VOM Prayer Watch

PAKISTAN: Christian Teenager Gang Raped In July a 14-year-old Christian girl in Punjab was abducted and raped. According to her father, the men responsible have threatened to attack Christian properties and churches if the family proceeds with charges against them. Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan (SLMP) reported that the teenager was in a critical condition and had to be hospitalised after she was found by her family at a local farm. Those responsible are reported to include the son of a local politician and landlord. One of the accused has been arrested and another is on pre-arrest bail. Voice of the Martyrs’ UK partner mission, Release International, is supporting the family and helping them with their case. Sources: Release International, SLMP Pray that God will comfort, heal and restore the Christian girl who was attacked. Ask Him to give her and her family His peace. Pray that those responsible will be brought to justice. Pray for protection for the family and all those helping them.

IRAN: Eight Christians Imprisoned On 16 July, eight Iranian Christians received jail sentences between one and six years after being found guilty of “action against the national security” and “propaganda against the system.” Seven of the Christians were reportedly arrested in October 2012, when security forces raided an evening prayer service. The eighth was arrested six days later. Morning Star News reported that Iranian Christian leaders denied the eight were involved in politically subversive activity. The convicted Christians are expected to appeal their convictions. Source: Assist News Service Pray that God will grant wisdom and guidance to the Christians as they consider an appeal. Pray they will have patience in persecution, and have joy and hope in the Lord. Pray that through the witness of these believers, the name of the Lord will be honoured.

NIGERIA: Six Christians Killed Christian leaders reported that gunmen killed six Christians in an early morning attack on Dinu village in southern Plateau state. Rev Johnson Kikem, chairman of a nearby Regional Church Council of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), reported that church members who fled the village in Wase Local Government Area said the assailants were Muslims. According to Morning Star News, Fulani Muslims have long fought over property with Christians of other ethnicities, and Islamic extremist groups are suspected of inflaming the herdsmen's anti-Christian sentiment. The Fulani herdsmen and the predominantly Christian, ethnic Tarok farmers have accused each other of castle-rustling and retaliatory violence in recent months. Source: Assist News Service Pray that Christians will respond with forgiveness and love to their attackers. Pray that God will comfort and provide for the families of those who have been killed. Pray for peace to come to Nigeria through the Gospel.