VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 22, 2013

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

Mexico—Christians in Chiapas Forced from Homes
Source: VOM Sources

Psalm 34:15

Twenty-six Christian families were recently forced to leave their homes in Las Margaritas, Chiapas, Mexico, when local authorities denied them municipal services, including water and electricity. A spokesperson for the families said authorities demanded the equivalent of $380 per family and that the families abandon their evangelical faith in exchange for reinstating the services. “The community didn’t kick us out directly,” the spokesperson said. “But … we didn’t have water, [and] they didn’t allow us to gather wood. Sunday at 9 p.m., 130 people left the city, and we remain as refugees.” The group said the conflict originated from their refusal to contribute to local religious festivals of those who mix folk beliefs with Catholicism. The festivals involve large amounts of alcohol and debauchery.

Tanzania—Two Pastors Attacked by Muslim Extremists
Source: VOM Sources

Isaiah 64:1–4

On June 2, Pastor Robert Ngai in Geita, northeastern Tanzania, was attacked by a large group of radical Muslims. The attackers broke into his home and attacked him with machetes. The pastor received serious cuts on his hands and arms when he raised his arms to protect his head from the blows. The injuries were beyond local doctors’ ability to treat, so he was rushed to a hospital in a nearby, larger city for treatment. Ngai is the pastor of the Evangelical Assemblies of God Church. At last word from VOM contacts, he was still in ICU. Two nights before the attack on Pastor Ngai, the home of Pastor Daudi Nzumbi in Geita also came under attack. Pastor Nzumbi leads the Free Pentecostal Church of Tanzania (FPCT) in Geita. Thankfully, the attackers fled after they were confronted by Pastor Nzumbi’s large, barking dogs. When Pastor Nzumbi called the police, the officer in charge told him, “I cannot protect every pastor!”

Iran—Three Christians Arrested
Sources: VOM Sources, Mohabat News

1 Peter 4:13–14

Three Christian converts were arrested on May 29 at a house church service in Esfahan. Security forces entered the house and arrested Mohammad-Reza Farid, Saeed Safi and Hamid-Reza Ghadiri. Authorities also seized the Christians’ identification cards, and family members have not been told where the men were taken. Christians, especially those who are of a Persian ethnicity, have faced increasing persecution as Iran’s Islamic regime attempts to stop the growth of Christianity.

Bangladesh—VOM Project