VOM-USA Prayer Update for July 19, 2013

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Vietnam—New Believers Pressured to Renounce Faith
Source: VOM Sources

Psalm 16:1

A young couple who accepted Christ last month have been beaten and threatened by officials, according to a VOM worker. Local authorities hit the wife on the face with a stick and threatened to take the couple’s land and home if they refuse to renounce Christianity and return to Buddhism. The wife fears further beatings, and the husband is afraid they will lose their land and have no way of supporting their family. The couple, who survive through subsistence farming, have three boys aged 10, 12 and 14. Their pastor is trying to help, but he lives 15 miles away in another village. Pray for the protection and provision of this family and that they will stand firm in the faith.

Muslim World—The Ramadan Fast
Source: VOM Sources

Philippians 2:10–11

July 9 marked the start of the Muslim fast of Ramadan. The fast, which continues until August 7, requires Muslims around the world to abstain from all food and drink during daylight hours and examine their lives before Allah. Pray that as Muslims seek Allah they will instead find the truth of Christ. Pray also that VOM’s many field workers in predominantly Muslim nations will be able to reach out to Muslims with the gospel during this time.

Syria—Rebels Increase Attacks Against Christians
Source: VOM Sources

Psalm 72:4

A VOM contact, “Touma,” reports that his family is in danger from rebel attacks in their Christian village south of Damascus. Touma’s family has hosted the rebels’ families in the past when they needed shelter and has provided food and shared the gospel with them. They have even supplied some of the rebels with Bibles, which they gratefully received. However, in the last month the rebels have begun to attack their village, steal their crops and kidnap family members for ransom. The rebels recently kidnapped one of Touma’s cousins and his cousin’s son from their home, and the family is still waiting to hear the kidnappers’ demands. Touma says many Christian children in the village are terrified of the rebels, who have tried to break into their homes. Many families have left the village, fearing for their safety. Pray for the safety of these Christians, especially those who have been kidnapped, and pray that they will have the grace and strength to continue loving their enemies.

Somalia—VOM Project