Prayer Requests From VOM

"Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness." - Andrew Murray

"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:18



VOM-USA Prayer Update for December 16, 2011
On Wed. Dec 14 2011 at 02:12 PM Moderator wrote:
Syria--Regime Change Bad News for Christians
Sources: Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin, VOM Contacts

Romans 9:7-9

A regime change in Syria would almost certainly have negative effects on Christians, according to observers of the country's political situation. The Syrian uprising is "not about 'democracy' as the West knows it," wrote Elisabeth Kendal in the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin. "It is about restoring [Sunni Muslim domination], Arab hegemony and the Islamic order to Syria." During the uprising, Syrian Christians have been forced from their homes and Christian businesses burned. Protestors at one event reportedly chanted, "The Alawites to the grave and the Christians to Beirut." While VOM-supported evangelists have long faced harassment and other difficulties while sharing the gospel, many fear that a change in Syria's leadership could raise anti-Christian persecution to levels seen in Iran. Please pray for the protection and perseverance of God's children in Syria.

Uzbekistan--Christians Warned to Stop Evangelism
Source: Forum 18 News

Exodus 18:7-9

Authorities in Angren, Uzbekistan, warned local churches in November to cease proselytism and missionary activities and to stop allowing children to participate in worship meetings. The deputy head of the administration delivered the warning to representatives of the Catholic, Russian Orthodox, Presbyterian, Seventh-Day Adventist and Baptist churches on Nov. 2. In addition to being warned about evangelistic work, the church representatives were asked for lists of their churches' members. Area Christians said they will continue to teach their children about their faith. Pray for Christians in Uzbekistan, who face intense pressure from the government.

Burma (Myanmar)--More Violence Against Christian Minority
Sources: Compass Direct News, Kachin News Group

Psalm 149:6-9

Burmese government troops killed civilians, burned houses and arrested a Christian couple in the Christian-majority Kachin state recently. On Wednesday, Nov. 30, one woman was killed and six other villagers injured as soldiers fired four rounds of mortar shells toward civilians in the Tarlawgyi area. Government troops also burned down 10 homes in Nam Wai village and five more in neighboring Hpa Ke village. The attacks followed two explosions that occurred the previous night in the state's capital, Myitkyina, in which one student died and another was injured. Local residents suspect that government agents planted the bombs. Two weeks earlier, on Nov. 13, a powerful explosion killed seven children and three displaced people and injured 16 other children at an orphanage in Myitkyina. Police arrested the Christian couple who run the orphanage in connection with the bombing, even though two of their sons and a grandson were among those killed. The attacks have left civilians in Kachin terrified. An estimated 90 percent of Kachin citizens are Christian. Pray that the government will respond to the needs of Christians in Burma.