Thursday, 20 February 2014

CHINA: Free Gao Zhisheng

http://www.persecution.com/
http://www.be-a-voice.net/

Date of Bulletin: 11 February 2014




China

February 4 marked the five-year anniversary of the disappearance of Christian attorney Gao Zhisheng. The  Chinese government has tried to silence him since 2005 because of his work defending persecuted Christians in China. Gao's wife and two children, who were also abused and tormented by the police, escaped to the United States in March 2009 and were later granted political refugee status.

Gao reappeared briefly in March 2010 but disappeared again after spending a weekend visiting relatives. In  March 2012, it was learned that Gao was being held at the Shaya prison in a remote part of Xinjiang, in far western China. Gao's older brother and father-in-law have visited him, but it has been more than a year since Gao's family has been allowed to contact him, even though they and the attorneys they have hired to represent Gao have made numerous attempts.

Source: China Aid

Photo: Gao Zhisheng

Pray & Take Action!


  • Please pray for Gao Zhisheng's release and for his safety in prison.
  • Pray for his wife and children who eagerly await his release. 
  • You can sign the petition to free Gao at FreeGao.com.

"For He looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven the LORD viewed the earth, to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those appointed to death." Ps. 102:19-20

Voice Of the Martyrs assists Christians in China by providing Bibles, Christian literature, scholarships for training and emergency aid to families of prisoners.

Transcending Fear: The Story of Gao Zhisheng (Trailer)

Please visit  transcendingfearfilm.com





Thursday, 13 February 2014

VIETNAM: New Believer's Home Burned by Relatives

http://www.persecution.com/

http://www.be-a-voice.net/

Date of Bulletin: 12 February 2014



Vietnam




Youa Thao lives with his wife and three children in Va Who village, Dien Bien Province. When he became a  Christian, his relatives began to harass him. But Youa refused to give up his Christian faith.

On Dec. 9, 2013, Youa Thao's relatives burned his house and everything inside. They then kicked Youa Thao and his family out of the village. Local officials refused to take action because he is a Christian.

Youa Thao and his wife don’t know how they will survive without their home and belongings. They are currently living with a Christian family in a nearby village.

Photo: Youa Thao and family

Please Pray!


  • Please pray for Youa Thao and his family.
  • Pray that God's faithfulness will see them through this trial and that their faith will strengthen as they see His hand at work in their lives. 
  • Pray for the salvation of Youa Thao's relatives, village officials and others in the village.


"For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory,  to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." Heb. 2:10

Voice Of the Martyrs assists believers in Vietnam by providing Bibles, shortwave radios, Christian literature and support for  families of prisoners, among other means of assistance.







Thursday, 6 February 2014

SRI LANKA: Three Churches Attacked

http://www.persecution.com/

http://www.be-a-voice.net/

Date of Bulletin: 5 February 2014



Sri Lanka






Two churches in Hikkaduwa, Galle District, were attacked on Jan. 12, and a third, in Pitipana, Homagama, Colombo District, was set on fire the same day.

The Assemblies of God and Calvary churches in Hikkaduwa had received warnings prior to the attacks and were promised police protection. However, during worship services on Jan. 12, about 300 people led by Buddhist monks stormed the churches and obstructed a main road, claiming the Christians' presence was illegal. The mob dispersed only after a senior police officer promised that the churches would be closed until  Feb. 10, during which time a solution would be sought.

The Church of the Foursquare Gospel, in Pitipana, was set on fire by unidentified attackers during a prayer  vigil. The fire was doused before serious damage could occur. A threatening note was left on the gate of the church.

Voice Of the Martyrs Sources, National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka

Please Pray!

  • Remember the pastors and congregations of these churches as well as other Christian churches in Sri Lanka.
  • Pray that they will remain steadfast and unmovable in their faith.
  • Pray that they will find favor with the authorities and that many will come to faith in Christ through their witness.

"Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. Also draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, 'I am your salvation.'" Ps. 35:1-3

The Voice of the Martyrs provides training for pastors in Sri Lanka.



Other Sources:


Sri Lanka police "identify church attackers" in Hikkaduwa, By Charles Haviland BBC News, Colombo


The video below was posted on YouTube by Srilanka Majahedin. 







Monday, 3 February 2014

UGANDA: Pastor Umar Mulinde Update


http://www.be-a-voice.net/

Bulletin Date: 29 January 2014



Uganda 

After undergoing numerous surgeries in Israel, Pastor Umar Mulinde is improving and is very optimistic. He recently shared with Voice Of the Martyrs that his skin grafts are normalizing and becoming softer. He is also thankful that after some struggles, his children have greatly improved in their studies. He hopes to return to them soon in Uganda.

Pastor Mulinde was attacked in 2011 just after completing a week-long revival at his church. He was on his way to a Christmas Eve party with his congregation and new believers when a man called out to him. As Pastor Mulinde turned, a man poured acid onto his face while others poured more on his back. The attackers ran away shouting, "Allahu Akbar [God is greater]." The acid burned about 30 percent of his face and blinded him in one eye.

Pastor Mulinde requests prayer for another surgery scheduled for 3 February 2014 (TODAY!) to re-open his ear and revisit scars around his lips and nostrils.

VOM Sources

Photo: Umar Mulinde and children

Please Pray!

  • Please pray for Pastor Mulinde's upcoming surgery and continued recovery.
  • Pray that he will be able to return home to his family and church soon.
  • Pray for his congregation in Uganda that continues to be affected by other forms of persecution.

"The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands."  Ps. 138:8

Uganda is on VOM's list of Monitored Nations. VOM provides various means of assistance to Christians in Uganda, including support through the Families of Martyrs Fund.








This is a follow-up of my blog post "Uganda - Acid Attack On Church" from 14 March 2013.
Prayer Request: Uganda - Acid Attack on Church
Prayer Request: Uganda - Acid Attack on Church