to establish new lives in new places. Also pray that God will soften the hearts of the Cao Bang authorities.

Egypt -- Attacked Christian Men Sentenced to 25 years
Sources: VOM Contacts

Matthew 5:44

Twelve Christians arrested after Muslim extremists attacked their village last month have been sentenced to 25 years in prison while their Muslim attackers were freed. After the homes of 45 families in Abu Korkas village were attacked, leaving their house destroyed and all their property either stolen or destroyed, authorities arrested all the men in the village. Most were eventually freed, but 12 were permanently detained. Police also arrested eight Muslim men in an attempt to remove the impression of bias. However, when the men went to court last week, the judge freed the Muslim men and convicted all 12 Christians to 25 years. Pray for these men and their families and pray this will not drive a wedge between Muslims and Christians in the village.

Nigeria
VOM Project

Pray for Monica, a Christian woman attacked in Maiduguri in 2009. Her neck was nearly severed by a machete blow. This year, VOM will provide further medical care for her, including several surgeries for her neck and throat.