Source: Forum18
A young Catholic layman, who turned his home into a shelter for homeless people with a prayer room, is being accused of leading an unregistered religious organization. Aleksei Shchedrov, who says he has helped about 100 local people since December 2011, is being investigated on criminal charges under Article 193-1. As a result, he now faces a maximum possible sentence of two years' imprisonment. (To learn of other cases of persecution, go to the
Belarus Country Report.)
The criminal investigation against 28-year-old Aleksei followed police raids on the shelter in February and April of this year. "I am a Christian and I started to help those who are in need," he explains while being interviewed in the village of Aleksandrovka, Grodno Region. "I give them food, a bed, a bath and clothes, and I pray together with them. But this is no religious organization, just charity." A priest used to visit the shelter, but stopped after the authorities pressured the Bishop of Grodno into ordering the visits to stop.
May the Lord bless Aleksei for extending heartfelt compassion toward Belarus' homeless people, and may the wonderful work of this ministry continue to meet their practical and spiritual needs. God's Word strongly warns that He will contend with those who contend with His people (Isaiah 40:25). Pray that the reverential fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, will come upon those who are standing in opposition by obstructing His work. As a result, instead of hindering this important charitable outreach, may they become its greatest supporters. (You can share your prayers through our
prayer wall.)
LAOS: Couple Evicted From Home and Forced Out of Community
Source: VOM Sources
Two Christian converts have been evicted from their home after requesting prayer for healing, a VOM worker reports. On January 10th, 2013, Mr. Sakien and his wife, Dong, went to a church in Intee village, Attapeu province, seeking physical healing after their son and daughter-in-law told them that they had experienced God's healing as a result of prayer.
Shortly after visiting the church where they received prayer, the couple embraced the Christian faith. Then, on January 23rd, the village chief issued an eviction order, stating that the couple would be denied residency in the village because of their conversion to Christianity. Sakien and Dong were told to "find a different place where Christians can live." Sakien is very ill, and the couple are currently taking shelter in an unfinished church building in Intee village. (For previous reports on the challenges facing Christians in Laos, check the
Laos Country Report.)
Pray that this older couple will be encouraged in God's ability to provide for their every need, including that of appropriate accommodation. In fact, may He wonderfully bless them with His goodness by leading them to a safe haven in which to live and a loving community that will welcome them with open arms (Philippians 4:19). Also ask the Lord to bring needed strength and healing to Sakien, and encouragement and support to his dear wife Dong and their family.
HONDURAS: Violence Threatens Pastors' Lives
Sources: Fuerza Latina Cristiana, VOM Sources
Eight pastors have been murdered in Honduras in 2013 alone. In the most recent attack, which took place on June 19th, Pastor Eduardo Mejia was stabbed to death. Pastor Mejia led a church called "God Is Love." The other seven pastors killed over the first half of this year have all died from gunshot wounds.
An estimated 600,000 illegal weapons circulate in Honduras, and most are owned by criminals. According to data released by human rights organizations, Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world...about 85 per every 100,000 people. To date, none of the cases involving the murdered pastors has been solved.
While we know these servants of the Living God will be the recipients of His promised eternal reward for their faithfulness in ministry service, let us pray that this truth and the reassuring presence of Jesus will greatly comfort the hearts of their grieving loved ones and congregation members. According to Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted...." We are also mindful of our need to pray for the salvation of the perpetrators who are serving the enemy as 'workers of iniquity' by taking these pastors' lives. May they one day be able to personally experience God's mercy, forgiveness of sin, and His greatest gift of grace which is salvation.
RECENT PRISONER UPDATE
IRAN: Pastor of Tehran Church Released
Sources: Mohabat News, Assist News
One of the leaders of the forcibly closed Central Assemblies of God Church in Tehran has been recently released from prison after spending 43 days in custody. According to Mohabat News, Pastor Robert Asserian, who was arrested by security authorities in the middle of a worship service on May 21st, was released on July 2nd. (To review the report about his arrest, please click here.)
The country's newly elected president, Hassan Rouhani, has promised in his second statement that he will preserve the rights of religious and ethnic minorities and respond to their legitimate demands. According to a Mohabat News representative, his statement leads to some very important questions: "Does (Rouhani) count Muslims who have converted to Christianity as religious minorities and thus include them in his promises? What is his view on the recently closed Farsi-speaking churches, and what will he do to re-open them?" Time will tell, as events unfold, exactly what the new president's policy is concerning these issues of great concern. Thank you for your continued prayers on behalf of fellow believers in Iran.
