Burma, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Vietnam, Prayer Requests & Intercession for Persecuted Christians

Intercessor Report / Prayer Points

April 2002

Burma - Two Chin pastors, along with 8 other family members, were arrested on the night of April 5. Rev. That Ci and his son-in-law, Rev. Lian Za Dal, were taken to the Dagon North Police state and later transferred to the Insein prison on April 8. Rev. That Ci was charged with failing to register his daughter and son-in-law as guests in his home. However, That Ci had filed the necessary paperwork and had not received a reply. The real reason behind the arrest seems to be linked to both men's bold outreach to Buddhists in the Dagon North area. The whereabouts of the 8 other family members are unknown.
Prayer Points: Pray for the speedy release of the two Chin pastors and that their bold witness could continue. Pray that the ruling junta of Burma would allow more freedoms to the Burmese people, particularly to ethnic minorities like the Chin and Karen people, who are largely Christianized. Also ask the Lord to protect the 8 family members who have disappeared.

Nigeria - A dangerous new trend has begun in Kano State, where at least 120 Christian schools have been closed. Despite claims that Islamic shariah law would not apply to Christians, the schools are being closed because they do not meet the new state mandated standards of education, which include Islamic instruction by a Muslim cleric. Christian children will thus be forced to study Islam against their parents' wishes.
Prayer Points: Pray that the central government of Nigeria would take action against states that have declared shariah law, contrary to the country's constitution, which makes it illegal to declare an official religion. Ask the Lord to provide alternate means of education for Christian children in Kano. Pray for the Christians to display an attitude of love toward those who oppress them.

Pakistan - On Sunday, April 7, churchgoers at the Presbyterian Church in Satrah were harassed by local Muslim youth. The Muslims threw rocks at the church and brandished semi-automatic weapons, yelling derogatory remarks at the Christians and physically attacking some of them. Another area pastor was warned that if the Christians did not stop holding worship services, local Muslim extremist groups would "Paint the walls of the church with blood."
Prayer Points: Pray that the government of Pakistan would take definite measures to protect Pakistani Christians. Ask the Lord to put a hedge of protection around His people. Also, pray that the Christians would have a spirit of boldness and share the hope that is in them with Muslim friends and neighbors.

Russia - The Russian government has recently denied entry into the country to at least two religious workers. Upon leaving Russia to visit family in Italy, Father Stefano Caprio's visa was ripped from his passport. Father Caprio, who oversees two Roman Catholic parishes in Vladimir and Ivanovo, near Moscow, has been told he may not return to Russia. A Pentecostal pastor, Aleksei Ledyayev, was also denied entry when he tried to enter Russian via the Sheremaetyevo-2 airport. He was held for 10 hours and then deported to Lithuania.
Prayer Points: Pray that Russia would remain open to Christians of all denominations and that the Gospel would go forth across the country. Ask the Lord to soften the hearts of government officials as well as Orthodox clergy who see missionaries of other denominations as a threat.

Vietnam - ICC has released its findings from a recent trip to Vietnam. Unpublished documents were smuggled out of the country, revealing the government's attitude toward Christians.
Prayer Points: Pray that the appeals of the Vietnamese Christians for freedom to worship would be granted. Pray for the approximately 20 pastors in prison. Also pray that the ICC report will be used effectively to expel myths that religious freedom is improving for Christians in Vietnam.

Praise Report: All of the Christians imprisoned in Saudi Arabia have now been released. Dennis Moreno and Worku Aweke were deported shortly before Easter. Praise God that they are safe!

Thanks for your prayers and action.
International Christian Concern

Posted:  April 30, 2002