Voice of the Martyrs Update (x2)

Our persecuted brethren need lots of prayer needed this week friends!

Remember the prisoners as if chained with them ~ Hebrews 13:3

COLOMBIA Two Pastors Martyred: VOM Sources / Assist News Service: On July 5, two Pentecostal pastors were shot and killed by suspected members of the guerrilla group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in the village of El Dorado. According to the latest reports, Pastors Humberto Mendez and Joel Garcia were taken from their homes by a group of men wearing camouflage clothing. Their bodies were found the next day. Pray God comforts and provides for these families. Ask that the Holy Spirit would convict the hearts of the persecutors and draw them to Christ. Pray for believers in Colombia. Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 23

CHINA More than 100 Christians Expelled - China Aid Association: Between April and June 2007, more than 100 foreign Christians accused of being involved in illegal religious activities were expelled from China. It is believed the campaign, called Typhoon No. 5, is part of the Chinese government's efforts to prevent foreign Christians from engaging in mission activities before the Beijing Olympics in 2008. China Aid Association (CAA) reports, "This is the largest expulsion of foreign missionaries since 1954 when the Chinese Communist government expelled all foreign religious workers after taking power in 1949. At least five different mission agencies and sources within the Chinese government report that in February, the government launched a massive expulsion campaign against foreign Christians." Pray for believers in China. Ask God to reveal himself to Chinese authorities and bring them into fellowship with Him. 1 Corinthians 15:57, Psalm 32:7

INDIA Pastor Charged Under New Anti-Christian Law in Andra Pradesh-VOM Sources: Pastor Devampu, was beaten by Hindu radicals in the presence of police in Kanipackam, Andra Pradesh. He was arrested and charged under Indian Penal Code 295, and the law GO 747, which bans non-Hindus from being in 12 temple towns in Andra Pradesh State. Pastor Devampu has been ministering in Kanipackam, which has one of the 12 temples, for the past two years. Pray Pastor Devampu will be released. Pray for protection for Christians in India. Ask God to touch the hearts of the persecutors and draw them into the knowledge of Him. Psalm 91, 1 Corinthians 15:58

AZERBAIJAN Pastor's Trial to Begin this Month -VOM Sources: Pastor Zaur Balaev's trial is set to begin later this month. He faces a criminal charge of "resisting government representatives," which carries a maximum three-year prison term. The authorities claim the pastor set a dog onto the police who raided the church's Sunday service on May 20, 2007. Pray for this pastor and his family. Ask God to protect them and other Christians in Azerbaijan. Pray God uses their testimony to draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Philippians 4:13, Hebrews 4:14-16





MALAYSIA - Christians Face Persecution -VOM Sources: The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Malaysia have received information that they are being investigated by Malaysian police for sharing the gospel with Muslims. VOM sources reported, 'An individual in one of the villages where we have led many Muslims to Jesus reported us to the police. The police have interrogated a family living in the house we have ministered in and have collected evidence against us. It is not clear how many new believers in the area are being persecuted.' Pray God protects Christians in Malaysia and strengthens the faith of new believers. Ask him to draw more Muslims into fellowship with Him as a result of what has happened. 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:6-7

IRAN -Increased Persecution against Christians VOM Sources: The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Iran report increased persecution for Christians in Iran. Several Christians have been imprisoned, interrogated and threatened. VOM sources said, 'Iranian security forces prompted by the Islamic leadership and Iranian president are trying to wipe out Christianity in Iran. They are angry many Iranian Muslims are choosing to follow Christ.' Pray God protects and sustains Christians in Iran. Ask God to use the testimonies of those being persecuted to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him 1 Peter 5:7, John 14:27

INDONESIA - Imprisoned Christians Charged - VOM Sources: More than 40 Christian leaders imprisoned in April, after a video recording of them praying for Muslims was leaked to Islamic organizations, have been charged under Article 156 KUPH. Under article 156 and 156a, 'anyone who expresses hatred, opposition or insults one individual or groups of Indonesian citizens in public, will be imprisoned four to five years, or fined 4,500 rupiah. Muslims claim Christians blasphemed the Koran by placing it on the floor and praying for millions of people deceived by it. The Islamic organizations consider the video's content abusive and have released the video to the media. Among the imprisoned are parents of young children. Pray for those in prison and their families. Ask God to give them boldness and wisdom as they face these difficult challenges. Psalm 91, Isaiah 26:3

IRAQ “ Christian Killed by Militants in Baghdad- Compass Direct News: On June 12, Fouad Salim was killed by Muslim militants in Baghdad while leaving the police station where he worked. According to Compass Direct News, Salim's family believes he was killed because he refused to convert to Islam. He had informed his family that anonymous people he believed to be Muslim militants had been threatening to kill him if he did not convert. Salim is survived by his wife and two children less than six years of age. Pray God comforts and protects Salim's family. Pray those who persecute Christians will repent and accept Jesus Christ. Psalm 23, Romans 8:31