VOM-USA Prayer Update for March 20, 2009

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

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

CHINA – Pastor Remains in Custody Despite Insufficient Evidence – China Aid Association
China Aid Association reports that Pastor Lou Yuanqi remains in prison despite a judge’s verdict of “insufficient evidence.” Pastor Yuanqi was arrested in May 2008 and charged with “inciting separatism.” Following his trial on Dec. 15, his 18-year-old daughter was beaten by Chinese police when she tried to speak to her father. Pray for this family as it deals with these challenges. Ask God to touch Pastor Yuanqi’s body as he suffers from hepatitis B and harsh prison conditions have made his health worse. Pray he will have opportunities to share the gospel with his persecutors.
Isaiah 26:3
MALAYSIA – Christian’s Faith Recognized in a Muslim Court – VOM Canada
On March 6, in a rare victory for religious minorities in Malaysia, 60-year-old Mohammad Shar, who is known as Gilbert Freeman, was legally recognized as a non-Muslim by an Islamic court. Freeman brought his case to the Sharia court in Negeri Sembilan state after the National Registration Department refused to acknowledge his Christian faith when he applied for a new identity card. Freeman was raised a Christian by his mother after his Muslim father abandoned the family when Freeman was only two months old. As a result, the judge ruled that Freeman had never been a Muslim and his identity card could therefore be changed. The court also found no evidence that Freeman's parents were ever legally married. Praise the Lord that Freeman's faith has been recognized in this way. Pray for protection for him and thank God for his boldness and courage. Ask God for increased religious freedom in Malaysia.
1 Corinthians 15:57
INDIA – Pastor Shot and Christians Injured in Bomb Attack – VOM Sources
On March 8, Pastor Vinod Kumar James was shot dead and four Christians were injured following a bomb attack on a church in Bihar state, India, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The pastor had gathered in the church along with 70 others to pray when Rajesh Singh hurled a bomb through the church’s window. “When the believers ran for cover and tried to come out of the church, Singh stopped them at gunpoint and shot James in his abdomen,’’ VOM contacts said. James was sent to the hospital in critical condition. The four others who sustained injuries in the bomb attack were also admitted to a local hospital. Police arrested Singh and recovered four bombs and a homemade pistol in his possession. Singh told local journalists that he attacked the church to protest against the “forcible religious conversions” by Christian missionaries in the area. Pray for safety for believers in this area. Ask God to give them boldness to continue sharing the gospel despite this attack. Thank God for their faithfulness.
Philippians 4:6-7

"We give You praise" by Delirious

When the road is rough and steep

And it leads a heart to weep

There's an ocean of tears

That you've caught through the years

But we're not stopping here

On this long and winding street

Will you guide these weary feet

Every step that we take

With our hearts full of faith

And we're not stopping here

Together we are stronger so put your hand in mine

We give you praise

We give you praise

And the king of all the earth

Has saved us from ourselves

We give you praise

Through the avenues of time

Here you meet me where I am

We walk with glory and pain

And you've broken the chains

So there's no stopping here

We sing glory

In the darkness there you shine

Let it shine let it shine let it shine