Belarus, China, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Prayer Requests & Intercession for Persecuted Christians

Intercessor Report / Prayer Points

December 2002

Belarus - President Alexandr Lukashenko has signed into law a religion bill which analysts are calling the "most oppressive in Europe." The law bans all unregistered religious activity but makes registration very difficult. According to the law, no foreigners may lead religious organizations and all religious literature must be monitored by the government.
Prayer Points: Pray that the law will not be used to persecute Christians in Belarus. Pray that house church meetings will continue and that the Gospel will go forth across Belarus. Also, pray that such legislation will not be copied in other countries.

China - Four female members of the South China Church were re-arrested only a few days after being released from prison. The women had planned to press charges against police officers who beat and sexually assaulted them, thus coercing them to sign false statements against church leader Gong Shengliang. They were reportedly given 3-year re-education through labor sentences. 
Prayer Points: Pray that these sisters would not become bitter against the police officers but would pray for them. Pray that they will not have to endure more torture. Ask the Lord to release them yet again from unjust imprisonment and bring their tormentors to justice.

Cuba - On October 24 a house church in Sancti Spiritus was destroyed by Cuban authorities. A pastor, his wife, and 3 children were arrested. However, angry local residents rioted and the family was eventually released. One of the children, an 8-year-old, has been traumatized by the incident. Another house church in Ciego de Avila has recently been closed and the family has been forced from their home. 
Prayer Points: Pray that the Lord would protect house churches and give them favor with the Cuban authorities. Pray for the child traumatized by his family's arrest. Ask the Lord to comfort each member of the family and to use this incident to bring many people to Himself. Pray for the salvation of an unsaved man who has offered the use of his home to the church in Sancti Spiritus.

Sri Lanka - Attacks against Christians by Buddhist extremists have been increasing in recent years. On September 15th, The Lord is my Strength Worship Center was attacked by a mob during a worship service. The leader of the mob, a Buddhist monk, struck the pastor with an umbrella and continued to beat him with a chair. Other members of the congregation were similarly assaulted. Another pastor and his family were attacked in October as they returned from a prayer meeting. They sustained injuries to the head. 
Prayer Points: Pray that the church in Sri Lanka would continue to grow and that the Lord would soften the hearts of those who are opposed to it. Pray for the healing of all those injured in recent attacks. Pray for the Christians to forgive their enemies and show love toward them.

Vietnam - Persecution of Montagnard Christians is increasing. On October 29, three pastors from Dak Lak province were executed by lethal injection because of their participation in February 2001 protests against religious repression and the loss of their land in the Central Highlands. An additional 56 pastors from this area of the country have disappeared. Despite much searching, their families have been unable to learn their whereabouts. Over 350 churches in Dak Lak province have also been closed in recent months and more closures are expected. Hmong Christians also continue to be arrested and recently one pastor was killed from beatings he received at the hands of the police. 
Prayer Points: Pray that the church would continue to grow among Vietnam's ethnic minorities, despite persecution. Pray that the missing pastors would be released and that they could be reunited with their families. Ask the Lord to change the heart of the Vietnamese authorities who have ruthlessly cracked down on Christian believers. Finally, ask the Lord to provide for the families of those who died for the name of Christ.

Thanks for your prayers and action.
International Christian Concern

Posted:  November 22, 2002