Iran contains the largest Shi'a Islam population in the world, while Christianity comprises merely less than half a percent of the Iranian population. Religious persecution of certain minorities has intensified since 2005, while movements for greater public freedom have often been attacked by those pushing for the strict observance of Islamic law.
Afshin experienced a stark turning point when Jesus Christ, the One he had been fighting against for so long, became his Saviour and Lord. Today, this former persecutor of believers is a devout Christian convert himself -- and he is now living his life for the glory of God!
As in the case of Afshin, may the citizens of Iran discover the true peace and joy that can only come through having a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus. Pray that their spiritual blindness will be replaced with a glorious revelation of God's wonderful plan of salvation. May the Lord continue to work mightily to multiply and mature the Body of Christ despite this time of intense persecution (Genesis 50:20), while also using the testimony of His people to bring many others into His Kingdom.
COLOMBIA: Widow of Martyred Evangelist Extends Forgiveness
Source: VOMC Contact
One of our outreach partners, Pabel, a 33-year-old evangelist of the Colombia Para Cristo ministry, had mysteriously disappeared last month. In late November of 2014, eight days after his disappearance, Pabel's body was located in the mountains of the Paez Indian Territory. The two murderers responsible for committing this crime have confessed and are now in Indian custody.
Although the loss of Pabel is tragic, his widowed young wife is responding through God's amazing grace which in itself is a very powerful testimony, especially for the confessing perpetrators. Kelly was granted permission to confront her husband's murderers as she had requested. Explaining to the young men that although Pabel had always wanted to be with the Lord, the crime they committed has also caused serious harm to her family. She is now left without a provider and her two young children no longer have their father. However, as a Christian, Kelly willingly forgave the men responsible for her tremendous loss, mentioning that she would also ask God to forgive them.
"Pabel lived and died for the cause of Jesus Christ," Kelly explained during a recent conversation with our ministry contact. "Life goes on," she says with heartfelt emotion. "And here I am with the flag to continue on with the work. Pabel never preached the Gospel to make friends, but to save souls in the midst of such a place."
Her husband Pabel, who was one of our ministry team's dearest friends, will be remembered as a valiant evangelist who gave his all for the cause of Christ. (To view a video clip of Pabel in a previously taped interview, please go to:
Persecution.TV/Pabel.)
While we don't fully understand why Pabel's productive life was not spared, we can be sure that God will keep His promises to now provide comfort and care for this young widow and her two children. Please join us in upholding Pabel's recently widowed wife Kelly and their little ones in prayer, asking the Lord to surround them with His love and comforting presence as they work through the shock of their recent loss. May ALL things -- even this tragic situation -- work together for good in their lives (Romans 8:28), and also in the lives of many others there in Colombia so that Pabel's desire to save souls is fully realized.
NIGERIA: Christmas Outreach to Victims of Vicious Attacks
Source: VOM Canada
Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is divided between a mainly Christian culture in the south and a radical Islamic agenda in the north -- the latter of which is characterized by massive riots, bombings and plans to create an Islamic state.
Back in 2009, the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, an al-Qaida ally, vowed to rid the north of all non-Muslim influence, including Christianity. Since then, more than 3,000 people have been tragically killed by the insurgents' target of Christian villages, churches and homes. Children were not exempt in the vicious attacks and, as a result, many have been left wounded, traumatized and/or orphaned. In another incident this year, which took place on April 14th, at least 270 Nigerian schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram. To date, more than 200 of the girls are still missing. (A previous prayer alert report on this incident can be
found here.)
During this month of December, The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is reaching out to the suffering Christians of Nigeria through the ministry's "Christmas Blessing" project. By providing these victimized believers needed practical aid through our various in-country projects, the compassion of Jesus and His healing touch is being extended to them in tangible ways. To be part of this "Christmas Blessing," you may go to our
donation page.
Please remember to pray for God's protection over these targeted believers in northern Nigeria throughout the Christmas season, including the abducted schoolgirls who have yet to be located. May He minister healing to those still suffering from the aftermath of the attacks. Ask Him to also touch the hardened hearts of the perpetrators, giving them the ability to sense their wrongdoing and empathize with their victims, so they will no longer be oblivious to the immense pain and suffering they are causing so many innocent people (Ezekiel 11:19). May they, too, have the opportunity to experience the presence of God in their lives by acknowledging Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
We encourage you to post a prayer on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ. You may join along with others who are also concerned about their plight by going to the
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
