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2016-01-07

  • Miraculous Recovery after Serious Accident


    Gilbert with his wife, six
    months after the accident.

    One year after Gilbert Hovsepian's horrific motorcycle accident, we are pleased to report that he has almost completely recovered. On December 27th, 2014, Gilbert was riding his bike at low speed along a winding canyon road. While making a turn, his front tire slipped on the dirt and he lost control of the vehicle, falling against the mountainside. A helicopter ambulance arrived at the scene within 20 minutes, airlifting Gilbert who sustained multiple injuries: an arm broken in two places; two broken ribs, causing the puncture of his left lung; neck fractures in numerous areas; two broken vertebrae; in addition to a severe head injury.

    Thankfully, Gilbert's back and collarbone have fully healed and no longer cause him any pain. His ribs are also healed, and the damaged eye (which doctors thought had permanently lost sight) is functioning normally again. With regards to his brain injuries, the doctors are astounded. "They still don't know why I am okay," Gilbert says. "But I do: God's grace."  In fact, Gilbert's healing has been so amazing that the hospital where he was treated started a special case study based on his recovery. And although he still struggles with nerve damage in one of his hands, causing his fingers to be unresponsive, it is Gilbert's hope that he will one day be able to play the piano again.

    Hovsepian Ministries, founded by Gilbert's family, is a long-standing ministry partner of VOM Canada. The purpose of their ministry is to help encourage and mobilize Iranian Christians around the world. The family was greatly inspired by the life of their beloved Haik Hovsepian, a devoted husband and father who was tragically martyred in Iran during 1994 due to his bold stand for the Gospel. Even after many years, the family still feels Haik's absence every day. For them, the forgiveness of those who took his life is a daily journey. Yet, at the same time, they know where he is and are greatly comforted by the assurance that they will meet him again soon. To view a music video VOMC has co-produced with Hovsepian Ministries, click here.

    Please join us in praying for Gilbert's continued healing. May the Lord bring full restoration to the last remnants of his injury as he recovers from the accident...making him physically whole again, just as he has been made whole spiritually. While in prayer, we can rejoice with thanksgiving for the miraculous healing that has already taken place in Gilbert's life thus far. We can also thank the Lord for the wonderful ministry that the Hovsepian family has so faithfully provided -- even throughout the duration of Gilbert's recovery -- by relentlessly witnessing and supporting our suffering friends in Iran. May the Lord greatly bless the family's ministry initiatives by miraculously changing the hearts of many more Iranians who are in need of our Risen Saviour, Healer, Deliverer, Comforter, Redeemer...the one who is considered by those 'tried and true' as the "Most Cherished of All."
  • Broadcasting Trio Shot at Christian Radio Station


    The main entrance to Tahanint radio
    station in Timbuktu, Mali.
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    Three people were killed in Mali's historical city of Timbuktu on December 17th, 2015, when an unidentified gunman opened fire outside a Christian radio station known as Tahanint FM. The trio were shot outside the building just after broadcasting for the day. Tahanint, which means "mercy" in the local dialect, is closely linked with a local church and evangelical mission. Although the motive for the attack has not been confirmed, witnesses describe the gunman as a "turbaned Tuareg." ("Tuaregs" are nomads of Africa's Sahara Desert region.)

    Mali's Christians are shocked by the recent shooting incident. "It's a Christian radio station that was broadcasting messages of peace lately," explains Dr. Mohamed-Ibrahim Yattara, President of the Baptist Church in Mali. "One of the young men who was shot...had just finished broadcasting, and his last words were about peace." Dr. Yattara then adds, "Insecurity is everywhere in Mali as the situation is very frail."

    As a minority group, believers have paid a heavy price since jihadists took over northern Mali in 2012. During recent years, armed militant Islamic groups have ruled the region. In addition to banning the practice of other religions, the rebels have ruthlessly desecrated and looted churches and other places of worship. Thousands of inhabitants, many of whom are Christians, have fled to seek refuge in the south or in neighbouring countries such as Niger and Burkina Faso.

    Let's pray together for the Lord's comfort to rest upon this shocked community and, more specifically, upon the grieving families of the three people who were tragically killed. Ask that His love and protection be experienced among all in Mali who choose to honour His name so those who seek to perpetrate such violence will also sense His transforming love and, as a result, turn from their wicked ways and acknowledge Him as Saviour and Lord. May the Christians encountering persecution in this country sense our prayers rising up in one accord on their behalf for the glory of our Almighty God who will ultimately render justice for all His people.
  • House Church Shut Down by Government Officials


    This small house church in Dazhou,
    Sichuan, has experienced opposition
    from governmental authorities.
    Photo: China Aid

    A Chinese house church has been ordered to close down by local officials in Dazhou, Sichuan province. According to our sources, it is not surprising to see such actions taken by the Communist Party of China as they continue to juggle the massive rise in Christianity among their citizens.

    However, members of the house church are questioning the legality of the closure. In regards to the official registration of churches, Chinese regulations specify that if a congregation consists of fewer than 50 people, registering with the state is not required.

    The Chinese church has faced a multitude of persecution cases over the years. The most recent include the systematic removal of crosses and church buildings in Zhejiang province, which has seen approximately 1,500 crosses removed and nearly 400 buildings destroyed. For a previous report on this situation, please go to this page.

    During this time of heightened opposition in the Sichuan and Zhejiang provinces, may the Lord grant additional courage and strength to the members of the house church facing forcible closure as they present their case to governing officials. May those representing the church members have the wisdom and direction required to effectively mediate on their behalf. Ask that the hearts of the officials be receptive to God's promptings and justice so His people are permitted to freely worship Him in spirit and in truth. Also pray that the house churches in China will function together with a greater sense of unity (Psalm 133:1; John 17:23), and that the anti-cross campaign in Zhejiang province will cease and thus prevent any further demolition of churches.

    To post a prayer on behalf of the persecuted church, please go to VOMC's prayer wall.