VOM-USA Prayer Update for March 25, 2011
Please take some time to pray for these requests today and share them with your friends and family.
MALAYSIA -- Impounded Bibles Released -- VOM Sources, Compass Direct News
Two shipments of Bibles that had been impounded by Malaysian port authorities were finally released in March, according to VOM sources. In January, authorities at Malaysia’s Kuching Port impounded 30,000 copies of the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs in the Malay language. The Bibles were imported by a local branch of Gideons International for distribution in schools, churches and communities. An earlier shipment of 5,100 Bibles was detained in Port Klang in March 2009. Officials said the Bibles could not be distributed because they "contained words which are also found in the Quran." Christians saw the impoundments as a systematic plan to deny Christians in Malaysia access to the Bible in Malay. Hundreds had called for the Bibles to be released, and, thanks to God, all 35,000 have now been released. Under current law, they must be stamped "For Christians Only."Because of the requirement to add the stamp, the receiving organization is refusing to take the books. Praise God for the release of these Bibles and ask for the situation to be resolved soon.
Colossians 3:16
CHINA -- Christian Publisher Doing Well After Release -- China Aid Association
Shi Weihan is back with his wife and two children after three years in prison. He was released Feb. 9, 2011, and is in a stable condition both mentally and physically. Shi Weihan led a house church in Beijing and also published Christian literature. He was arrested on Nov. 28, 2007, as he collected a shipment of Bibles. He was released on Jan. 4, 2008, but was re-arrested on March 9, 2008. More than a year later, he was sentenced to three years in prison and fined 150,000 yuan on a charge of "illegal business operation." Praise God for his release and good health. Continue to pray for him as he re-adjusts to life with his family. Also pray for other imprisoned Chinese Christians, such as Yang Rongli, Alimujiang Yimiti, and Li Ying.
Isaiah 61:1
INDONESIA -- Persecutors Receive Light Sentences -- Compass Direct News
Christians in Indonesia were disappointed this week by the light sentences given to Islamic extremists who injured two church leaders. A court in West Java issued sentences ranging from just five to seven months to those involved in the Sept. 12, 2010, clubbing of Rev. Luspida Simanjuntak and stabbing of elder Hasian Lumbantoruan Sihombing of the Batak Christian Protestant Church. An attorney for the church said the planner of the attack, who is head of a chapter of the Islamic Defenders Front, received a sentence of only five months and 15 days for "disorderly conduct," even though he could have been prosecuted for incitement and joint assault. The man who stabbed a church elder was given a seven-month sentence, and a man who clubbed Pastor Simanjuntak received a six-month sentence. In response to the sentences, Pastor Simanjuntak said, "With heavy hearts, we accept the verdict." Pray that Christians in Indonesia will remain strong in faith even when they aren’t supported by their community.
Psalm 55:22