We are to love the bullies, and do good to them, bless them, and pray for them! Believe me, that is no easy task. There are days when I just want to come out and say what REALLY happened and want everyone to know they can’t trust those persons, but that is where we just leave the situation to God and let Him handle it. He is the righteous judge and will repay the deeds that are done.
All we have to do is what those verses, tell us: turn your cheek, give them your shirt, go the extra mile! So love those who bully, do good to them when they are horrible to you, bless them when they curse you and most importantly pray for them. Show Jesus to your bullies, even those bullies who are Christians, by doing those things because Jesus is the only one who can change them and prayer works!

Those who bully are spiteful and hateful! Love and kindness do not treat others like that. Jesus is love and kindness and if you don’t have Him in your life, you can’t love and show kindness to people and all you can do is be spiteful and hateful!

So remember to love those that bully you and by doing that you are showing Jesus to them! THAT is the mission of a Christian! To show the love of Christ to those who know Him not!

©AmandaDixon2009

Tags: 2 Timothy 1:7, A slave is not greater than his master., backbiting, bullied, bullies, bully, Christians, Do good to those who hate you bless those who curse you pray for those who mistreat you., editorial, fake friends, For God gave us a Spirit who produces not timidity but power love and self-discipline., friends, friendship, gossiping, grace, hateful, If they persecuted me they will persecute you too, Israelites, Jesus, John 15:20, kindness, love, Love your enemies!, Luke 6:27-31, Matthew 5:38-42, online, online friends, oppression, persecuted, persecution, Pharaoh, real friends, righteous judge, spiteful, The Users, turn the other cheek, Users, Webster's dictionary

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of the The Malatya Martyrs, who were killed for their belief in the One True Savior, Yeshua. Today is the International Day of Prayer for Turkey and the families of the Martyrs. Please join with me in prayer for the families…. I know they miss their husbands, sons, brothers and fathers so much!
I watched the trailer for the new documentary about the Malatya Martyrs, and I LOVE the theme song they chose for it. It really spoke to me. When you go out, do people know you are a Christian? The Scriptures tell us how everyone will know that we are disciples:

John 13:35
Everyone will know that you are my talmidim by the fact that you have love for each other.

We are to love one another, so we can be an example for Christ!

1 John 4:7
Beloved friends, let us love one another; because love is from God; and everyone who loves has God as his Father and knows God.

1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God remains united with us, and our love for him has been brought to its goal in us.

1 Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, so that you have a sincere love for your brothers, love each other deeply, with all your heart.

2 Thessalonians 1:3b
and the love you each have for one another continues to increase.

Do people know you are a Christian by your love for one another? I pray that through the way I act and how I treat others that they will know I am a Christian by my love and that I can live up to:

Philippians 2:15
So that you may be blameless and pure children of God, without defect in the midst of a twisted and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the sky.

Shalom to you!

©AmandaDixon2009

Each Saturday join Jacque (Mama) @ Walking Therein, and many others who are taking their Saturdays and expressing their praise to the Lord. To participate, you can post a Psalm or a praise and tell what impact it has had on you. Make sure to sign the linky this week: El-Shaddai, Adonai, Yeshua, Pesach, when you post your SP&P, so we link over and read it! I hope to see you on there!

Tags: 1 John 4:12, 1 John 4:7-8, 1 Peter 1:22, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, believers, Beloved friends let us love one another; because love is from God; and everyone who loves has God as his Father and knows God., Bible, blameless and pure, Christians, documentary, Everyone will know that you are my talmidim by the fact that you have love for each other., God, International Day of Prayer for Turkey, Jacque Dixon, Jars of Clay, John 13:35, killed, Lord, love, love one another, Malatya, martyrs, Messiah, music, No one has ever seen God; if we love one another God remains united with us and our love for him has been brought to its goal in us., persecuted, persecution, Philippians 2:15, Saturday Psalm and Praise, Savior, Scriptures, shine like stars in the sky, song, The Malatya Martyrs, They'll Know We Are Christians, Turkey, twisted and perverted generation, Yeshua

I am a big supporter of  The Voice of the Martyrs and I want to remember our persecuted brethren everyday which was the purpose of IDOP. I keep up with things that are going on with the persecuted through many of their outlets: the website, Prayer Update Emails,  Twitter, the Blog and Facebook.
Since I receive their Prayer Updates on Friday I have decided I want to have a VOM Friday Prayer Day. I will be sharing the week’s prayer requests for you to remember in your prayers, but if you would like to receive the updates in your inbox, you can sign up at VOMGroups.
Every thing we do for the persecuted, whether its big or small, is a tremendous encouragement not only for the persecuted, but also for Christians everywhere. It shows we care and want to help! That we are Remembering The Persecuted. So… how can you help the persecuted? Please join with me in prayer first and foremost, and then take a look at all the other ways you can help!

This week’s prayer updates are:
TURKEY- Pray for Turkey on April 18
The Turkish church has set aside April 18 as the International Day of Prayer for Turkey. VOM encourages you to pray for believers in Turkey who are risking their lives for Christ. Especially remember the families of Necati Aydin, Tilman Geske and Ugur Yuksel who were martyred on April 18, 2007 in Malatya, Turkey.

~Ask God to continue encouraging their families and for believers in Turkey to remain faithful and courageous despite persecution.~

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong, be bold, don’t be afraid or frightened of them, for ADONAI your God is going with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

CHINA – Pastor Bike Arrested – China Aid Association
On March 21, Chinese police arrested Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan, leader of the Chinese House Church Alliance, in Yanjiao town, Hebei province, according to China Aid Association. Pastor Zhang was staying at the home of a local Christian when more than a dozen police officers arrived. The authorities took Pastor Zhang to the local police station where he was searched, interrogated and threatened with death. Bank cards and three cell phones were confiscated. Three hours later, Pastor Zhang was handed over to Public Security Bureau officials who questioned him about his recent travels. Pastor Zhang’s belongings were eventually returned, except the debit card for an account containing 150,000 Yuan (US$1,499). He was released later that day.

~Pray for strength and protection for Pastor Zhang. Pray that he and other believers facing trials for their faith will find comfort in the fact that God commends those who suffer for doing good.~

1 Peter 2:20-21
For what credit is there in bearing up under a beating you deserve for doing something wrong? But if you bear up under punishment, even though you have done what is right, God looks on it with favor.
Indeed, this is what you were called to; because the Messiah too suffered, on your behalf, leaving an example so that you should follow in his steps.

AZERBAIJAN – Home Raided and Believers Fined – Form 18 News
On March 25, a Christian’s home was raided by the local official of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations in Agdash, Azerbaijan, according to Forum 18 News. Twelve children were gathered at Vera Zhuchaeva’s home, with their parents’ permission, to listen to Bible stories when authorities entered. They forced the children into one room, questioned them and recorded their names. The children were then released to their parents. Police also confiscated 508 books and 40 films from the house. Three believers who were visiting from the capital city of Baku were taken to a police station and questioned for four hours. When they went to the station the next day to pick up their identification documents, they were fined for “illegally spreading Christianity and other faiths.”

~Pray that Christian parents will demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Christ and continue to teach their children about the Lord. Pray that religious freedom will be respected in Azerbaijan.~

Deuteronomy 11:18-20
Therefore, you are to store up these words of mine in your heart and in all your being; tie them on your hand as a sign; put them at the front of a headband around your forehead; teach them carefully to your children, talking about them when you sit at home, when you are traveling on the road, when you lie down and when you get up; and write them on the door-frames of your house and on your gates –

INDIA – Church Burned, Pastor Attacked – VOM Sources
On March 24, the Jesus Prayer House church building in the village of Kuruvakalva, Andhra Pradesh, was burned by Hindu extremists. Bibles, hymnals and furniture, as well as the roof the church, were destroyed. Meanwhile on April 5, Pastor Yadal was attacked in the village of Vadarpalaya, Karnataka. Police officers stopped Pastor Yadal while he was on his way to preach at the House of Salvation church. An officer beat the pastor and accused him of forcibly converting Hindus. Hindu extremists then called two local pastors to the scene and warned them to stop holding church services. The extremists also went to two other churches in the same village and warned them against gathering for worship.

~Pray for strength and wisdom for the victims of these attacks. Ask the Lord to embolden Indian Christians to continue serving Him and worshipping together despite pressure.~

1 Peter 5:10-11
You will have to suffer only a little while; after that, God, who is full of grace, the one who called you to his eternal glory in union with the Messiah, will himself restore, establish and strengthen you and make you firm.
To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

Make sure to stop by the Persecution Blog too for other updates on the persecuted. Click on the banner to link over! Some of their recent articles are:

EGYPT: Coptic Church Issues First Conversion Certificate
Sudan: Converts From Islam Struggle To Survive
TURKEY: Local Officials Role Emerges In Malatya Murders
Saudi Arabia – Saudi blogger released from Prison
Free Gao Update #5

There is a New Prisoner for You to Encourage by Writing Today. It only takes a few minutes to write a letter of encouragement to the persecuted and translate it in their language and mail it to them! They are so blessed by the letters!

Thank you for joining with me in remembering our persecuted brothers and sisters in other countries!
Love, Prayers and Blessings,

©AmandaDixon2009

Tags: 1 Peter 2:20-21, 1 Peter 5:10-11, Agdash, Andhra Pradesh, April 18, arrested, attacked, authorities, Azerbaijan, Be strong be bold don't be afraid or frightened of them for ADONAI your God is going with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you., beat, believers, Bible, blog, children, China, China Aid Association, Chinese, Chinese House Church Alliance, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Christians, church, church burned, church construction, Deuteronomy 11:18-20, Deuteronomy 31:6, Egypt, Facebook, Forum 18 News, free, Free Gao, Gao Zhisheng, God, Gospel, Hindu extremists, Hindus, House of Salvation, International Day of Prayer for Turkey, Islam, Kuruvakalva, Lord, Malatya, martyred, ministry, murders, Muslim, Necati Aydin, pastor, pastor attacked, Pastor Bike, Pastor Yadal, persecute, persecuted, persecution, petition, police, Prayer, praying, preaching, prison, Prisoner Alert, prisons, protests, questioned, raided, Salvation, Scriptures, Sudan, The Voice of the Martyrs, The Voice Of the Martyrs Pray Day Friday, Therefore you are to store up these words of mine in your heart and in all your being; tie them on your hand as a sign; put them at the front of a headband around your forehead; teach them carefully t, Tilman Geske, Turkey, Ugur Yuksel, Vera Zhuchaeva, VOM Meetings, VOTM, VOTM Pray Day Friday, website, Yanjiao, Zhang Mingxuan

I am a big supporter of  The Voice of the Martyrs and I want to remember our persecuted brethren everyday which was the purpose of IDOP. I keep up with things that are going on with the persecuted through many of their outlets: the website, Prayer Update Emails,  Twitter, the Blog and Facebook.
Since I receive their Prayer Updates on Friday I have decided I want to have a VOM Friday Prayer Day. I will be sharing the week’s prayer requests for you to remember in your prayers, but if you would like to receive the updates in your inbox, you can sign up at VOMGroups.
Every thing we do for the persecuted, whether its big or small, is a tremendous encouragement not only for the persecuted, but also for Christians everywhere. It shows we care and want to help! That we are Remembering The Persecuted. So… how can you help the persecuted? Please join with me in prayer first and foremost, and then take a look at all the other ways you can help!

This week’s prayer updates are:
IRAN – Two Iranian Women Held in “Notorious” Prison – Farsi Christian News Network
On March 5, Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad and Maryam Rustampoor were arrested by Iranian security forces and labeled “anti-government activists,” according to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN). Thirty-year-old Marzieh and 27-year-old Maryam are being held at Evin Prison, which is notorious for treating women badly. “Both women are allowed just a one minute telephone call everyday to their immediate families. Both are unwell and in need of urgent medical attention,” FCNN reported. During their last call on March 28, Mazieh said that she was suffering from an infection and high fever. She said, “I am dying.” Marzieh and Maryam’s apartment was searched and their belongings were confiscated. “Their only crime is that they are committed Christians who follow the teachings of Jesus,” FCNN added. “ They are being unfairly labeled as ‘anti government activists’ because of the hostility of the government towards practicing Christians.”

~Pray for the immediate release of Marzieh and Maryam. Ask God to heal, encourage and protect them. Pray they will continue to stand for Christ during this difficult time.~

Psalm 91
“You who live in the shelter of ‘Elyon, who spend your nights in the shadow of Shaddai, who say to ADONAI, “My refuge! My fortress! My God, in whom I trust!” he will rescue you from the trap of the hunter and from the plague of calamities; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his truth is a shield and protection. You will not fear the terrors of night or the arrow that flies by day, or the plague that roams in the dark, or the scourge that wreaks havoc at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it won’t come near you. Only keep your eyes open, and you will see how the wicked are punished. For you have made ADONAI, the Most High, who is my refuge, your dwelling-place.  No disaster will happen to you, no calamity will come near your tent; for he will order his angels to care for you and guard you wherever you go. They will carry you in their hands, so that you won’t trip on a stone. You will tread down lions and snakes, young lions and serpents you will trample underfoot. “Because he loves me, I will rescue him; because he knows my name, I will protect him. He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him when he is in trouble. I will extricate him and bring him honor. I will satisfy him with long life and show him my salvation.”

SRI LANKA – Christians Attacked – National Christian Alliance of Sri Lanka
On March 25, a pastor and church worker were attacked by a man armed with a machete, according to National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. The armed man barged into the Vineyard Community Church in the city of Pannala, North Western Province and slashed the men. Both believers sustained serious injuries. Local church members suspect the assailant previously burned the church’s electricity meter and attacked the caretaker. At last report, no arrest had been made. Meanwhile in the past three months, members of the Assembly of God church in the town of Bulathkohupitiya, Sabaragamuwa Province have faced threats and intimidation from local villagers and Buddhist monks. A petition for the church’s closure has reportedly been sent to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. As a result of the tension, many church members have been unable to meet together for worship.

~Ask God to strengthen and heal those injured. Pray that suffering Christians in Sri Lanka will stand strong in faith and not give in to fear. Pray that their faithfulness will be a light that draws others to Jesus.~

Matthew 5:14-16
You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don’t cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.

MOROCCO – Five Christians Expelled – Compass Direct News
Five female Christians, four Spanish and one German, were recently expelled from Morocco on accusations of “proselytizing” Muslims, according to Compass Direct News. The women were among a group of tourists who were arrested by police while gathered for Bible study in the city of Casablanca on March 28. Officials seized Christian materials, including Arabic books and videos. The believers were questioned by police and detained until the early hours of the next day. They were deemed missionaries by the government and they were deported to Spain.

~Pray for true religious freedom in Morocco. Ask God to give wisdom to these believers as to how to continue serving Him. Pray for the church as it continues to establish itself within Moroccan society.~

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my foot and light on my path.

Make sure to stop by the Persecution Blog too for other updates on the persecuted. Click on the banner to link over! Some of their recent articles are:

Free Gao Update #3
Orissa’s Believers Demand Rights While the Church Moves Forward
8 Human Rights Groups in China Issue Unprecedented Open Statement to Government
Free Gao Update #4
Facebook VOM Prayer Requests
Muslim Protests Stall Church Construction
Imprisoned Christian Shi Weihan Scheduled for Trial April 9
Khmu Christians in Laos Stand Firm Despite Intense Persecution

And I just read that they are starting their VOM Regional Conferences again. I checked my state and saw that there are going to be two in Indiana! Make sure you check your state and see if there will be any VOM Meetings near you!

Thank you for joining with me in remembering our persecuted brothers and sisters in other countries!
Love, Prayers and Blessings,

©AmandaDixon2009

Tags: arrested, attacked, authorities, beat, believers, Bible, blog, Casablanca, Chinese, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Christians, church, church building, destroy, expelled, extremists, Facebook, Farsi, free, Gao Zhisheng, German, God, Gospel, imprisoned, India, Iran, Khmu christians, Laos, Lord, Maryam Rustampoor, Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, Matthew 5:14-16, ministry, Morocco, Muslims, Notorious, officials, Orissa, pastor, persecute, persecuted, persecution, petition, Prayer, praying, preaching, prison, prisons, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 91, regional conferences, release, religious freedom, Salvation, Scriptures, Shi Weihan, Spanish, Sri Lanka, The Voice of the Martyrs, The Voice Of the Martyrs Pray Day Friday, tortured, VOM Meetings, VOTM, VOTM Pray Day Friday, website, You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden, Your word is a lamp for my foot and light on my path.

I am a big supporter of  The Voice of the Martyrs and I want to remember our persecuted brethren everyday which was the purpose of IDOP. I keep up with things that are going on with the persecuted through many of their outlets: the website, Prayer Update Emails,  Twitter, the Blog and Facebook.
Since I receive their Prayer Updates on Friday I have decided I want to have a VOM Friday Prayer Day. I will be sharing the week’s prayer requests for you to remember in your prayers, but if you would like to receive the updates in your inbox, you can sign up at VOMGroups.
Every thing we do for the persecuted, whether its big or small, is a tremendous encouragement not only for the persecuted, but also for Christians everywhere. It shows we care and want to help! That we are Remembering The Persecuted. So… how can you help the persecuted? Please join with me in prayer first and foremost, and then take a look at all the other ways you can help!

This week’s prayer updates are:
INDIA – Pastors Attacked by Hindu Extremists – VOM Sources
On March 9, Hindu extremists barged into Pastor A.K. Wilson’s home in New Dehli armed with rods and hockey sticks and accused him of forcibly converting people, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The extremists beat him, his wife and his son and robbed him of 15,000 rupees ($219 US). They also told him they would burn his house down and murder his family if he did not leave the area within one week. Meanwhile on March 11, Pastor Erra Krupanamdam was returning from a prayer meeting in a new believer’s home in the district of Medak, Andhra Pradesh when he was attacked by a mob of Hindu extremists. The extremists spoke out against the pastor’s faith, told him not to conduct any more prayer meetings and beat him. He suffered fractures to his back and ribs. Later that night, with the aid of local pastors, Pastor Krupanamdam registered a complaint at the police station. At last report, authorities had apprehended one of his assailants.
~Pray for healing for these believers. Ask God to give church leaders in India the wisdom to know how to shepherd believers through times of suffering.~

1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

UZBEKISTAN – Persecution of Believers Increasing – Forum 18 News
Six Christians were detained after police raided a home in Kurgantepe, Andijan, Uzbekistan, where believers had gathered to share a meal, according to Forum 18 News. Three Christians were detained at the Kurgantepe Rehabilitation Centre for Homeless Persons for not having their identification documents with them. One was released on March 6 for health reasons while the other two were released on March 13. Three other believers were sentenced to 15-day jail terms for allegedly violating procedures for teaching religious doctrines. At last report, they were being held at the Temporary Detention Centre of Kurgantepe Police Department. Meanwhile, on March 11, Roman Tsoi, a member of the Korean Baptist Church, was sentenced to 10-days in jail for “violating the procedure for arranging and holding gatherings, meetings, street marches and demonstrations” in the country’s capital, Tashkent. The charge comes after approximately 20 officials barged into the church on March 6 during a prayer meeting, reportedly searching for foreign missionaries. The believers were told that they needed to obtain special permission to gather together on days other than Sunday and could not meet later than 10 p.m. At last report, Tsoi was being held at the Tashkent City Police Department’s Detention Centre. ~Ask God to protect believers in Uzbekistan. Pray the prisoners will be released and that they may forgive their persecutors.~

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

TAJIKISTAN – UPDATE: Restrictive Religion Law Approved – VOM Sources
On March 13, the Tajikistan Lower House of parliament approved a restrictive draft law which will make the life of believers in the country more difficult. The law was approved by parliament in November. It is expected to be signed into law by President Emomali Rahmon in the coming weeks.
~Pray for believers in Tajikistan who will face increased persecution when this law is signed. Ask God to give them courage to continue to stand in their faith.~

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Make sure to stop by the Persecution Blog too for other updates on the persecuted. Click on the banner to link over! Some of their recent articles are:

Laos: Police Destroy Church Building in Village
Burma Chastised Again for Lack of Religious Freedom
Help Free Gao Zhisheng
Free Gao Update
Free Gao Update #2
Morocco: Officials Deport Five Foreign Christians
Attorney Calls for Government to Account for Incident that Sent Imprisoned Christian to Hospital

Make sure to read the Gao articles! Christian human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng, disappeared February 4, and was last seen being taken away by a dozen police officers. Gao Zhisheng has been repeatedly kidnapped, arrested, imprisoned and tortured by Chinese authorities, because he has defended the persecuted and has been an unyielding voice for justice in the Chinese courts.
Please make sure to CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION AND WRITE AN EMAIL – IT WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. I have already signed it and I hope you will too!

Thank you for joining with me in remembering our persecuted brothers and sisters in other countries!
Love, Prayers and Blessings,

©AmandaDixon2009

Tags: 1 Peter 5:7, Andhra Pradesh, arrested, attacked, authorities, beat, believers, Bible, blog, Burma, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you., Chinese, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Christians, church, church building, deport, destroy, erra Krupanamdam, extremists, Facebook, free, Gao Zhisheng, God, Gospel, Hindu, imprisoned, India, John 14:27, Laos, Lord, Medak, ministry, Morocco, New Dehli, officials, parliament, pastor, Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid., persecute, persecuted, persecution, petition, police, Prayer, praying, preaching, prison, prisons, Proverbs 3:5-6, release, religious freedom, restrictive law, Roman Tsoi, Salvation, Scriptures, Tajikastan, The Voice of the Martyrs, The Voice Of the Martyrs Pray Day Friday, tortured, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths., Uzbekistan, VOTM, VOTM Pray Day Friday, website

I am a big supporter of  The Voice of the Martyrs and I want to remember our persecuted brethren everyday which was the purpose of IDOP. I keep up with things that are going on with the persecuted through many of their outlets: the website, Prayer Update Emails,  Twitter, the Blog and Facebook.
Since I receive their Prayer Updates on Friday I have decided I want to have a VOM Friday Prayer Day. I will be sharing the week’s prayer requests for you to remember in your prayers, but if you would like to receive the updates in your inbox, you can sign up at VOMGroups.
Every thing we do for the persecuted, whether its big or small, is a tremendous encouragement not only for the persecuted, but also for Christians everywhere. It shows we care and want to help! That we are Remembering The Persecuted. So… how can you help the persecuted? Please join with me in prayer first and foremost, and then take a look at all the other ways you can help!

This week’s prayer updates are:
PAKISTAN – UPDATE – Young Christian Woman and Her Father Remain in Prison – VOM Sources
Twenty-year-old Sandul Bibi and her father, Gulsher Masih, remain in prison in Pakistan despite four court hearings, according to VOM contacts. “On Feb. 24 Sandul and Gulsher had another court appearance and nothing significant was determined,” VOM contacts said. This has been the outcome for the last four court hearings. Sandul and Gulsher are charged with violating section 295-B of the Pakistani legal code, the ‘blasphemy’ law. Sandul is falsely accused of ripping pages from the Quran. On Oct. 9 a large crowd of Muslims attacked Christian families at a church, throwing stones and firing guns. They were shouting, “Kill Gulsher and his daughter Sandul.” Sandul and her father were arrested after a mob from the local mosque surrounded their house. Loudspeakers from different mosques broadcast accusations that Christians had disgraced the Quran, calling Muslims to attack and burn their homes. The angry crowd threw stones and set fire to Sandul’s home. Christians believe Sandul and her father were targeted and arrested because they were aggressively winning villagers to Christ. VOM encourages you to continue lifting this family up in prayer, asking God to encourage them.

2 Thessalonians 3:2-5
And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

IRAN – Christian Released After 27 Days in Prison – Farsi Christian News Network
On Feb. 25, 27-year-old Hossein Karimi was released from prison after placing his home as collateral, according to Farsi Christian Network News (FCNN). Hossein, a new convert, had been arrested on charges of attending home churches, evangelizing, storing Bibles and converting to the Christian faith, FCNN reported. Hossein was arrested by Iranian secret police on Jan. 30 and was held for 27 days in an unknown location until his release. He is now waiting for the courts to give him a scheduled date to present his case. Prior to this recent incident, Hossein was arrested in November 2008. According to FCNN, he was taken into custody, fingerprinted and photographed. He was then released on bail after four days with a stipulation that he would no longer participate in any Christian activities. Praise God for Hossein’s faithfulness to the Lord and his release. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to pray for him. Ask God to protect him as the Iranian government will be watching him closely. Pray Hossein will continue to stand for Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

ISRAEL- Case of Bombing at Christian Home Still Unsolved – Jerusalem Institute of Justice
The Israeli government has not prosecuted individuals responsible for the bombing at the Ortiz home in Ariel, Israel, despite the family providing a video tape of the culprits, according to Jerusalem Institute of Justice. The attack on March 20, 2008, which was recorded on the family’s surveillance camera, severely injured 15-year-old Ami Ortiz. Even though the family has provided police with the video, the perpetrators have not been arrested. Praise God for Ami’s continued recovery. Pray those responsible for the attack will be brought to justice. Ask God to protect Messianic Jews who are taking a stand for Christ despite possible persecution. Pray Ami and his family will forgive their persecutors.

Psalm 91:1-5
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

LAOS – Believers Facing Increased Persecution – VOM Sources
Believers in Oudomsay province, Laos, are facing increased harassment from authorities. One believer has repeatedly been summoned by police since November 2008. Pray for the continued safety of believers in Laos. Ask God to encourage and strengthen them during this difficult time.

Psalm 32:7
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Make sure to stop by the Persecution Blog too for other updates on the persecuted. Click on the banner to link over! Some of their recent articles are:

Wife of Persecuted Christian Sends Letter to China Aid
Mob Brutally Attacks Missionaries
Uzbek Christians Face Persecution and Discrimination Even After Death
Turkey: Insulting Turkishness Case Proceeds Under Revised Law
Eritrea Releases Elderly Detained Christians
Extremists Place Unreasonable Demands on Believers
A Christian Missionary, Who Grew Up a Muslim Extremist
Columbia: Six Months Later, Pastor Still Missing
Judeo-Christian Violence vs. Islamic Violence
Court: Prosecution for Humanitarian Aid Was Persecution

Please join with me in remembering our persecuted brothers and sisters in other countries!

And… the winners of my Super Blogoversary Giveaway Bash will be announced tomorrow!
Love, Prayers and Blessings,

Thanks for stopping by “Daily” at the “Planet”!!
©AmandaDixon2009

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