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

Seven Families Expelled From Their Homes

On May 15, government authorities expelled seven of 10 Christian families from their village in Laos, and transported them to another village 12 hours away. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, the authorities told the families, "If you want to continue believing in Jesus' religion, you need to leave this village and go live in a village where there are Christians." The husbands were forced into vehicles while the wives were working in the rice paddies and this has resulted in chaos. The families are separated and are having difficulties adjusting at the new village because their tools, utensils and belongings are at the old village. Pray God gives the families grace and protection as they deal with these hardships. Psalm 91:14-16