VOM-USA Prayer Update for May 7, 2010

"Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness." - Andrew Murray

"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:18


On Thu. May 06 2010 at 04:36 PM Moderator wrote:
IRAQ — Christians Warned to Leave Iraq — VOM Contacts

Christians in Iraq have been warned by Muslim extremists to leave the country immediately or risk violent death, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. An Iraqi bishop received a letter from the General Secretariat of the Islam Supporters warning Christians in Baghdad and other areas to “leave the country of Muslims (Iraq) for good and immediately in the form of mass transmigration.” “You can follow Pope Benedict XVI and his followers who have disfigured humanity and Islam,” the letter said. “There’s no more room for you, infidels, among the Iraqi Muslims. Our swords shall be placed upon your necks and the necks of your followers and other Christians residing in Mosul.” Despite the threats, Christians in Iraq remain strong in their faith. “We thank God for his protection during this difficult time the country is passing through,” a VOM contact said. Pray that the Lord will protect our brothers and sisters in Iraq, and ask God to give them the grace to forgive their persecutors.

Romans 8:35

NIGERIA — Christians Killed by Muslim Youths — Compass Direct News

On April 24, seven people were killed by Muslim youths in Jos, Nigeria, according to Compass Direct News. Two journalists for the Church of Christ in Nigeria newspaper, The Light Bearer, were among those killed. Nathan S. Dabak, a 36-year-old assistant editor, and Sunday Gyang Bwede, a 39-year-old reporter, were on their way to interview a local politician in Gado-Bako when they were attacked and stabbed to death. An unidentified motorcyclist was also killed in the attack. Four other Christians were murdered on the same day in Dutse Uku district after the body of a missing Muslim teenager was found. The four Christians were killed when hundreds of Muslim youths rampaged through the area in protest. Three of the believers were stabbed to death. Only weeks ago, a pastor from the Church of Christ in Nigeria and his wife were murdered in Bauchi state. These are the latest in the ongoing attacks against believers in Nigeria. Pray for family members and friends mourning the loss of these Christians. Pray that in the face of their terrible suffering, God’s grace will be sufficient. Pray that God will change the hearts and minds of the Muslim youths involved in these attacks. Pray for lasting peace in Nigeria.

2 Corinthians 1:5

BANGLADESH — Christians Held Captive — Compass Direct News

On April 16 three tribal Christians in Lemuchari village, Khagrachari district, Bangladesh, were abducted by Buddhist members of an armed rebel group and taken to a pagoda, according to Compass Direct News. Pastor Shushil Jibon Talukder, Bimol Kanti Chakma and Laksmi Bilas Chakma, all members of the Maddha Lemuchari Baptist Church, were taken to the pagoda after being beaten in an attempt to force them to return to Buddhism. Pastor Shushil was injured so severely that he couldn’t walk and was taken to the pagoda on a stretcher. Pray for the safe release of the three believers. Pray that they will remain steadfast in their faith. Pray that those harming Christians in Lemuchari village will repent and accept Jesus as their Savior.

1 Peter 5:8–10