Persecution Podcast Episode 42

This week David talks about Pakistan, China, and Turkmenistan. The special speaker discusses persecution in Nepal.

Nations discussed for prayer:

Pakistan

Asia Bibi and her attorney attended their scheduled hearing on Oct. 20, but the judge rescheduled the hearing for this Friday, Oct. 29, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Asia has been detained since June 2009, when she was charged with blasphemy. Continue to pray for Asia and her family, and pray that the charges against her will be dropped. Praise God for Asia’s faithfulness.

China

On Oct. 20, police detained Dr. Fan Yafeng, a prominent Christian lawyer and leader of the Chinese Christian Legal Defense Association, according to China Aid Association. A group of police reportedly entered Dr. Fan’s home last Wednesday and prevented him from leaving. When they blocked his exit, Dr. Fan struggled through the doorway. Police then shoved him and assaulted him, causing him to sprain his ankle. Police immediately took Dr. Fan to Shuangyushu Police Station in Beijing, and at last report he is still being held there. Authorities have provided little information about Dr. Fan, and his wife is very concerned as she struggles to negotiate with authorities. Pray that Dr. Fan will be released and that God will heal his injuries. Also pray that Dr. Fan’s testimony will draw his persecutors into fellowship with Christ.

Turkmenistan

On Oct. 21, Pastor Ilmurad Nurliev was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of large-scale swindling, according to Forum 18 News Service. Pastor Nurliev, who leads the Light to the World Pentecostal church in Mary, Turkmenistan, was arrested two months ago after being accused of swindling money from several people in his congregation. Pastor Nurliev’s wife and many church members have insisted that the charges were fabricated to punish the pastor for his work with the unregistered church. The court also ruled that Nurliev be treated for a drug addiction while in prison. Believers vigorously deny that Pastor Nurliev is a drug addict in need of treatment but stress that he is diabetic. Pastor Nurliev’s wife and congregation are very concerned about his health. Pray that God will protect him and that he will receive proper treatment for his diabetes. Also pray that Pastor Nurliev’s family and church members will be strengthened during this time, and pray that his sentence might be reduced.

The special speaker for Episode 42 is Cliff, who shares his testimonies of Christians who faces persecution in Nepal.

Click here for the PodCast.