INDIA - Pastors Attacked, Accused of Forcible Conversion - VOM Sources

On June 24, Pastor Murugan was beaten by Hindu militants who ambushed him and two other believers while returning home from a prayer meeting in Moodalpalya, Karnataka, India. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, "The other two managed to flee and escape any harm. The militants accused the pastor of forcibly converting people and 'spoiling the minds of the children' and took him to the local police station where he was detained." In an unrelated incident on June 26, Hindu militants barged into the home of a local believer in Hubli, Karnataka; shouted curses at the Christians gathered for a prayer meeting and beat Pastor Vinod Talakere. VOM sources added, "They dragged the pastor and another believer to the local police station where the men were detained on accusations of forcibly converting people, kidnapping local girls and enrolling them in Bible college." Pray for the release of these pastors. Ask God to bless their ministry and the work of other Christians spreading the gospel in India. Philippians 4:13

Pray for UZBEKISTAN

UZBEKISTAN - Christian Detained on Terrorism Charges - Forum 18 News

On June 14, eight police officers claiming to be conducting an identity check, raided the home of Jandos Kuandikov in Nukus, Karakalpakstan, an autonomous region of Uzbekistan, where several Christians were gathered to prepare for a wedding. According to Forum18 News, "Kuandikov was not home at the time, but when he returned he asked the police for a warrant authorizing their action. None was provided. Police demanded statements [proving] that a religious meeting was not being conducted but the family refused. Police then accused Kuandikov of being a terrorist and [a] Wahhabi (a form of Islam found predominantly in Saudi Arabia). The police continued their search and interrogation throughout the day and then took several of those present to the police station. All but [a Christian named] Aimurat Khayburahmanov, were eventually released. At last report, Khayburahmanov remained in detention on false charges of terrorism." Pray Uzbek Christians will be able to bless and pray for those who falsely accuse them. Pray for Aimurat Khayburahmanov to be released. Luke 6:27-28

Pray for IRAN

IRAN - Christian Couple Arrested, Tortured and Threatened - Compass Direct News

On June 3, a newly converted Christian couple in Iran was arrested by police for holding Bible studies with Muslims in their home, and attending a house church. According to Compass Direct News, "Makan Arya and Tina Rad were seized from their home in east Tehran after one of Makan's relatives informed security police of the couple's Christian activities. Their 4-year-old daughter was left behind, ill and unattended. The couple was taken to an unknown jail where they were severely beaten and interrogated for four days." Compass reported, "Makan was accused of 'activities against national security' and Tina of 'activities against the holy religion of Islam.' The authorities threatened to take their daughter away to a religious institution and warned they could be imprisoned on charges of apostasy or fabricated drug charges if they didn't stop their Christian work." The report added that eventually the couple was pressured into signing a statement claiming they had not changed their religion from Islam and promising that they would stay away from their house church and other Christians. "After a court hearing, Makan was freed on bail charges of US $19,634 and Tina upon payment of US $29,451. The couple returned home to find that the window of their shop had been smashed by local Muslims. On June 23, Makan received a letter threatening him with continued attacks if he did not put up evidence of his Islamic faith on the front of his shop, to which he responded by hanging pictures of Muslim leaders on his window," Compass added. Ask God to strengthen the hearts of these believers to proclaim His Name without hesitation or fear. Pray for healing, especially for Tina who currently cannot walk as a result of her mistreatment in detention. Isaiah 40:29-31

Pray for CHINA

CHINA - House Church Leader and Family Evicted From Their Home - China Aid Association

On July 2, Public Security Bureau (PSB) police officers evicted prominent house church leader, Pastor Hua Huiqi and his family from their home in Beijing, China. According to China Aid Association (CAA), "Hua and his family were resting in their rental apartment when PSB officials led by Officer Yang Jian, used a 10-pound hammer to break down the doors and locks of the apartment. Hua's brother was beaten by police officers and suffered severe damage to his eye. Hua and his family, including his 90-year-old father, were forced onto the street with their furniture. They are currently in search of a new home and are being hosted by a Christian family in Beijing." According to CAA, "The Chinese government has expressed its intentions to either detain Hua until September 30, a date well after the Olympics, or to remove Hua and his family completely out of Beijing during the Games. The Chinese government had branded Hua and other human rights and religious activists as 'troublemakers' and is adamant about keeping such people from attending the Games in August." Praise God for Pastor Hua and his family's faithfulness. Ask God to watch over his family, especially his elderly parents who are great examples of faith and courage. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict the persecutors and draw them into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Psalm 55:16-19.

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