Prayer Update for August 21, 2009
BANGLADESH – Pastor Tortured by Police – VOM Contacts
On June 7, police raided an evangelism meeting, arrested and tortured a pastor and two others in Boalia, Bangladesh, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Pastor Habibur Rahman, of Boalia Spiritual Church was leading the meeting when suddenly the police came in and took them to the police station. That night the police blindfolded them and beat them up. During the beatings, police asked who was supporting them financially, and how long they had been evangelizing and how many people they had converted. At some point during the torture, police burned one of the believer’s hands and lips with a cigarette. VOM contacts reported that Pastor Rahman and the other two tortured believers have recovered from their injuries. They believe the attack occurred at the urging of local Muslims who are unhappy with believers’ evangelism efforts in the community. VOM has provided assistance to Pastor Rahman and the other believers in Boalia. VOM actively supports persecuted believers in Bangladesh by providing discipleship training materials, bicycles for evangelists, and emergency relief for persecuted believers. Pray for Pastor Rahman and the believers in this area as they continue serving Christ in the midst of persecution. Ask God to encourage and give them boldness.
NIGERIA – Pastors Beheaded in Borno State – VOM Canada
On July 26, 12 Christians were killed, including three pastors, in northern Nigeria after members of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram launched attacks on police and government bases. The violence which began in Bauchi state, spread to Borno, Kano and Yobe states. Churches were set ablaze and several people were abducted, including Christians. Many believers were threatened with death if they refused to convert to Islam. According to media reports, three pastors – Pastors Sabo Yukubu, Sylvester Akpan and Pastor George Orji – were brutally beheaded by assailants who were reportedly acting on the instruction of the extremist group’s leader, Mohammed Yusuf, who was later killed by authorities. The militants attempted to force the pastors to convert to Islam, but they refused to abandon their faith. They were then beheaded by guards who shouted “Allah Akbar” and fired several gunshots into the air in celebration. Pray that God will comfort the families of those killed in these attacks. Pray that the peace of Christ will rule the hearts and minds of Nigerian Christians in the face of ongoing threats and danger.
VIETNAM – Christians attacked and beaten by authorities – VOM Contacts
On Aug. 9, a service was raided and those in attendance were beaten by a mob of Vietnamese authorities. Initially authorities thought they could dismiss the meeting, but when they realized they could not, they started assaulting Christians causing minor injuries. Praise God there were no serious injuries. Ask God to protect and encourage persecuted believers in Vietnam. Praise God for His faithfulness.
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