Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wednesday's Voice - India
5:39 PM | Posted by
Michelle |
Edit Post
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 NIV84
Please be in prayer for all believers. Please feel free to share any prayer requests or praise requests in the comment section of the post. I would ask that if you read this blog on a Wednesday that you take time not just to pray for those who are persecuted, but also for each other. We may not know each other, but we can take joy in praying for each other and the power that God has when we prayglobally. Blessings to you all.
Sources: Mohabat News, Fox News, Asia News, Reuters, The Associated Press
After being convicted on charges of threatening Iran's national security through his leadership in the establishment of Christian house churches, Pastor Saeed Abedini was sentenced to eight years in Iran's notorious Evin Prison. The anticipated trial, followed by the shocking sentence, took place in Tehran on January 21, 2013.
Upon hearing the formal charges, the 32-year-old Iranian-American pastor told the judge he had no involvement in politics or in undermining the government. He explained that after moving to the United States in 2005, he periodically returned to his country of origin to visit his family, as well as oversee the development of an orphanage he had begun years earlier. Prior to this, about a decade ago, Saeed was the founder of a growing house church movement which consisted of more than 2,000 members. However, at that time, house churches were not considered a threat in Iran.
"This trial apparently is focussed on 13 years ago, when Pastor Saeed converted from Islam to Christianity," said Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the American Centre for Law and Justice, who is representing Pastor Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, and their children. Although the U.S. does not have diplomatic relations with Iran, the State Department condemned the sentencing and called for Saeed's release. According to reports in Mohabat News, although the Iranian constitution recognizes religious minorities' rights, the regime prosecutes Christian converts from an Islamic background.
In the midst of her personal suffering, Naghmeh Abedini asks for continued prayer. She courageously reminds us that even though Saeed (who always had a heart for the imprisoned) has himself been bound through this persecution, the Word of God is being released.
May our Almighty God abundantly bless Pastor Saeed for his steadfast faith throughout the ordeal. In the name of Jesus, we ask for God's divine protection on our Christian brother during this unjust incarceration.
Pray that (in the words of Saeed) he continues to be a vessel in bringing God's Kingdom to a dark place by sharing the Gospel of peace and eternal life to the dying world.
We also pray that justice will ultimately be served and that, through the Lord's mighty intervention, Saeed will be safely returned to his wife and two young children.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wednesday's Voice - India
12:00 AM | Posted by
Michelle |
Edit Post
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 NIV84
Please be in prayer for all believers. Please feel free to share any prayer requests or praise requests in the comment section of the post. I would ask that if you read this blog on a Wednesday that you take time not just to pray for those who are persecuted, but also for each other. We may not know each other, but we can take joy in praying for each other and the power that God has when we pray globally. Blessings to you all.
INDIA: Tribal Christians Brutally BeatenSources: Release International, Morning Star News, Times of India
As a result of two recent attacks by Hindu extremists, more than 100 Christian villagers have been forced to flee from Tamsai (in Thane District of Maharashtra State) for "rejecting their tribal identity." Apparently, the Hindu nationalists involved in the attacks were angered that these converts to Christianity no longer practiced their traditional tribal religions. Equally alarming is the fact that about 20 police officers failed to intervene, but rather passively stood by, prompting concern of anti-Christian bias being represented by the police force.
The first brutal assault took place on December 30th when the believers did not participate in a festival celebrating a tribal deity. Many of these victims fled from their homes after being beaten with wooden clubs. More recently, a large mob of extremists physically assaulted a group of Christians who met to worship in a private home. Prior to these attacks, local Christians were receiving unfair treatment from their neighbours by being denied access to water, firewood and their monthly supply of grains at the local ration shop.
- Pray that God's perfect love will drive out all fear from the hearts of these suffering tribal Christians.
- Ask Him to bring healing and comfort to them, especially after experiencing brutal attacks of persecution.
- May those in authority uphold and properly defend the religious rights of all citizens in this area, serving as a catalyst of peace between the different faith groups.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Wednesday's Voice - India
12:00 AM | Posted by
Michelle |
Edit Post
Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since I did a Wednesday's Voice. It is actually pretty easy for me as all the work is done by Leroy's aunt and the Voice of the Martyrs. I keep meaning to post something and then something happens. This past week I was reminded of something about prayer.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 NIV84
Paul prayed for the Colossians ceaslessly. He prayed for their growth in the Lord, as well as thanksgiving for them. This is what we should be doing everyday, praying for other believers. Not just those around us, but those globally. People we have only heard about. We may not know their exact needs or wants, but we pray to someone who knows all and who intercedes where we cannot.
We need to remember to lift other believers up consistently. For this reason I am going to bring back Wednesday's Voice and add something as well. I would ask that if you need any prayers or praise, that you would please enter them in the comment section on Wednesday. I would ask that if you read this blog on a Wednesday that you take time not just to pray for those who are persecuted, but also for each other. We may not know each other, but we can take joy in praying for each other and the power that God has when we pray globally.
Restrictions on religious freedom struck down in India
(Source: World Evangelical Alliance)
The Himachal Pradesh High Court in India has struck down a law which made it compulsory for those seeking to convert from his or her religion to give a 30-day notice to the District Magistrate before conversion. The verdict in the landmark anti-conversion case challenged both the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act of 2006 and Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Rules of 2007.
The Court also struck down rules making it mandatory for the state to inquire into every religious conversion. These rules did not provide sufficient safeguards outlining the time frame for such an inquiry or even who should conduct the inquiry. Unfortunately, many other provisions restricting religious freedom will stand.
The Court also struck down rules making it mandatory for the state to inquire into every religious conversion. These rules did not provide sufficient safeguards outlining the time frame for such an inquiry or even who should conduct the inquiry. Unfortunately, many other provisions restricting religious freedom will stand.
Praise the Lord for the Evangelical Fellowship of India and the legal team who fought for these freedoms.
Please pray that India will continue to recognize and respect the religious freedom of citizens to worship, gather together, and evangelize.
Pray that, in the meantime, Christians in India will be bold in their faith despite threat of persecution.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wednesday's Voice - India
4:07 PM | Posted by
Michelle |
Edit Post
Hostility for believers increasing in India(Source: VOM-USA)
Three vicious attacks against Christians in India in recent months reflect a growing anti-Christian sentiment.
A pastor and his children were attacked last February in Kerala state. Pastor Titus Ignatius Kapan and his family were eating dinner in the home of a convert to Christianity from Hinduism when Hindu extremists stormed in. They abused the pastor and his children and then dropped large boulders on the pastor's car.
Days earlier, Hindu extremists disrupted a prayer service in Pandhi village in Chhattisgarh state. For two days the attackers threatened and assaulted attendees with their fists and leather belts. They also tore down the believers' tent.
Finally, a group of Christians in Haibasa district in Jharkhand state were forced to leave their village after a series of attacks by local villagers. The Christians took refuge at a local church but at last report are living without necessities. In the last of the attacks, the violent mob shut down all exit points to the village before assaulting Christians with iron rods, axes, arrows and other sharp weapons, severely beating four Christians. Other believers, including children, were locked in a room where the assailants attempted to burn them alive. Thankfully police arrived before they could carry out the murders.
Three vicious attacks against Christians in India in recent months reflect a growing anti-Christian sentiment.
A pastor and his children were attacked last February in Kerala state. Pastor Titus Ignatius Kapan and his family were eating dinner in the home of a convert to Christianity from Hinduism when Hindu extremists stormed in. They abused the pastor and his children and then dropped large boulders on the pastor's car.
Days earlier, Hindu extremists disrupted a prayer service in Pandhi village in Chhattisgarh state. For two days the attackers threatened and assaulted attendees with their fists and leather belts. They also tore down the believers' tent.
Finally, a group of Christians in Haibasa district in Jharkhand state were forced to leave their village after a series of attacks by local villagers. The Christians took refuge at a local church but at last report are living without necessities. In the last of the attacks, the violent mob shut down all exit points to the village before assaulting Christians with iron rods, axes, arrows and other sharp weapons, severely beating four Christians. Other believers, including children, were locked in a room where the assailants attempted to burn them alive. Thankfully police arrived before they could carry out the murders.
Please pray that Christians in India will find strength in Christ to bear the persecution and to continue to proclaim the Kingdom.
Please pray that God will soften the hearts of the persecutors and draw them to repentance.
Pray that our suffering brothers and sisters in India will trust God to enable them to proclaim the gospel even while suffering (2 Timothy 4:16-18).
The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying.
He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion.
He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray (Samuel Chadwick)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday's Voice - India
12:01 AM | Posted by
Michelle |
Edit Post
Christian leader attacked by militants in India
(Source: Compass Direct)
Hindu militants recently beat Ramesh Devda, 30, a pastor and evangelist, in Madhya Pradesh state, India. On April 4, Pastor Ramesh was travelling by motorbike with his two sons from Chikklia to Raseda when three militants on motorbikes suddenly blocked his way. The militants, drunk and armed with large bamboo sticks and clubs, beat the pastor in front of 10-year-old Elias and 8-year-old Shimon. They threatened to kill Pastor Ramesh and warned him not to come to the area again. They delivered brutal blows all over his body, including his head. The terrified cries of the young boys alerted people passing by to the situation. When others arrived on scene, the attackers fled. At last report, Pastor Ramesh was in the hospital receiving care for severe injuries, including a fractured skull. He was thankful that his sons were spared from beating, though his older son sustained a leg injury during the attack.
Pastor Ramesh, who serves with the Christian Reformed Fellowship of India in three villages, suspects his attackers were Hindu militants angered by his Sunday worship services. Although he believes the attack was pre-planned, he does not want to report it to the police, as he fears retaliation.
Ask God to heal Pastor Ramesh.
Pray a spirit of trust in the Lord will guard his heart and mind against fear.
Pray for guidance and safety for his wife and children, who are also active in Christian ministry.
Pray Christians in India will look to the God of truth as their righteous tower of strength (Psalm 31:15).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Blog Archive
- Michelle
- Alberta, Canada
- I'm a 39 year old (oh yeah I'm telling you my age) Stay at Home mom. A former Bad Girl now reformed sinner, I'm married to my Y2K guy and raising 3 great children from God. Proudly Canadian, however, missing the West Coast, I currently live in the prairies watching the farmers fields produce as I learn how God produces the fruits in me.
Mini Me
Middleman
Tormentinator
Friends and Neighbours
Facebook Badge
Where I travel
