The opposition of the church, which is located in a predominantly Muslim area, started almost immediately after the congregation moved into the building in 2007. Prior to this, the believers had been forced to relocate two other times due to threats from militant Muslims. (To read a previous prayer report about another attack the church faced,
click here.)
Please bring this congregation to our Lord in prayer, asking that He strengthen their hearts as they face another disappointing setback. May He soon provide them a safe location where they can worship together once more so their ministry won't suffer. In addition, pray that God will use the church members to impact the lives of the militant Muslims who have been opposing their Christian witness while, at the same time, encouraging others of the community who do not yet know Jesus to come to faith in Him. Please also pray for Pastor Steven and other leaders of this Palestinian church, asking God to grant them much wisdom and discernment as they lead their congregation amidst a hostile environment.
For more information on the trials Christians are facing in this area of the world, please
visit our website.
RECENT PRISONER UPDATES
CHINA: Pastor Loses Appeal, Family Members Forced to Flee Country
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, China Aid
Pastor Zhang Shaojie, who was sentenced in July to 12 years' imprisonment and ordered to pay a hefty fine, has lost his appeal of the false charges. Pastor Zhang is the leader of Nanle County Christian Church in Henan, which belongs to the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement. In November and December of 2013, Pastor Zhang and over 20 others were detained without formal documentation after a group of church members attempted to petition a higher authority about a land dispute involving the church. Fortunately, on August 22nd -- the day after Pastor Zhang's appeal was rejected -- one of the four other Christians remaining in detention was released on bail pending trial. (For more information on Pastor Zhang's charges, please
visit our website.)
Pastor Zhang's family has not been spared in the ongoing persecution against this church. Thankfully, Pastor Zhang's daughter, son-in-law and one-year-old granddaughter managed to leave their home country for the United States in July. "Our family and our church want to thank the U.S. government and many anonymous church leaders in different parts of the world for helping assist our family's hard-fought freedom," stated Zhang's daughter, who was quoted in an e-mail from Bob Fu, the leader of VOMC partner China Aid. "Our family comes here to raise awareness of the deteriorating situation of religious freedom in Nanle and in China."
Please remember this dear family in your prayers as they endure continued suffering for Christ's name. Despite his appeal being rejected, pray that Pastor Zhang will soon be acquitted of the false charges placed against him. Until then, may this minister of the Gospel rest in the sure knowledge that he has not been forgotten by God who has promised to hold him safely in His hands. Thank the Lord that Pastor Zhang's daughter has been able to flee to safety in the United States with her family. May they be supported and encouraged by their American brothers and sisters in Christ as they adapt to a new life far away from loved ones remaining in China. Ask that the Lord will also grant them opportunities to use their freedom in the West to serve as advocates for the release of Pastor Zhang and the other detained members of the church.
To post your own prayers for this family, visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
IRAN: Pray for Christians Imprisoned for their Faith
Sources: Mohabat News, Iran 30
Our Christian brothers and sisters in Iran continue to stand in need of prayer as they face detention and false charges because of their faith in Jesus. On the evening of August 12th, two Christian men were arrested when a house church was raided in Tehran by security authorities. Mehdi Vaziri, 28, and Amir Kian, 27, are currently being held at Ghezel-Hesar Prison. Latest reports indicate that the men face serious charges, including "acting against national security" and "propagating against the Islamic regime."
Meanwhile, 35-year-old Farshid Fathi, who is serving a six-year prison sentence for "political offences," was transferred from Evin Prison to Rajaei-Shahr Prison on August 19th. As this believer is now being detained in an open cell with hardened criminals and drug addicts, he has requested prayer for his safety. Due to the more aggressive nature of this prison, a guard is constantly present in the cell to try to prevent the inmates from attacking each other. Farshid is reportedly having trouble sleeping from fear of assault. The reason for his transfer remains unknown. (For more information about Farshid's detention, please visit
this page.)
Please pray for these three detained men as they languish in prison because of their dedication to our Saviour and Lord. Pray that Mehdi and Amir will soon be released, and that no charges will be placed against them. Also pray that Farshid will soon be acquitted and free to return home to his loved ones. In the meantime, may God protect these men and keep them from harm, while also using their faithful witness to extend His Kingdom purposes in Iran. In particular, pray that our Heavenly Father will shield Farshid from possible assault, granting this Godly young man favour in the eyes of the prison guards and fellow prisoners. Finally, please pray that the Iranian authorities will respect religious freedom for all citizens, including the country's growing Christian minority.
To mail a letter of encouragement to Farshid at Rajaei-Shahr Prison, please visit VOM's letter-writing website at
www.PrisonerAlert.com.
