For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
PAKISTAN — Asia Bibi Appeals Death Sentence — VOM Contacts
- Psalm 40:11–13
- Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me.Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me!
On Nov. 17, Asia Bibi’s attorneys appealed the death sentence she received after being convicted of blasphemy. The governor of the Punjab, Salman Taseer, met with Asia and took her statement for appeal. He will present his report to President Zardari on Wednesday. Radical fundamentalists have planned a procession for Wednesday to speak out against President Zardari’s consideration of Asia’s release. Pray for Asia’s release and for her family. Also pray that Pakistan’s blasphemy law might be amended or repealed.
IRAQ — More Deadly Attacks on Christians — Assyrian International News Agency, Telegraph, CNN- Revelations 2:9–11
- “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’
Christians in Iraq have continued to face deadly violence in recent days, including bombings and shootings. On Nov.11, suspected Islamic extremists detonated 11 bombs in Christian suburbs across Baghdad, targeting shops and homes. At least five Christians were killed and approximately 33 injured. Violence erupted again in predominantly Christian areas on Nov. 15. At least one person was killed and seven others injured when two car bombs exploded. Pray that God will comfort those who have lost loved ones in these attacks. Ask God to strengthen Iraqi believers so they can continue to share his love in the face of great persecution.
CHINA — Three Schools Raided — China Aid Association- Romans 8:34–36
- Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:“ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
On Nov. 7, government officials raided three kindergartens in the southern provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, according to China Aid Association. The schools are led by Sun Haiping, the wife of formerly imprisoned house-church pastor Wang Dao. Haiping was also part of the Chinese delegation that recently visited Washington, D.C., to discuss democracy and religious freedom. During the raids, officials questioned teachers and children about Haiping’s trip to the United States. They also asked if the school owned Bibles or distributed them to students. “If this was a normal school inspection, the PSB (Public Security Bureau) would not have been there, and it would have been led by the Education Bureau,” Haiping told China Aid. “The schools are at risk of being shut down.” Pray that Haiping and her husband, Wang Dao, will persevere in faith. Pray that the children in these schools will continue to receive quality education from equipped and dedicated teachers.
AFGHANISTAN — Christian Worker Remains in Prison — VOM Contacts- Psalm 91:1–5
- Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:“ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
On May 24, Said Musa was arrested by government authorities in Afghanistan following a television broadcast that showed Christian baptisms and worship, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Musa has openly professed his faith, and he was interrogated about his conversion to Christianity on national television in June. Musa’s wife has visited him in prison. “Musa told his wife that he has been under serious pressure to disclose details about people and NGO’s,” VOM contacts said. “During the third week of August he was moved to another prison and interrogated and beaten again.”
