21 House Church Leaders Simultaneously
Sentenced to Labor
Camp - China Aid Association
China Aid Association (CAA) reports 21 senior house church leaders were
recently simultaneously sentenced to a labor camp by the Linyi City
Re-education Through Labor Commission. According to CAA, "The leaders
were detained on December 7, 2007 when they gathered for leadership training
with 249 other leaders in Hedong district, Linyi city, Shandong province. After
paying fines and finishing detention ranging from a few days to a few weeks,
249 leaders were released. The 21 most senior leaders were sentenced to
three years to one year and three months." The Public Security Bureau has
accused and labeled the house church leaders as "evil cult" members. Of the
21 leaders sent to the labor camp, 12 are men and four are women. Pray for
these believers and their families during this difficult time. Ask God to protect
and encourage them. Pray they will be a good witness of Christ's love to other
prisoners and their captors. Psalm 27:1
GAZA YMCA Library Bombed
VOM Sources
On February 16, unidentified assailants bombed the library of the Young Men's
Christian Association (YMCA) compound in the Shajaiyeh neighborhood of
Gaza city. According to VOM sources, shortly after midnight, at least 12 gunmen
entered the YMCA compound and kidnapped two guards at gunpoint after
asking them why they worked for "infidels." The men stormed the building and
detonated two homemade explosive devices inside the library. All 8,000 books
in the library were destroyed and the floor, walls and ceiling were damaged.
The attackers stole computers and other equipment from other YMCA offices.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. . However, sources in Gaza
reportedly believe that the perpetrators were Muslim militants acting in
response to the reproduction of cartoons "ridiculing" Muhammad in a number of
Danish newspapers last week. Praise God no one was injured in this attack.
Ask God to protect and give wisdom to believers in Gaza. Pray the attackers will
come into contact with the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Joshua 1:9
ETHIOPIA Christian Couple Beaten and Chased From Mosque - VOM Sources
On February 10, Muslin Christian converts, Jemmal Abdo and his wife, were
beaten and chased out from a mosque where they both worked in the capital
city of Addis Ababa. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, "Jemmal
and his wife accepted Christ two months ago. Soon after their conversion
Jemmal's friend saw him talking with Christians and told the imam of the
mosque. Jemmal and his wife were interrogated in the mosque during a
meeting called by Muslim leaders in an attempt to persuade the couple to
recant their faith. The couple refused to do so, even after the leaders offered
them higher positions and salaries if they denied Christ. The couple was
beaten and dragged out of the mosque." Jemmal and his wife were able to flee
to a new location for safety. Pray for the speedy recovery for Jemmal and his
wife, who were injured in the attack. Ask God to strengthen them and provide for
them as they stand strong in their new found faith in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 54:17
Sentenced to Labor
Camp - China Aid Association
China Aid Association (CAA) reports 21 senior house church leaders were
recently simultaneously sentenced to a labor camp by the Linyi City
Re-education Through Labor Commission. According to CAA, "The leaders
were detained on December 7, 2007 when they gathered for leadership training
with 249 other leaders in Hedong district, Linyi city, Shandong province. After
paying fines and finishing detention ranging from a few days to a few weeks,
249 leaders were released. The 21 most senior leaders were sentenced to
three years to one year and three months." The Public Security Bureau has
accused and labeled the house church leaders as "evil cult" members. Of the
21 leaders sent to the labor camp, 12 are men and four are women. Pray for
these believers and their families during this difficult time. Ask God to protect
and encourage them. Pray they will be a good witness of Christ's love to other
prisoners and their captors. Psalm 27:1
GAZA YMCA Library Bombed
VOM Sources
On February 16, unidentified assailants bombed the library of the Young Men's
Christian Association (YMCA) compound in the Shajaiyeh neighborhood of
Gaza city. According to VOM sources, shortly after midnight, at least 12 gunmen
entered the YMCA compound and kidnapped two guards at gunpoint after
asking them why they worked for "infidels." The men stormed the building and
detonated two homemade explosive devices inside the library. All 8,000 books
in the library were destroyed and the floor, walls and ceiling were damaged.
The attackers stole computers and other equipment from other YMCA offices.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. . However, sources in Gaza
reportedly believe that the perpetrators were Muslim militants acting in
response to the reproduction of cartoons "ridiculing" Muhammad in a number of
Danish newspapers last week. Praise God no one was injured in this attack.
Ask God to protect and give wisdom to believers in Gaza. Pray the attackers will
come into contact with the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Joshua 1:9
ETHIOPIA Christian Couple Beaten and Chased From Mosque - VOM Sources
On February 10, Muslin Christian converts, Jemmal Abdo and his wife, were
beaten and chased out from a mosque where they both worked in the capital
city of Addis Ababa. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, "Jemmal
and his wife accepted Christ two months ago. Soon after their conversion
Jemmal's friend saw him talking with Christians and told the imam of the
mosque. Jemmal and his wife were interrogated in the mosque during a
meeting called by Muslim leaders in an attempt to persuade the couple to
recant their faith. The couple refused to do so, even after the leaders offered
them higher positions and salaries if they denied Christ. The couple was
beaten and dragged out of the mosque." Jemmal and his wife were able to flee
to a new location for safety. Pray for the speedy recovery for Jemmal and his
wife, who were injured in the attack. Ask God to strengthen them and provide for
them as they stand strong in their new found faith in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 54:17
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NIGERIA Ten Killed, Churches
and Homes Burned - Compass Direct
News
Ten people were killed, several Christians injured
seriously and churches, businesses and homes burned,
when Muslim extremists went on a rampage in Yelwa
Tudu, Bauchi state, Northern Nigeria on December 11,
2007, According to Compass Direct News, the violence
occurred after unidentified people pulled out two bricks
from the foundation of a mosque under construction at the
Baba Tank Secondary School in Kagadama shortly after
construction began on December 2. Compass Direct
added, "Muslim extremists believed Christians were
responsible for the damage and threatened to attack local
believers. Area Muslims joined the attacking students,
resulting in the deaths and damages in the city, including
the burning of dozens of homes belonging to Christians.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God, the Assemblies of
God Church and Elim Church were set on fire and
damaged. At least a dozen Christian homes were
destroyed in the attack." Only one of those killed has been
identified as a Christian. The identities of the other nine
were reportedly kept a secret by the government and their
bodies were hurriedly buried in one grave. Pray the Lord
will fill Christians with His peace and strength as they
recover from this attack. Ask God to comfort those who
have lost loved ones. Pray Christ will be exalted through
this tragedy and that people in this area will continue to be
drawn to Him. Philippians 1:20, Psalm 107:2 More
News
and Homes Burned - Compass Direct
News
Ten people were killed, several Christians injured
seriously and churches, businesses and homes burned,
when Muslim extremists went on a rampage in Yelwa
Tudu, Bauchi state, Northern Nigeria on December 11,
2007, According to Compass Direct News, the violence
occurred after unidentified people pulled out two bricks
from the foundation of a mosque under construction at the
Baba Tank Secondary School in Kagadama shortly after
construction began on December 2. Compass Direct
added, "Muslim extremists believed Christians were
responsible for the damage and threatened to attack local
believers. Area Muslims joined the attacking students,
resulting in the deaths and damages in the city, including
the burning of dozens of homes belonging to Christians.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God, the Assemblies of
God Church and Elim Church were set on fire and
damaged. At least a dozen Christian homes were
destroyed in the attack." Only one of those killed has been
identified as a Christian. The identities of the other nine
were reportedly kept a secret by the government and their
bodies were hurriedly buried in one grave. Pray the Lord
will fill Christians with His peace and strength as they
recover from this attack. Ask God to comfort those who
have lost loved ones. Pray Christ will be exalted through
this tragedy and that people in this area will continue to be
drawn to Him. Philippians 1:20, Psalm 107:2 More
News
If Olmert Turns Thoughts into
Decision - We Quit Gov't
Jerusalem, Israel by Hillel Fendel
(IsraelNN.com) "If Olmert makes a decision to divide
Jerusalem, we'll quit the government - and so will Yisrael
Beiteinu." So says Shas leader Eli Yeshai.
Speaking on Monday on Arutz-7's Hebrew newsmagazine,
Yishai - Deputy Prime Minister, leader of the Shas
hareidi-religious Shas Party, and the Minister of Industry and
Trade - said, "It's true that the Prime Minister has talked
about Jerusalem, but I have told him that if Jerusalem is
raised as a negotiating issue, we will no longer be in his
government."
"The Prime Minister has to make a decision," Yeshai said.
"Either he brings up Jerusalem - and then he won't have a
government, or he retains Jerusalem as the 'pinnacle of our
joy' [based on Psalms 137,6] and doesn't discuss it. We
[Shas] prevented Jerusalem from being brought up at
Annapolis; if we can continue to do so, we'll stay, and if
not, we'll leave."
Continues
Decision - We Quit Gov't
Jerusalem, Israel by Hillel Fendel
(IsraelNN.com) "If Olmert makes a decision to divide
Jerusalem, we'll quit the government - and so will Yisrael
Beiteinu." So says Shas leader Eli Yeshai.
Speaking on Monday on Arutz-7's Hebrew newsmagazine,
Yishai - Deputy Prime Minister, leader of the Shas
hareidi-religious Shas Party, and the Minister of Industry and
Trade - said, "It's true that the Prime Minister has talked
about Jerusalem, but I have told him that if Jerusalem is
raised as a negotiating issue, we will no longer be in his
government."
"The Prime Minister has to make a decision," Yeshai said.
"Either he brings up Jerusalem - and then he won't have a
government, or he retains Jerusalem as the 'pinnacle of our
joy' [based on Psalms 137,6] and doesn't discuss it. We
[Shas] prevented Jerusalem from being brought up at
Annapolis; if we can continue to do so, we'll stay, and if
not, we'll leave."
Continues
Islamic Extremists Secure Closure of two
Churches - Compass Direct News - Indonesia
In November, a Baptist church and a Catholic church were attacked and closed after
Islamic extremists protested their presence, in Jakarta, Indonesia. According to Compass
Direct News, "The extremists from the Islamic Defender Forces (Front Pembela Islam or
FPI), attacked the home of Rev. Bedali Hulu, pastor at Jakarta Christian Baptist Church,
kicking out doors and windows, breaking glass and throwing the pastors belongings from the
house. The church had been meeting in the pastor's home." In a separate incident in West
Jakarta, about 75 Muslim extremists demanded ministry activities at Damai Kristus Catholic
Church stop. Compass Direct reported, "Marching against the church ostensibly because it
did not have the proper permit for expansion - local authorities had denied the parish
priests application without explanation - the irate demonstrators walked from Al Maulana
mosque to the church yelling 'Allahu Akbar' (God is Great). Sources said the protestors
threatened violence if church leaders refused to comply with their demands and tried to
force clergymen to remove all religious symbols." Pray for the safety of believers in
Indonesia. Ask God to use their testimonies to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Jesus
Christ. Isaiah 54:17, Psalm 91
Churches - Compass Direct News - Indonesia
In November, a Baptist church and a Catholic church were attacked and closed after
Islamic extremists protested their presence, in Jakarta, Indonesia. According to Compass
Direct News, "The extremists from the Islamic Defender Forces (Front Pembela Islam or
FPI), attacked the home of Rev. Bedali Hulu, pastor at Jakarta Christian Baptist Church,
kicking out doors and windows, breaking glass and throwing the pastors belongings from the
house. The church had been meeting in the pastor's home." In a separate incident in West
Jakarta, about 75 Muslim extremists demanded ministry activities at Damai Kristus Catholic
Church stop. Compass Direct reported, "Marching against the church ostensibly because it
did not have the proper permit for expansion - local authorities had denied the parish
priests application without explanation - the irate demonstrators walked from Al Maulana
mosque to the church yelling 'Allahu Akbar' (God is Great). Sources said the protestors
threatened violence if church leaders refused to comply with their demands and tried to
force clergymen to remove all religious symbols." Pray for the safety of believers in
Indonesia. Ask God to use their testimonies to draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Jesus
Christ. Isaiah 54:17, Psalm 91
AFGHANISTAN & ALGERIA Islamic
Scholars Call for Crackdown on Christians
VOM Sources
Christians came under fire in Algeria and Afghanistan in recent weeks by Islamic scholars
who have called for government crackdowns on Christian activity in the two countries. In
Afghanistan, members of the Afghanistan Islamic Council warned President Karzai not to
allow foreign missions into the country, especially to the impoverished areas. The council
claimed that missionaries in Kabul and in the provinces were forcibly converting Muslims,
enticing them by giving them Bibles and promising to send them abroad. The Islamic
scholars warned of serious consequence if the government did not stop Christians from
preaching and evangelizing. In Algeria, the head of the Algerian Associations of Muslim
Scholars, Sheik Abdul Al-Shayban, called on all officials to counter Christian missionary
campaigns, claiming they had "reached the point of aggressions against Algerians." Ask God
to stop the attempts of those who seek to hinder His work in Afghanistan and Algeria. Pray
that His servants in these countries will be emboldened to carry on their service to Christ
wherever Gods leads them. Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:31 More Stories
Scholars Call for Crackdown on Christians
VOM Sources
Christians came under fire in Algeria and Afghanistan in recent weeks by Islamic scholars
who have called for government crackdowns on Christian activity in the two countries. In
Afghanistan, members of the Afghanistan Islamic Council warned President Karzai not to
allow foreign missions into the country, especially to the impoverished areas. The council
claimed that missionaries in Kabul and in the provinces were forcibly converting Muslims,
enticing them by giving them Bibles and promising to send them abroad. The Islamic
scholars warned of serious consequence if the government did not stop Christians from
preaching and evangelizing. In Algeria, the head of the Algerian Associations of Muslim
Scholars, Sheik Abdul Al-Shayban, called on all officials to counter Christian missionary
campaigns, claiming they had "reached the point of aggressions against Algerians." Ask God
to stop the attempts of those who seek to hinder His work in Afghanistan and Algeria. Pray
that His servants in these countries will be emboldened to carry on their service to Christ
wherever Gods leads them. Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:31 More Stories
CHINA House Church Leaders
Released From Labor Camp
China Aid Association
On January 8, four house church leaders were released
from a labor camp in Hubei province, China. According to
China Aid Association, the Hubei Provincial Re-education
Through Labor Administration Committee decided to repeal
a decision by the Re-education Through Labor
Administration Committee, to keep the leaders in prison.
Four male and five female church leaders were arrested on
August 6, 2007, when they were found having a Sunday
worship service. They were accused of the "crime of
engaging in organizing and making use of evil cult
organization to undermine the enforcement of state laws."
Three female leaders are still being held. Praise God for the
release of the four house churches. Pray for the families
and leaders who are still in prison. Ask God to give them
courage during this difficult time, and for their lives to be a
testimony to their persecutors. Psalm 23, Proverbs 3:5, 6
Released From Labor Camp
China Aid Association
On January 8, four house church leaders were released
from a labor camp in Hubei province, China. According to
China Aid Association, the Hubei Provincial Re-education
Through Labor Administration Committee decided to repeal
a decision by the Re-education Through Labor
Administration Committee, to keep the leaders in prison.
Four male and five female church leaders were arrested on
August 6, 2007, when they were found having a Sunday
worship service. They were accused of the "crime of
engaging in organizing and making use of evil cult
organization to undermine the enforcement of state laws."
Three female leaders are still being held. Praise God for the
release of the four house churches. Pray for the families
and leaders who are still in prison. Ask God to give them
courage during this difficult time, and for their lives to be a
testimony to their persecutors. Psalm 23, Proverbs 3:5, 6
PHILIPPINES Missionary Killed
VOM Sources
On January 15, Father Jesus Reynaldo Roda, a Catholic missionary with the
Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was murdered by a suspected Al-Qaeda related
group of Islamic extremists in the chapel at Notre Dame in Mindanao,
Philippines. The armed group forced its way into the chapel where Father Roda
was praying. When he resisted their attempt to kidnap him, he was shot and
killed. Pray Father Roda's colleagues will be strengthened by the courage and
peace in Jesus Christ. Pray God raises others to continue Father Roda's work.
1 Corinthians 4:12, Isaiah 54:14 More News
INDIA Hindu Extremists Injure Nearly 100
Compass Direct News
On January 16, more than 80 people were injured in an attack on a large
Christian meeting in Chhattisgarh state. According to Compass Direct News,
the attack was followed by an assault on a missionary camp in Dhamtari
district that hurt at least a dozen Christians. "The Hindu attacks come within
weeks of unprecedented anti-Christian violence in neighboring Orissa state. In
Chhattisgarh's Durg district violence, Christians said it was no coincidence that
Hindu nationalist extremists launched the attack as the political arm of the
militants, the Bharatiya Janata Party, was holding a public meeting in the area,"
Compass Direct reported. Pray for the safety of believers in India. Ask God to
heal and encourage them to remain courageous despite attacks and
increased persecution. Pray the testimonies of these faithful believers will draw
non believers into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 26:3
VOM Sources
On January 15, Father Jesus Reynaldo Roda, a Catholic missionary with the
Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was murdered by a suspected Al-Qaeda related
group of Islamic extremists in the chapel at Notre Dame in Mindanao,
Philippines. The armed group forced its way into the chapel where Father Roda
was praying. When he resisted their attempt to kidnap him, he was shot and
killed. Pray Father Roda's colleagues will be strengthened by the courage and
peace in Jesus Christ. Pray God raises others to continue Father Roda's work.
1 Corinthians 4:12, Isaiah 54:14 More News
INDIA Hindu Extremists Injure Nearly 100
Compass Direct News
On January 16, more than 80 people were injured in an attack on a large
Christian meeting in Chhattisgarh state. According to Compass Direct News,
the attack was followed by an assault on a missionary camp in Dhamtari
district that hurt at least a dozen Christians. "The Hindu attacks come within
weeks of unprecedented anti-Christian violence in neighboring Orissa state. In
Chhattisgarh's Durg district violence, Christians said it was no coincidence that
Hindu nationalist extremists launched the attack as the political arm of the
militants, the Bharatiya Janata Party, was holding a public meeting in the area,"
Compass Direct reported. Pray for the safety of believers in India. Ask God to
heal and encourage them to remain courageous despite attacks and
increased persecution. Pray the testimonies of these faithful believers will draw
non believers into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 26:3
Police Attack House Church
Members After Burning Bibles
China Aid Association
On January 23, members of a house church in Yunan
Province were severely beaten by police officials when
they went to the Xishan District Public Security Bureau
(PSB) to ask about their property which had been
confiscated. According to China Aid Association (CAA),
Chen Xiqiong and Liang Guihua walked into the PSB
office and requested an account of items, including
Bibles which were taken from their house church and
burned by police officers in early December 2007. CAA
said, "After ignoring the member's request, officials
proceeded to violently remove them from office. One
female church member, 54-year-old Liang Guihua,
was thrown into a wall and rendered unconscious for
more than 10 minutes. After the assault the members
went to a local hospital for evaluation. Officials who
witnessed the event refuse to testify on the members'
behalf." Pray for healing for those believers injured in
this attack. Ask God to protect and encourage
Christians in China who face increased persecution.
Isaiah 54:14
Members After Burning Bibles
China Aid Association
On January 23, members of a house church in Yunan
Province were severely beaten by police officials when
they went to the Xishan District Public Security Bureau
(PSB) to ask about their property which had been
confiscated. According to China Aid Association (CAA),
Chen Xiqiong and Liang Guihua walked into the PSB
office and requested an account of items, including
Bibles which were taken from their house church and
burned by police officers in early December 2007. CAA
said, "After ignoring the member's request, officials
proceeded to violently remove them from office. One
female church member, 54-year-old Liang Guihua,
was thrown into a wall and rendered unconscious for
more than 10 minutes. After the assault the members
went to a local hospital for evaluation. Officials who
witnessed the event refuse to testify on the members'
behalf." Pray for healing for those believers injured in
this attack. Ask God to protect and encourage
Christians in China who face increased persecution.
Isaiah 54:14
Bibles Confiscated at Airport
Compass Direct News
On January 28, a customs officer confiscated two boxes containing 32 Bibles
from a Christian woman in a Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia. According to
Compass Direct News, "Online news agency Malaysiakini reported that upon
arrival at the airport, Juliana Nichols was asked to open boxes and declare their
contents. Despite producing a letter from her parish priest stating that the
English Bibles were meant for use in her church, the officer told Nichols the
texts needed to be cleared with the Internal Security Ministry's Control Division
of Publications and Al-Quran Texts." The Compass report added that Rev. Dr.
Hermen Shastri, general secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia,
released a statement stating, "The Bible is Holy Scripture for Christians," and
"no authority on earth should deny Christians the right to possess, read and
travel with their Bibles." Shastri called for the immediate release of the Bibles
and an official apology from the customs department. This incident is the latest
in a series of seizures of Christian literature by the Malaysian government. Pray
for the people of Malaysia, who are concerned by the government's crackdown
on religious freedom. Ask God to protect and encourage Malay-Muslim converts
who are cut off from meeting with a larger fellowship of believers. Joshua 1:9
Compass Direct News
On January 28, a customs officer confiscated two boxes containing 32 Bibles
from a Christian woman in a Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia. According to
Compass Direct News, "Online news agency Malaysiakini reported that upon
arrival at the airport, Juliana Nichols was asked to open boxes and declare their
contents. Despite producing a letter from her parish priest stating that the
English Bibles were meant for use in her church, the officer told Nichols the
texts needed to be cleared with the Internal Security Ministry's Control Division
of Publications and Al-Quran Texts." The Compass report added that Rev. Dr.
Hermen Shastri, general secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia,
released a statement stating, "The Bible is Holy Scripture for Christians," and
"no authority on earth should deny Christians the right to possess, read and
travel with their Bibles." Shastri called for the immediate release of the Bibles
and an official apology from the customs department. This incident is the latest
in a series of seizures of Christian literature by the Malaysian government. Pray
for the people of Malaysia, who are concerned by the government's crackdown
on religious freedom. Ask God to protect and encourage Malay-Muslim converts
who are cut off from meeting with a larger fellowship of believers. Joshua 1:9
New Draft Law Proposing Death
Penalty for Apostasy
Institute on Religion and Public Policy - IRAN
The Iranian parliament is reviewing a bill for the
Islamic Penal Law (Penal Code) that legislates the
death penalty for apostasy. According to the Institute
on Religion and Public Policy, the draft law defines
an apostate as "any Muslim who clearly announces
that he/she has left Islam and declares blasphemy."
This proposed law is aimed to deter conversion from
Islam. Pray for strength, wisdom and grace for
believers in Iran as they faithfully continue to share
Christ despite pressure from the Islamic
government. Psalm 119:105
Government Renews
Pressure on Baptists
Forum 18 News-BELARUS
The Belarus government has recently issued fines to
the Baptist Council of Churches for "unregistered
activity." According to Forum 18 News, this increased
pressure is aimed at pressuring Baptists to register
their church activity. Forum reported, "The Council's
congregations reject state registration in post-Soviet
countries, believing that it leads to government
interference." Nikolai Varushin, who recently faced
persecution told Forum, "This is our path; we are
prepared to suffer for our faith. We just pray that our
people will remain true to the Lord." Pray for believers
in Belarus. Ask God to encourage them to remain
courageous in the midst of increased persecution.
Psalm 37:23
Penalty for Apostasy
Institute on Religion and Public Policy - IRAN
The Iranian parliament is reviewing a bill for the
Islamic Penal Law (Penal Code) that legislates the
death penalty for apostasy. According to the Institute
on Religion and Public Policy, the draft law defines
an apostate as "any Muslim who clearly announces
that he/she has left Islam and declares blasphemy."
This proposed law is aimed to deter conversion from
Islam. Pray for strength, wisdom and grace for
believers in Iran as they faithfully continue to share
Christ despite pressure from the Islamic
government. Psalm 119:105
Government Renews
Pressure on Baptists
Forum 18 News-BELARUS
The Belarus government has recently issued fines to
the Baptist Council of Churches for "unregistered
activity." According to Forum 18 News, this increased
pressure is aimed at pressuring Baptists to register
their church activity. Forum reported, "The Council's
congregations reject state registration in post-Soviet
countries, believing that it leads to government
interference." Nikolai Varushin, who recently faced
persecution told Forum, "This is our path; we are
prepared to suffer for our faith. We just pray that our
people will remain true to the Lord." Pray for believers
in Belarus. Ask God to encourage them to remain
courageous in the midst of increased persecution.
Psalm 37:23
