The Voice of the Martyrs. Are we listening?

(The Christian martyrs last prayer picture by Leon Jerome)

I have greatly rejoiced with you in our Lord Jesus Christ, because ye have followed the example, “ye have received the patterns of true love [as displayed by God], and have accompanied, as became you, those who were bound in chains, the fitting ornaments of saints, and which are indeed the diadems of the true elect of God and our Lord; and because the strong root of your faith, spoken of in days ( Phil. 1. 5.) long gone by, endureth even until now, and bringeth forth fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sins suffered even unto death, [but] “whom God raised from the dead, having loosed the bands of the grave.”(The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians)

Martyrdom has not decreased since the very first person was martyred Stephen the Deacon and actually after his stoning it continued to increase steadily through out the Millenniums. After the year 2000 it suddenly jumped up to the 200 millions, that is an increase of outstanding proportions. Within the last two Millennia, the reported martyrs were only 250,000 or so total, isn't that amazing? The rise of Christian's being persecuted, tortured, imprisoned and executed these last few years in the 21 first century has shown those of us paying attention, a significant need the Church needs to address. Are we supporting the whole Church? Are our offerings going to the right places? Are we really meeting the needs of our fellow brethren across the World? Is our local fellowship concerned with our persecuted family and praying for them daily or at least giving them some attention?

Well I have provided you who visit this site a way to help and find the information if you are not getting it emailed to you.
Also I want to leave an up to date News from VOM and I hope and pray when you give and pray that you remember our Martyred family who really needs our service.
God is leading you to do this isn't HE?


"I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. "(Psalm 9:1-4)

Prayers for June 5, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs


RUSSIA Church Risks Losing Property and Pastor Could Face Imprisonment - VOM Sources
On May 31, 2007, a pastor in Russia was warned to leave the area where he is ministering, after authorities threatened they would confiscate his church property. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, the church has not violated any laws, but authorities have decided to start a criminal case against them, and have threatened the pastor with imprisonment. Authorities have interrogated members of the church and threatened to take away their children. A hearing in court is scheduled for June 6, 2007. Pray for this pastor and church members. Ask God to protect them and for a favorable outcome at the hearing. Psalm 68: 29, Psalm 91: 1-6


AZERBAIJAN Arrested Baptist Pastor to Face Three Years in Prison - Forum 18 News
Police have told members of the Baptist church in the remote village of Aliabad in north-western Azerbaijan that their pastor, Zau Balaev, is to face a criminal charge of "resisting government representatives," which carries a maximum three-year prison term. The authorities claim the pastor set a dog onto police who raided the church's Sunday service on May 20, 2007. According to Ilya Zenchenko, the head of the Baptist Union, the region around Aliabad is the worst in Azerbaijan for Baptists. "It is a place where officials insult our believers, won't allow them to gain legal status and deny birth certificates to their children," Zenchenko said. Pray for this pastor and his family. Ask God to protect them and other Christians in Azerbaijan. Pray God uses their testimony to draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Psalm 32: 7, Psalm 91: 7-10


INDIA Missionary Threatened with Death - Gospel for Asia
Anti-Christian extremists in Utter Pradesh have threatened to kill Gospel for Asia missionary Daya Marandi, if he does not leave the area where he is ministering. The extremists have also made threats to harm more than 50 people who worship in Daya's church and are demanding believers in the church denounce Christianity. Pray for Pastor Daya, his family and believers in India who are facing escalating persecution. Pray God encourages them to stand steadfast in their faith despite the challenges they face. Romans 5:1-5, Psalm 91: 10-14
www.persecution.com


" He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."(John 1:10-13)

Prayers for May 29, 2007
From The Voice of the Martyrs


PAKISTAN Christian Literature Distribution at Muslim Festival - VOM Sources
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


CUBA UPDATE - Pastor Issued Not Guilty Verdict - VOM Sources
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


LAOS UPDATE - Nine Laotian Pastors Released, Three Still in Prison - VOM Sources
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


TURKMENISTAN Christian Leader Arrested in Turkmenbashi - Forum 18 News
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

www.persecution.com