Prayer News and Requests

Pastor Shot

September 9, 2010

UPDATE: In the RUSSIAN Republic of Dagestan, a pastor was shot to death on July 15 outside a church building. Earlier this year Muslims persuaded the government to close his church’s prison ministry. Witnesses think that the Muslim background believer, whose life was threatened several times previously, was murdered by Muslims for his faith.

Pray that the Christians in his city will not be intimidated but will remain steadfast in their walk with Jesus. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is in the LORD.”

Muslim Interested in Bible

September 8, 2010

A Muslim in an UNDISCLOSED COUNTRY in the Arabian Peninsula has asked a Christian for a Bible. He has been taught that the Bible is corrupted, but wants to find out for himself.

Pray that he will listen to God’s Word without fear of other Muslims. “Yet You, O LORD, are in the midst of us, and we are called by Your name; do not leave us.”

Church Sealed

September 7, 2010

UPDATE: A church in INDONESIA won a lawsuit against the Muslims who closed their building. The seal on the building, however, has not yet been removed. The Christians continue to worship by the roadside in oppressive heat.

Pray they will be able to return to their building soon. “But You, O LORD, know me; You see me, and test my heart toward You.”

Christian's Car Exploded

September 6, 2010

An IRAQI Christian was killed this July because of his faith. The bomb planted in his car killed him instantly.

Pray that God will provide encouragement and support for his wife and three children. “But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.”

Woman Beaten, Disappeared

September 5, 2010

A Muslim background believer in EGYPT was beaten by government officials this summer, who also pulled her cross necklace and said, “the cross will be the death of you.” She and her children were imprisoned in their home without electricity, and just recently have disappeared.

Pray that God will provide them a refuge. “There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and Your name is great in might.”

Pastor's Death Sentence

September 4, 2010

An imprisoned IRANIAN pastor has received a death sentence this summer. He was detained with his wife for Christian activities. She is in solitary confinement. Officials threaten to put their two children in an Islamic institution.

Pray that the judges will release the couple. “Behold, we come to You, for You are the LORD our God.”

Brothers Shot, Property Vandalized

September 3, 2010

A PAKISTANI pastor and his brother were shot on July 19 as they were leaving the courthouse. They had been accused of blasphemy and may have been tortured in prison. After the shooting, one died on the spot. The other died at the hospital. Then violence erupted in their city. Muslims targeted successful Christian businesses and threw stones at Christians’ houses.

Pray that God will protect the family of the martyred brothers and the other Christians in the city. Pray also that He will give them grace to forgive their persecutors. “And I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

Christian Ambushed and Beaten

September 2, 2010

In INDIA, Muslims ambushed a Christian as he was walking home on June 14 and beat him on the head. They demanded that he convert to Islam.

Pray for his protection. Ask also that he will remain firm in his faith. “For I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.”

Continued Deportations

September 1, 2010

UPDATE: The number of Christians deported from MOROCCO has risen to 128. Recently a Lebanese Christian married to a Moroccan was deported and was forced to leave her 6-year-old daughter behind—even though the woman is battling cancer.

Pray that she will be reunited with her family and that God will encourage them during this time. “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.”

Church Builders Attacked

August 31, 2010

A mob of Muslims used clubs to attack Christians who were laying the foundation for a church in PAKISTAN. Several were seriously injured, and four were charged for trying to defend themselves.

Pray the charges will be dropped, and that God will encourage this tiny congregation of believers. “Hide not Your face from Your servant; for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.”

Christians Vilified in Morocco

August 30, 2010

In MOROCCO, a Muslim has publicized Christians’ identifying information, written defamatory statements about them, and accused them of trying to “shake the faith of Muslims,” which is a violation of Moroccan law. Meanwhile, over 7,000 Moroccan Muslims have signed a statement calling Christian aid work “religious terrorism.”

Pray that God will give these believers courage and protect them from harm. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Pastor Attacked with Ax

August 29, 2010

As groups of Muslims war against each other in KYRGYZSTAN, Muslim background Believers who try to help victims are in danger. A man with an ax almost cut off the arm of a pastor who was distributing aid.

Thank God that the Muslim mob released him and that he had the opportunity to share his faith. “Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.”

Believer Comforted after Arson

August 28, 2010

An ETHIOPIAN who was the only believer in his village lost his home to arson. Muslims had been taunting and threatening him. Two of his children died in the fire, and his neighbors thought he would never have joy again. By God’s grace, however, his home is rebuilt and he and his son have been comforted through other believers.

Pray that he will continue to be a testimony to his Muslim persecutors. “God settles the solitary in a home; He leads out the prisoners to prosperity.”

Imprisoned without Charges

August 27, 2010

An IRANIAN believer has been imprisoned in solitary confinement without charges. Reports say that this Muslim background Believer has never publicly evangelized, but is in prison merely for his faith in Christ. His health has deteriorated, and his wife and parents are being threatened.

Pray for his release and for comfort for his family. “In your goodness, O God, You provided for the needy.”

Believer Publically Executed

August 26, 2010

A Muslim background Believer was publically executed in a soccer stadium in SOMALIA. His crime was believing in Jesus rather than Mohammed. His wife, whom he married earlier this year and who is now pregnant, must live without him.

Pray that God will provide for her and the child. “But I am afflicted and in pain; let Your salvation, O God, set me on high!”

Christians Beheaded

August 25, 2010

In the PHILIPPINES, Islamic terrorists beheaded three Christian men who were going about their work. Although Muslims make up only a small percentage of the country, Islamist terror groups are very active.Pray that God will comfort the families of those who have died and that He will protect the Christians. “Our God is a God of salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.”

Christians Arrested, Tortured

August 24, 2010

In AFGHANISTAN, Christians are being arrested, tortured, and forced to tell the names of other Muslim background Believers. Some have been forced to flee because Muslims authorities have issued orders of execution against them. The Afghan intelligence agency reportedly has a list of more Christians to arrest.

Pray that they will escape their persecutors. “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.”

Converts Grow in Faith

August 23, 2010

In IRAQ, a group of Muslim background Believers is receiving discipleship training. They are learning about prayer and God’s Word.

Thank God for these new converts, and pray that He will protect them from the Islamic violence that is driving many Christians out of the country. “Lift up a song to Him who rides through the deserts; His name is the LORD; exult before Him!”

Believers Evicted

August 22, 2010

When PAKISTANI Muslims were confronted about their daily sexual attacks on Christian women and girls, they ordered 250 Christian families to leave the village. The evicted families have nowhere to turn for help, since Muslims would probably bring blasphemy charges against any believers who dared to complain to the police.

Pray that God will provide them new homes. “Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.”

Pastor Released but Threatened

August 21, 2010

An IRANIAN pastor arrested for leaving Islam and evangelizing Muslims has now been released. During his imprisonment, he was kept in a gruesome cell and exposed to hepatitis and AIDS. He is now under surveillance, forbidden from leaving the country, and under threat of being arrested again.

Pray that God will protect him from the authorities. “For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise His own people who are prisoners.”

Believers Ordered to Evacuate

August 20, 2010

Muslims have demanded that Christians leave villages in a region of LEBANON. The believers received pamphlets with Islamist slogans and were told to evacuate in one week or “bear the consequences.”

Pray that God will encourage those who dare to remain. “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

Jihad Threat against Christians

August 19, 2010

Islamic leaders in INDONESIA are preparing for war against Christians and have recommended that thousands of mosques form paramilitary units. They are demanding the death penalty for a local pastor and have accused believers of baptizing MBBs.

Pray that the church will remain strong. “God is our salvation.”

Christians Beaten with Clubs

August 18, 2010

In EGYPT, a husband and wife who serve in Christian ministry were attacked by Muslims armed with clubs and pistols. Miraculously the couple survived. Despite the many bullets flying through the air, the wife was shot only in the arm. Her husband is still suffering from serious injuries, such as partial paralysis and inability to eat solid foods or to use the bathroom normally.

Pray that God will heal them, provide for their financial needs, and enable them to continue their ministry. “Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!”

Couple Attacked for Evangelism

August 17, 2010

A pastor and his wife were accused of evangelism in PAKISTAN. Fourteen Muslims attacked them, injuring his legs and his pregnant wife’s hands and belly. The pastor’s brother was ambushed when he tried to get help for the couple. Police have not responded to the believers’ complaints.

Pray that God will heal the family and protect them from further assault. “Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel--He is the one who gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!”

Friend of Christian Ostracized

August 16, 2010

In an UNDISCLOSED COUNTRY in the Arabian Peninsula, a Muslim woman befriended a Christian and read the Bible. Some people have cut off their relationships with her because of her friendship with the believer, and she would likely face even greater persecution if she actually confessed faith in Jesus. She still does not fully understand God’s Word, and seems to fear even trying to understand.

Pray that God will open her heart to His truth. “Answer me, O LORD, for Your steadfast love is good; according to Your abundant mercy, turn to me.”

Prison Ministry Forced to Close

August 15, 2010

In the RUSSIAN Republic of Dagestan, Muslims pressure Christians not to attend church and have influenced the government’s decision to close a church’s prison ministry. One pastor has not answered his phone at night for three months because of the verbal abuse and threats he receives.

Pray that the believers will persevere in their ministries. “Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me.”

Pastor Imprisoned, Tortured

August 14, 2010

UPDATE: An IRANIAN pastor who was arrested at a Bible study has now been tortured. He is in very poor health in a dank prison. This is his second imprisonment for his faith.

Pray that God will preserve him and comfort his wife. “Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.”

Authorities Interrogate Convert

August 13, 2010

In MOROCCO, authorities interrogated an MBB for eight hours, followed him for three weeks, and threatened him with imprisonment or death. Other Christians are being kicked out of their homes by Muslim relatives.

Pray that God will provide support and fellowship for these rejected believers. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him.”

TV Ministry Reaches Many

August 12, 2010

Christian TV programming for kids is changing lives in Middle Eastern countries like SAUDI ARABIA. It offers an alternative to the religious hatred preached by Islamic TV stations. Children and parents write to the station with their questions about Jesus, and many come to know Him personally.

Praise God for a Muslim little girl who accepted Christ through the ministry! “Rejoice always.”

Ramadan Begins

August 11, 2010

Tonight many Muslims will be searching the sky for a crescent moon, which signals the start of RAMADAN, Muslims’ holiest month. For the next 30 days they will fast and celebrate the arrival of the Koran.

Pray that these lost millions will encounter the true and living God through His Word, and that He will release them from their spiritual bondage. “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD.”