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2015-03-26

  • Religious Freedom Under Threat

    One year since the annexation of Crimea by Russia, Ukrainian Christians say they are facing persecution by separatists. Evangelical churches in particular have come under severe restrictions in Crimea, and a church leader is warning that Ukrainian churches will also lose their religious freedom if the Russians take control of their country.
  • Faithful Widow's Life Counts for Eternity
    Vani ministered to many imprisoned
    women and their guards.

    A 31-year-old widow in India is being remembered, following her recent death from a heart attack, for demonstrating bold faith -- a faith that compelled her to help numerous women in jail find freedom in Christ, including one of the prison guards.

    Vani, who is survived by an eight-year-old daughter, spent 15 days in jail roughly 10 months ago for sharing her faith. During this time in prison, Vani reached out with the love of Jesus to more than 70 women -- 14 of whom became believers. Even the jailer encouraged her to continue with this outreach after witnessing a dramatic change in the lives of several prisoners who accepted Christ.

    Vani was charged with kidnapping and forceful conversion of a child to Christianity. With a heart to help a troubled teenager, she introduced the girl to the Lord and to other believers who were willing to provide further support. The caring Christian woman was arrested when the girl's parents reported her to police.

    After being released from imprisonment, Vani returned to the jail every two months for a regular court appearance. While there, she shared snacks with the women, taking time to pray for them and the police officers. One guard who came to faith in Jesus invited Vani to her house for prayer. "Everything that happened this year...is good because it is taking me very near to my God," Vani told a VOM worker just this past January.

    During her time behind bars, Vani received assistance from VOM towards the cost of bail, household rent, her daughter's school fees, and in many other various ways. VOM is currently assessing how to best assist Vani's daughter following the sudden death of the child’s God-honouring mother.

    While we certainly join with those now mourning the recent loss of Vani, let us also thank God for the incredible impact this dear woman has made on the lives of both believers and those who have yet to know Jesus! May her faithful example continue to draw many more to our Lord, even after her death. Especially remember Vani's young daughter in your petitions to our loving Heavenly Father. May He surround this grieving child with devout Christians who will guide and counsel her as she discerns His call on her own life.

    Do you have a heart for faithful women like Vani who have suffered because of their unwavering commitment to Jesus? Click here to find out how you can minister to the women of the persecuted church.
  • Christian Leader Fined Following Police Raid

    A Christian leader from Galkynysh in Lebap Region was recently fined two weeks' average local wages following a police raid. The authorities stopped Narmurad Mominov just as he left the home of a Christian family he had been visiting. Narmurad was ordered to stay at the home, where he and the other believers were forced to write statements confessing of their involvement in a religious meeting. During the subsequent search of the hosting family’s home, a New Testament was found in one of the rooms. The officers demanded to know where the homeowner had obtained the Scriptures.