Mission training school attacked in Indonesia

(Source: VOM-USA) A mission training school was recently attacked by a mob of Muslims following a prayer meeting in Jonggol, West Java, Indonesia. Approximately 85 Muslims rushed into the school and raided each class and dorm room, removing pictures of Jesus. They told the staff that the school must be closed. No students were on the premises, as school was not in session that day. Several police officers and soldiers accompanied the mob from a nearby military base and neighbours did not recognize them as locals. The school, which was established in 1999 with the purpose of training evangelists in Indonesia, has reportedly always maintained a good relationship with its neighbours. At last report, mission leaders said that they were attempting to follow up on the incident in the hopes of helping to prevent further violence. The leaders also urged Indonesian Christians not to retaliate, but to remain calm and to pray.

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Pray that God will touch the hearts of the attackers, leading them to repent and recognize Christ as Lord. Pray that a spirit of trust and peace will govern the hearts of Indonesian Christians and guard them against fear. Pray that Christians in Indonesia will be a bold testimony of Christ's love to those around them. To learn more about the trials facing Indonesia's Christians, go to the Indonesia Country Report.

Iranian Christian held in solitary confinement

(Sources: Release International, Mohabat News) Friends and family of a detained Iranian Christian are calling for clarification of his case more than five months after he was sent to Tehran's notoriously brutal Evin prison. Farshid Fathi (32) was one of several believers detained by government security officials in December 2010 during a series of raids on Christians' homes in Tehran (click here for more). He has endured months of solitary confinement even though no court orders or instructions have been issued in his case. Interrogators have reportedly used psychological torture in attempts to force Farshid to reveal details of Christian contacts. Farshid's wife and two young children -- Rosana and Barbod -- have been allowed to speak to him only once a week. Farshid's family was forced to sell his father-in-law's home in order to survive financially and have not been able to pay the bail to secure his release. Pray that God will strengthen and console Farshid as he suffers for his faith. Pray that his family will trust in the Lord for provision and comfort. Pray that the steadfast faith of Iranian believers will encourage other Christians in the country who are suffering persecution. Pray that the Word of the Lord will continue to go forth in Iran and that many will come to embrace Him as Lord. To learn more about the suffering of Iranian Christians, go to the Iran Country Report.

Missionary charged with human trafficking in Laos

(Source: VOM-USA) A missionary to youth in Laos was recently charged with human trafficking, an offense that carries a hefty fine and a prison sentence of five to 50 years. Brother K was arrested and charged with human trafficking in May after he went to a police station to seek the release of 24 young people. The youths had been detained while travelling to a Christian training conference, where Brother K was serving as a leader. Brother K denied involvement in human trafficking and invited the officers to visit the conference centre to see what the students were being taught. Taken aback by his boldness and concerned that the offense would become known as a persecution case, police released the 24 students but detained Brother K. After bail was set, Brother K bargained to reduce the amount and police agreed on a sum equal to three months' wages. The youth later held their training session at a hastily convened new location. Thank God for His protection of the students and for the boldness of their leader. Pray that Brother K will continue to persevere in the faith. Pray that Christian youth in Laos will continue to passionately share the gospel with their neighbours. Pray that freedom of religion will truly become a reality in Laos. You can post a prayer of encouragement for Brother K and the Christian youth in Laos on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall. You can learn more about the mistreatment of Christians in Laos at the Laos Country Report.

Update on imprisoned Pakistani Christian

(Source: VOM-USA) The Voice of the Martyrs was recently able to visit with the family of Imran Masih, a Pakistani Christian man who has been imprisoned since early 2010 on charges of blasphemy (click here for more). Imran Masih's family said that he is in good health and that they are able to visit with him once a week. The visits are limited to 25 minutes, however, and they are only able to sit behind a window and speak with him by intercom. Imran is only allowed to leave his cell twice a day for a head count. His windowless, cement cell is 26 x 20 feet with two small vents and can reach brutally hot temperatures in the summer. Pray that Imran will be acquitted and released. Pray that he will know the presence and encouraging comfort of Jesus in prison. Pray that his family will continue to rely on the care of the Lord. Pray that the blasphemy laws will be abolished in Pakistan. To find out more about the persecution Christians face in Pakistan, go to the Pakistan Country Report.