Imprisoned Pastor Transferred to Harsher Camp

Imprisoned Pentecostal pastor, Dmitry Shestakov, has been transferred to a harsher labor camp in Navoi, Uzbekistan. The new camp is a longer distance from his wife and three children. In May 2007, Shestakov was sentenced to four years in an open work camp, in Andijan, for "religious activity." Christians in Uzbekistan told Forum 18 News, "The authorities claim he misbehaved in the open work camp and that’s why they ordered his transfer to a harsher camp. We believe this was deliberately set up." Forum 18 News reports that Pastor Shestakov’s transfer comes as authorities prepare administrative trials against members of his congregation in his home town of Andijan in the Fergana Valley in eastern Uzbekistan. Pray for Pastor Shestakov and his family. Ask God to watch over them during this difficult time. Psalm 32:7, Psalm 91:14-16

House-Church Leader Assaulted by Police

On May 15, 2007, Liu Fenngang, a house-church leader in Beijing, was assaulted and detained by police, while he was going to a birthday celebration. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Liu’s family was threatened and told not to draw public attention to his unlawful arrest. Liu told CAA, "It was at 7:15 a.m., and I was stopped by a plain clothed police man while walking down stairs. After a bit of shoving, I managed to work my way to the bottom of the stairs. Then, more policemen confronted me, saying they had no good reason or legal basis to arrest me, but they simply couldn’t allow me to leave the building." CAA adds that some police officers told Liu they knew arresting him was illegal, but said if they let him go, they would lose their jobs. Pray Liu Fenngang and his family remain strong in their faith. Pray his health will not be affected by the assault. Isaiah 38:16, Acts 4:29-30

Twenty Christians Arrested by Security Forces

At least 20 Christians, including several children, were arrested and detained when security forces raided a home south of the capital, Asmara. According to Release Eritrea, authorities went to the home expecting to arrest a group of Christians gathered for prayer. When they did not find a meeting they arrested the families living in the home and several Christians in the neighborhood, including a well-known Bible teacher and church leader, Pastor Michael Abraha, of the Kale-Hiwot Baptist church. There is considerable concern for the pastor’s health because he is diabetic. Pray the arrested Christians will be encouraged. Ask God to raise up more believers in Eritrea to take the place of those who are imprisoned. Pray for Pastor Michael’s health. Psalm 91: 1-2

Pray for the Families of Martyred Christians

Continue to pray for the families and loved ones of three men martyred in Turkey in April. Pray God will heal their hearts and meet their needs. Some Christians have been singled out in media coverage of this case; pray for their protection and God's provision for them. Pray that Muslims in Turkey will be drawn to ask why these three men were willing to die, and through their testimonies will be drawn to faith in Christ. Psalm 68:5

Three Sunday School Teachers Released from Prison

Praise God! Dr. Rebekka, Mrs. Eti and Mrs. Ratna have been released after two years in prison. We rejoice and thank you for your prayers. According to Compass Direct News, a crowd had gathered to welcome the women as they walked free from Indramayu district prison in West Java. An eyewitness told Compass, "The women appeared happy and peaceful as they emerged from the prison gates. All three said they had no fear for the future and were convinced that God would protect and guide them forward." Psalm 46:7, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Psalm 32:7

House-Church Leader Sentenced to Six Months

On June 4, 2007, Beijing house-church leader Hua Huiqi was secretly sentenced to six months in prison at Chayang District People's Court. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Hua's wife and lawyer were not allowed to attend the trial which lasted about two hours. CAA expects Hua to be released from prison next month. Pray Hua and his mother are strengthened and encouraged in prison. Pray for their release and for God to heal Shuang Shuying. Psalm 103:1-5

Two Christian Leaders Killed, VOM Coordinator Attacked

UTTER PRADESH - On June 2, 2007, two Christian leaders were stabbed to death at a Christian school and orphanage in Etah District, Uttah Pradesh. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, it is believed Samuel Masih and Aman Singh, leaders at the school, were brutally killed by anti-Christian Hindu extremists. "Aman Singh's body had more than 20 stab wounds, while Masih had been stabbed five times. Police are investigating. Robbery has been ruled out as a motive, and the family suspects that religion was a factor," the contacts said. Pray for the families of those killed. Pray believers in this area will be strengthened and encouraged despite the hardships they face.

BANGALORE – On June 8, 2007, a coordinator for The Voice of Martyrs was attacked at his home by Hindu extremists. According to VOM contacts, more than 150 extremists were bussed in from different areas and gathered at his house, which also serves as a house church. "Brother N hid in a room while other believers contacted the police. While the police arrived, the crowd grabbed him and beat him severely. He has cuts and bruises and was nearly unconscious when he was taken away to the police station and hospital." Pray for healing for Brother N's injuries and for believers in India who are experiencing an increase in persecution. Psalm 147:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 3:7-

Believers Forced to Pay Village Leader for Being a Christian

The head of Nam Thuam village has set a rule that people in his village cannot become Christian. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, anyone who converts to Christianity has to pay 500,000 Kip (about $52 U.S.) or their family will be evicted from the village. Three families have accepted Christ and they do not have money to pay the leader of the village. Pray for protection for these families and for other believers in Laos. Psalm 5:11-12

Christian Literature Distribution at Muslim Festival

The festival of "Imam Bari Sarkar" in which Muslims from all over Pakistan and neighboring countries participate, will be held from May 27 to 29. More than 350,000 people are expected to attend. There are plans to distribute more than 10,000 copies of Christian literature at the festival. Pray for the safety of team members and that God will use them for His glory. Psalm 32:7, Acts 1:7

Pastor Issued Not Guilty Verdict

Pastor Carlos Lamelas has officially been given his innocent verdict in writing by the court. He is trying to have the fine he paid reversed as well. Pray God encourages this family and for the fine to be reversed. Psalm 95:1-2

Nine Laotian Pastors Released, Three Still in Prison

Nine of the 11 pastors imprisoned with Pastor Van Thong more than five months ago have been released. Meanwhile, Pastor Van Thong and two other pastors are still in prison. While we rejoice in the release of the nine, pray for the pastors still in prison. Pray the released pastors will continue to boldly share the gospel and for their testimony to draw non-believers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Psalm 41:1-2

Christian Leader Arrested in Turkmenbashi

On May 19, Yevgeny Potolov, head of a Council of Churches Baptist congregation in Turkmenbashi, was detained by police. The police have refused to tell his wife why he is being held in a detention center. They have said the case is being handled by the secret police. Potolov's arrest comes days after Pastor Vyacheslav Kalataevsky was sentenced to three years in a labor camp for his religious activities. Pray for the two Christian leaders and their families. Pray Christians in Turkmenistan will continue to boldly share the gospel. John 17:13-19