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2015-05-21

  • Church Building Demolished in Zhejiang
    More than 425 churches have been
    affected by Zhejiang’s persecution
    campaign since early 2014.
    Photo: China Aid

    Shendong Church in Zhejiang was forcibly demolished on April 28th in continuation of the province-wide "Three Rectifications and One Demolition" campaign. Authorities reportedly claimed that the land on which the church was built belonged to the government. The church had previously submitted requests to the local religious affairs bureau and other government agencies, requesting that their location be approved and finalized. However, the contacted governing officials never responded to these requests.

    Following the destruction, the church's pastor then specifically contacted the government official who was in charge of the demolition and the church site's subsequent relocation. When informed that the government needed two months to find and approve a new gathering site, the church demanded that the government find a new site immediately. For the time being, the church has been meeting in a nearby clubhouse.

    The demolition occurred on the one-year anniversary of the demolition of Sanjiang Church, a mega-church in Zhejiang that was one of the first major church demolitions in the persecution campaign. (For more information on that incident, you can read our previous prayer alert.)

    Pray that, through His mysterious ways, God will use the ongoing opposition against the church in Zhejiang to advance His kingdom purposes there. Specifically, ask Him to embolden the faith of this congregation, equipping each of them to be powerful agents of His grace. May they continue meeting together for worship despite the present obstacles, while trusting God that they will soon be granted a suitable new gathering site.

    For more information on China's persecuted church, visit our Country Report.
  • Christians Charged After Baptismal Service
    Flickr / Rod Waddington

    Seven Christians were recently charged with holding "illegal meetings in secret locations" -- a charge they deny with the explanation that they have fulfilled the legal requirements. The men were released on bail after a court hearing on May 11th. Local church leaders worked together to pay the necessary bail charge of 5,000 Birr (approximately $300 CAD) each, after police were granted another week to conclude investigations.

    The believers were first arrested on April 25th following a service in which 40 new Christians were baptized. They insist the church had all the necessary approvals for the gathering. During the raid, an estimated 15 police officers surrounded the church's meeting place, arrested the three church leaders, and chased after four of the newly baptized Christians who had fled out of fear. The four attempting to avoid further persecution are from Muslim backgrounds and had faced pressure from their families to return to Islam. They were later arrested at a local bus station. Police also confiscated documents providing details on church membership. Church leaders say they are concerned the incident may lead to even greater pressure on the already vulnerable community of new Christians.

    Please bring these fellow believers to our Lord in prayer, asking that their faith be strengthened in spite of the hardships they are presently facing. Request that the charges brought against those who were arrested be dropped. Especially intercede on behalf of the converts who are also facing familial pressure because of their love for Jesus. May each of their unsaved family members personally experience a life-transforming encounter with the Risen Saviour who longs to reveal His tremendous love for them, as well as His wonderful plan of salvation. Finally, pray that God will greatly bless and encourage His growing church in Ethiopia, mightily using it to reach many others with the Gospel message.
  • Reach Out to Victimized Christian Facing Life Imprisonment
    Imran Ghafur

    The family of Imran Ghafur, a Christian man who has been in jail since 2010 on blasphemy charges, is requesting continued prayer for Imran's release. The imprisoned believer is currently serving a life sentence on the conviction of burning a Quran.

    Imran's brother, Naveed, told VOM contacts that the entire family was able to visit him before Easter. He further shared that Imran continues to read his Bible, fast and pray. The attorney representing the imprisoned believer has filed an appeal with the Pakistan High Court, but no hearing date has yet been set. VOM has regular contact with Imran's family, offering prayer and encouragement. (For more information about Imran, visit our website.)

    Please continue to remember Imran in your prayers, asking the Lord to further encourage and sustain him as he remains behind bars after all this time. Additionally, may his family be granted patience as they too are suffering daily due to the long absence. In addition to praying for his release, ask that Imran and his loved ones be granted the strength required to remain faithful to God in all circumstances. May their faithfulness result in a rich harvest, whereby many will come to faith in Jesus Christ.

    Important Note: Along with your prayers, you can personally reach out to Imran by writing him a letter of encouragement. When writing, please do not mention the name of the source of your information or the name of any organization such as The Voice of the Martyrs. While it is not dangerous for a prisoner to receive general letters from individuals, if a particular organization is mentioned, the incarcerated Christian may be accused of links with "foreign organizations" and thus be subjected to even harsher sentences. Also, please do not state anything negative about their government. Your letters can be mailed to: Imran Ghafur, Central Jail of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Thank you for reaching out and making a difference in this believer's life!