VOM-USA Prayer Update for October 8, 2010

Thank you all for joining us again in prayer this week.  The prayers of the righteous accomplish much!

NORTH KOREA -- Pray for Believers

Please pray for believers in North Korea during this time of political transition. On Sept. 30, Kim Jong Un, the youngest son of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il, was named Vice Chairman of the Worker’s Party Central Military Commission. Kim Jong Un is expected to succeed his ailing father as the country’s leader. Pray for believers in North Korea as they continue living for Christ under North Korea’s communist rule. Ask God to protect and encourage them during these political changes.

Psalm 91:1–6

CHINA -- Prayer Rooms Destroyed, Believers Detained -- China Aid Association

On Sept. 21, nearly 200 police officers demolished a prayer room at Taishan Christian Church in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, citing a “building code violation,” according to China Aid Association. After the demolition, dozens of church members held a church service and police officers tried to disperse them. A member of the church said a line of police prevented them from removing their belongings from the prayer room. This is the second such incident in less than a month. Authorities had previously raided the church on Aug. 30. “The last time they came here, they tore down six of the eight rooms,” the church’s pastor said. “About 200 people came again and surrounded the entire place. Then, they totally leveled the buildings, stating that the structures violated the building code.” On Sept. 22, following the most recent demolition, police raided the Chen Pengyi Church in Wancheng district, Henan province, where several believers were gathered for a Bible study and training session. Police detained an American pastor and a Russian pastor as well as more than 30 attendees. One believer’s car was also confiscated. Pray that God will continue to give these believers a steadfast spirit of courage and faithfulness amid these challenges. Pray that their witness will help awaken their oppressors to the saving knowledge of Christ, and pray that those detained will be released.