Every once in a while something comes along that I wish I had thought of. Today I came across Abraham Piper’s blog 22 Words. What a great concept. I just wish I had thought of it. I may still have to try it (although with something other than 22 words). Check it out.
ASSAM, INDIA
Dear Friend in Christ,
We are asking you to pray fervently for Gospel for Asia missionary Haresh Kujur, who was kidnapped by anti-Christian extremists Saturday evening. The extremists took the pastor from the GFA-related church in Assam, India, where he serves as pastor.
Haresh was leading a youth meeting when the kidnapping occurred. We have few details about the kidnapping, and are unsure where the militants have taken him.
Please pray for this missionary and his family. Also pray for the kidnappers, that they would come to know the Lord.
Yours for the unreached,
K.P. Yohannan Founder & President
CHINA 21 House Church Leaders Simultaneously Sentenced to Labor Camp - China Aid Association
China Aid Association (CAA) reports 21 senior house church leaders were recently simultaneously sentenced to a labor camp by the Linyi City Re-education Through Labor Commission. According to CAA, “The leaders were detained on December 7, 2007 when they gathered for leadership training with 249 other leaders in Hedong district, Linyi city, Shandong province. After paying fines and finishing detention ranging from a few days to a few weeks, 249 leaders were released. The 21 most senior leaders were sentenced to three years to one year and three months.” The Public Security Bureau has accused and labeled the house church leaders as “evil cult” members. Of the 21 leaders sent to the labor camp, 12 are men and four are women. Pray for these believers and their families during this difficult time. Ask God to protect and encourage them. Pray they will be a good witness of Christ’s love to other prisoners and their captors.
Psalm 27:1
SRI LANKA Pastor Killed, Wife in Seriously Injured in Attack - National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka
On February 17, Pastor Neil Edirisinghe, of the House Church Foundation, was gunned down by two assailants outside his home in Ampara, Sri Lanka. According to a report by the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), “Pastor Edirisinghe was engaged in the Lord’s ministry in Ampara for many years. The attackers also shot his wife in the stomach. At last report, she was in the hospital in critical condition. Their two-year-old son who received a minor injury in the attack is also suffering from trauma.” NCEASL added the motive for the attacks was believed to be in response to Pastor Edirisinghe’s ministry. The Voice of the Martyrs is assisting the family during this difficult time. Pray for peace and comfort for Pastor Edirisinghe’s family. Pray for a speedy recovery for his wife and child and for them to rely on the great Comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 107:2
GAZA YMCA Library Bombed - VOM Sources
On February 16, unidentified assailants bombed the library of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) compound in the Shajaiyeh neighborhood of Gaza city. According to VOM sources, shortly after midnight, at least 12 gunmen entered the YMCA compound and kidnapped two guards at gunpoint after asking them why they worked for “infidels.” The men stormed the building and detonated two homemade explosive devices inside the library. All 8,000 books in the library were destroyed and the floor, walls and ceiling were damaged. The attackers stole computers and other equipment from other YMCA offices. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. . However, sources in Gaza reportedly believe that the perpetrators were Muslim militants acting in response to the reproduction of cartoons “ridiculing” Muhammad in a number of Danish newspapers last week. Praise God no one was injured in this attack. Ask God to protect and give wisdom to believers in Gaza. Pray the attackers will come into contact with the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
Joshua 1:9
ETHIOPIA Christian Couple Beaten and Chased From Mosque - VOM Sources
On February 10, Muslin Christian converts, Jemmal Abdo and his wife, were beaten and chased out from a mosque where they both worked in the capital city of Addis Ababa. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, “Jemmal and his wife accepted Christ two months ago. Soon after their conversion Jemmal’s friend saw him talking with Christians and told the imam of the mosque. Jemmal and his wife were interrogated in the mosque during a meeting called by Muslim leaders in an attempt to persuade the couple to recant their faith. The couple refused to do so, even after the leaders offered them higher positions and salaries if they denied Christ. The couple was beaten and dragged out of the mosque.” Jemmal and his wife were able to flee to a new location for safety. Pray for the speedy recovery for Jemmal and his wife, who were injured in the attack. Ask God to strengthen them and provide for them as they stand strong in their new found faith in Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 54:17
AFGHANISTAN & ALGERIA Islamic Scholars Call for Crackdown on Christians – VOM Sources
Christians came under fire in Algeria and Afghanistan in recent weeks by Islamic scholars who have called for government crackdowns on Christian activity in the two countries. In Afghanistan, members of the Afghanistan Islamic Council warned President Karzai not to allow foreign missions into the country, especially to the impoverished areas. The council claimed that missionaries in Kabul and in the provinces were forcibly converting Muslims, enticing them by giving them Bibles and promising to send them abroad. The Islamic scholars warned of serious consequence if the government did not stop Christians from preaching and evangelizing. In Algeria, the head of the Algerian Associations of Muslim Scholars, Sheik Abdul Al-Shayban, called on all officials to counter Christian missionary campaigns, claiming they had “reached the point of aggressions against Algerians.” Ask God to stop the attempts of those who seek to hinder His work in Afghanistan and Algeria. Pray that His servants in these countries will be emboldened to carry on their service to Christ wherever Gods leads them.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:31
INDIA UPDATE: Christians Believe Orissa Attacks Premeditated – VOM Sources
Christians in India believe the deadly attacks by Hindu extremists against Christians during the Christmas season were premeditated. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in India, “It is beyond doubt that the violence was premeditated, pre-planned and the work of a well-disciplined group to ensure simultaneous eruption of violence across the Kandhamal district within hours of the first incident and to sustain it for five days despite the presence of the highest police officers in the region.” Pray for Christians in Orissa state and India as a whole. Thank God for their faithfulness, and ask Him to protect them and provide for their needs.
Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 27:1
CHINA Christian Businessman Released from Prison – China Aid Association
On January 4, Christian bookstore owner Shi Weihan was released from prison in China along with two dozen others. According to China Aid Association (CAA), the Chinese government decided against a formal trial for Weihan and dropped all criminal charges against him and the others. CAA reported, “Eye witnesses said, ‘Weihan was in good spirits and in a relatively stable physical condition when he was released from prison.’” Weihan and two dozen other individuals had been in prison since November under charges of illegal printing and distribution of Christian literature. Weihan is one of many Christians who have been imprisoned in China because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for believers in China as they faithfully serve the Lord in the midst of great persecution.
Psalm 91, Romans 8:11
IRAQ Churches and Convents Bombed – VOM Sources/Media Reports
On January 6, four churches and three convents were damaged in coordinated bombings. According to numerous media reports, the blasts occurred within five minutes of each other and involved mortar shells, explosive devices and car bombs. In Baghdad, the St. George Chaldean Church in Ghadir quarter, a Chaldean convent in the Zaafaraniya quarter and a Greek-Melkite parish were attacked. In Mosul, the St. Paul Chaldean Church and the House of the Holy Spirit, a Chaldean convent, were simultaneously bombed. A Dominican convent in Mosul was also attacked and an Ancient Assyrian Church in the al-Nur district was damaged when a parked car blew up outside the building. At least six people were injured, one of them seriously, in the explosions. Pray for Iraqi Christians as they deal with the effects of this attack. Pray for healing for those injured. Ask God to enable Iraqi Christians to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer as they suffer for Him.
Romans 12:12, Psalm 91
A few weeks ago I requested a review copy of Sovereign Grace Music’s Christmas CD Savior. They were kind enough to send one out to this lowly blogger who barely even registers on the blogosphere radar. I have to say that I am a great fan of all of their music and do not hesitate to recommend any of their CDs for those who love modern worship music with some meat and who don’t mind a little updating to some of their favorite hymns.
It was with much anticipation that I first listened to Savior, and I was not disappointed. This is a solid effort from beginning to end. Professionally written and performed and, even more importantly, filled with God-honoring music. One of the things that I really love about this CD is that it is Christmas music that you can listen to year-round.
“Hope Has Come” is one of the highlights of the CD with its chorus.
Alleluia, Hope has come
Alleluia, Christ has come
We once were slaves to misery
Till You appeared and set us free
Alleluia, Hope has come.
“Wonderful Counselor” recounts the promise of Isaiah 9:6.
And His name shall be Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God, Prince of Peace
His name shall be Wonderful Counselor Mighty God, Prince of Peace
Savior of the World
The CD closes out with a lullaby that serves to remind us in the same breath of Jesus’ divine and human natures.
Sleep, Jesus, sleep
We’ve come to see
You who never closed Your eyes
Watching over earth and skies
Now in frail humanity
Must sleep
If you are a fan of God-honoring music and want a Christmas CD that you can listen to all year-round, pick this one up. As I said, another solid offering from Sovereign Grace Music and one that will inspire you and remind you exactly what Christmas (and every day) is all about.
Complete track listing:
1. Christ the Lord is Born Today
2. Hope Has Come
3. Emmanuel, Emmanuel
4. How Sweet the Day
5. Salvation is Born
6. Glory Be to God
7. Rejoice
8. We Will Seek You
9. Glory to God in the Highest
10. Wonderful Counselor
11. The Son of God Came Down
12. Sleep, Jesus, Sleep
Listen to samples of all the tracks and buy it here.
Just some random stuff I came across:
From the director responsible for Fast Food Nation comes a touching tale of saving Christmas. Saving it from what? Why, greedy corporations, of course. Check out What Would Jesus Buy? Based on the real life story of Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping.
What’s better than the Bible? Why, the Bible rewritten in LOLCat, of course. I have been trying to think of how to describe ever since I came across the news of this “project.” Blasphemous is the first thing that comes to mind, followed quickly by disturbing and very sad. I first heard about it from a post on A Little Leaven. Check out the post and comments for some good insights. (For those of you not familiar with the LOLCat “phenomenon”, count yourselves lucky. For the insatiably curious, spend a minute or two here for the lowdown.)
On a related note, Tim Challies has a review of The Death of the Grown-up. This sounds like a really good book that I will put on my (long, long) list of books to be read. It is incredible how much adolescence has been put up on a pedestal and adulthood is shunned.
Two Missionaries Attacked in Haryana, India
Privilege to Suffer
TURKMENISTAN Pastor Released from Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News
On November 9, Baptist Pastor Vyacheslav Kalataevsky was released after eight months in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, Kalataevsky and his family are thankful for the prayers and support of believers around the world. Forum 18 News reports government officials have warned Pastor Kalataevsky not to meet for worship with fellow believers. Pastor Kalataevsky told Forum 18, “Officials summoned me for what they said was a conversation, but at the end presented me with a pre-written statement saying that I agreed not to meet with my fellow believers. All it lacked was my signature, but I refused to sign it, both on my behalf and on behalf of my wife.” The Forum 18 report added, “Although Kalataevsky’s congregation does not oppose state registration in principle. Officials kept telling him that his congregation does not have enough adult citizen members to apply for registration. They added that unregistered religious activity, including people meeting together for worship in homes, is banned.” Praise God for Pastor Kalatatevsky’s release from prison. Ask God to protect his family and congregation as they face scrutiny and pressure from the government.
Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 54:17
AZERBAIJAN Imprisoned Pastor Required to Pay for Necessities in Prison - VOM Sources / Forum 18 News
Pastor Zaur Balaev’s friends and family are said to be “shocked” by the financial demands he is facing in prison. According to VOM sources, Pastor Balaev is required to pay for hot water to wash or do laundry and cook his food. His family is allowed to visit him only after paying “a considerable amount.” Zaur’s wife was allowed to stay with him for three days for his birthday, but as she was leaving the prison, she said, “I am shocked by the conditions and the sum spent, because I was forced to pay for everything.” According to Forum 18 News, officials deny payment was demanded. “The state pays for everything, including food,” said Mehman Sadykov, spokesperson for the Justice Ministry. “Such reports don’t correspond with reality.” Pray for strength for Balaev and his family during this time. Pray their appeal will be successful. Pray that Balaev will be a testimony to other prisoners, demonstrating the love and power of Christ.
Philippians 4:19; 3 John 2
INDIA Christians Attacked, Church Building Destroyed - VOM Sources
KARNATAKA - On November 18, Pastor Siddarama Gokhavi (60) and six other Christians were beaten by Bajrang Dal activists who attacked them as they were worshiping in Ananda Nagara, Karnataka. The attackers vandalized the building, burned Bibles and chanted slogans against Christians. The militants included a senior police officer. Pastor Gokhavi and his wife, Rekha, were injured in the attack, along with five others. The attackers accused the Christians of coercing Hindus into becoming Christians. Praise God there were no serious injuries in the attack. Pray those responsible for the attack will come to recognize the love and grace of God and turn to Him in faith. Pray for the continued ministry of this house church.
Psalm 91, Romans 8:11
CHHATTISGARH STATE - On November 19, Hindu militants attacked a church, tied up and beat the pastor unconsciousness, and burned down a recently constructed church building in Manduwa in Chhattisgarh State, India. There are no reports on the present condition of Pastor Sudharu. The Hindus accused the church of being involved in the conversion of tribal people in the region. According to reports, missionaries in this remote area face regular threats from Hindu militants. Pray for the continued witness of this church. Pray for healing for Pastor Sudharu as he recuperates from the assault.
Psalm 23, Psalm 107:20
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 [ESV])
Recently we began celebrating family worship in our home. Previously we had a pretty simple devotional time after breakfast where I read a passage from the Bible and then our oldest son would read from his Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes before we went on about our days, never to really discuss it or think about it again. Lately, though, I had begun to feel that something was missing. That was when I was reminded of something I had written about Psalm 119:11 and I knew what we needed to do.
The two hardest things about family worship are getting started and getting started. On the one hand I had a desire to lead my family in studying God’s Word and helping us all to store it up in our hearts, but it is difficult with busy and erratic schedules to know when to do it. Combine that with the fact that there is very little precedent for actually leading it or knowing how to lead it and you have a recipe for never getting going. I knew that it was something that needed to be done so I set a date when we would get started and then began my hunt for resources that would help me know exactly what I should do in leading this time. I did a bit of research and found a book called, aptly enough, The Family Worship Book. After taking a look and reading some reviews I decided to order it, and am I glad that I did. This book is a great resource for anyone wishing to start family worship or for anyone who is already leading but feels that there could be more to it. The book gives a good introduction to the what and why of family worship (which I, frankly, skimmed since I didn’t need any convincing). The author then dives into the meat of the book; how to lead and what this time should consist of. The book includes several hymns and selections from the psalter (sans music, although it does give suggested tunes for all the songs). There are also several other resources including creeds and confession, suggested Bible reading timelines, the Westminster Shorter and Larger Catechisms, articles on prayer and many other great resources for leading worship. I have found this book to be truly indispensable as we have begun this endeavor.
Having found the perfect book for me to lead, I then turned my attention to finding some resources that would speak to our boys at the level they are at (currently 5 years old and 18 months old). I discovered two great books that I would recommend every parent have. For the 18 month old I picked up The Big Picture Story Bible. This Bible has big, bright pictures that appeal to him and a great narrative that flows from Genesis to Revelation, clearly showing the consistency and interconnectedness of the entire Bible. Currently he mostly likes to look at the pictures (especially the donkeys), but I know that he will grow into it and it is good for our 5 year old to hear. I am sure we will continue to use this book for years to come.
The other book that I found was The Jesus Storybook Bible. This book is great for kids and adults alike as it focuses on the fact that the whole Bible is about Jesus and the author makes sure to point this out at every opportunity. I cannot stress how important this fact is as there are many adult Christians who have no clue that this is the case (I was one until not too terribly long ago). I could write all day on the subject — and someday I will. Suffice to say that this Bible will be well read and used for many years to come as well.
Imagine my surprise and delight to come across this article today. All I can say is that Al Mohler has great taste in books 
.
Family worship is not something that is easy to start or continue doing. There are not a lot of resources available (although it does seem that there are more available all the time), and there never seems to be enough time in the day. But don’t let excuses get in the way of spending this very important time with your family. In the short time that we have been doing this I have seen changes in myself and the rest of my family that I know are God at work in us.
Just do it, you will be glad that you did.
Tense Situation for Orissa Missionaries
ISRAEL Church Set on Fire - Compass Direct News
On October 23, suspected arsonists set fire to the Narkis Street Baptist Church, in Western Jerusalem. According to Compass Direct News, the arsonists forcibly entered the building through a side door and set three fires in the sanctuary. The fire damaged 60 chairs and also caused smoke and water damage in the building. Compass News reported that although the police had not yet determined those responsible for the attack, it was suspected they were Jewish militants. According to Pastor Victor Blum, the leader of a Russian Messianic Jewish congregation that meets in the building, an anti-missionary organization named “Yad L’Achim” has threatened him and his congregation over the past few years. The group opposes the church’s local evangelistic work and claims that the believers are members of a “dangerous sect.” Pray God gives these believers boldness to stand against this attack. Pray the testimony of Christians in Israel will draw the attackers and other nonbelievers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7
INDIA Five Nuns Beaten; Militants Attack Church Service - VOM Sources
MADHYA PRADESH - On October 25, five nuns were beaten by 20 Hindu militants in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The militants surrounded the house of a local believer, where the nuns were attending a prayer meeting, and accused the nuns of forcibly converting local Hindus to Christianity. When the meeting was over, the militants attacked and beat them until the police arrived and took the nuns to safety. All five nuns were injured, and one is in serious condition due to head injuries she sustained in the attack. Pray God encourages them as they heal from their injuries.
Psalm 107:20
MAHARASHTRA - On October 23, Pastor Victor Periera and a group of local villagers were beaten by Hindu militants. The militants were angered because the pastor had organized prayer meetings attended by Hindu tribes in the Thane district of Maharashtra state. Pastor Periera was conducting a prayer service at a local church when the attackers stormed the building. The attackers shouted curses at Christianity and beat the pastor and several believers. The pastor’s rib was broken in the attack. Pray for Pastor Periera’s healing. Ask God to give believers in India boldness to share Christ with nonbelievers, despite persecution.
Psalm 91:16
COLOMBIA Evangelical Pastor Killed - Associated Press
Pastor Diego Armando Bejarano, 27, was killed recently in the region west of Bogotá. Witnesses say hooded men took Bejarano by force and stabbed him. The motives for the killing are unknown; however, it is common knowledge guerrillas groups view Protestant pastors who encroach on territory under their control as military objectives. In the last 10 years, guerrillas have assassinated 133 pastors, Protestant missionaries and Catholic priests, according to the Evangelical Council of Colombia. Ask God to encourage and minister to the pastor’s family and church as they mourn. Pray his testimony draws his attackers and nonbelievers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:4
EGYPT Church Set on Fire - Compass Direct News
Christians Acquitted of Charges of “Insulting Islam” - Compass Direct News
On November 5, Adel Fawzy Faltas, the Egyptian leader of the Middle East Christian Association, and Peter Azzat, an associate, were acquitted of charges of “insulting Islam.” They were also released from prison after being held three months. According to Compass Direct News, journalists, lawyers, clergyman, family and friends gathered at Faltas’ home to celebrate the acquittal and release. “Faltas, 61, and Peter Ezzat, 25, had been held on unsubstantiated charges of insulting Islam and tarnishing Egypt’s reputation abroad. Charges without evidence against Faltas and Ezzat included insulting Islam, posing a threat to national security and tarnishing Egypt’s reputation abroad,” Compass said. Compass reported Faltas said, “I was always a free man. When you respect yourself and what you are doing, then you are free.” According to the report, “Faltas recounted how 30 State Security Investigation officers and plain clothes policeman had raided his house at 2:30 p.m. on August 8. He said the most difficult part of the ordeal was spending the first 14 days in an isolation cell 1.75 meters in length and three-quarters of a meter in width with no seat.” Praise God for the release of Faltas and Azzat. Pray for Christians in Egypt to remain faithful in their relationship with Jesus Christ despite being treated as second-class citizens.
Psalm 91, Romans 8:31
IRAN Christian Couple Sentenced to be Whipped - Farsi Christian News Network
In July 2007, an Iranian Christian couple was sentenced by the Justice Court of Revolution to be whipped, two years after they were accused of attending a house church. According to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN), “The couple was arrested on September 21, 2005, by government agents. They had gathered in a house, in a town northwest of Tehran (gohar dasht) for their regular prayer and devotional time.” The FCNN reported, the woman was born into a Christian Assyrian-Iranian family, while the man converted to Christianity long before their marriage. Following the arrest in 2005, the couple was required to check in with authorities on a regular basis until the court decided their punishment. FCNN reported that on one occasion when the wife met with authorities, she was abused and decided not to return. According to FCNN, “After a few days, in September 2007, two female and four male agents went to this couple’s house and showed them a letter from the court saying they should execute the sentence of whipping right there in their house. This couple is under high mental pressure right now.” The Voice of the Martyrs is providing assistance to this couple. Pray for this couple and Christians in Iran who face great challenges because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask that the Holy Spirit will give them peace, health and protection during this difficult time.
Psalm 23; 2 Timothy 1:7
TURKEY Malatya Murder Trial Date Set - Compass Direct News
Malatya’s Third Criminal Court has set November 23 to open the trial of the confessed murderers of Turkish Christians, Necati Aydin and Ugur Yuksel, and a German Christian, Tilmann Geske. The three Protestant Christians were tortured and killed by having their throats cut on April 18 of this year in the Zirve Publishing Company’s office in the southern province of Malatya. Last week, all news about the pending trial in the Turkish press sensationalized justifications the killers offered for their crimes while under police interrogation, including far-fetched allegations against the victims. “It is clear from these statements of the suspects that there is some group of powerful influence behind them,” spokesperson Isa Karatas of the Alliance of Protestant Churches in Turkey told Compass. “These people want to portray Turkey’s Protestants as enemies of the nation.” Pray for justice in this case, but most importantly that the testimonies of the martyrs will draw nonbelievers into the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray for the families of the slain believers.
Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 26:3
ERITREA Gospel Singer Helen Berhane Granted Asylum in Denmark - VOM Sources Eritrean gospel singer, Helen Berhane, who was released from prison in November 2006 after being detained in Eritrea for two years without charge, has been granted asylum in Denmark. Berhane and her daughter arrived in Denmark on October 19, after spending 11 months in Sudan. Her health remains extremely poor, due to the physical suffering she experienced during her detention. She cannot walk without assistance. During Berhane’s detention, she was held for extended periods of time in shipping containers and tortured several times by authorities in an effort to force her to recant her faith. Thank God that Berhane has found a safe place to live. Praise Him for her faithfulness. Pray for God’s continued protection and provision for her. Ask Him to give her direction and wisdom, so she can continue serving Him. Pray for believers in Eritrea who face persecution and suffering for the sake of their faith in Jesus Christ. Psalm 84:11, Psalm 119:105
PAKISTAN Christian Homes Demolished in Pakistan - VOM Sources
On October 19, local Muslims demolished homes belonging to three Christian families in the village of Lobhana, near Lahore, Pakistan. According to The Voice of the Martyrs’ contacts, more than 70 armed villagers moved in with tractors and began destroying the homes. VOM contacts said, “They demolished and looted three homes and only stopped when the police arrived.” Some of the Christians attacked reported that the Muslims threatened to kill them. VOM contacts added that the land where some of the demolished homes were located had been given to the Christian families by the Pakistani government more than 10 years earlier. However, some local Muslims claimed the land, intending to build a cemetery. Pray for God’s protection for Christians in this area. Ask Him to provide resources for these families to rebuild their homes. Pray the testimony of these believers will draw nonbelievers, especially their attackers, into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 68:19, Proverbs 3:5-6
NIGERIA Muslim Officials Dismiss Christian School Librarian - Compass Direct News
Sixteen months ago, Muslim officials forced Asabe Ladagu, a Christian widow, to leave her job as a librarian. The incident occurred after she and others requested land to build a chapel in the capital city of Borno state, in northern Nigeria. According to Compass Direct News, Muslim administrators at Ramat Polytechnic forced Ladagu into early retirement without pay. Ladagu told Compass, “We were branded dangerous people because we were Christians. I have been forced out of office now for 16 months, not retired and not on staff roll of Ramat Polytechnic. Other Christian brethren, too, have either been forced out or have been the subjects of witch hunts.” Pray for God’s provision and protection for Ladagu and other Christians in northern Nigeria. Ask God to use their testimonies to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him.
Philippians 4:19, Psalm 27:1
INDONESIA Imprisoned Christians Sentenced - VOM Sources
The remaining Christian leaders imprisoned in April have been sentenced to five years in prison. They were imprisoned after a video recording of them praying for Muslims was leaked to Islamic organizations. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, “The defendants have been found guilty of abusing the Quran, and the judge sentenced them to five years in prison. Their lawyers are planning to appeal this decision in East Java High Court in Surabaya.” Pray for those in prison and their families. Ask God to give them boldness and wisdom as they face these difficult challenges.
Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13
CHINA UPDATE Prominent House Church Leader Beaten by Police Again - China Aid Association
On October 16, prominent house church leader Hua Huiqi was released from Tiantan Hospital and returned home. However, China Aid Association reported that the following day Public Security Bureau (PSB) police officers attacked and beat up Hua again after refusing to allow him to use the bathroom next to his bedroom. China’s PSB recently put Hua under house arrest. Pastor Hua’s 77-year-old-mother, Shuang Shuying, remains very ill in prison, serving a two-year sentence. Pray for Pastor Hua’s recovery and thank God for His faithfulness as Hua endures these recent attacks. Pray for the healing of his mother and that her testimony will draw non-believers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 27:1, Psalm 23
ETHIOPIA Muslims Attack Homes in Ethiopia - VOM Sources
On October 16, Muslims attacked 25 Christian families and demolished 12 homes in Seka Yoyo, in the southwest of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. According to The Voice of the Martyrs’ contacts, the families were forced to flee to nearby Jimma. Thank God no believers were killed or seriously harmed during this attack. Pray the believers will be safe in Jimma, where there has been several incidents of violence in recent months, leaving at least six Christians dead. Ask God to protect and encourage Christians that have lost their homes. Pray for the safety of Christians in Ethiopia.
Psalm 68:19, Philippians 4:19
INDIA Pastors Beaten and Detained in India - VOM Sources
On October 11, Pastor Ganesh Murthy was attacked by two Hindu extremists while he was distributing literature and praying for local people in the village of Rampura, Karnakata. The extremists verbally abused, beat and dragged him to the local police station where he was detained on charges of forcible conversion. The extremists also tried to forcibly convert Pastor Murthy to Hinduism by promising to meet the financial needs of his wife and three children if he complied. However, the pastor refused the offer and stood firm in his faith. He is still in prison.
On October 14, Pastor Thadikal and his wife were attacked in their home in the Vayandu district of Kerala, by two Hindu extremists. The pastor and his wife sustained serious head injuries. Pray for Christians in India who are standing strong in their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask God to heal and protect those injured. Pray for the release of Pastor Murthy from prison.
Psalm 91, Psalm 107:20
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