With your support, VOMC strives to address the spiritual and practical needs of our persecuted family. We have provided Bibles to our ministering partners in Sudan for distribution among believers and those seeking to know Christ, as well as medicines and other medical supplies to those in need. Additionally, a motorcycle was just recently purchased for our partners working among the South Sudanese.
Trusting that God is working for the good of His children in Sudan and South Sudan, let us rejoice over the many ways in which He is using the church to spread His light amid violence and uncertainty. Pray that the church in South Sudan will be able to take a lead in shaping their country, the world's youngest nation. Ask that the Lord will make a way for those Christians in Sudan who are still trying to get to South Sudan, granting peace along the border between these two countries. In addition to raising up VOMC ministry partners who are willing to work diligently in this area of the world, may God provide for their every need and sustain them as they follow Him at great risk. Please remember to continue interceding for the suffering members of the church...that they will stand strong, serving as powerful examples of God's grace and forgiveness.
To post a prayer of support for Christians in Sudan and South Sudan, please visit our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
INDIA: Christians Targeted in Violent Attacks
Sources: VOMC, VOM USA, The Hindu, National Council of Churches in India
Militant Hindus attacked believers in several incidents during recent weeks. On Christmas Day, approximately 20 assailants raided the home where a group of Christians had gathered for prayer, grabbing Bibles and ripping them apart while shouting and cursing at the group for "destroying the Hindu culture." The Hindus also called local police, accusing the believers of "forced conversions to Christianity." Police arrested Pastor Arjun, 24, and five other Christians, seizing 20 Bibles from the home as evidence. The six Christians were released on bail the following day but still face prosecution.
In Andhra Pradesh, a pastor was left in critical condition after he and his wife were attacked on December 30th by a group of radicals wielding swords, knives and sticks. Pastor Namha Mosses, his wife Suvartha, and their seven-year-old daughter were asleep in their home when they heard a knock on the door at 1 a.m. When Pastor Namha answered the door, he was repeatedly stabbed in the stomach and back, causing damage to his liver, kidneys and other internal organs. When Suvartha rushed to help her husband, the assailants turned on her, injuring her head and hands. Neighbours called an ambulance for the wounded couple, who were immediately taken to a nearby hospital. Because Pastor Namha's injuries were more severe, he was transferred to a hospital in Hyderabad. The pastoring couple had been warned to stop their Christian activities, but they continued to minister through prayer and the services of their church which includes 100 members and six house churches in the area.
Also in Andhra Pradesh, another church leader who had been stabbed succumbed to his injuries and died on January 13th. Brother Sanjeev was attacked several days prior to his death after the assailants came to his home which was located on his church's premises. Although the pastor was rushed to a local hospital, and later transferred to a larger medical facility, he died while undergoing treatment. Brother Sanjeev's wife was also attacked and suffered serious wounds to her arm. The pastor leaves behind his grieving wife and three children. At last report, three members of a militant Hindu group had been arrested for the murder.
Bring the country of India before the Lord in prayer, asking Him to use His church in a powerful way to shed the light of the Good News to the many lost souls in need of rescue from the realm of darkness. Ask Him to be especially near the six accused Christians who are facing prosecution. May their charges be dropped and their witness for Christ go unhindered so they can continue serving Him despite the risks. Pray for healing for Pastor Namha and Suvartha, and encouragement for their church during this difficult time. Finally, please remember to uphold Brother Sanjeev's grieving family. While he is now able to behold our Risen Saviour face-to-face, his family, friends and congregation are understandably mourning his loss. May they experience the Lord's reassuring comfort and the ability to extend mercy and forgiveness to the attackers through His grace.
For more information about India's persecuted church, go to the
India Country Report.
RECENT PRISONER UPDATE
IRAN: Remembering Those in Bonds
Sources: Mohabat News, Release International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Davoud Alijani, an Iranian believer imprisoned along with four other Christians in December of 2011, was released on January 13th after spending more than 250 days in jail. Davoud had been charged with converting from Islam to Christianity. (For more information about his arrest, please visit
this page.)
Pastor Farhad Sabokrouh and Naser Zamen-Dezfuli, who were imprisoned along with Davoud, were earlier released from custody in December 2013. At last report, the fourth Christian, Pastor Farhad's wife Shahnaz Jayzan, remained imprisoned. However, unconfirmed reports indicate that she will be released in the next several days.
Meanwhile, January 16th marked the third anniversary of the trial of Behnam Irani, 43, a house church leader imprisoned for "offences against national security." Contacts report that Pastor Behnam is being held in appalling conditions at Ghezal Hesar prison and that he is seriously ill. His medical conditions, for which he has received inadequate treatment, include a bleeding ulcer and a herniated disc. He has also been beaten and tortured by prison officials. His family is concerned that he may die in prison. (To learn more about his imprisonment,
click here.)
In a letter Behnam wrote in prison, he shared: "In jail I have attained new experiences about love. Here, I live with cellmates of whom it is hard to see anything positive in their lives and personalities. They don't think about anything but negative values, abhorrent acts, learning new experiences in crimes and nasty literature. I look at them and whisper to myself, 'Do they really deserve prayers and intercessions?' Immediately, I remember that Jesus Christ was sacrificed for their sins too. 'He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world’ (1 John 2:2)."
While imprisoned, Pastor Behnam's family is facing scrutiny by authorities. On December 15th, 2013, security forces raided the home of his wife Kristina, as well as the homes of three other Christians. Authorities confiscated Bibles and other Christian materials, as well as Kristina's laptop.
Thank the Lord for answered prayer in the release of Davoud, Farhad and Naser. May Shahnaz's release soon follow! Ask the Lord to help them recover from the emotional and physical ordeals they have suffered. Pray that He will make His presence known to Pastor Behnam during this time of great need, giving His faithful servant strength, healing and grace for each new day. Please also remember Pastor Behnam's dear wife Kristina in prayer, along with their two young children, Rebecca and Adriel. May God comfort them through the outpouring of love they receive from fellow Christians, as well as through the promises of His Holy Word (Psalm 119:49-56). Let us also bring the officials and authorities involved with Behnam's case to the Lord, asking Him to work mightily in their hearts so they may extend His justice and compassion.
Raise a voice for Pastor Behnam! To send a letter calling for his release to the Head of the Judiciary in Iran, please visit
our sister mission's website.
