NIGERIA: Christians Attacked in Kano's Bayero University

Unknown gunmen killed about 17 Christian worshipers on Sunday morning, Apr. 29, at Bayero University in Kano, according to VOM contacts.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived on motorbikes and in a car, then began hurling small homemade explosives into a lecture theater and sports complex where worshipers were gathered. The gunmen reportedly opened fire as worshipers fled the explosives. In addition to the 17 Christians killed, two professors were killed and about 22 people were injured.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Islamist militant group Boko Haram is suspected. On Jan. 20, 2012, Boko Haram carried out a coordinated series of attacks in Kano that killed about 186 people. The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kano, Bishop Ransome Bello, described the attack as "barbaric and condemnable," but he added that Christians will not retaliate.

"We don't encourage Christians to rise up in attack. Our best weapon of defense is prayers."

Please pray for the families of those killed and for those injured in the attacks. Pray that the Nigerian government will take measures to protect Christians and bring the terrorists to justice.

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith." 2 Thessalonians 3:1.2

VOM supports hundreds of Nigerian pastors who continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ despite persecution. In addition, VOM provides food, clothing and medical aid to Nigerian Christians who are attacked by Muslim extremists.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

VIETNAM: New Believers Expelled from Villages

According to VOM contacts, several Hmong families have been forced to leave their villages in northern Vietnam after coming to faith in Jesus. There are no Christians living in these villages because converts to Christianity are immediately expelled. In one northern province, 13 individuals from three families converted to Christianity after experiencing miracles through the prayers of a Hmong Christian. Family members who had suffered from physical and mental illnesses were healed of their infirmities after the Christian prayed for them. But after converting to Christianity, the families were no longer welcome in their village. In another northern province, a village leader forced a Christian family of eight to leave their home. The family now has no land to farm, and they are struggling to make a living. This family of new believers also came to Christ through the witness of a Hmong Christian.

Please pray for these families who have lost everything to follow Christ. Ask the Lord to supply all their needs according to his riches in glory and to sustain their faith in the midst of adversity. Pray that God will open the hearts and minds of thevillage leaders to the gospel.

"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Some ways that VOM provides assistance to Vietnamese believers is by providing Bibles, shortwave radios, Christian literature and support for families of prisoners.

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer