VOM-USA Prayer Update for November 20, 2009
KAZAKHSTAN — Christians Fined, Deported - Forum 18 News
Two Christian brothers, Viktor and Didrikh Leven, have been convicted of participating in religious worship without state registration in Akmola Region, Kazakhstan, according to Forum18 News. On Oct. 14, Viktor, who was born in Kazakhstan but holds German citizenship, was found guilty of "carrying out missionary activity without local registration" under Article 375-3 of Kazakhstan’s Administrative Code. Viktor was fined 6,480 Tenge (US $43) and ordered deported. He successfully appealed his sentence, and his fine and deportation were annulled. Meanwhile, on Oct.28, Didrikh was convicted of violating Article 374-1 of the Administrative Code, which forbids "leadership or participation in the activity of an unregistered social or religious organization." He was fined 100 times the minimum monthly wage. Reportedly, Didrikh plans to appeal to the same Akmola Regional Court that overturned Viktor's punishment. On Nov. 5, Feruza Utegenova, a member of New Life Church in Aktau on the Caspian Sea, was deported to Uzbekistan. She had been convicted and fined in June for "carrying out missionary activity without local registration" (Article 375-3) after she gave a Christian children's magazine to a 12-year-old girl in her neighborhood. The Voice of the Martyrs stands with these and other believers facing persecution in Kazakhstan. Pray that the charges against Didrikh will be dropped. Pray that God will grant Feruza strength and guidance as she seeks to serve Christ. Pray that authorities will stop harassing Christians in Kazakhstan.
Psalm 5:11-12
CHINA - House Church Banned - China Aid Association
On Nov. 2 more than 30 officials from four government agencies barged into the Wanbang Missionary Church in Shanghai, China and accused believers of holding an illegal meeting, according to China Aid Association. Leaders from each of the agencies, including the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau (PSB) and the State Administration on Religious Affairs, then interrogated the senior pastor, Cui Quan. PSB officers also questioned other church partners affiliated with the church. After concluding that church members were meeting “illegally,” police officers banned the church and forbade the believers from meeting in the future. Pray that these believers will be encouraged to continue to meet together despite opposition. Pray for significant and lasting advances in religious freedom in China.
Hebrews 10:23-25
UGANDA - Muslims Attack Worshippers - Compass Direct News
On Nov. 1 more than 39 Muslim extremists armed with machetes and clubs attacked the World Possessor's Church International in Namasuba, just outside the capital city of Kampala, Uganda, while believers were holding a worship service. When the church members heard the Muslims outside, they gathered at the front door to try to prevent them from entering. Some believers were able to escape through the church's rear door. When the Muslims noticed one of the Christians taking photographs of them, they beat him severely. Nearby residents eventually arrived on scene and helped the Christians ward off their attackers. When police arrived, they assisted in stopping the assault but made no arrests. Pray for God to sustain all the victims of this attack through His peace and grace. Pray that the members of the church will grow in to be like Christ even though they face ongoing opposition.
James 1:2-4
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