VOM-USA Prayer Update for October 18, 2013

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

Kenya—Church Bombed in Mombasa
Source: The Christian Pain

1 Peter 4:13–14

Muslims protesting the murder of an imam burned a Salvation Army church on Oct. 11 in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa. The main road leading to the church was closed for hours, and police had to use tear gas to disperse the protest. A spokesperson from the security forces said the imam, Sheikh Omar, was shot while preaching in a mosque linked to al-Shabab, who took responsibility for killing 67 people in the Sept. 21 attack at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi. The Kenyan government has announced that it will launch a war against extremists due to the attack on the Westgate Mall. However, Robert Kitor, a security leader, said security forces were not involved in the killing of Sheikh Omar.

Kazakhstan—Pastor Under House Arrest Pending Trial
Source: Forum 18 News

Hebrews 10:24–25

Pastor Bakhytzhan Kashkumbaev, who has been imprisoned for nearly five months in Astana, has been placed under house arrest for the remainder of his pre-trial detention, according to a court decision. The 66-year-old pastor has not seen his wife, Alfiya, or other family members since his May 17 arrest. While under house arrest, Kashkumbaev is “banned from associating with anyone apart from close relatives living with him, receiving and sending letters, holding conversations with the use of any communication devices, and only able to leave his home for medical appointments,” according to Forum 18 News. Pastor Kashkumbaev was arrested on charges of “causing considerable harm to the psychological health” of a church member and was accused of using “stupefying substances” on church members, a reference to the red tea used as a non-alcoholic Communion wine. A church member insisted that Pastor Kashkumbaev “is totally innocent and has not harmed my health at all.” The pre-trial detention is scheduled to last until Nov. 17.

Pakistan—Violence Continues After Church Bombing
Source: World Watch Monitor, VOM Sources

Psalm 18:6, 16–19

Anti-Christian violence continues in Pakistan following a Sept. 22 bombing that killed more than 80 people at the All Saints Anglican Church in Peshawar. Protests by Christians upset about the lack of government protection have reportedly prompted additional attacks from Islamist groups. And in Karachi, about 300 Christians fled their homes in the Michael Town area, where 17 homes were set on fire and dozens of others ransacked and looted. Hundreds of families from Michael Town are now homeless, staying with relatives or in churches. Continue to pray for Pakistani believers and for peace in the country.

Colombia—VOM Project