CURRENT PRAYER UPDATE
VOM-USA Prayer Update for August 23, 2013
James 1:12
Christians in Egypt are experiencing increased attacks in conjunction with the government's attempt to disperse two groups calling for the reinstatement of former President Morsi. At least 650 people have been killed and 4,000 injured during recent protests. Forty church buildings have been attacked and burned, and Islamists are targeting Christian-owned businesses as well as convents and monasteries. In one incident, members of the Muslim Brotherhood surrounded a monastery full of women and children in the city of Suez. Those inside fled to safety before the monastery was attacked and burned. Egypt has declared a month-long state of emergency. Please pray for the protection of our VOM contacts and all believers in Egypt, and pray for political stability.
Iran--Believer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
Sources: VOM Sources, Mohabat News
Romans 1:16
A Christian convert from Islam, Mostafa, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison because of his involvement with a house church. Mostafa was arrested on Dec. 27, 2012, on charges of "attending an illegal gathering and participating in a house church." His lawyer was informed on July 31 that Mostafa had been convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The lawyer is preparing an appeal. Three other Christian converts, Farshid Modares-Aval, Mohammad-Reza Pirri and Yashar Farzin-No, were reportedly arrested on July 20 and beaten during interrogation. The beatings were so severe that Pirri had to be hospitalized for four days. The believers' families have tried to contact security and judicial centers, but authorities have released no information about the men's health or situation.
Vietnam--Woman Beaten for Her Faith
Source: VOM Sources
Mark 13:13
A Hmong Christian woman, Pao Thao, was beaten by authorities in northern Vietnam when they learned that she had become a Christian, according to a VOM worker. The woman and her husband are the only Christians in the village where they live. When a village leader learned of Pao Thao's Christian faith, he called her to meet with the local officers. After questioning her about her belief in Jesus, the officers harassed her and tried to persuade her to renounce her faith in Jesus. But Pao Thao told them that she would not stop believing, whether she lived or died. The officers then hit her and pushed her to the ground, causing bleeding on her face.
Iraq--VOM Project
Pray for the recipients of more than 6,000 Action Packs in Baghdad. These believers have experienced ongoing persecution in 2013.
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