LAOS: Christian Villagers Face Tremendous Pressures

Eight Christian families in a Laotian village are being persecuted by a village leader and communist party members, according to VOM contacts.

Two Bible school students who recently visited the families told our contacts that the Christians' animals, which are vital to their welfare, are being stolen while the families are away working in their fields. These Christians walk three to four hours to reach their farms and return to the village on Thursdays and Sundays for worship services.

Recently, non-Christians took a water buffalo belonging to one of the Christians and neglected to feed and water it for a week. When the Christian discovered his water buffalo, it was dead.

The Bible school students report that the Christians' faith is very strong despite their poverty and persecution. However, children must often leave their studies to help support their families. The Christian leaders are unsure of how to improve their situation, and they request our prayers.

Please Pray!

Please pray for God's provision and intervention for these precious believers. Pray that their witness will remain strong and that they stand as beacons in the midst of darkness. Pray that the unbelievers will be drawn to the light of Christ.

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine." Psalm 33:18-19

VOM assists Christians in Laos by providing Bibles, Christian radio broadcasts, skills training and support for pastors.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

INDONESIA: Mission Training School Attacked

A mission training school was recently attacked by a mob of Muslims following a prayer meeting in Jonggol, West Java, according to VOM contacts.

Approximately 85 Muslims rushed into the school and raided each class and dorm room, removing pictures of Jesus. They told the staff that the school must be closed. No students were on the premises, as school was not in session that day.

Several police officers and soldiers accompanied the mob from a nearby military base and neighbors did not recognize them.

At last report, mission leaders said that they were attempting to follow up on the incident in the hopes of preventing further violence. The leaders also urged Indonesian Christians not to retaliate, but to remain calm and to pray.

The school, which was established in 1999 with the purpose of training evangelists in Indonesia, has reportedly always maintained a good relationship with its neighbors.

Pray for a hedge of protection around the training school. Pray that the staff and students would not be intimidated or discouraged, but that they would seek strength and refuge in the Lord. Pray also for the salvation of the Muslim attackers that is only found in Christ Jesus.

"Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies."

(Psalm 108:12-13)

VOM provides various forms of assistance to Christians in Indonesia, including discipleship training and transportation for pastors.

July 13, 2011

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer