VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 6, 2013

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

Laos—New Believers Threatened with Eviction Source: VOM Sources

James 1:27

A widow in a village north of Vientiane was threatened with eviction from her house recently because of her conversion to Christianity, a VOM worker reports. “Palila” and her two children, who became Christians last year, live in a house on her uncle’s land. Palila’s uncle reportedly tried to force her to renounce her faith, threatening that if she didn’t she would have to leave his land immediately. The pastor of Palila’s church has allowed her to build a house on his land for free, and the church has agreed to help provide wood and building materials. VOM has provided the funds necessary to buy metal roofing for the house, and Palila was also greatly encouraged by the teaching she received at a VOM-supported training seminar. Please pray that Palila and her children will be strengthened and encouraged in their faith and will remain strong despite persecution.

Egypt—Christian Newspaper Accused of Insulting Islam Source: VOM Sources

Isaiah 8:10

Nagy Youssef, chief editor of a Cairo-based Christian newspaper called The Way and the Truth, has been accused of insulting Islam through the newspaper. A Muslim scholar brought the accusations to Egypt’s attorney general, who then referred them to the North Cairo General Court. Nagy could face up to 10 years in prison on accusations of “stirring up the religious divisions and despising the Islamic regime.” In response to the accusations written about him in various newspapers, Nagy reportedly said, “Thank God for this free advertising to our great newspaper!” Pray that God will grant wisdom to Nagy and his lawyer during this case, that the court will rule in their favor and that the newspaper The Way and the Truth will continue to be a light to many in Egypt.

Uzbekistan—Authorities Raid Home of 76-Year-Old Woman Source: Forum 18 News

2 Corinthians 12:10

Uzbek authorities raided the home of a 76-year-old Christian woman in March, destroying her books and fining her 10 times the monthly minimum wage. Authorities reportedly entered the home of Naziya Ziyatdinova through a window, without a search warrant, and insisted that she get out of bed. Naziya has great difficulty walking because she suffers from Parkinson’s disease. After Naziya was taken to court, she “felt very sick, fearing harsher punishment.” Local Christians said the Uzbek authorities “acted like bandits” and that the fine was completely “unaffordable.” Threats, fines and torture by police and other officials are routine in Uzbekistan. Pray for the strength, courage and peace of Naziya and other Christians in Uzbekistan who face government oppression because of their Christian faith.

Sudan—VOM Project