Voice of the Martyrs Update (x2)

IRAN

New Wave of Persecution in Iran VOM Sources: On June 19, 2007, The Voice of the Martyrs confirmed reports that believers in Iran are being detained, interrogated and in one case, imprisoned, because of their faith in Jesus Christ. According to VOM sources, this new wave of persecution is coming against Christians who meet to worship God in the privacy of their homes. VOM sources said, We have confirmed reports that several believers have been interrogated and one house was stormed by an elite police team that confiscated a computer, several CDs and Christian materials. A Christian was arrested in this attack, and remains in prison.Pray believers in Iran will remain steadfast in their faith despite this new wave of persecution. Pray for the release of the believer in prison and for protection for all Christians in Iran. Psalm 27:1-31, Joshua 1:8-9

EGYPT

Muslims Attack Christian Shops and Homes in Egypt - Compass Direct News: Seven Christians were injured in two recent, unrelated attacks on Coptic Orthodox churches and Christian-owned shops in northern Egypt. According to a Compass Direct News report, on June 8, Muslim men damaged and looted Christian shops and churches in the town of Zawyet Abdel-Qader, 20 miles west of Alexandria. A number of Christians were injured while trying to defend their property. Two churches were also vandalized. Pray for those injured in the attacks. Pray Christians will show Christ's love to the attackers. 3 John 2, Psalm 107:19-20

MALAYSIA

Church Demolished By Authorities “ VOM Sources: On June 8, 2007, government authorities demolished a church belonging to the Orang Asli tribe of indigenous Christians in Kuala Lumpur. The authorities claimed the church was built without state permission. However, according to a local church leader, the land is owned by a village head and they have the lawful right to use it as they wish. Local Christians have rejected the district office's suggestion to rebuild a community center at another location and intend to rebuild the church in its original location. Pray these believers will continue to meet for worship and prayer while the church is being rebuilt. Pray for encouragement and protection for all Christians in Malaysia. Romans 8:28-31, Isaiah 54:17

AZERBAIJAN UPDATE: AZERBAIJAN

“ Arrested Pastor Develops Heart Problems in Prison “ VOM Sources: Imprisoned Baptist pastor, Zau Balaev, has been transferred to the prison infirmary because of serious heart problems. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, Balaev's health has been affected by the heat and poor prison conditions. He has serious health problems. His wife has traveled several times to see him and take him some food, the contacts said. Pray for Pastor Balaev's release. Ask God to heal his heart condition. Pray for financial blessings for this family while the pastor is in prison. Romans 8: 11, 1 Peter 2:24

AUSTRALIA UPDATE: AUSTRALIA “ Pastors Settle Religious Vilification Case “ Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal: Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scott have settled the religious vilification case they had been fighting in Australia's state of Victoria for the past five years. According to a press release by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Islamic Council of Victoria and Catch the Fire Ministries have agreed that citizens have the right to robustly debate religion and criticize religious beliefs within the limits of the law. The pastors have spent more than $500,000 defending their right to present their views and insights about Islam. Pray for Christians in Australia and other parts of the world to be bold witnesses for Christ despite attacks against them. 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14

CHINA: House-Church Leaders Detained in Shangdong and Shaanxi Provinces- China Aid Association: In June, police in China arrested church leaders and accused them of being suspects using evil cults to obstruct the enforcement of the law. China Aid Association (CAA), reports Public Security Bureau officers told family members of some of the detained pastors that any religious activities without permission from the government Religious Affairs Bureau is regarded as evil cult activities. On June 9, the 12 house-church leaders were arrested while they were distributing Bibles in a market in Shaanxi province. Four leaders were released on the same day while the rest were transferred to a detention center without any explanation. The homes of the two detained pastors, Zhou Jieming and Niu Wenbin, were searched without search warrants, and Bibles and Christian literature were confiscated. Meanwhile, on June 15, six house-church leaders were arrested while having a house church service in Zhangba village, Shangdong province. Pray for Christians in China and ask God to encourage and give them boldness to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him. Romans 8:28, Isaiah 54:17

PAKISTAN: Armed Muslims Attack Christians in Pakistan VOM Sources/ Compass Direct News: On June 17, 40 Muslim men armed with guns, axes and wooden sticks attacked several believers while they were preparing for an evangelistic meeting at a Salvation Army church in the village of Bismillahlpur Kanthan, near Faisalabad. Seven Christians were injured and the church was desecrated. Local Christians said the attack was sparked by their refusal to cancel the meeting. The night before the attack armed Muslims stormed the house of Sawar Masih, one of the meeting's organizers, and assaulted his two young children and demanded he cancel the event. Christians injured in the June 17 attack were forced to leave the hospital early because the doctors under-reported their wounds due to pressure from the Islamic extremists. Police initially refused to file a complaint against the attackers and did not so only after lobbying efforts of Christians. Several Christians have fled the area in fear of further attacks. Pray for those hurt in the attacks. Ask God to encourage Christians in Pakistan to remain strong in their faith despite persecution. Romans 8:11, Psalm 107:20

INDIA: Christians Beaten by Hindu Extremists “ VOM Sources: On June 24, a Carmelite priest and four other Christian men were attacked by a group of Hindu militants in Kundapurna, Karnataka state. While the men were in the waiting room of a hospital with a neighbor, Islamic extremists started insulting then and accused them of forcibly converting Hindus. The attackers threw the priest down a flight of stairs and beat him. When the other men came to his aid, they were also beaten. The Christians were then taken to the police station where the militants filed a complaint of forcible conversion against them. All five Christians have been hospitalized for their injuries. Pray for healing for the injured believers. Ask God to encourage and protect Christians in India who face increased persecution. Psalm 103:1-5; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 2:24