#prayforthepersecuted

[worshipmoment]

Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. Every Maldivian must be a Muslim. Anyone who leaves Islam loses their citizenship. Converting to Christianity is illegal and gathering as a church is virtually impossible. There is no religious freedom in the Maldives or a completed Bible in the local language. Because of the pressure, many Christians flee the country. If anyone converts to Christianity, they are forced to read the Bible in secret. Bibles cannot be imported and owning one could result in imprisonment. A Christian’s freedom of speech is also restricted and they can go to prison for saying anything that doesn’t align with Islam. Christmas celebrations are banned. Christian weddings or funerals have to take place in secret. If someone’s faith is discovered they could lose custody of their children, their inheritance and be cut off from their families.

Pray for Maldives

Pray for God to help secret believers in the Maldives find one another for fellowship and encouragement.

Pray for Christians to find creative ways to read the Bible, despite it being banned.

Pray for the many Maldivians who want to leave because of their lack of freedom. Pray that they will find true freedom in Jesus.

[ramblingsoftheunworthy]

After my Bible study this morning I was flipping through images we've received from our students, their families and their friends. This is a Karen family on the run from the Burmese army right now. They are pinned down in the jungle with nowhere to go, very little supplies and almost no hope. The “least of these” is a phrase that originates from Matthew 25:31–46, where Jesus speaks of brothers in need. God has always shown a special concern for the poor and needy (Psalm 35:10). It should come as no surprise that He expects His followers to do the same, especially toward those of the family of God (Galatians 6:10). As the body of Christ we need to support each other and the work we do for the Kingdom. After all, that is who our family is (Mark 3:35). So many of our students have willingly gone to help, delivered supplies or are assisting those that have made out. This is what we've trained them for. It's both terrifying and awe inspiring. #wearethebody #Bible #fittoserve #leastofthese #prayforthepersecuted #helpingothers @victorybibleacademy #helpwhereyoucan

[ritchiebrock]

The Persecuted Brothers and Sisters around the world are weighing so heavily on my heart today. Their faith and witness humbles me to the core and I feel so unworthy to be counted among them as brethren. Always in my prayers, always my heroes, never forgotten or alone.

[pastorhoff]

Red = Totally Restricted/Illegal Blue = Hostile towards Christians Yellow = Monitored #prayforthepersecuted #bible #bibleverse #bibleverseoftheday #bibleverses #biblequotes #verseoftheday #verse #scripture #scriptureoftheday #calvarychapel #scriptures #biblescripture #dailyscripture #revelation #revelations #pray #prayer #persecutedchurch https://instagr.am/p/CI0h-1dpzxO/

[troyriviere7]

IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND REMOTE PLACES IN CHINA IT COSTS YOUR HEAD TO OPEN YOUR BIBLE.. . . If you are too lazy to open up your Bible just remember your persecuted brothers and sisters in the middle east nor any other remote places all across the world such like the persecuted tiny remote village of Christians in China and Vietnam. It COSTS their HEADS when they open up their Bible, when they are found by the anti-Christ, jihadist, and communist party. What a big shame we had today, while they are in spiritual famine for God's word we are on the famine of entertainment, newest gadgets, sports, games, and many other time waster worldly things!.. . . So do you still love God? Open up your Bible.. . . -Kevin Sergio Mamesah #prayforthepersecuted #church #wearethesaltoftheearth #wearetheLightoftheworld

[txgrll]

Tweeted

Truly sobering podcast. #prayforthepersecuted https://t.co/kj0Kjr9v7Q

— Yvonne (@txgrll) October 17, 2018

[caleb-of-judah-blog]

Pray for those being persecuted by ISIS

Lord, deliver your children in the Middle East from these savage animals. Protect them, I charge Heavenly Angels to go to them and deliver them from captivity, lead them to safety Lord, protect them. Reveal yourself to the Islamic State, put the fear of God in them so they know Christians are not to be messed with. Save your Children from a fate worse then death Father. Your Word says "No weapon formed against you shall will prosper". Holy Spirit, reveal the revelation of this scripture to those being persecuted for their faith. Lord rescue those who have been sold into slavery. In Jesus mighty name I pray amen. Please be in agreement with my prayer. Please pray for the women being sold into slavery by the Islamic State. http://m.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2015/May/Nun-Islam-is-ISIS-Whoever-Says-Otherwise-Is-a-Liar/ Share this and let's get every believer praying for deliverance in the Middle East. This monstrosity must end.

[worshipmoment]

Laos

In Laos, Christianity is seen as a threat. If a Christian won’t deny Jesus and become Buddhist, they experience physical violence and discrimination. Persecution can be so intense; some believers are forced to flee and live in the jungle. Half of the Christian population in Laos do not have a Bible translated in their local language. This makes attending church a crucial part of learning the word of God. However, going to church attracts trouble. Many services are monitored and regularly disrupted. Local communities won’t allow churches to be built. House churches are also completely illegal. Christian students are forced to attend Buddhist temple rituals. In rural parts of the country, many people also practice tribal rituals. They believe Christianity will anger the spirits and must be eliminated. Despite all of this, the church in Laos is growing.

Pray for Laos

Pray for wisdom as Christians share the gospel with Buddhist family members and friends.

Pray Christians can have access to the word of God and be part of their local church.

Pray for children who are discriminated at school for their faith. Pray they understand God’s love and forgiveness.

[ramblingsoftheunworthy]

I'm working on some paperwork requested by a local church this morning but can't seem to keep my head in the process. Recent conflict in Myanmar is on my mind. Please pray for Myanmar, pray for our students, pray for those being persecuted, pray for peace. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33 A Tribute to Saw O Moo Karen Indigenous Rights Defender Gunned Down by Burma Army Soldiers in Mutraw District, Karen State April 9, 2018 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2070678316542432&id=1477906749152928 Missions life is a rollercoaster of emotions. I never thought it would be easy, but sometimes I wonder why it has to be so hard. #prayersneeded #prayforthepersecuted #Bible @victorybibleacademy #peaceformyanmar #missionslife #missionarylife #Bibleschool @cfi_freedom

[revolutionjournal]

Pray for the Persecuted: Christians in Pakistan

Pakistan is a country whose majority religion is Islam. Sadly there is a lot of violence committed by extremists within the country. Much of this violence is focused towards Christians. In addition to this violence, the government also persecutes Christians through what is known as “blasphemy laws.” Although the constitution protects religious freedom this law is used to try to hinder the spread of Christianity by charging practicing Christians with blasphemy against Allah and Mohamed “the prophet.”

On September 22, 2013 two terrorists attacked a church (All Saints Church established in 1883) using bomb vests, as it met together for a meal. The attack killed 80 people. To complicate the story, those connected with the attackers stated that the attack was their response for US strikes against them.

Pray for the families who lost loved ones. Pray for comfort and strengthened faith. Pray for provisions for those who survived, but cannot afford the care needed for recovery. Pray also for those who attacked the church, for reconciliation possible through the blood of Jesus Christ. Pray that the Christians can reach hard hearts with the Good News of Jesus Christ in Pakistan. 

[worshipmoment]

Colombia

Columbia’s long-running war on drugs has resulted in major issues of corruption and violence. Christians who stand up to the drug cartels are extremely vulnerable. Many church leaders have been kidnapped or received death threats because they’ve helped victims of the drug trade.  Persecution also comes from indigenous groups. In their communities, tribal religion is an integral part of life. Anyone who converts to Christianity is threatened and can even be exiled for their faith. In some circumstances, Christians have been killed.

Pray for Colombia

Pray for the government to be more open to Christianity.

Pray for Christians pressured to renounce their faith, that they will remain faithful.

Pray for God to provide for believers and their families when they have lost everything.

[worshipmoment]

Yemen 

In Yemen, Christians are suffering the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Extremist groups utilize the chaos caused by civil war to grow their influence. Christians can’t meet together and faith must be kept secret. The only four churches in the country have all been damaged by the conflict. Even before that, they were only used by foreigners. Islam is the state religion and Sharia law dictates all legislation. Evangelism by faiths other than Islam is prohibited and Muslims are forbidden to convert to any other religion. Anyone who becomes a Christian is at risk of being detained by their family, imprisoned or killed.

Pray for Yemen

Pray for the gospel’s message of love to change hearts of Islamic extremists.

Pray secret believers strengthen and encourage each other and reach out to the lost.

Pray God provides for Christians who don’t receive relief aid because of their faith.

[worshipmoment]

North Korea

North Korea: The Hardest Place To Follow Jesus. North Korea has been the most dangerous country to be a Christian for 17 years. North Koreans are forced to worship the Kim dynasty, and nothing else. Anyone with links to Christianity is arrested, tortured and even killed. Despite this, the underground church is growing, with an estimated 300,000 Christians in North Korea. North Koreans are indoctrinated to worship the Kim family. Children are taught to report their own parents’ activities. Christian parents often don’t tell their own children about their faith in Jesus. It is forbidden to own a Bible in North Korea. So, therefore, some believers memorize their Bible, then destroy it. Others carefully hide their Bible and only read it when they’re alone.  If Christians are caught, they are sent to labor camps. Their entire family will be arrested and found guilty by association. Some may not know anything about Christianity or that their relative is a believer. However, many still take the risk to follow Jesus, and there have been reports of underground churches in prison camps.

Pray for North Korea

Pray for Kim Jong Un to know Jesus and have a change of heart towards Christians.

Pray for Christians to hold on to their faith in Jesus whatever the cost.

Pray for parents who can’t tell their children about their faith. Pray for wisdom and the right words to share the gospel with the next generation.

[worshipmoment]

Indonesia

Indonesia has the largest population of Muslims in the world. Many church buildings have been closed down. The law states that a church can only operate if they have at least 90 members, the consent of 60 non-Christian neighbors and the approval of the regency chief. Even then, they are not guaranteed approval or protection.   According to the government, Christians are allowed freedom of religion. But many are still vulnerable to acts of persecution and violence.  Islamic extremist groups have a lot of influence within government and society and because of this, attacks against Christians often go unpunished.

Pray for Indonesia

Pray for religious tolerance in the wake of increasing Islamic extremism.

Pray for converts to reach Muslims for Christ.

Pray for Christian children who face discrimination in schools. Pray that they can trust God for their future.

[worshipmoment]

Pakistan

Pakistan is the most violent country for Christians. Islamic extremists attack churches, with increased attacks around religious holidays like Easter and Christmas. Christians are abducted, forced to marry Muslims and even killed for their faith. Many are forced into hiding. The government doesn’t usually intervene. Muslims make up 96% of Pakistan’s population. Only 2% are Christians. Those who convert from Islam are targeted by extremists and seen as betraying their community. The low, dirty jobs in Pakistan are officially reserved for Christians. Christians are considered unclean, and can be denied access to pharmacies and hospitals. Strict blasphemy laws pressure communities. Church activities are closely monitored, making life difficult for the Pakistani Christian. School children are often taught to hate Christians. If their faith is discussed, teachers and pupils constantly pressure them to convert to Islam.

Pray for Pakistan

Pray for Christians to love and forgive those who persecute them.

Pray for converts from Islam that they will not be afraid of the cost of following Jesus.

Pray for Christian women with Muslim husbands. Pray they will lead their families to Christ.

[worshipmoment]

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a Muslim country. The Islamic State and the Taliban control over 40% of the country. The only local Christians are converts. New Christians are considered to be insane for leaving Islam. If they won’t recant, they may end up in a psychiatric hospital, be beaten or have their houses destroyed. Some believers even lose their lives if they follow Jesus openly. Converting to Christianity brings shame to a Muslim family. They’ll do everything in their power to bring a new Christian back to Islam. This can involve violence. However some families witness the life-changing power of Christ. There have been cases where entire families become Christians and are forced to flee the country.The influx of Islamic extremist groups has resulted in many deaths. In 2017, there were at least 8,000 casualties, according to the UN. They especially target Christian foreigners living and working in the country. Believers are forced to live out their faith in secret.

Pray for Afghanistan

Pray for secret believers, that they will be encouraged to live out their faith and share the gospel, regardless of the cost.

Pray for God to help secret believers overcome their fear as the level of violence increases. Pray they know the comfort and peace of God.

Pray for the freedom to choose to follow Jesus.