John 10:28

An Egyptian Christian and three other foreign nationals were arrested on Feb. 10 in Benghazi for bringing Christian materials into Libya illegally. A Libyan official told BBC News that the four were under investigation for printing and distributing several thousand pieces of Christian literature and for proselytizing. The Egyptian Christian, Sherif Ramses, operated a bookstore in Libya and lived there for many years. When he was arrested, he reportedly had 45,000 Bibles in storage. The three foreign nationals arrested with him are South African, Korean and Swedish-American. A VOM contact reported that Ramses is being subjected to torture, including beatings and being hung from a ceiling. Pray for the release of Ramses and the others.

Colossians 3:16

Three tribal pastors in central Vietnam are using motorcycles provided by VOM last year to open new churches and minister to existing ones. “We have transportation difficulties when we go on mission because the area is too large,” one pastor said. “The places where we want to come are over 50 km [30 miles] in distance. But in the love of God and his command, although we cross rivers, through the mountains, over the hills, despite obstacles and difficulties, these little feet are still not yet worn. We look for the lost sheep then bring them back to the Father.” This pastor serves more than 500 believers among the Ede tribe in the Vietnamese highlands. “You have given wings to us, so that we can go farther,” he said. Thank God for his provision.

Joshua 1:9

Eight members of a Church of the Brethren (EYN) congregation outside Mubi, in northeastern Nigeria, were killed by suspected Boko Haram extremists in attacks last month. The EYN church was targeted on Feb. 1 and Feb. 4 in attacks that killed a total of 15 people in the area. The attackers burned the church building and pastor’s office as well as some Christian-owned homes nearby. On Feb. 2, extremists burned an EYN church in Huwim, in Mussa district, and on Feb. 3 they burned an EYN church in Bita, in Gavva West district. Many Christians are too fearful of attacks to attend church services. “In the town of Mubi, Christians are even afraid of going to the market to buy food and other sundry items they need to survive,” EYN District Secretary Rev. Daniel Yumuna said. Last year, Boko Haram killed 46 Christian students at the Federal Polytechnic in Mubi, going door to door and demanding that the students recant their faith. Continue to lift up Nigerian Christians in prayer.