Pray for CHINA

CHINA House Church Leader Released from Prison - China Aid Association

On July 26, 2007, Beijing house church leader Hua Huiqi was released from prison after serving six months. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Hua Huiqi and his 76-year-old mother, Shuang Shuying, were arrested in January after being attacked by seven police officers. "While they were walking near a 2008 Olympic hotel site in Beijing, they were kicked to the ground and later taken to the Olympic police station for questioning. Hua's mother was later sentenced to two years in prison. She is being held in a medical center because her health has deteriorated," CAA said. Praise God for Hua Huiqi's release. Please continue to pray for the release and healing of Shuang Shuying. Ask God to encourage Christians in China as they face escalating persecution ahead of the Olympics in 2008. Psalm 103:1-5, 1 Peter 2:24

Pray for IRAQ

IRAQ Christian Persecution in Iraq on the Rise - Christian Broadcasting Network News

Christians in Iraq are experiencing a rise in persecution from Islamic extremists. According to a Christian Broadcasting Network News (CBNNews.com) report, Reverend Canon Andrew White, an Anglican minister from Baghdad, told a committee on religious freedom that Christians have been kidnapped, tortured and killed. Rev. White said in the last three to four months conditions in Iraq had deteriorated considerably. He added that he was given disturbing news at a congregational meeting this month. "Things are bad for everybody in Iraq. I said to them (church members), 'tell me what has happened over the past week.' And the people went through what had happened, and I realized that 36 of my congregation in that past week and been kidnapped. None of them have been returned," Reverend White said. Pray God protects and encourages Christians in Iraq. Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to refresh believers who face hardships everyday. Romans 8:31, Isaiah 54:17

Pray for INDIA

INDIA Christian Martyred in India's Assam State - VOM Sources

On June 28, Hemanta Das, a Christian convert from Hinduism to Christianity, was brutally beaten by suspected members of a religious fanatic group. Das, a former member of the Hindutva fanatic group known as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, died four days later in a local hospital. The Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India has declared Brother Das the first Assamese martyr. Das was a member of the Guwahati Baptist Church. The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts in India report, "On several occasions, Brother Das was cautioned by radical groups of the dire consequences that would follow if he tried to convert people to Christianity." Christian leaders in Assam state say that this murder case has been reported to local police, but police have not yet found those responsible. Pray for the family of Brother Das and for the Holy Spirit to convict those responsible for this attack. Ask God to protect and encourage Christians in India. John 14:27, Colossians 3:15

Pray for AFGHANISTAN

AFGHANISTAN Two South Korean Christians Killed by Taliban - Reuters News Agency/VOM Sources

The Taliban killed two of the 23 Korean Christian hostages they had been holding since last week. Reuters News Agency reported kidnappers threaten to kill more of their 21 captives if the Afghanistan government fails to free rebel prisoners by 7:30 a.m. GMT on Wednesday. The 23, including 18 women, belong to the "Saemmul Church" in Bundang, a city outside Seoul, South Korea's capital. They were working at Korean Action, an aid organization in Kandahar. Most of the Koreans are in their 20s and 30s, and include nurses and English teachers. Killed on July 25, Bae Hyung-kyu (42), was a pastor and the leader of the group. Shim Sung-min (29), killed on July 31, was a former IT firm employee and planned to go to graduate school. Please pray for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Pray for comfort for the families of the two Christians killed. Pray for the safety of the hostages and pray for their loved ones at home in South Korea. Psalm 91, Psalm 23