VOM-USA Prayer Update for May 17, 2013

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

India—Pastor Beaten During Church Service
Source: VOM Sources

2 Corinthians 4:8–10

A Pastor in Uttar Pradesh state was recently attacked and beaten during his church service, a VOM worker reports. Near the end of the service, a group of Hindu men attacked Pastor “Caleb,” tied him to a tree and beat him. The attackers, who apparently were directed by Hindu leaders in the village, broke Pastor Caleb’s arm during the beating. VOM partners are helping provide medical treatment and urging police to prosecute the attackers. Pastor Caleb’s church has been threatened in the past by high caste families. About five families who have faithfully remained with the church had angered villagers by refusing to offer a gift to a Hindu goddess. A group from the village also became angry when the Christian families refused to help with the wedding of a high caste family’s daughter. Pastor “Caleb” continues his ministry.

Nigeria—Militans Kill 29 Christians
Source: VOM Sources

1 Corinthians 15:54–57

On April 16, 29 Christians were murdered in Maiduguri, Borno state, after refusing to denounce Christ. Unidentified gunmen stood along a roadside and stopped cars, separating Muslims from Christians. The Christians were told that if they would not say the Shahada (Muslim profession of faith) or renounce Christ, they would be killed. On April 19, also in Borno state, Muslim militants destroyed Christians’ property and reportedly killed more Christians. Militants had previously warned Christians in the area to leave or be killed. Please pray for the victims’ families as well as for the Christians who remain in the area.

Iran—Christians’ Appeal Rejected
Sources: VOM Sources and Mohabat News

Matthew 16:18

Four Christians from the Ahwaz Assemblies of God Church have been ordered to begin serving their one-year prison sentences, after the High Court rejected their appeal on May 1. Pastor Farhad Sabokrouh, his wife, Shahnaz, and church members Davoud and Naser, were arrested during a church raid in 2011 and convicted of “converting to Christianity, inviting Muslims to convert, and propagating against the Islamic regime through promoting Evangelical Christianity.” They were sentenced to one year in prison and all of their Christian materials were confiscated, but they had remained free pending their appeal. The AOG church has been closed since the raid. Pray that these believers will know the presence and peace of Jesus during this time, that the body of Christ will continue to grow in Ahwaz and that the High Court’s decision will be miraculously overturned.

Uzbekistan—VOM Project