Iran’s Revolutionary Court recently upheld Pastor Farshid Fathi’s six-year sentence for “political offenses,” forcing him to complete a prison term that began more than 18 months ago. Farshid was arrested in December 2010 for his Christian work, but authorities continue to cast his activities as political offenses. He has become much beloved among inmates in Tehran’s Evin prison, according to Elam Ministries.

China—Police Raid Baptismal Service China Aid Association

Please keep praying and sharing our requests with your praying friends. God bless you, as you do.

Nigeria -- Boko Haram Attacks Church During Worship ServiceSources: Compass Direct News, Punch (Nigerian Newspaper)Romans 15:5-6Suicide bombers attacked the Living Faith Church in Yelwa, Nigeria, on Sunday, June 3, killing at least 13. Eight more deaths were later attributed to soldiers who responded to the blast. The Muslim extremist group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombing, which also damaged the nearby Harvest Field Church. More than 60 people were taken to hospitals for treatment, 38 in critical condition. The suicide bomber detonated his bomb after his vehicle was stopped at a security checkpoint in front of the church compound. In a statement sent to journalists last week, a Boko Haram spokesman promised more violence. The group is responsible for the deaths of at least 181 Christians since December. The pastor of the Living Faith Church, Gauis Biyal, urged Christians not to seek revenge. Pray for peace in Nigeria, and pray that Christians there will be motivated to follow Christ wholeheartedly, at any cost.Indonesia -- Two Evangelists Arrested and Beaten in Banda AcehSources: VOM Contacts1 Peter 2:20-21Two evangelists were arrested and beaten after meeting with a Muslim woman on Indonesia’s Sumatra island. The evangelists, Roy and Ribur, were accused of coercing the woman, from a Muslim majority area, to be baptized. The pair had met with the woman previously and asked her to join their church. They were subsequently invited to her home on Wednesday, May 28, for further discussion. But when the evangelists mentioned Jesus Christ, the woman appeared confused and went outside to talk with her neighbor. She eventually went to the village head to report that there were Christians in the village. Roy and Ribur were then brought before the village head, who confiscated their bags containing gospel tracts, a list of new believers and a water bottle that was believed to be used for baptisms. News of the “forced” baptism quickly spread, and a mob that had gathered outside the village leader’s office began to beat Roy and Ribur. Police intervened and arrested the two evangelists. Pray for Roy and Ribur, and pray that God will soften the hearts of the people in Banda Aceh.Laos -- Officials Seek Evangelists Responsible for Christian ConversionsSources: VOM ContactsActs 4:29Police in Laos are looking for the evangelists who led 55 Hmong people to Christ in two different provinces in May. In one province, 45 people converted to Christianity. “Police are searching for the one who spread the Good News,” wrote a VOM contact. In Luang Prabang province, a Christian evangelist led 10 people to Christ. Provincial officials there know who introduced the families to Christ and have reported the information to authorities. This worker is now being watched. Pray for the protection of this worker as well as the protection of other Hmong evangelists in the region.North KoreaVOM ProjectPray for those involved in the production and broadcast of one-hour radio programs. The programs include hymns and readings from the Bible and VOM books.

This past Friday, David shared some vital prayer requests from Nigeria, Vietnam and Indonesia in a short three and a half minute podcast. Please click here to listen to the show.

Mauritania--Muslims Demand Investigation of ChristiansSource: VOM ContactsPsalm 36:10-12Muslim protesters in Mauritania have called on the government to investigate all Christians in the country, claiming that Christians were involved in the burning of a Quran after Islamic prayers on Friday, April 27. The protesters said other Islamic books were burned on the same day and that many copies of the gospel were distributed, insinuating that Christians had some part in what they consider one of the worst offenses possible. The protesters called on the government to investigate Christians to determine their part in the event and, if found guilty, to punish them. Desecrating a Quran is punishable by life in prison or even death in some Islamic countries. Our VOM contact in Mauritania asks that we pray for Christians there.Pakistan--Families Turn to Christ Through Evangelist’s WitnessSource: VOM ContactsActs 16:30-31A VOM-supported evangelist in Pakistan has requested prayer for several people who have recently shown interest in the gospel. The evangelist, “Sam,” had been praying for his good friend Hadi for many months, but they had never spoken about Christ. A few days ago, Hadi asked for a copy of the New Testament. He has been reading it, and Sam asks that we pray for Hadi’s salvation. Recently, Sam was invited to pray for a girl who has chronic kidney pain. After Sam prayed for her in her home, the pain suddenly left. Her whole family was amazed and asked how this was possible. Sam told them, “Everything is possible in the Lord Jesus Christ.” The whole family decided to become followers of Jesus. Several Sundays ago, Sam preached in a church service. Afterward a man confessed to him that he was feeling suicidal. His family was pressuring him to divorce his wife because they had no children. After talking with Sam and praying with his family, the whole family gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Pray for the two families that have turned to Christ, and pray that Hadi will also come to know him.Nigeria--Worshipers Killed in Three AttacksSources: VOM Contacts, AFP, Release International2 Corinthians 5:18About 30 Christians were killed last week when suspected Islamic extremists attacked three church services in two states. Attackers armed with guns and bombs opened fire on two church services at a Nigerian university on Sunday, April 29. Worshipers reportedly were gunned down as they fled, and at least 26 people were killed. Meanwhile, in Forno state, gunmen attacked and killed Rev. Albert Naga and three church elders during a Communion service at the Church in Christ in Nigeria, in Simari. Although no group has claimed responsibility, the attacks are similar to previous attacks by the Islamist group Boko Haram. Pray for Christians in northern Nigeria. In the last few months, attacks on churches, Christian neighborhoods and villages have been relentless. Pray for a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.PhilippinesVOM ProjectPray for those involved in the production, printing and distribution of Hearts of Fire in the Cebuano language. Pray also that the pastors, leaders and Christians who receive the book will be encouraged to be bold in their faith.