"Paul," a partner of VOMC's sister mission in the United Kingdom, reports of separatists accusing evangelical Christians in the Ukraine for spying on behalf of the West. Subsequently, the separatists have confiscated their church buildings. Paul, who planted many churches in the former Soviet Union, further notes that some believers in the occupied areas were even killed. "After annexation, Ukrainian churches (were told) they had no right to exist there," Paul explains. "Every church has had to be re-registered. Some pastors and priests have been forced to accept Russian citizenship." Those who refused, he adds, were forced to leave.
Amid the current climate of instability, pray that the faith of believers living in Crimea and Ukraine will be unwavering and secure. Additionally, ask God to work in the hearts of the separatists so that they, too, will come to accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord. May He also bless Paul and the other Christian workers ministering in this troubled area of the world, granting them greatly needed wisdom and encouragement as they faithfully serve these suffering Ukrainian people.
To post your prayers of support for our Christian family in Crimea and Ukraine, visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
INDIA: Faithful Widow's Life Counts for Eternity
Source: VOM USA
A 31-year-old widow in India is being remembered, following her recent death from a heart attack, for demonstrating bold faith -- a faith that compelled her to help numerous women in jail find freedom in Christ, including one of the prison guards.
Vani, who is survived by an eight-year-old daughter, spent 15 days in jail roughly 10 months ago for sharing her faith. During this time in prison, Vani reached out with the love of Jesus to more than 70 women -- 14 of whom became believers. Even the jailer encouraged her to continue with this outreach after witnessing a dramatic change in the lives of several prisoners who accepted Christ.
Vani was charged with kidnapping and forceful conversion of a child to Christianity. With a heart to help a troubled teenager, she introduced the girl to the Lord and to other believers who were willing to provide further support. The caring Christian woman was arrested when the girl's parents reported her to police.
After being released from imprisonment, Vani returned to the jail every two months for a regular court appearance. While there, she shared snacks with the women, taking time to pray for them and the police officers. One guard who came to faith in Jesus invited Vani to her house for prayer. "Everything that happened this year...is good because it is taking me very near to my God," Vani told a VOM worker just this past January.
During her time behind bars, Vani received assistance from VOM towards the cost of bail, household rent, her daughter's school fees, and in many other various ways. VOM is currently assessing how to best assist Vani's daughter following the sudden death of the child’s God-honouring mother.
While we certainly join with those now mourning the recent loss of Vani, let us also thank God for the incredible impact this dear woman has made on the lives of both believers and those who have yet to know Jesus! May her faithful example continue to draw many more to our Lord, even after her death. Especially remember Vani's young daughter in your petitions to our loving Heavenly Father. May He surround this grieving child with devout Christians who will guide and counsel her as she discerns His call on her own life.
Do you have a heart for faithful women like Vani who have suffered because of their unwavering commitment to Jesus?
Click here to find out how you can minister to the women of the persecuted church.
TURKMENISTAN: Christian Leader Fined Following Police Raid
Source: Forum 18 News Service
A Christian leader from Galkynysh in Lebap Region was recently fined two weeks' average local wages following a police raid. The authorities stopped Narmurad Mominov just as he left the home of a Christian family he had been visiting. Narmurad was ordered to stay at the home, where he and the other believers were forced to write statements confessing of their involvement in a religious meeting. During the subsequent search of the hosting family’s home, a New Testament was found in one of the rooms. The officers demanded to know where the homeowner had obtained the Scriptures.
All of the Christians were held until 2 a.m. the following morning, including children as young as two years old. Later that day, the detained believers were again summoned and pressured to write statements, this time indicating the abandonment of their faith and a promise to no longer attend religious meetings. Most refused to do so. After making further threats to no avail, officials finally relented and allowed the Christians to leave. However, the officers then decided to bring forth cases against both Narmurad and the homeowner. Although Narmurad was fined on February 27th, the homeowner's case has not yet been brought to trial.
Narmurad has previously been fined for his religious activity. Pressure was also placed on his parents (who are not church members), demanding they remove Narmurad and his wife, as well as the accused's five children, from the family home. One winter, essential utilities such as electricity, gas and water were cut off in a bid to force his parents into cooperating with the authorities' demands.
Please bring our brother Narmurad to the Lord in prayer, asking that he be granted extra strength and courage during these days of trial. Pray that God will also provide the funds necessary to pay the recently acquired fine, and that the homeowner will be acquitted of any perceived wrongdoing. Despite restrictions and the threat of fine or imprisonment, may the church in Turkmenistan flourish and bear much fruit.
For more information on Turkmenistan's persecuted church, visit our
Country Report.
