Finally, Kim Davis is jailed because she refused to issue marriage license to gay couples.

At last, as anticipated, Kim Davis is jailed.

In as much as I do not want to be embroiled in the arguments making rounds on whether she was supposed to obey the court ruling and issue licenses to gays or resign or retire if the order was against her faith and conscience, it is worthy to note that this is part of the spiritual decline within the American system, even the worldly system for that matter, which I do not think has any hope of recovery again. It will only worsen as we draw closer to the end of the age.

When we posted here that we should pray for Kim, we did not expect that she would not go to jail. Instead we encouraged us to pray for her resolve, so that she would stand strong in her conviction till the end. What played out looks strange to some of us because as pastors and teachers, we do not takeout time to teach church history in our churches today. We rarely mention them in our preaching. But make no mistake about it, Christians were persecuted, killed and burnt at stake based on the framework of the 'laws' that were available in those days. Most of the stance Christians took in those days were 'unconstitutional', 'nonsensical', and 'unpopular'. This is because human reason and intelligence are often flawed in matters of faith. Standing for conscience and conviction is what we need today. Unfortunately most of us as Christian leaders do not even live by any conviction at all. 

Most Christian leaders are silent today because they do not want to injure their reputation and some are afraid of the backlash they may receive. Many are even confused. Some have blamed her for insisting on her personal convictions while occupying a public office. Others dig into her past life of failed marriages, children outside wedlock etc. My answer to all these is that, her terrible past proves to us the enormous power of God's grace. Was the supreme court decision correct in the first place? Was it correct not to create a leeway for those who may have a different definition of marriage other than what they have defined  to equally be free to exercise their own right? Or do they have a ploy to get rid of all Christians in the public service who hold fast to their convictions? Like I earlier said, I do not want to bother myself with all the arguments. She has shown virtue and all we can do is to stand by her and not to blame her.  All her staff have caved in except her son for now. Persecution of Christians does not start with the despondent extreme attacks, it all starts like this and then degenerates. 

I want to conclude this post by quoting Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984), a prominent Protestant pastor who spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps:

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

Source: http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007392

Keep this post in your mind because the situation is not going to get better for genuine Christians any where in the world. We must prepare our minds for the on coming persecution which will come upon the church all over the world where it has not started yet. We will be called bigots, extremists etc. Let's learn how to stand together and encourage one another.

Please keep praying for her and other Christians. May her resolve be a challenge to all of us to begin to stand fast in our convictions and begin to have something we are living for.

Update on Kim Davis.

Thank God she has remained strong. Her case reminds me of the apostles when they were brought before the Sanhedrin.

"Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!"" Acts 5:29-30 NIV.

What the authority was requesting from them was simple "stop teaching in this name". But they refused. We discuss their faith as examples in our churches. Today, Kim is faced with the same opportunity to make that choice "Just agree and start signing marriage registers for gays, no matter what your personal beliefs are". However, in the same way obeying the Sanhedrin meant disobeying God for the apostles, obeying the Supreme Court order means disobeying God for Kim and most of us Christians who holds to the clear teachings of the Bible very dearly.

Please continue to pray for her. May her response be like that of the apostles, "...His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:40-42 NIV.

Instead of wallowing in self pity, they rejoiced.

Praise God for Asia Bibi - her death sentence has been suspended

Asia Bibi, a Christian mother who has been on death row for blasphemy since 2009, has got her sentence suspended. We have shared her story here in Evergreen Website.  The Voice of Martyrs reports that on July 22nd a panel of judges suspended her death sentence.

The case against this long-suffering follower of Jesus will be thoroughly reviewed by the country's Supreme Court before a final ruling is made. In light of the recent hearing, a VOM worker in Pakistan wrote, "By the grace of God, this is a big achievement. This is an answer to the prayers of people around the world."

Please continue to pray that she may be acquitted completely soon because it is not yet over. Also, continue to remember other  believers who are still in the prison in Pakistan for God's intervention.


For more information, go to Voice of Martyrs site here.

Church Leader Severely Burned in Acid Attack

All over the world, there is a rise in the persecution of Christians. Many are kidnapped, tortured, sent to prison, molested and even killed.The case of Rev. Anselm Mwang'amba, 61, comes to mind as this is more recent. He was attached with acid after leaving a cyber cafe in Zanzibar, where a muslim group is campaigning for Zanzibar's independence as an Islamic state. This is a common agitation all over the world.

Do you still remember Bishop Umar Mulinde of Uganda who I shared about his own acid attack here? It seems to be a new tactic for those who hate Jesus and His gospel.

Please just continue to pray for the persecuted church. God bless.

May the Lord completely heal both the physical and emotional wounds Rev. Mwang'amba has experienced as a result of the attack (Psalm 30:2). Pray that the church in Tanzania will not be fearful due to this incident and other similar attacks, but rather would choose to lean even more on our Almighty God who has promised His people strength in times of trouble. Ask Him to thwart any plans the enemy may have to inflict further harm on these believers through the militant group. Source: VOM.

For more, go here.

Islamic Shooters Gun Down Worshippers in Church

Please watch this video and continue to pray for our brethren in the Northern Nigeria where a lot of what happens to them are not reported in the Main Stream Media.

Christian persecution is real. It's amazing the faith of these suffering brethren. Watch, be challenged and continue to pray.

Go here to watch it.

Pastor Nadarkhani re-arrested on Christmas Day

Many of you prayed for the release of Brother Yousef Nadarkhani and as God would have it, he was released on bail September 8, 2012. We shared the joy here.

He has been re-arrested on Christmas Day and taken back to prison to serve the remaining 45 days of a three-year sentence for evangelizing Moslems. Over the years, the Iranian Government has charged him with many things including apostasy, banditry and extortion, and later acquitted him of all the charges. Remember his wife was once arrested in 2010 in their bid to put pressure on him to recant his faith but was later released.

Foxnews reports that since Nadarkhani's release, his attorney, Mohammed Ali Dadkhan has been imprisoned and remains in Iran's notoriously brutal Evin Prison where his health is rapidly deteriorating and is being denied proper dental care, according to his family. He has been incarcerated for advocating Nadarkhani's case and other human rights cases.

It's like the Iranian Government is just determined to hurt Brother Yousef. Please pray for him and his family that the plans of their persecutors shall not prosper.  Also, pray that the Iranian government does not decide to bring additional charges against him and keep him in prison for additional time.

For more information, please go here.

Whatever happened to our ‘bowels of mercy’!

Whatever happened to our ‘bowels of mercy’!

 “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 John 3:17 KJV.

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering”  Col 3:12 KJV.

Greater part of the year, 2012 has seen a lot of Christians being attacked, killed, dispossessed and displaced especially in the Northern Nigeria. The persecutions have not abated as on the 1^st October, about 30 Christian students were murdered at Federal Polytechnic, Mubi as reported here.

A close look at the reports from the Anglican Diocese of Jos website shows the mayhem that has been meted on Christians by irate Muslims who want to Islamize them by all means. What disturbs my heart is not just that our brethren are being killed and displaced, but I do not seem to see a mobilization and concerted efforts from the ‘free’ churches to reach out to these Christians who are passing through difficult times. It seems as if Christian leaders behave like every other political leader who will just come out after every incident and condemn the ‘murderous attack’ and then ‘to your tents O, Israel’, we all go back to business as usual. We criticize efforts that are solely denominational both in nature and commitment, that is, efforts that concentrate only within the denominational boundaries, but even that is rare these days. Our self-centeredness is very obvious and manifest in our indifference and inaction.

Currently, floods are ravaging several parts of the country. Homes and properties are destroyed; people are missing and being displaced; churches and mission fields are closed down. What are the ‘free’ churches doing? What has happened to our bowels of mercies? “How dwelleth the love of God in (us)”?

I was in a church today and the best that was done was to pray for those who were affected by the floods to take heart and be consoled by God. Meanwhile an emphasis was made on people paying endowment fund which nobody has been able to explain what the purpose is. What is the endowment fund for? Is it going to be used for investment? Will they draw money from it to build hospitals or for evangelism and missions? Is it to be used to build something befitting for the General Overseer or fund accumulated for him to have easy access for his travels and so on? The questions can go on and on. However, no matter how noble the idea may be, the issue is that the church is insensitive to the plight of those suffering the effects of the current disaster – floods. Some members around where I was seated murmured asking why they were talking about endowment fund while nothing was being done about those whose lives have been changed forever. Some are sleeping in open classrooms while others are under trees.

For most of the victims, life will never remain the same for good. It reminded me of a brother whose life was changed forever when one of the markets in the city of Port Harcourt got burnt down about ten years ago. His church where he was very committed in service could not help him to stand back on his feet because the pastor was afraid not to set‘precedence’.

I believe that social work can be used as a means of evangelism. I believe that social concerns can be used by the church to show the world the heart of a loving God. I believe that social concerns can open up door ways for the salvation of souls. If these things are true, why is the church not taking this opportunity? There are many things churches can do:

1.      Set up a committee who will work out modalities on how your church can be involved

2.      Collect offerings like was done in 1 Cor.16:1-4; Acts 11:29-30 and send to the affected churches.

3.      Concerned families can come together and contribute clothes, medicines and food stuffs and send to the affected areas.

4.      Churches can send artisans to help in reconstructing some destroyed houses.

5.      You can persuade your organizations to do something as part of cooperate social responsibility.

There are so many things we can do if we have God’s kind of heart. When we see the sufferings of our fellow men and look the other way like the Priest and Levite in Luke 10, or remain indifferent as most of us are doing today, one can really ask, “What happened to our bowels of mercies?”

In case you are having problems who to contact, call 08033160938 (Bishop Angar Nyanabo whose whole Diocese is submerged and he is squatting somewhere in Yanagoa) or 08036705262 (Rev. Can. Somiari whose missionary churches are affected in Bayelsa) or any other church leader you may know. Just do something! God bless you!

Global Rise in Christian Persecutions in the coming days.

 “Every five minutes a Christian dies for his faith.” That was a statement made by Massimo Introvigne, the Commissioner for Religious Freedom of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as reported Canada Free Press.

These are not easy days especially for those Christians who live side by side with Muslims as neighbours. These are perilous times. 

As we approach the close of this age, there is going to be a tremendous increase in the persecution of Christians worldwide. What we are seeing is only the beginning of 'birth pangs'. Many may think it is going to be limited to the lands where Muslims are dominant. No! It will equally take place in the so called developed countries. It is not dependent on how wise we are, it is dependent on what the Word of God says.

If you look at the events that led to the Holocaust, part of the sentiment was that the Jews were responsible for the economic woes of Germany and the Great Depression and that the Jews plan to dominate the world as recorded in a fraudulent book called "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" There was widespread antisemitism all over Germany and greater part of Europe. Hitler exploited this when he came to power in 1933 and began to implement his plans which he outlined in Mein Kampf published in 1924. When he began the massive extermination of the Jewish population, much of the populace did not see it as an issue, even Christians. The best many did was to be indifferent. Today, we live with the history of one of the worst genocides ever committed against a people group - the Holocaust. 

Why do I draw this historical lesson? There is a growing sentiment against Christians all over the world and the drum is being beaten very loudly by the media. It is as if Christians are the cause of the problems and violence perpetrated all over the globe. In Communist countries, they are seen as spies who cooperate with 'foreign elements' to undermine the powers of the state. In the Islamic countries, they are not just seen as spies but also they are seen as 'infidels' who should be subjugated or killed before they corrupt the 'holy' Muslims. All the recent persecutions, killings  and sufferings of Christians all over the world attest to this. In the Western countries, Christians are seen as the only obstacles against for example legalized abortion, homosexuality and 'freedom' which at best can be described as license to live in sin. Starting from the media to the movie industries, from Civil Rights to the Academia, there seems to be a commitment to destroy Judeo-Christian culture and principles. The world do not want to have defined absolutes. Very soon, Christians will begin to go to jail for some evangelism activities in these countries. It is as if the world will know peace if only Christians will keep silence and stop insisting that Jesus Christ if the only Way to God. Life will become difficult for committed Christians in the coming days. There are many situations that will lead to all these, both circumstantial and planned. It is already happening like Massimo's comment shows above. 

Never assume "it will never get to me". Get involved now in the ministry towards the persecuted. Train yourself now in holy and righteous living. Take the tough decisions now to please God in all that you do. 

The challenge is, is your faith strong enough to carry you  through evil days and to the end? Is your anchor strong on Christ alone? It is true that many churches prepare and motivate their members on how to become rich and wealthy; I wonder how many equally prepare them on how to stand strong in the days of trials and turmoil that are about to come? The Bible is correct when it says, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" 2 Tim 3:12. NIV. Better be prepared now and make sure you are standing on the Solid Rock.

Remain rapturable!

Brother Youcef Nadarkhani acquitted and released.

It is with great joy that we announce to you the release of our brother Youcef Nadarkhani from prison in Iran. Present Truth Ministries announced this on Saturday that Pastor Youcef was acquitted of apostasy charges but found guilty for proselytizing Muslims. He was sentenced to three years which he has already served during his detention in prison. He has been reunited with his family.

"He said, "Thank you to everyone that has supported me with your prayers." He is now home with his family."

Many of you responded to our call to prayer and really prayed. It is worthy that you equally share in this good news.

"Please continue to keep Youcef in prayer. Another prisoner with apostasy charges, Pastor Mehdi Dibaj, was realeased and then murdered shortly thereafter. Let's pray for safety and protection for our brother, as well as everyone involved in his case." 

Please make sure you continue to pray for him and all the persecuted brethren from around the world. God bless you!

Urgent Prayers for Pastor Behnam Irani

We have been updating all our friends and viewers on the persecuted brethren in Iran and other parts of the world calling us to prayers. It is very easy to relax and become complacent when we live in parts of the world where there is relative peace and you are not being harrassed for your faith.
However, for every peaceful night of sleep you enjoy, know that there are brethren who are spending the same night in prisons without comfort. For every opportunity you have to visit a hospital to treat either your self or loved one, remember that there are thousands of believers who are languishing in prisons around the world who are not granted access to medicare. They are being eaten up by their diseases or sicknesses, seeing their death before them and are helpless about their condition. Except God intervenes, their stories will not be different from that of those who have died.

Please look at this prayer request below and make sure your family, fellowship group, and church participate in praying for Brother Behnam Irani. Equally do not forget that Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is still awaiting execution, except God intervenes through our prayers.

"We have an urgent prayer request for pastor Behnam Irani of Karaj, Iran. He continues to suffer from bloody stool, and within the last week was so sick that he became unconscious. As a result he was finally allowed to go to the prison hospital. It appears that what he was suffering with was not intestinal, but rather a bleeding ulcer. We are thankful that he has been allowed to see a doctor and is being treated for his illness, but since the situation is so serious, we ask for your prayers for his healing. Jesus said, “If thou canst believe all things are possible,” Mark 9:23. Let’s put our faith together in prayer for our brother who is suffering and believe for his healing. Please pass the prayer request on to your churches, prayer groups, and bible studies."

For further information, please go to http://presenttruthmn.com/

Youcef Nadarkhani: A Day of Prayer and Fasting for His release.

PLEASE JOIN US IN THIS PRAYER PROJECT.

Pray as a family; pray as a church and as a fellowship; pray as an individual for this brother and all other persecuted brethren around the world! God bless.

Easter Sunday Car Bomb Explosion kills over 25 persons in Kaduna Nigeria

A car bomb exploded along a busy roadway Sunday morning in a central Nigeria city, killing at least 38 people in the latest attack on a region beset by religious, ethnic and political violence, an official said.
The blast struck Kaduna, the capital of Kaduna state, leaving charred motorcycles and debris strewn across a major road in the city where many gather to eat at informal restaurants and buy black market gasoline. Nearby hotels had their windows blown out of by the force of the powerful explosion, which engulfed a group of motorcycle taximen.

At least 38 people were killed in the blast, said Abubakar Zakari Adamu, a spokesman for the Kaduna state Emergency Management Agency. Others suffered serious injuries and were receiving treatment at local hospitals, Adamu said.
The explosion badly damaged the nearby All Nations Christian Assembly Church as churchgoers worshipped at an Easter service, the possible target of the bomber. Witnesses said it appeared the explosive-laden car attempted to go into the compound of that church before it detonated...

Please continue to pray for the Nigerian Church for a re-awakening. Pray that God may console those who are grieving and cause the perpetrators to repent. Pray that those in leadership positions will have the will to do what is right.
Read more!

Please continue to pray for our brother Bishop Umar Mulinde of Gospel Life Church International

"Doctors at Sheba Hospital in Tel-Aviv, Israel, are still not sure what kind of chemicals Muslim extremists cast on Bishop Umar Mulinde of Gospel Life Church International outside of Kampala last Christmas Eve, but they know that the acid is threatening the vision in his remaining eye.

“I am regaining my sight, though the healing progress is a bit slow,” Mulinde told Compass by phone. “Doctors are still looking for ways to save it, but it seems a complicated case. The chemical was very strong, and each day it was going deeper, with pain increasing day by day; even the doctors are interested to know which type of acid it was, because it really did great damage to me.

"Mulinde, a former sheikh (Islamic teacher) who became the target of Islamic extremists after converting to Christianity in 1993, said his left eye has been getting better under the specialized treatment he has been able to receive..."

Remember the story we shared here some months ago.

"Mulinde said he was encouraged that ministry is continuing at his church in Namasuba, about 10 kilometers (six miles) outside of Kampala, though his friend Zachariah Serwadda, a pastor with an Evangel Church congregation, was ambushed on Feb. 4 after an evangelistic outreach in the predominantly Muslim town of Mbale."

Pray that Mulinde will retain his sight. Thank the Lord for the faithfulness of Mulinde and his friend Serwadda. Pray that the Lord will bless their efforts to spread the gospel. Pray that the perpetrators of these attacks will repent and come to know Jesus Christ. Please pray that increased persecution in Uganda will result in increased boldness among believers (Acts 4:29-31).

See the whole story here at Compass Direct. You can get more information on how to pray and participate in the ministries to the persecuted by going to VOM website. Please pray, pray and pray.

Boko Haram's Plot to end Christian Presence in Northern Nigeria

The al-Qaeda linked Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram has declared it is plotting to "end the Christian presence" in much of northern Nigeria. According to a spokesman, the group is preparing to launch a campaign of terror against Christians through kidnapping Christian women and coordinated bombings. The women reportedly will be held for ransom and returned only to Christian families who leave the region.

The goal is to eradicate Christians completely so that a "proper Islamic state" might be established. The authorities say Boko Haram is well armed with sophisticated weaponry and munitions.

This new threat against Christians is very direct and indicates very dangerous days lie ahead.

Christians need to be watchful and work together prayerfully to see this plot of the devil brought to naught. Our God frustrates the tokens of liars and makes their diviners mad.

Please pray the Lord will protect and deliver believers in northern Nigeria. Pray He will frustrate the plans of the enemy and through His mercy bring many to repentance. Pray that Christians in Nigeria will not be fearful but trust God (Revelation 2:10).

(Source: VOM as reported by Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission)

Remember our Brother - Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

Execution orders may have been issued for Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Please pray for Pastor Youcef!

According to contacts in Iran, the execution orders for Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani may have been issued. Pastor Youcef's situation -- an innocent man convicted and sentenced to death for becoming a Christian -- has reportedly not been this dire since his story was first reported.

It is unclear whether Pastor Youcef would have a right of appeal from the execution order. The head of Iran's Judiciary, Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, must approve publicly held executions, but only a small percentage of executions are held public -- most executions in Iran are conducted in secret.

Please pray that the Lord will intervene and that Pastor Youcef will be freed from prison. Pray that Youcef and his family will remain faithful to the Lord in all situations. Pray that the Lord will be exalted through Pastor Youcef, whether in life or in death (Philippians 1:20).

From Voice of matrys

For more go here.

What they want is not what they need.

Please read this and see this boy's heart. In places where there is no persecution, do we have this kind of heart for God? Many of us will be surprised when we get to heaven to discover that many from persecuted areas of the world made it more than many who live in ease in persecution free areas. From here.


North Korea: A Visiting Missionary

When the boy in the hotel finally spotted the visiting “businessman,” he ran to him and grabbed his hand. The startled visitor tried to pull away but soon realized that the boy was making the sign of the cross on his palm silently with his finger. The man, a missionary who had prayed to make contact with the church, looked down into the face of the rail-thin boy and immediately understood the message: “The church is alive in North Korea!”

The next day, the missionary met secretly with the boy. He learned that his father was a Christian who had been imprisoned years before. The boy’s family had greatly suffered under the brutal government and had to beg for food just to survive. Now because of drought, people everywhere were dying from severe malnutrition.

When the missionary asked what he could do, he thought surely the boy would request food for his family. But the boy asked him for only four things: to take his tithe that he had saved over many years, to baptize him, to give him Holy Communion, and to give him a better Bible.

The man was moved to tears as he realized the boy’s wisdom. Physical help would only serve him for a day or two, and then he would be back in the same predicament. Spiritual help would prepare him for eternity.

Read it all here for other comments.

Pray for the persecuted Nigerian Church!

My plea with us this first month of the year is that we remember the persecuted brethren in Northern Nigeria in our Church, group, family and personal prayers.

In the Nigerian Church, there is an evolving culture of using January for Fasting and Prayer in preparation for the year. There is nothing wrong with having Fasting and Prayer but what we do within period determines whether we are eternally minded or not. What we do within the programme determines whether we are concerned with what burdens the heart of God or not.

Mark Ojunta
Photo: Compass Direct News

On the 28th of August, 2011, our brother Mark Ojunta was murdered while serving among the Kotoko people group in North Eastern Nigeria.

In Christian Post, it was reported that “ 36-year-old evangelist Mark Ojunta, from southern Nigeria, was ministering amid the Kotoko people of Nigeria's northeastern state with Calvary Ministries (CAPRO) when he was shot in Maiduguri. Boko Haram reportedly killed at least 23 Christians during August alone; beginning on Aug. 11 through Aug. 15 where attacks in Rasta Foron village resulted in six dead, and on Aug. 15, in Heipang village, where nine members of one Christian family were killed.

These deaths were followed by the murder of six Christians on Aug. 21 in Kwi, lotion, and Jwol villages, and, on Aug. 14, in the community of Chwelnyap, where two more were killed at the hands of militants”.

In January 2012, they carried out series of attacks on Christians and their places of worship. One was on Deeper Life Bible Church in Gombe. According to Sahara Reporters, "The attackers started shooting sporadically. They shot through the window of the church, and many people were killed including my wife," Mr Jauro told Reuters news agency.

From Reuters, On the 6th of January, “Gunmen opened fire in a hall in Mubi on Friday where a group of Christians had gathered to mourn the deaths of those killed in an attack the previous day.
"Unknown gunmen in Mubi attacked and killed 3 people on Thursday night and on Friday as people gathered to mourn the deaths, the gunmen believed to be the same attackers killed 18 people, totalling 21," a Red Cross official told Reuters.

A lot of indigenous Churches have been burnt down, pastors killed and members scattered. Brethren are living in fear. Those who are non indigenes may run back South to their villages but what of the brethren who are Northern Nigerian indigenes?

Now, is it time for Churches to gather in their Fasting and Prayer programmes concentrating on claiming one earthly possession or another? Is it time to focus on making frivolous promises to members just because you want to raise their hope? Is it a time to lead the people into ‘covenants’ that we cannot prove from the Scriptures which we have discussed here? Or is it not time to lead the Church in repentance and cry to Him for the National Church? These are perilous times.

The other day, I saw a reverend gentleman speaking passionately in the ranks of the protesters against the removal of petrol subsidy over the past few days. My heart was stirred up. I thank God for him. However, God is looking for men and women who will equally be on fire for the matters of the voiceless believers who are suffering and living in fear.

Brethren, please whatever you do this month of January, remember the persecuted Church. Pray that God will encourage these believers and uphold them. Pray that God will give the Nigerian Church the Christian heart to forgive their persecutors and raise several ‘Sauls of Tarsus’. Pray that God will deliver the Nigerian Church from materialism and human worship. Pray that people and Churches will be touched to contribute to the welfare of the persecuted brethren. The work is indeed great and the harvest ripe but the labourers are few. Please be among the few.

God bless!

Please pray for the Rev Chander Mani Khanna

A few months ago, the Rev Chander Mani Khanna of the All Saints Church, Kashmir India,baptized 7 converts from Islam. Since then, there have been fireworks of persecution against him.

He was arrested and put in jail in November. The Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association has called on its members not to provide Rev Khanna with legal counsel. Though the court has granted him bail, there is great fear that his life may be at risk even after his release.

A few days ago, the pastor’s wife, Kanta Khanna, spoke with her husband by phone. “I was concerned about his health,” she told AsiaNews. “He’s diabetic and his eyesight is deteriorating. Nevertheless, his thoughts are for our children and me. He continued to reassure us, saying that God is with us. He told me to find strength in the Scriptures, to read Chapter 10 in the Gospel of Matthew and the Act of the Apostles. He is frail in body but firm in his faith.”

Pray for the Underground Church. Christianity preaches Life that is irresistible to any hungry soul. It's not just a religion. Because their powerless message cannot match the Life Christ offers, they resort to violence and intimidation, and it's happening all over the world. But thank God for a lot of testimonies of what God is doing in Islamic world.

Please thank God for the Bishop of the Diocese of Amritsar, bishop P.K. Samantha Roy, and Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) for their support for the Rev. Khanna. Pray for courage for him stand firm till the end and that he may be released. Pray for his family that God may protect them and keep them. God bless!

Join us for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Join us for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Prayer has an eternal impact on the lives of men and women throughout the world. As we pray, closed doors are opened, resistant people are made receptive, leaders are put down and raised up, and the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ is extended.

Join thousands of believers around the world in praying for the estimated 200 million Christians who face persecution for their faith. The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is on Sunday, November 13.

For more information, and for downloadable resources you can use with your small group or congregation, visit IDOP International.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." -- Ephesians 6:12.

Please pray in your churches, talk to your prayer coordinators etc. God is really doing amazing things in these Last Days. May the knowledge of the Lord spread all over the earth as waters cover the sea. Amen.

Egypt: Christian Girls Kidnapped and ‘Sold’

"The two girls, Christine Azat (aged 16) and Nancy Magdi (aged 14) were on their way to church Sunday, June 12, when they were seized. Their abductors demanded $200,000 Egyptian pounds for their release. The people of the region quickly put their savings together and came up with the ransom money; but when they tried to give it to the kidnappers, they rejected it, saying they had already “sold” the girls off to another group which requires $12 million Egyptian pounds to return them.

Christine’s father, who has been harrying the police since the minute he discovered the girls were kidnapped—to little avail—says he and his family “have been in a living hell since Christine’s abduction.” Nancy’s father laments that “My daughter has not even outgrown childhood; she is only 14 years old, the youngest in the family, our baby….Since her disappearance my household has been living in continuous depression, misery, and weeping.”"

Wedding is a celebrated event in this part of the world. Many of us have argued that Christians here do two or three types of Marriage Ceremonies in the course of getting married: Traditional Marriage, Court Marriage and Church Wedding and in all of them, we spend extensively. Many of us save for years before we are able to get enough to carry out these activities. What a day of joy when it comes at last!

Unfortunately for these two Egyptian Christian Girls, the dream of a wedding and those ceremonies are gone, maybe for good. This is just one of the many other stories depicting what Christians are going through in Muslim dominated lands. When next you see a wedding ceremony going on, remember Christine Azat (aged 16) and Nancy Magdi (aged 14). When next as a pastor, you are officiating in a wedding, remember Christine Azat (aged 16) and Nancy Magdi (aged 14). When next you are conducting a prayer meeting and urging the people to pray as if material prosperity, positional promotion and marriage are the only reasons why the Lord Jesus kept us here on earth, remember Christine Azat (aged 16) and Nancy Magdi (aged 14) and pray for other persecuted members of the body of Christ.

Read the whole story here!