VOM Prayer Watch

SYRIA: The New Road to Damascus

The war in Syria is one of the greatest crises seen in the Middle East in the last 20 years. It has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people, both Muslim and Christian. More than 2 million Syrians have fled to neighbouring countries.

In the midst of this crisis, our persecuted family is boldly reaching out. And the reactions of Muslims have been astonishing.  "When you hear about one Muslim coming to Christ, it's a great thing, and everybody rejoices," said a VOM Syrian contact. "Today in Syria I'm not talking about one person. We're talking about hundreds and even thousands of Muslims coming to know Christ." 

Teams of believers are working in the refugee camps, providing Christ's love while sharing material aid, such as medical supplies and Bibles, as well as spiritual aid. Christians, widely considered 'infidels' in Syria, are now often and affectionately referred to as 'the Bible People.'

"This war is like a knife in the heart of the church," said VOM's National Contact. "No human can stand that suffering. But there is God's presence. I can see Christ in the midst of darkness."

Source: Voice of the Martyrs USA

Prayer Points

• Thank the Lord for bringing many out of darkness and into His marvellous light. 
• Please pray for Christians who face not only the horrific effects of war but also continued persecution.
• Please also pray for those who are bravely using this opportunity to advance the Kingdom.

IRAN: Christians Jailed for their Faith

Iranian Christians are requesting prayer for their country following a series of arrests just as the government released some prisoners in an effort to appear more liberal.

At least 20 Christians, mainly from Muslim backgrounds, were detained in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Tabriz. As a sign that he is politically progressive, the government of incoming President Hassan Rouhani pardoned and then released 11 prisoners of conscience from prison on 20 September.

The next day, the family of imprisoned Pastor Behnam Irani went to meet with a judge in Karaj, Iran. Pastor Behnam's family asked the judge to pardon him and allow him to be released like the other prisoners of conscience. The judge denied the request, and stated that Behnam had to serve his six years of prison and that the only way he would be pardoned and released from prison was if he repented and returned to Islam.

Sources: Voice of the Martyrs USA and Mohabat News

Prayer Points

• Thank the Lord for the recent release of 11 prisoners. Pray the Lord will protect and sustain those who remain in jail, especially Behnam Irani who is suffering from poor health.
• Praise God for the growth of the church in Iran. Pray He will use these incidents of persecution to further spread the Gospel and strengthen the faith of His children.
• Pray for President Hassan Rouhani and all those in authority in Iran.

INDONESIA: Update - Two Indonesian Christians Sentenced to Three Years Behind Bars for Evangelism

Two Indonesian Christians were sentenced to three years in prison on 2 August for conducting evangelistic activities among Muslims. The Christians, known as Kashfi Rosyid and Jalaludin, are brothers and were arrested by police on 20 March in Sukabumi, West Java, after an angry mob of approximately 200 Muslims attacked their home.

Last month it was reported that Mr Rosyid, age 58, and Mr Jalaludin, age 65, have both been beaten at least once by fellow inmates since their imprisonment, though the exact motive behind the attacks remains unclear. In addition, the lawyer representing the two Christians has given up on appealing their three-year prison sentence after facing significant pressure from local authorities.   Mr Rosyid's family was "chased out of their village," and that their current whereabouts are unknown. Mr Jalaludin's family was forced to resettle in an undisclosed location in West Java. The families have received some support from outside organisations, but are reportedly still struggling to cope with the imprisonment of Mr Rosyid and Mr Jalaludin.

According to one source, the two men had helped to convert more than 100 Muslims to Christianity in the area around their home before their arrest.

Source: International Christian Concern

Prayer Points

• Pray the Lord will heal Mr Rosyid and Mr Jalaludin and grant them courage during this difficult trial. Pray the Lord will protect and provide for their families.
• Commit the appeal to the Lord; ask Him to provide the legal representation these two men require. Pray for their release.
• Ask the Lord to strengthen the faith of the Muslims He converted through these two men.