Friday, December 26, 2008

VOM-USA Prayer Update for December 26, 2008

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

PAKISTAN - Young Christian Woman and Her Father Imprisoned – VOM Sources
Twenty- year-old Sandul Bibi and her father Gulsher are in prison in Pakistan, charged with violating section 295-B of the Pakistani legal code, the “blasphemy” law. Sandul is falsely accused of ripping pages from the Quran. On Oct. 9, a large crowd of Muslims attacked Christian families at a church, throwing stones and firing guns. They were shouting, “Kill Gulsher and his daughter Sandul.” Sandul and her father were arrested after a mob from the local mosque surrounded their house. Loudspeakers from different mosques broadcast accusations that Christians had disgraced the Quran, calling Muslims to attack and burn their homes. The angry crowd threw stones and set fire to Sandul’s home. Christians believe Sandul and her father were targeted and arrested because they were aggressively winning villagers to Christ. Pray Sandul and her father are released from prison. Ask God to encourage her family and for believers in Pakistan to be emboldened to continue proclaiming and sharing Christ.
INDONESIA - Riots Erupt in Indonesia over Christian Teacher's Alleged Blasphemy – VOM Sources
On Dec. 9, riots broke out in Masohi, Central Maluku province, Indonesia, after Welhelmina Holle, a Christian elementary school teacher, allegedly made comments that insulted Islam while tutoring a Muslim student. News of the incident spread throughout the Muslim community, sparking the Indonesian Ulema Council to file a complaint with the police against Holle. Approximately 500 Muslims protested outside the Central Maluku Education Agency, accusing Holle of blasphemy and calling for his dismissal. The mob then gathered outside the Central Maluku Police headquarters and demanded to meet with the police chief, but when informed that he was not on the premises, the Muslims dispersed. However, confrontations between some of the Muslims and police officials incited violence. Police and soldiers were eventually able to intervene, but two churches, a health clinic, several vehicles and approximately 65 homes were burned. At the time of the report, Holle remained in detention. He is reportedly being charged with blasphemy, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Ask God to strengthen Holle. Pray for those who have lost property in the riots. Pray that Christ will equip Indonesian Christians to follow His example and remain faithful to Him.

KENYA - Somali Christian Shot by Muslims in Kenyan Refugee Camp – Compass Direct News
Salat Sekondo Mberwa, a Somali Christian who fled to a refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya, in 2005 after Muslims murdered a Christian relative, was shot by Muslims on Nov. 26, according to Compass Direct News. At approximately 6:00 p.m., the Muslims broke into Mberwa's residence in the camp and shot him in the shoulder as he tried to escape out a window. The assailants left him for dead. He was later discovered by his family and is recovering in Dadaab. Mberwa faced a similar attack on Oct.13 when five Muslim youths threatened him and forcibly entered his residence. When Mberwa and his son fought off the assailants, Mberwa was arrested by relief camp police. Pray for a speedy recovery for Mberwa. Ask God to protect the Mberwa family as they face opposition. Pray that Somali Christians forced to flee their country will continue to rely on the Lord to meet their needs.

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