Today, there are many followers of Christ being persecuted, driven from their homes, imprisoned and/or tortured, even gunned down, because they believe in the living Lord Jesus Christ.  We are to pray for one another with the armor of God in place. (Ephesians 6:10-17)

(NASB) Ephesians 6:18 “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…”

VOM-USA Prayer Update for August 24, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
India—Family Attacked for Playing Christian Music
Sources: www.persecution.in

Proverbs18:10                                                                                                                                                                        A pastor and his family were attacked recently in Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, after showing kindness to a stranger. Pastor P. Anjenayulu, of the Prayer Power Church, and his family were traveling between villages when a stranger asked them for a ride, which Anjenayulu readily offered. The pastor and his family were playing Christian songs and testimonies in the car, which upset their guest. The passenger made several phone calls to religious extremists in the village they were approaching, and when they arrived, a mob of at least 350 people attacked their van. The mob broke the car’s windows and windshield, and demanded the audio containing the Christian songs and testimonies.

Ethiopia—Children Grow in Faith, Despite Danger
Source: VOM Contacts                                                                                                                                                          2Chronicles7:14                                                                                                                                                                     A VOM partner visiting Ethiopia distributed clothing to nearly 900 children this month. Many of the children, all of whom are orphans, had never before received new clothes. The clothing was sponsored by Christians in the United States. Persecution against Christians is increasing in the Horn of Africa, according to VOM partners, but Biblical training continues despite the danger. These children continue to seek God, worship and study the Bible. Please pray for their steadfast faith and protection.

Nigeria—Family Escapes Death as House and Church Burn
Sources: VOM Contacts                                                                                                                                            Matthew5:10                                                                                                                                                                           A pastor supported by VOM survived an attack by Muslim extremists on Friday, Aug. 10. According to VOM contacts, at least seven gunmen entered Pastor Audu D. Gadzama’s church, intending to kill the pastor, his wife and his three children. One gunman entered the room of Pastor Audu’s 24-year-old son, Thomas, but “God gave him the courage and strength to push the man down,” VOM contacts report. Thomas was shot in the leg and fell to the ground as he fled his attacker. Pastor Audu ran outside when he heard the gunshot, and although he was not hit, he also fell to the ground when gunmen fired at him. Thinking both men were dead, the gunmen entered the house to search for the church key. They forced Pastor Audu’s wife and other two children to lie on the ground as they set fire to the house and church. The family finally escaped and hid in the bushes as the gunmen fired into the air and shouted, “Allahu Akbar!” Pastor Audu and his family remained hidden throughout the night, and the next morning they took Thomas to a hospital in Maiduguri. Thomas has been released from the hospital, and the family is now living with another pastor in the area. Please pray for their safety.