VOM-USA Prayer Update for March 22, 2013
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
Pakistan—Christian Neighborhood Destroyed in Riot
Source: VOM Contacts
A mob of about 3,000 people looted and burned a Christian neighborhood in Lahore on March 9 after a man in the neighborhood was accused of blasphemy. The riot forced 200 families to flee. Mosque loudspeakers began to broadcast news of the blasphemy charge at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 8, and a mob of extremists appeared in the neighborhood at 9 the next morning. Terrified Christians fled their homes, remembering a 2009 riot in Gojra, Pakistan, in which eight Christians were killed, many more injured and at least 40 homes destroyed. As in Gojra, police in Lahore apparently stood by while the mob destroyed at least 175 homes in the neighborhood over a five-hour period. The man accused of blasphemy is in police custody.
Senegal—Brazilian Christians Remain in Jail After Conversion Complaint
Source: VOM Contacts
Two Brazilian Christians remain in prison in Senegal on charges of kidnapping and child trafficking. The Christians operated a home for street children, many of whom were members of Quranic schools that force their pupils to sleep on the streets. The home provided food, shelter and education to about 17 children. After one of the youths told his father he had become a Christian at the home, the boy’s father made accusations against Pastor Jose Dilson Alves Da Silva. Legal efforts and intervention by Brazilian diplomats have so far had no effect. “This is a prayer subject for all of us,” said VOM’s field worker in Senegal. “The only person who can solve this problem is the Lord.”
Turkey—Murder Conspirators Released on Bail
Source: VOM Contacts
All but one of the 14 men arrested in a murder plot against Pastor Emre in Izmit have been released on bail, pending the investigation and trial. According to VOM’s field worker for the region, “Christians have to work harder than most people to get justice in Turkey, a country where victims need lawyers to push the justice system to pursue justice.” Pastor Emre has already offered forgiveness to the conspirators.
Laos—VOM Project
Pray for eight young Khmu women who are receiving training in biblical studies and in tailoring. The young women are daughters of pastors, ministry leaders and PSP workers. Some of their families have been directly persecuted, and many of them see opposition to Christianity in their villages.
