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 23; 2 Timothy 1:7


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
WAPO Mission International
CHRISTIAN THREATS NEWS THIS WEEK
Do you preaching The Gospel in the PEACE COUNTRY!  We ask you for your PRAYERS
Forty House Church
Leaders Arrested in
China
China Aid Association
On November 18, 40 leaders of the China
Gospel Fellowship (CGF) were arrested.
According to a November 27 press release
from China Aid Association, eyewitnesses
reported Public Security Bureau officers raided
a leadership meeting in Fanhu, Hunan, and
arrested those present. Within a week, 21
were released, but the remaining detainees
are being held at the county detention center.
Family members have been told to bring
blankets and money to cover their living
expenses while detained. All those arrested
are senior leaders of the CGF, including its
founder, Pastor Shen Yiping. Pray for these
detained leaders during this time. Pray that all
will be released soon. Pray for the families as
they not only deal with the absence of their
loved ones, but also face this financial burden
forced upon them. Psalm 91, Joshua 1:9
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