VOM-USA Prayer Update for May 3, 2013

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

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East Africa—Pastor Murdered in Tanzania
Source: VOM Sources

Isaiah 57:1–2

Persecution of Christians by Muslim extremists continues to increase in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Pastor Mathayo Kachili was killed in Buseresere, Tanzania, recently by radical Muslims who attacked him with machetes. Pastor Mathayo was a husband and father of 12 children. VOM workers met with his wife, Generosa, to encourage and comfort her, and also helped provide some of her needs, including shelter, food, clothing and seed money to start a small business. Christianity is still the majority religion in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, and church growth has been remarkable in the last 20 years. But Islamists in the north have been pouring resources into East Africa to radicalize the Muslim population and drive out Christians.

Southeast Asia—New Believer Persecuted for Holding Christian Fellowship
Source: VOM Sources

1 Corinthians 7:23–24

Brother “Keon” and his wife have suffered intense persecution since opening their home to other Christians last Christmas, a VOM worker reports. The family accepted Jesus Christ after their son was miraculously healed from an illness. But after converting to Christianity, Brother Keon was forbidden to associate with anyone in the village. The village leaders were angry because Brother Keon received Christians into his home without asking their permission, which they would have denied. Brother Keon is now concerned about his family’s safety and his own safety, as other believers have been kidnapped or have disappeared. Brother Keon and his family are standing firm in the Lord despite the dangers and remain in their village, where they feel called to minister.

Syria—International Day of Prayer and Fasting for Syrian Church
Source: VOM Sources

2 Chronicles 7:1

As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, an estimated 7 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance. Syrian Christians suffer not only from the humanitarian and political crisis but also from anti-Christian persecution in a country that is 90 percent Muslim. VOM workers and others have been notified of an International Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Syrian Church to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013. Syrian churches from all denominations will be unified in seeking God for mercy on their country. They are asking Christians worldwide to join them by praying for divine protection of the Church in Syria.

Laos—VOM Project