VOM-USA Prayer Update for November 5, 2010
"Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness." - Andrew Murray
"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:18
TURKMENISTAN -- Update: Pastor Faces Prison Term -- Forum 18 News
Pastor Ilmurad Nurliev, who was sentenced to four years in prison on Oct. 21, will likely be sent to the Seydi labor camp, according to Forum 18 News. Pastor Nurliev's sentence includes forced treatment for an alleged drug addiction, and the prison has been accused of using psychotropic (mind-altering) drugs on prisoners. Those close to Pastor Nurliev are very concerned for his health, Forum 18 reported. Christians in Turkmenistan said Pastor Nurliev, a diabetic, looked "very, very pale and thin" at his trial. They said the prosecution's witnesses were not credible and that "it was clear the whole thing was set up." At the trial, Pastor Nurliev was surrounded by secret police, who prevented his wife from approaching him. Please pray that God will grant Pastor Nurliev the strength to endure his imprisonment. Pray that he and his wife will trust in the Lord's promises and rest in his presence. Pray that the truth surrounding Pastor Nurliev's conviction will be made known and that he might be released early.
Romans 8:34-36
SOUTH ASIA -- Missionary Beaten and Jailed -- Gospel for Asia
On Oct. 2, four extremists attacked two missionaries as they showed a movie about Jesus to a group of villagers. Vikranta Rao, a missionary supported by Gospel for Asia, was praying for those watching the film when the attackers arrived. The extremists accused Vikranta of forcing people to convert to Christianity, then beat him and called the police. When the police arrived, they arrested Vikranta instead of his attackers. He spent the night in jail without food or adequate medical attention. Nirav Pillai, a missionary who was operating the projector, managed to escape the brutal beating. Pray that Vikranta will fully recover from his injuries and that he will be strengthened to continue the good works that the Lord has prepared for him. Pray that those who saw the film will be touched by its message, and pray that God will soften the hearts of the attackers and police toward Christians in the region.
2 Corinthians 12:9-11