Friday, December 19, 2008

VOM prayer update

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:39
GAMBIA – Missionary couple arrested in Gambia - VOM Canada
On Nov. 29, David and Fiona Fulton, British missionaries who have been working in Gambia for 12 years, were arrested for sedition. The couple was paraded on state television and subsequently charged on Dec. 4 with writing letters that criticized the country and for publishing and distributing materials "with the intent to bring into hatred or contempt, to excite disaffection against the President or the Government of Gambia." David and Fiona pleaded not guilty to the charges and the case was adjourned until today. Sources close to the Fultons maintain that the couple desires only to spread the Good News and that David's work as chaplain to the Gambian Army and Fiona's care of the terminally ill are not political. At last report, the Fultons were unable to secure bail and remained in detention. David is being held at the high-security Mile Two prison while Fiona and their 2-year-old adopted daughter are in custody at a police station in Banjul, Gambia's capital. Pray that the charges brought against this couple will be dropped. Ask God to give them strength and health while in detention. Pray that they will rest in the knowledge that Jesus is alongside them during this difficult time.

Psalm 23

CHINA - Underground Christians Arrested – China Aid Association

House church Christians continue to be targeted and arrested throughout China, according to a Dec. 4 report from China Aid Association. More than 50 house church Christians gathered for fellowship in Xiji town, Zaozhuang city, Shandong province on Dec. 2 when Public Security Bureau officials surrounded them and arrested approximately 20 believers. The officials claimed that they would release the prisoners for 2,500 Yuan (approximately US$27) each. On Dec.3, more than 50 house church Christians were arrested by local police in Tai Kang county, Henan province. At the time of the report, none of the believers had been released. Pray that these Christians will be released from detention. Pray that, like Paul, their imprisonment will result in the advancement of God's kingdom.

Philippians 1:12-14

NIGERIA – Six Pastors Killed, 40 Churches Destroyed – Compass Direct News

Following Muslim attacks on Christians in Nigeria on Nov. 28-29, six pastors are dead, at least 500 other people killed and 40 churches destroyed, Compass Direct News reported. More than 25,000 persons were displaced in the two days of violence, according to the National Emergency Management Agency. What began as outrage over suspected vote fraud in local elections degenerated into angry Muslims taking aim at Christian sites rather than at political targets. Police and troops reportedly killed about 400 rampaging Muslims in an effort to quell the unrest, and Islamic extremists shot, slashed or stabbed to death most of more than 100 Christians killed. Pray for peace in this area. Ask God to comfort the families of those killed. Pray the testimonies of martyred believers will draw their persecutors into fellowship with Christ. Pray believers in Nigeria will forgive their persecutors.

Psalm 91:1-4