VOM-USA Prayer Update for August 16, 2013

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

Indonesia—Evangelists Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
Sources: VOM Sources, Release International

Proverbs 2:8

Kashfi and Jalaudin, two Christian brothers, were sentenced to three years in prison on Aug. 2, 2013, after being convicted of “evangelizing Muslims,” a VOM source reports. On March 20, 2013, their home was attacked by an angry mob of about 200 Muslims. Police stopped the attack on their home and then arrested the two brothers. The brothers were convicted despite their lawyers’ insistence in court that the trial violated their human rights. Five other families associated with the brothers’ ministry were forced to leave the area for their own safety. Release International has provided support to help these families resettle elsewhere. Kashfi and Jalaudin, along with others in their team, have led more than 100 Muslims to Christ. They plan to appeal their conviction.

Vietnam—Christian Leader Beaten
Source: VOM Sources

Psalm 9:13–16

A Hmong Christian leader, “An,” was beaten recently by local authorities, according to a VOM worker. An was called in for questioning about his Christian activities, and authorities attempted to force An to renounce his faith in Christ and stop leading believers into Christian worship. An told the officials that he would do neither of these. When they asked him if he was afraid to die, An replied, “Everyone is afraid of death, but to renounce Christ and stop leading others to worship God would be worse than death.” An official then choked An and hit him on the chest. His injuries have hindered his ability to help his family and work on their farm.

Philippines (Mindanao)—Christian Villages Attacked
Source: VOM Sources

Psalm 12:5

Two Christian villages in Midsayap, Cotabato, were attacked by the Muslim Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on July 29 and July 31, according to VOM sources. More than 70 armed men attacked the villages, using four boats to reach the villages and to carry away their spoils. They ransacked the villagers’ homes, taking belongings such as rice, clothing and utensils. The attackers also took all the animals from the village, including goats, pigs and more than 300 ducks. Reynaldo Aloro, a village leader who ran for help when he saw the armed Muslims, was caught by the attackers and killed. The villagers now walk to their farms by day and stay at an evacuation center at night for fear of more attacks. The BIFF continually harass and threaten Christians as part of their campaign for a pure Islamic state.

Nigeria—VOM Project