Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
CHINA — Christians Released From Prison — China Aid Association- Matthew 5:11-12
- “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
On May 9, 16 Christians from the China Gospel Fellowship were released early from administrative detention in Xinye, Henan province, according to China Aid Association. The Christians were released before serving their 10 to14 day sentences and without paying the 1,000 Yuan (US$150) fine. The released believers were part of a group arrested on April 30 and accused of “harming the society by falsely using the name of religion and Qi Gong.” Public Security Bureau officials raided the meeting and arrested the Christians. Two Christians were released days later, but 16 were held until May 9. Praise God these believers were released without restrictions. The Voice of the Martyrs has been supporting and encouraging believers in China for more than 30 years. VOM encourages you to pray for these and other believers who risk their lives for the sake of the gospel. Ask God to protect and provide for Christians in China who risk arrest every time they meet for worship.
INDIA — Pastor Brutally Attacked — VOM Sources- Psalm 9:13-16
- Have mercy on me, O LORD! Consider my trouble from those who hate me, You who lift me up from the gates of death, That I may tell of all Your praise In the gates of the daughter of Zion. I will rejoice in Your salvation. The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught. The LORD is known by the judgment He executes; The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
On May 2009, Pastor Ramesh Mandevey was brutally attacked and left for dead by 10 Hindu extremists while he was returning from visiting a believer’s home in Tundavata, Madhya Pradesh, India, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The extremists questioned the pastor and another believer about their evangelistic activities. “Before Pastor Ramesh could answer, they started beating him severely using their fists, clubs and rods,” VOM contacts added. “Thirsty, tired and severely injured, Pastor Ramesh started crawling towards a nearby tree. Before he could reach the shelter of the tree, the extremists returned and snatched his mobile phone, [his] wallet that had Rs. 500 (US$10) and [his] camcorder.” The pastor was later taken to the hospital with severe injuries on his right arm, leg, head and jaw. The injuries on his jaw are so severe that he is unable to swallow food. Before the attack, Hindu extremists lodged a complaint with the police accusing the pastor of forcibly converting Hindus. VOM encourages you to pray for this pastor who is risking his all for the sake of the gospel. Ask God to heal him and use his testimony to minister to his persecutors.
NEPAL — Three Christians Killed in Church Bombing — VOM Sources- Psalm 119: 161-168
- Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word. I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. I hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law. Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments. Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble. LORD, I hope for Your salvation, And I do Your commandments. My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly. I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, For all my ways are before You.
On May 23, a bomb killed three Christians and wounded 15 others at the Assumption Catholic Church, in Kathmandu, Nepal, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. During Mass attended by more than 250 people, a young man and woman entered the church and placed a bag on the floor of the church. “A few minutes later a bomb exploded sending shrapnel and nails flying into the congregation, “VOM contacts said. A 15 year-old girl was killed instantly and a 30-year-old newlywed who was visiting her family from India, died on the way to the hospital. Fifteen others were injured including one of the priests. Three remain critical. A second bomb was later disarmed by police before it detonated. Pray for the families of the deceased. Ask God to heal those who were injured and to protect believers in Nepal. Ask God to use the testimonies of believers to draw non believers into fellowship with Him.
