VOM-USA Prayer Update for October 28, 2011
Algeria--Authorities Order Church Closed
VOM Contacts
Exodus 34:9
On Oct. 17, Algerian authorities ordered the closure of a church in the country's second largest city because the church did not have a registration certificate, according to a VOM worker in the region. The 90-member House of Hope church in Oran runs several ministries in the Ain-Turck neighborhood, including a Bible school, a media studio, a safe house and a network of evangelists. When church representatives visited the state office to inquire about necessary documentation, no one could tell them what was required for church registration. After further inquiries, the minister of the interior told church representatives that he did not know who ordered the church to close. "It looks like an attempt from the authorities to test the church's reaction," said a VOM worker. "In Algeria, nothing is guaranteed, so we trust our Lord and move boldly." House of Hope is continuing its services. Pray for favor from the authorities as well as wisdom and perseverance for the church's leaders.
Pakistan--Asia Bibi Reportedly Beaten
VOM Contacts, Compass Direct News
Psalm 6:8-10
A Pakistani newspaper has reported that Asia Bibi was beaten by a prison guard earlier this month. The guard was reportedly suspended for three months, and a source told Compass Direct News that jail authorities pressured Asia and Ashiq to refrain from reporting the incident. Ashiq told VOM workers that jail management has been good to Asia. He reported that Asia said, "I am not horrified by this incident. God is with me; I have a Bible in my cell. I feel strong and protected." Asia, who received a death sentence last year after being convicted of blasphemy, has been kept in a high-security cell in Sheikhupura jail because of death threats against her. Continue to pray for Asia's safety, and pray for VOM staff and friends as they travel to Washington, D.C., in a few weeks to present a petition appealing for mercy in Asia's case.
Nigeria--Boko Haram Kill Second Christian Leader in Three Months
Compass Direct News
Psalm 146:9
A second Nigerian evangelist has been murdered by members of the Islamist group Boko Haram less than three months after the group killed a Maiduguri pastor and church secretary. Mark Ojunta, a 36-year-old evangelist from southern Nigeria, was working with Calvary Ministries (CAPRO) among the Kotoko people in northeastern Nigeria when he was shot on Aug. 27 in Maiduguri. CAPRO had evacuated all staff members working among the Shuwa Arab, Kotoko and Kanuri peoples after learning that they were on a Boko Haram hit list. But Ojunta had returned to teach a class after his family was evacuated. A CAPRO press statement stated that he died "as a martyr on his field among the Kotokos." Four days before his death, Ojunta reportedly declined an invitation to take a position at CAPRO's International office in London. He leaves behind his wife, Ema, and two young children. Pray for his family, CAPRO staff and all Christians in Nigeria.
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The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is on November 13, 2011. Will you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ? Visit http://www.persecution.com/idop to learn more.