VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 25, 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 Tue. Jun 22 2010 at 01:03 PM Moderator wrote:
INDIA — Christian Forcibly “Reconverted” to Hinduism — VOM Canada / Asia News

On June 8, 19-year-old Bhakta Bivar was beaten, tortured and forced to participate in a ceremony “reconverting” him to Hinduism, according to VOM Canada and Asia News. Six Hindu extremists reportedly stormed Bhakta’s home in Nuapada district, Orissa state, India, intending to kill him and his parents. When the attackers realized Bhakta’s parents were not home, they beat him and dragged him to the local Hindu temple, where he was forcibly “reconverted” to Hinduism. The next day, police arrested five of the assailants, who were charged and then released. Pray that Bhakta will not be fearful but will turn to the Lord for his daily strength. Pray that the persecution he has faced will embolden him to witness to his Hindu neighbors. Ask God to bring peace to India’s Orissa state.

Matthew 5:13–16

SOMALIA — Christian Convert Abused by Family — Compass Direct News

A 17-year-old girl in the Gedo Region of Somalia was severely beaten by her family recently after they discovered she had converted to Christianity, according to Compass Direct News. Nurta Mohamed Farah, 17, was later taken to a doctor, who prescribed medication for a “mental illness.” When she refused to abandon her Christian faith, her family forced her to take the medication. Nurta’s family has read Islamic scripture to her twice a week since May 10, when they learned of her conversion. Somalis traditionally believe that the Quran cures the sick — especially the mentally ill. Nurta has been shackled to a tree during the day and held in a small, dark room at night, according to Compass. “There is little the community can do about her condition, which is very bad,” a Christian source told Compass. “I have advised our community leader to keep monitoring her condition but not to meddle for their own safety. … We need prayers and human advocacy for such inhuman acts, and for freedom of religion for the Somali people.” Pray that Nurta will be encouraged and emboldened as she suffers for her faith. Pray that her steadfast commitment to Christ will soften the hearts of her parents so that they, too, will come to know him.

Psalm 91:1–5

CHINA — Pastor Released on Bail — China Aid Association

On June 13, Pastor Wang Dao was released on bail after being held for more than a month on charges of “gathering a mob to disrupt the public order,” according to China Aid Association. Pastor Wang was arrested in China’s Guangdong Province in early May. Pastor Wang, a leader of the Liangren Church, has reportedly been threatened with exile and denied the right to meet with his lawyers. He now faces new charges of “hindering the administration of credit cards.” Pastor Wang insists the criminal charges were brought against him because of his Christian faith. Pastor Wang’s house church has also faced unjust treatment from authorities, according to China Aid. Church members have reportedly been locked out of their rented building, ordered to disband from a peaceful meeting in a park and evicted from another rented building. Upon his release, Pastor Wang expressed thanks to all those in his Christian family who have prayed for and supported him. Pray that the charges against Pastor Wang will be dropped and that he and members of his church will stand firm in their faith in Christ.

Psalm 23:1–5