VOM-USA Prayer Update for September 13, 2013

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

Vietnam—Christians Assaulted by Police
Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

James 1:12

On July 31, a group of Christians were assaulted by police in Ho Chi Minh City, where they had gathered for prayer in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Police broke up their prayer meeting and dragged the Christians away to waiting buses. Those who showed any resistance were brutally beaten, and a number of Christians required medical treatment at a hospital following the attack. The Christians had been praying for a resolution to land disputes with the government, which routinely confiscates Christians’ property. Pray for the recovery of the injured Christians, and pray for their continued strength amid persecution.

Philippines—Displaced Christians Wait to Return Home
Source: VOM Sources

1 Peter 1:6–7

VOM is helping hundreds of Christians who were run out of their villages at the end of July by the Muslim Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). The government has provided only 1 or 2 kilograms of rice to the evacuees, not nearly enough to sustain them. VOM has provided 168 Christian evacuee families with food supplies, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, blankets and medicine. The Christians have been unable to return home, as the BIFF remain in their villages, but some of the men still attempt to sneak back into the villages to get food for their families. Please pray that these believers will be able to return to their homes soon and that they will be encouraged together as the body of Christ during this difficult time.

Syria—A Call for Prayer
Source: VOM Sources

Psalm 112:4

Syrian church leaders welcomed and endorsed the Sept. 7 day of prayer and fasting called for by Pope Francis on behalf of Syria. The death toll and number of displaced persons in Syria continue to rise. An estimated 4 million are displaced within the country, and more than 2 million are officially registered as refugees in neighboring countries; an unknown number of refugees have not officially registered. Syrian Christians’ fears for their communities were heightened by clashes on Sept. 4 near the historic Christian village of Maaloula, 40 miles north of Damascus. According to AP news, Syrian activists say that Maaloula is now controlled by al-Qaida linked fighters.

Pakistan—VOM Project

Pray for a project that provides Asia Bibi and her family with continued living expenses and house rent as well as money to hire an attorney. Asia Bibi was arrested on blasphemy charges on June 19, 2009, and has been imprisoned ever since.

Nigeria—VOM Project