VOM-USA Prayer Update for November 2, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Indonesia—Church Ordered to Move
Source: Church Ordered to Move

Psalm 22:27

The Taman Yasmin Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) in Bogor, West Java, was recently ordered to relocate to a neighborhood three miles from its current location. The church, which was forced to meet outdoors for years because of Islamic pressure, believes it would face strong opposition at the new site and has firmly rejected the order. It has instead called on officials to respect a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the church’s building permit. Under pressure from local Muslims, authorities have closed nine “illegal” churches in Banda Aceh. Two weeks ago, the churches’ leaders were forced to sign statements agreeing to close their church buildings. Authorities have warned that they will continue to monitor these congregations to ensure that church activities are not resumed. Please pray for GKI and other churches in Indonesia as they struggle to worship God amid severe persecution.

Iran—Church Leaders Sentenced to Prison
Sources: Mohabat News

Luke 22:33

On Oct. 15, an Assemblies of God pastor in Ahwaz, Iran, and three of the church’s ministers were each sentenced to one year in prison after being convicted of “converting to Christianity, inviting Muslims to convert, as well as propagating against the Islamic regime through promoting Evangelic Christianity.” Pastor Farhad Sabokrouh; his wife, Shahnaz Jeizan; Naser Zamen Dezfuli; and Davoud Alijani received the maximum penalty for the charges, and they may appeal the ruling. Pray that God will give peace and strength to these pastors as well as other imprisoned Christians still awaiting trial.

Tanzania—Christian Guards Protect Imprisoned Teen
Source: VOM Contacts

Numbers 6:25

A Tanzanian teenager charged with desecrating a Quran has been blessed with the protection of two Christian prison guards. A VOM contact who visited 17-year-old Eva Abdullah this month said the female Christian guards promised to care for Eva and help keep her safe. Eva converted from Islam to Christianity three years ago and was subsequently disowned by her family. When a group of radicals couldn’t persuade her to deny her faith in Christ, they falsely accused her of desecrating a Quran. Although many Christian leaders were afraid to defend her, compassionate attorneys have taken her case. Pray for the continued protection of Eva and her Christian guards. Praise God for these two guards, who are a comfort to Eva as she awaits trial, and pray that Eva will continue to shine the light of Christ.

Colombia—VOM Project