VOM Prayer Watch

INDIA: New Amendment Could Restrict Christian Evangelism A proposed amendment to the “Freedom of Religion” law in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh poses a threat to potential conversion to Christianity. The amendment stipulates a mandatory one-month advance notice to the district magistrate by both a prospective convert and the minister who wishes to preside over a conversion ceremony. It also provides more stringent punishment (a 3-4 year prison term) and heftier fines for non-compliance. Christians are concerned this amendment grants too much power to local authorities, who are likely to intimidate those of a minority religion and hinder genuine conversions. It will also encourage the harassment of Christian pastors and anyone seeking to evangelise. Source: Voice of the Martyrs USA Please pray the Lord will empower believers in Madhya Pradesh to continue to preach the Gospel without fear. Pray the proposed amendment will not be implemented. Pray the Holy Spirit will be at work throughout this nation, bringing revelation, conviction and repentance to many.

VIETNAM: Recent Convert Tortured and Imprisoned A new Christian, “Bao,” is being pressured by village authorities to recant his faith, a VOM worker reported. After Bao and his family converted to Christianity four months ago, authorities told Bao he could not live in the village and that he could not use or purchase food, clothing or candles from the village as long as he continued in his beliefs. They repeated their threat three times. After Bao was baptised on 16 July, his brother beat him and had him arrested. Bao was jailed for two days and was beaten and shocked in his eye with electric wires. Police fined Bao $250, which had to be paid before he could be released. VOM USA is providing Bao with money to pay the fine. Source: Voice of the Martyrs USA Please pray for the provision and protection of Bao and his family. Ask the Lord to strengthen this new Christian to enable him to stand firm. Pray the Lord will send many believers to Bao and his wife for prayer and encouragement.

IRAN: Imprisoned Pastor Now Receiving Medical Care Pastor Saeed Abedini has been in prison in Iran for over 300 days and has finally received medical treatment in a private hospital in Tehran. During his incarceration, he has been subjected to beatings which have caused internal injuries. For the first time since he was imprisoned, Pastor Saeed was examined by a physician in July and prescribed medication for injuries sustained from beatings by prison guards. On two past occasions, the 33-year-old believer had been taken to the local hospital only to be sent home without an examination or treatment for his injuries. Pastor Saeed's wife said, “Thank you to all of the individuals who have prayed, written letters, signed petitions, called government officials, run benefit races, tweeted, and shared Saeed's story. Thank you to all the government officials from around the world who have stood for my husband. Iran has listened to your pleas.” Sources: American Center for Law and Justice, Assist News Service Thank the Lord for the medical attention Pastor Saeed has received. Ask that God's presence will continue to minister peace and comfort to Pastor Saeed and his concerned loved ones. Pray for the Lord to work in the hearts of Pastor Saeed’s prison guards, fellow prisoners and governmental authorities.