Prayer Update for October 23, 2009
RUSSIA — Pastors Fined for Worship — Forum 18 News
Recently, two Baptist pastors in Russia’s Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad were fined 2,200 rubles (US $75) after their church members “sang psalms and spoke about Christ” on the street, according to Forum 18 News Service. Kaliningrad police told Forum 18 News that the pastors did not get permission in advance to sing, as required by law. Asked why permission is necessary, a police official replied, “That’s the law in Russia!” Aleksandr Legotin, one of the two Baptist pastors, insisted that the Baptists held a religious service and not a demonstration, so the legal requirement to notify the authorities in advance should not have applied. “We follow the law very carefully,” he told Forum 18 News. “And under the Universal Declaration [of Human Rights], we have the right to freedom of conscience. The law should be … protecting us from such arbitrariness.” At last report, the pastors had not decided whether they would appeal the fine. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to pray for believers in Kaliningrad and other countries in Europe where their freedom to worship freely is coming under attack. Ask God to encourage and protect them.
PHILIPPINES — Elderly Priest Kidnapped in the Philippines
On Oct. 10, Father Michael Sinnott, a 79-year-old priest from Ireland, was abducted by six armed men while he was conducting prayers at his home in the city of Pagadian, near Zamboanga (Mindanao), Philippines, according to VOM Canada. No one has taken responsibility, but the Islamic extremist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front is suspected in the kidnapping. Father Sinnott is known to have health problems, which increases concern about his well-being. According to reports, Filipino military informants spotted the religious leader and his captors on Oct. 12 in Lanao del Sur province, about 70 kilometers from where he was abducted, and again in another location the following day. Father Sinnott has been serving in the Philippines for the past 40 years. Pray that Father Sinnott’s captors will release him unharmed, and pray for his health during this time of trial.
IRAN — UPDATE: Further Charges Brought Against Iranian Prisoners
On Oct. 7, Maryam and Marzieh were unexpectedly taken back to court, where they faced charges of anti-state activity, propagation of Christianity and apostasy. The judge acquitted them of the charge of anti-state activity, and the other charges will be considered by a general court. Continue to pray for Maryam and Marzieh, who remain in prison awaiting their next hearing. Pray for their health, as they have been denied proper medical treatment.
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