The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
www.persecution.net
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A weekly news digest on the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VOMC.

Subscribe to the RSS feed at www.persecution.net/pnp.xml.
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In this week’s edition: reports from Philippines, Cuba and Sri Lanka with updates from China, Pakistan and VOMC
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1. Christian village raided, two men killed in the Philippines

Two men are dead and another remains missing following a raid by approximately 40 Muslim rebels on the predominately Christian village of Sitio Arco in Basilan province, southern Philippines on Good Friday (April 10). Cosme Aballes, Ernan Chavez and six children were kidnapped during the raid. Another man, Jacinto Clemente, was shot and killed by the rebels. The children were released later that day. Aballes was barbarically beheaded and his body was found two days later in the nearby town of Lamitan. According to a military spokesman, the rebels “will kill anybody they encounter and the intention they had was to disrupt the Christian activities during the Lenten season when they went to Sitio Arco.” The spokesperson also stated that “their second motive was to extort from local leaders in the area,” referring to Chavez, who at last report was still missing.

Pray for the family and friends grieving the death of those killed. Pray for the safe release of Chavez. Pray that authorities will be able to effectively stop the militant organizations operating in the country.

To learn more about the persecution of Christians in the Philippines, go to www.persecution.net/philippines.htm.
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2. Imprisoned pastor falsely accused in Cuba

Pastor Omar Gude Perez, who has been held in detention in Cuba since May 2008, is facing false charges of “illicit economic activity and falsification of documents,” according to an April 17 report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide. The original charge of “human trafficking” placed against Pastor Perez was dismissed in March due to lack of evidence. The State prosecutor has requested a seven-year prison sentence be given to the pastor, who is currently imprisoned in the city of Camaguey. According to local Christians, Pastor Perez has been targeted by authorities because he is one of the main leaders of an unrecognized denomination. Other leaders and members of the denomination have also faced pressure from government officials.

Pray that the charges will be dropped. Ask God to provide for and protect Pastor Perez’s family. Pray that Cuban believers will rejoice in the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness through the ongoing opposition they face (James 1:2-4).

To find out more about suffering Christians in Cuba, go to www.persecution.net/cuba.htm.
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3. Church robbed, pastor threatened in Sri Lanka

A church was robbed and a pastor threatened in Sri Lanka in recent weeks, according to reports from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka and Compass Direct.

On the evening of April 5, a gang of unidentified assailants broke into a Methodist church building in the city of Dehiwela, Colombo district. Musical instruments, Bibles, hymn books and church documents, including baptism and marriage records, were stolen.

On April 8, four Buddhist militants gathered outside Pastor Padeep Kumara’s home in the town of Weeraketiya, Hambanthota district. They demanded that he come outside and threatened to kill him. Pastor Kumara’s wife, who was home with their two children, phoned her husband, but by the time he arrived home the militants had fled. Later that evening, the leader of the militant group phoned the pastor several times and threatened to kill him if he did not leave the village by morning. He then returned to the pastor’s house and threatened him with violence. When the police arrived, the leader was arrested. He was released the following day and drew up a petition along with other local Buddhists against Pastor Kumara’s church. The Buddhists also threatened the owner of the pastor’s home with violence if he did not evict the family. The pastor’s children have since been moved to a new location for safety.

Ask God to protect and encourage Pastor Kumara and his family. Pray that the perpetrators of these attacks will come to repentance and salvation. Ask God to enable Sri Lankan Christians to remain steadfast in the face of suffering (Revelation 2:10).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka, go to www.persecution.net/srilanka.htm.
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4. Update: Confiscated money returned to Chinese pastor

Money confiscated from Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan by Chinese officials on March 21 (see www.persecution.net/cn-2009-04-08.htm) was returned on April 17, according to an April 20 report from ChinaAid. Pastor Zhang was summoned to the Nanyang Public Security Bureau office at approximately 9:00 a.m. where he was given back the 150,000 yuan (approximately $27,000 CAD). He told ChinaAid sources, “The authorities gave the money back, because of the pressure. Hallelujah! We will continue the ministry and fight for religious freedom.”
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5. Update: Christian men acquitted of “blasphemy” in Pakistan

James Masih (67) and Buta Masih (72), two Pakistani Christians who were sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of “blasphemy” in November 2006 for allegedly burning pages of the Quran (see www.persecution.net/pk-2006-11-29.htm) were acquitted on April 16. According to an April 21 report from Compass Direct, the men claim that the allegations against them were fabricated in response to a land dispute between James Masih and a Muslim neighbour. According to their lawyer, the men will not immediately be able to return home due to safety concerns. In Pakistan, Christians accused of blasphemy, even those who are acquitted, often face pressure and violence from Muslims.
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6. Pray for the #1 persecuting country

For the seventh year in a row, North Korea has topped Open Door’s “World Watch List,” which ranks 50 countries where Christians are persecuted by their own governments. There is no other country in the world where Christians are being persecuted so horribly and relentlessly. North Korean Christians need your prayer and solidarity!

Show that you care for our brothers and sisters in the Hermit Kingdom. Make it known that you are committed to breaking through the world’s most closed border through prayer. Get equipped to make a difference in the lives of persecuted believers in North Korea and around the world!

Sign up to receive the monthly Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter and receive a FREE prayer band with the words “Pray for North Korea” inscribed on it in both English and Korean. The newsletter and prayer band are two unique ways to help you remember your persecuted brothers and sisters in North Korea and around the world.

Request your free subscription and prayer band today! Only available to those with Canadian addresses and only at www.persecutedchurchblog.com.
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7. In this week’s VOMC weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)

Check out the latest posts by VOMC staff:

a) In “What was Paul’s “thorn in the flesh?”  VOMC CEO Glenn Penner shares his view on Paul’s mysterious affliction (2 Cor. 12:7) and explains how understanding this “thorn” can provide tremendous encouragement to persecuted Christians.

b) Erin Vandenberg describes a refreshing move Egypt’s Coptic Church recently made in how it responds to Muslim-background believers in “Standing with Egypt’s converts.”

c) The blog of Hamoud Bin Saleh, a convert to Christianity in Saudi Arabia, was removed just days after his release was announced. Find out more in “Saudi blogger site ‘removed’” and “Saudi Christian’s blog still blocked.”

d) Check out “So what are you reading in April?” for Glenn’s most recent recommendations, including books about human rights commissions, church history, and suffering.

e) In “Help us develop a ‘preachers pack,’” Glenn invites input into what material would be helpful for a downloadable kit of resources to help church leaders preach and/or teach on the persecution of Christians around the world.

To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to www.persecutedchurchblog.com.

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Articol preulat de aici

Cred ca aceste cuvinte au rasunatmult in inimile ucenicilor si urmasilor lui Isus , cuvinte pe care femeile le-au rostit.

Dupa rastignirea lui Isus , El a fost pus in graba  in mormantul unui mare invatat , Iosif din Arimatea ,, pentru ca era aproape Sabatul. In ziua intai a saptamanii , a treia zi de la moartea Sa niste femei s-au dus sa imbalsameze trupul cu miresme dar au ramas uimite ca problema lor a fost inlaturata si anume piatra ce era la intrarea  mormantului. Au intrat acolo si au fost uimite sa vada ca trupul lui Isus lipsea si au aparut doi ingeri care le-au spus ” Pentru ce cautati intre cei morti pe Cel ce este Viu , nu e aici , A INVIAT .
Ce minunat e sa stiu ca El este viu , cum zicea Iov , “Dar stiu ca Rascumparatorul meu este viu” .

Ce minunat e sa stim ca nu slujim unui dumnezeu mort , cum slujesc multe religii pe acest pamant ci slujim unui Dumnezeu Viu i veci de veci.

Femeile , care au mers la mormant au fost primii evanghelisti de dupa inviere pentru ca au mers si au spus si celorlalti ucenici: ,, Nu L-am gasit acolo , A INVIAT !!! . Cred ca ucenicii si cei ce au ramas acolo au fost uimiti si socati atat de socati ca nu mai puteau crede, dar au ajuns sa creada si asta e cel mai important.

Acesta este mesajul ce trebuie sa-l purtam in toata lumea: ,, Noi slujim unui Dumnezeu prin de DRAGOSTE  si acest Dumnezeu a invins puterea  mortii.”

Un eveniment foarte frumos si important pentru blogosfera evanghelica de asemenea asteptat de multi. Mi-ar placea mult sa particip dar e mare distanta pana la capitala , din locul unde locuiesc.

Ma rog Domnului ca El sa lase binecuvantarea Sa peste acest eveniment.

W.W.J.P. ? – What Would Jesus Post ?

Mai multe detalii aici

Noi ca si oameni suntem pacatosi din fire , avem o fire pacatoasa si rea , iar Romani 3:23 confirma lucrul acesta :” Caci toti au pacatuit, si sunt lipsiti de slava lui Dumnezeu” . Pentru noi exista o singura plata : MOARTEA!!!  (Romani 6:23 a. Fiindca plata pacatului este moartea) dar plata aceasta era prea grea pentru noi , cred eu si Dumnezeu , care este Dumnezeul Dragostei ne-a iubit si ne iubeste inca prea mult ca sa doreasca sa gustam plata pacatului. L-a trimis ca rascumparare pe Fiul sau Mult Preaiubit : Isus ca sa plateasca acest pret  si astfel El (Isus) a luat asupra Lui toate faradelegine noastre , tot ce ne facea pe noi datori si a murit in locul nostru platind pe deplin pretul . In alte traduceri pentru ce a spus Isus pe cruce  : ,, S-a ispravit” se folosesc cuvintele : ,, S-a platit tot” . Asta numesc eu DRAGOSTE ADEVARATA de TATA CERESC.

Prin Jertfa lui Isus noi suntem socotiti neprihaniti pentru ca El a platit TOTUL ( Romani 3:24. Si sunt socotiti neprihaniti, fara plata, prin harul Sau, prin rascumpararea, care este in Hristos Isus. )

Trebuie doar sa accepti asta………..

Pentru aceasta postare vreau doar sa postez acest video , care cred ca poate sa spuna multe multora

The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
www.persecution.net
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

A weekly news digest on the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

Tough times require tough faith. Find out more at www.persecution.net/newsletter.

Subscribe to the RSS feed at www.persecution.net/pnp.xml.
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In this week’s edition: reports from Sudan, Uzbekistan and India with updates from Saudi Arabia and Egypt
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1. Christians under attack in Sudan

Followers of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir have intensified attacks on Christians and others they believe support the International Criminal Court’s recent decision to prosecute the president for atrocities in the Darfur region.

According to an April 8 report from Compass Direct, Aburahaman Tai, a leader of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the Nuba Mountains village of Chat, central Sudan, was beaten and injured by a suspected government militia in early March. On March 27, the building used by Tai’s congregation and the Sudanese Church of Christ was set on fire by the same group, which reportedly supports an Islamist agenda. Church members fled the scene in fear for their lives. Tai’s congregation has since been meeting for worship outdoors.

In Dungala, the capital of Northern state, a church building was recently turned into a mosque and some believers were forcibly converted to Islam.

Pray that Christians in Sudan will remain steadfast in their faith at all cost. Ask God to grant boldness and wisdom to the Christian leaders in this war-torn country.

For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Sudan, go to www.persecution.net/sudan.htm.
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2. Believers arrested and fined in Uzbekistan

Officials have been cracking down on Christians throughout Uzbekistan in recent weeks, according to an April 8 report from Forum 18.

Thirteen Uzbek Christians from an unregistered Baptist church in the city of Almalyk were arrested on March 15 when the Police Anti-Terrorism Department raided a home where they had gathered for worship. On April 3, the Christians were found guilty of “attracting believers of one confession to another” and fined 50 times the minimum monthly salary (approximately $1,200 CAD). The verdict states that the church members were distributing religious literature without permission and had gathered for an “illegal religious teaching meeting.”

On April 5, two believers of an unregistered Baptist church were apprehended at the Metro station in Tashkent by police officials. Ilgiz Bikkinin (66) and Vera Prokhorova (54) were questioned and their Bibles and other Christian literature confiscated. According to local believers, a case is being prepared against them for their alleged “illegal production, import, storage or distribution of religious literature” and “violations of the Religion Law.”

Ask God to provide financially for believers who have been fined.  Pray that authorities will allow Christians to worship together freely. Pray that increased persecution will result in increased boldness among Uzbek believers (Acts 4:29-31).

Learn more about the plight of Uzbek Christians at www.persecution.net/uzbekistan.htm.
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3. Pastor jailed in Andhra Pradesh, India

Pastor Prabhu Dass was arrested by police while attending a prayer meeting in a local Christian’s home in the village of Dharmapuri, Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh on April 6, according to an April 9 report from All India Christian Council. During the prayer meeting, a man asked Pastor Dass for some Christian literature. When Pastor Dass gave it to him, the man left. He later returned with a group of villagers and they threatened the pastor and accused him of forcibly converting people. Pastor Dass was taken to the local police station where a complaint was filed against him. He was then detained in a local jail and remained imprisoned at last report.

Pray for the release of Pastor Dass. Pray that he and other suffering believers will find strength in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

To learn more about India’s suffering Christians, go to www.persecution.net/india.htm.
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4. Update: Saudi blogger released

Hamoud Bin Saleh (28), a Saudi Arabian Christian who was arrested in mid-January for writing about his conversion from Islam on his blog (see www.persecution.net/sa-2009-01-28.htm), was released on March 28, according to Middle East Concern. Saleh is reportedly forbidden to travel outside the country or appear in the media. In a recent post on his blog, Saleh attributed his release to several human rights groups that campaigned on his behalf.
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5. Update: Egyptian Christian obtains conversion certificate

Maher Ahmad El-Mo’otahssem Bellah El-Gohary (56), an Egyptian convert to Christianity from Islam who is fighting for legal recognition of his faith (see www.persecution.net/eg-2009-03-04.htm), has received a certificate of conversion from Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church, according to an April 14 report from Compass Direct. On April 11, El-Gohary’s lawyers submitted the certificate, which the court required as verification of his Christian faith. El-Gohary is the second Muslim-born convert to request that Christianity be reflected on his identification documents and the first to receive a conversion certificate from the Coptic Church. The final verdict in his case is expected on May 2. Please pray for El-Gohary and his daughter as they continue to receive death threats from Muslims angered by the case.

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6. In this week’s VOMC weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)

Check out the latest posts by VOMC staff:

a) For some suggestions to help you pray more regularly for persecuted believers, check out “Five Steps to Healthy Praying Habits for the Persecuted.”

b) Read “VOMC welcomes temporary truce in Sri Lanka” to learn about recent developments in Sri Lanka’s civil war crisis.

c) Discover the courageous story of a Christian girl injured in the Orissa, India violence in “One story from Orissa” and find out about a Ukrainian family suffering for Christ in “VOMC stands with formerly imprisoned pastor and family.” Both of these exciting testimonies will be featured in VOMC’s upcoming monthly newsletter. Sign up for your free copy today at www.persecution.net/nlorder.htm.

d) Find out how VOMC serves believers declared “criminals” because they obey God rather than man in “The Voice of the Martyrs is a criminal organization.”

e) In “Recognizing the Armenian Genocide” Glenn Penner discusses the different ways world leaders have chosen to acknowledge the systematic slaughter and forced deportation of hundreds of thousands of Armenian Christians by the Ottoman Empire from 1918 to 1923.

To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to www.persecutedchurchblog.com.

Cand Domnul a chemat-o acasa , am fost foate cercetat de Duhul Domnului si mi-am dat atunci seama ca oi fi eu tanar , dar nu numai oamenii batrani mor… Mi-am dat seama ca nu am viata pusa-n ordine  si nu am “ASIGURARE VESNICA “ si prin acest accident goraznic eu am fost trezit si l-am primit pe Domnul in viata mea , sa stapaneasca in ea. Au trecut 2 ani de atunci si imi amintesc ca si cum ar fi fost ieri.

O sa postez un articol preluat de pe un site , nu-mi amintesc exact , dar e scris de Dorina Tofan.

Ana Maria a văzut “Peniel”

În fiecare lună, pe data de 15, la ora 6:40 îmi amintesc de plecarea sorei mele Ana Maria Gavrilovici la Domnul Isus. În fiecare duminică dimineaţa în jurul orei 6:40, când mă trezesc să verific ce face Luca, fiul meu de 6 luni, îmi amintesc că este ora la care s-a petrecut accidentul şi încerc să-mi imaginez cadrul în care s-a produs: în maşină erau toţi adormiţi de oboseală după călătorii şi orele de studiu, iar pe stradă fiind duminica devreme, nu prea circulau multe maşini.

De fiecare dată când văd luna pe cer mă gândesc la localitatea Luna din judeţul Cluj unde sora mea a fost luată la Domnul.

În fiecare dumnică dimineaţa la ora 10:40 simt un fior în inimă retrăind ce s-a petrecut cu 3 luni în urmă: era o duminică ca multe altele, dar urma să fie memorabilă. La 10:40 tata tocmai se aşezase pe banca bisericii după ce luase cuvântul la studiul biblic. Atunci a văzut şeful poliţiei căutând cu privirea pe cineva, uşierul care se apropia să-i spună că este căutat…, iar apoi, afară, în faţa bisericii, alături de mama avea să afle cumplita veste despre mezina familiei noaste…

Aceeaşi veste sfâşietoare aveam s-o aflu şi eu după terminarea programului de dimineaţă în Torino, iar sora mea Cecilia avea s-o afle în toiul nopţii în Phoenix, Arizona.

În acea dimineaţă fiul meu împlinea 3 luni şi trebuia să fie o zi deosebită de altele…Şi a fost.

Ana Maria plecase cu trei zile înainte la Arad, la conferinţa anuală “Peniel”. Eu nici n-am ştiut, cu toate că comunicam des prin SMS. Am căutat să văd ce spune Biblia despre “Peniel” şi am găsit, de fapt soţul meu Cristi a găsit textul din Geneza 32:24-32. După ce Iacov s-a luptat cu un om până la revărsatul zorilor, şi-a dat seama că, de fapt, L-a văzut pe Dumnezeu şi a pus locului aceluia numele “Peniel” – faţa lui Dumnezeu. Probabil că şi tinerii din maşină s-au luptat şi ei până la revărsatul zorilor cu oboseala, dar spre deosebire de povestirea biblică, oboseala i-a învins pe ei. După ce a văzut Faţa Domnului, Ana Maria a fost luată de El pentru că omul nu poate să vadă faţa Lui şi să continue să trăiască.

Versetul 31 spune “Răsărea soarele când a trecut pe lângă Peniel…” şi în cazul lor, răsărea soarele când a trecut îngerul Domnului pe lângă ei…

Din această luptă, Iacov a rămas cu o urmare: şchiopăta din coapsă; la fel şi tinerii care au avut fracturi de picior…Toţi cei care au rămas pot spune ca şi Iacov în versetul 30 după ce a luptat cu îngerul Domnului: “Am văzut pe Dumnezeu faţă în faţă şi totuşi am scăpat cu viaţă”…Este uimitoare asemănarea dintre aceste două situaţii; de aici putem vedea că a fost lucrarea Domnului.

Punând toate cap la cap, tata şi-a adus aminte că de o bună bucată de timp îl urmărea versetul din Ezechiel 22:30 “Caut printre ei un om care să înalţe un zid, şi să stea în mijlocul spărturii înaintea Mea pentru ţară, ca să n-o nimicesc”. Am înţeles că Ana Maria a fost omul ales de Domnul să stea în spărtură pentru ca El să mai acorde o şansă celor care glumesc cu pocăinţa şi încă nu Îl au ca Domn în viaţă.

Am înţeles că era pregătită să vadă Peniel, faţa Domnului din nenumăratele notiţe şi însemnări pe care le-am găsit în biroul ei; din exemplul de viaţă pe care l-a lăsat în urmă. Era dezamăgită de felul în care oamenii privesc viaţa, de scopurile mărunte de viaţă ale tinerilor de astăzi.

În caietul de limba engleză de clasa a XIIa (2007) am găsit o rugăciune pe care a scris-o într-o dimineaţă. Nu a scris data, dar cred că era la sfârşitul lunii ianuarie, când mama a venit la mine să mă ajute în noua “meserie” de mămică. Ştiu că se simţea foarte singură, întotdeauna s-a simţit singură dată fiind diferenţa de vârstă între noi (12 ani) şi între ea şi Cecilia (14 ani), dar acum tânjea după cer, dorea să vadă gloria lui Dumnezeu.

Anexez această rugăciune aşa cum a scris-o ea în limba engleză, urmând apoi traducerea:

If God’s with me, who could be against me??
Nobody.
To You I come this morning, God,
And want to ask You for compassion.
I seek for You day and night!
to find the wellspring of blessings
and to receive your Holy Spirit.
This morning, God, I’m very sad,
cause no one seems to care about me
and who I am. This, You’re the One
who listens and You’re the One who
cares and loves me. That’s why, Jesus,
I seek for sympathy from You, and
I ask You to be with me and diminish
my suffering. I feel lonely in this world,
God, and I want You to take me to
Heaven, to see Your Glory and mighty power.
I don’t wanna live a single day on earth,
I don’t seek for money or beauty, I just want
friends who care about me and love me and
friends who understand my problems. I know
You are my best friend, God, and I know
I can come to You whenever I want and
need to. It is You who gave me strength
and who helped me when I needed,
that’s why I give You praise and I
worship Your Holy Name.
People want from me to have money,
clothes, beauty, nasty mind…but
I don’t seek these on Earth. I just
Wanna seek for You and only You, my
Precious Jesus.
Thank You so much for Your blessings
every day and Thank You, God, for
answering my prayers everytime I
ask You to. Especially this morning,
I saw Your work and Your promise.
Thank You God because You are for
me! I love you Jesus! Praised be Your Name! Amen.

Dacă Dumnezeu e cu mine, cine poate fi împotriva mea??
Nimeni.
La Tine vin în dimineaţa asta, Doamne, şi vreau să-Ţi cer milă. Te caut zi şi noapte! Să caut izvorul binecuvântării şi să primesc Duhul Tău Sfânt.
În dimineaţa asta, Doamne, sunt foarte tristă, pentru că se pare că nimănui nu-i pasă de mine sau de cine sunt.
Tu eşti Cel ce mă ascultă şi Tu eşti Cel care-mi poartă de grijă şi-I pasă de mine. De aceea, Isuse, caut milă de la Tine, şi-Ţi cer să fii cu mine şi să-mi micşorezi suferinţa. Mă simt singură în lumea asta, Doamne şi doresc ca Tu să mă iei în Cer să văd gloria şi puterea Ta măreaţă.
Nu mai vreau să trăiesc nici măcar o singură zi pe pământ. Nu caut bani sau frumuseţe, caut doar prieteni cărora să le pese de mine, să mă iubească şi să înţeleagă problemele mele. Ştiu că Tu eşti prietenul meu cel mai bun, Doamne, ştiu că pot veni la Tine oricând vreau sau am nevoie. Tu eşti Cel care mi-ai dat putere şi m-ai ajutat la nevoie, de aceea Te laud şi mă închin înaintea Numelui Tău Sfânt.
Oamenii se aşteaptă să am bani, haine, frumuseţe, gânduri murdare…dar eu nu caut astea pe pământ. Eu vreau să Te caut doar pe Tine, scumpul meu Isus.
Mulţumesc atât de mult pentru binecuvântările Tale zilnice şi mulţumesc Doamne că mi-ai răspuns la rugăciuni de fiecare dată când Te-am rugat.
În special în dimineaţa asta, am văzut lucrarea Ta şi promisiunile Tale.
Mulţumesc Doamne că Tu eşti pentru mine.
Te iubesc, Isuse! Slavă Numelui Tău.
Amin.

- Din caietul de engleză de clasa a XIIa 2007 -

Văzând cât de mare a fost dorinţa ei de a pleca la Domnul, nu putem decât să acceptăm ceea ce s-a întâmplat.
Una dintre dorinţele ei a fost să devină misionară. A început să evanghelizeze colegele de clasă de care s-a apropiat foarte mult discutând pe teme biblice dar în acelaşi timp a fost atenta să nu invadeze spatiul privat al vietilor lor. Ultimul suflet pe care l-a invitat să ia parte la un program creştin a fost Nikky, un băiat întâlnit pe străzile Aradului din întâmplare. Aceasta s-a întâmplat sâmbătă, cu o zi înainte de accident. Acest tânăr a luat parte la seara de evanghelizare organizată de “Peniel” când a predicat fratele Vladimir Pustan.
Ne rugăm în continuare pentru Nikky, colegii de clasă ai Anei, pentru profesori şi doamna dirigintă, ca Domnul să li se descopere şi lor, ca şi ei într-o zi să vadă Faţa Lui…Ne rugăm pentru toţi tinerii care au fost atinşi în suflet de acest eveniment, să nu amâne hotărârea lor, ci să se predea Domnului care-I aşteaptă cu braţele deschise.

Am căutat caietul Anei cu notiţele luate în timpul conferinţei “Peniel”. Ultima propoziţie notată este “Hristos vrea să se laude cu noi.” Credem într-adevăr că El vrea să se laude cu noi, deci să trăim cum ne cere El şi să-L lăsăm să lucreze la viaţa noastră.
Avem încredinţarea că El şi-a cules rodul din această lucrare şi că moartea sorei mele n-a fost în zadar…

Ne bucurăm ori de câte ori cineva ne contactează şi ne spune că viaţa lui s-a schimbat. Ne bucurăm să citim comentariile voastre pe Internet, ne încurajează foarte mult orice cuvânt adresat familiei noastre.
Aşteptăm şi noi plecarea la Domnul şi reîntâlnirea cu Ana Maria pe străzi de aur. Probabil că acum ea participă la repetiţiile de cor ale îngerilor şi învaţă o cântare nouă…pe care toţi o vom cânta Mielului.

Mulţumim tuturor celor ce ne poartă în rugăciune şi ne încurajează prin mesajele lor.
Fiţi binecuvântaţi de Domnul!

Dorina Tofan.

Pe unul din blogurile pe care le urmaresc am gasit o poezie care mi-a placut mult si cred ca merita sa o cititi si voi. Am cerut accordul autoarei si de asemenea si acordul detinatoarei de (c) a poeziei (Mersi Geo)

Ma doare-un vis
Nascut din abis
In lut…
Ma cheama un dor
Naiv, ucigator
Nenascut…
Ma doare-o lumina,
Vie si senina
In gand
Nascuta in mine
Pe rani si ruine
Arzand

Taci, visule azi!
Ma distrugi; ma arzi
Mistuind
Toata viata mea;
Ce-a ramas din ea
Renascand…

Mi-e sufletul gol
Strain, calator
Fara tine, vis
Tu imi dai un dor
Si ma-nveti sa zbor
Spre cerul deschis. “
( T. R)

preluat de aici

Din totdeauna mi-a placut sa aud matrurii despre modul in care isi traiau pocainta pocaitii din vremea trecuta , din perioada comunista. Imi dau seama ca atunci in vremuri de stramtoare exista o pocainta autentica , imi dau seama ca atunci oamenii erau insetati sa asculte Cuvantul Domnului.

Atat de mult is pasionat sa ii aud pe fratii mei mai batrani care spun cuvinte pline de har si de imbarbatare , cuvinte care le-au format inima in vremuri de stramtorare. Uneori imi doresc sa vina prigoana in tara mea , pt ca atunci am fi noi oameni pocaiti ! atunci ar sclipii in noi Lumina care este El , Isus!  Desi prigoana ne-ar lua multe , multe libertati , dar ar face din noi adevarati inchinatori , adevarati pocaiti.

Pocainta

( de Puicar Daniel)

Pocainta nu-i o masca , pentru zile speciale
Pocainta e o viata ce-i traita-n ascultare
Pocaina nu-i o joaca de copii,
Pocainta-i o traire, ce te duce-n vesnicii.
Pocainta nu-i o umbra ,saraca ,umeda si rece,
Pocainta-i o caldura care tot te incalzeste.
Pocainta nu-i coliba , cosntruita din chirpici,
Pocainta-i o cetate , care n-are ziduri mici.
Pocaina nu-i un picur ce te adie pe obraz,
Pocainta e un val , care n-are stavilar.
Pocaina nu-i un sunte ,ce-i stocat pe un CD,
Pocainta e un cantec ce rasuna-n vesnicii.
Pocainta e un steag ,nu impaturat in geanta
Pocainta e un steag fluturand pe culmea-nalta.

……..va urma…….

Is mereu impresionati cand vad diverse picturi , reprezentand prigonirile crestinilor mai ales din perioada glorioasa a Imperiului Roman , care a avut ca si conducatori oameni cruzi si plini de ura cum ar fi Nero sau Diocletian. Dar chiar si in astfel de perioade , miile de oameni evanghelizati de cei 11 ucenici ai Domnului Isus ( ucenici care au facut alti ucenici care au invatat la randul lor alti ucenici) miile de oameni au stat drepti in valurile de prigoana marturisindu-L pe Isus chiar si in mijlocul arenelor romane. Chiar inconjurati de fiare sau rastigniti  sau arsi pe rug ei cantau osanale celui ce e vesnic Sfant

De astfel de oameni e nevoie in ziua de azi , care sa intrebe: “Domine Quo Vadis? ” -Incotro Domane? Unde vrei sa mergi? Acolo vreau sa te urmez. E nevoie de oameni care sa cante inflacarati , cu sinceritate din toata inima “Sunt aici Domane la dispozita ta , cheama-ma ! si eu Te voi asculta , Spune-mi ce sa fac! si voi face !  spune-mi unde trebuie sa merg ! si pentru Tine si in Numele Tau voi merge !” E nevoie de oameni care sa spuna :”Dau totul ca sa Te urmez , crucea Ta e grea si jugul tau e dureros , dar pentru Tine Doamne merita sa le port !!! ”

Am postat un video , si vreau ca atunci cand o sa-l vizionati , sa nu fiti atenti la ceea ce se vede , la cel care interpreteaza , la biserica , nu ca nu ar fi importanti , dar ascultati versurile , ascultati ceea ce canta , si ganditi-va la starea voastra , la atitudinea Voastra fata de Dumnezeu , ganditi-va la diferenta dintre voi si dintre crestinii autentici  si mai apoi ACTIONATI si SCHIMBATI-VA !!!

VERSURILE:

Şi noi fiind înconjuraţi

De-un nor aşa de martori

Să-nlăturăm orice păcat

Privind spre malul celălalt

Aşa creştinii au luptat

Ei nu s-au dat în lături

.

Să le urmăm c-un dor nespus

Credinţa lor supremă

Căci au luptat şi au învins

Creştinii noştrii ce s-au stins

De dorul Lui au fost cuprinşi

Mergeau cântând pe-arene

.

Când legile i-ameninţau

Şi-atunci ei n-aveau frică

Când fiarele le slobozeau

Pe mici şi mari îi sfâşiau

Dar ei de dor mai mult ardeau

Nici de-asta n-aveau frică

.

De foame istoviţi de frig

Ei pribegeau departe

Prind munţi şi peşteri alungaţi

Prin temniţă în fier legaţi

Lovit mai crud şi-ameninţaţi

De Domnul nu-i desparte

.

Cântau al mântuirii cânt

Mergând pe orice cale

Şi-atuncea când intrau pe rând

În subterane toţi cântând

Celui ce zice “Vin curând!

Vegheaţi în aşteptare”

.

Căci am să vin ca şi un hoţ

În noaptea cea târzie

Vegheaţi păziţi a mele porţi

Şi atunci Eu n-am să vin ca hoţ

Când voi striga la voi la toţi

“Mireasa Mea să vină”

.

În vremea ce ne-a mai rămas

Să stăm în aşteptare

Şi înapoi nu, nici un pas

Nainte, să nu dăm răgaz

Căci vine Mirele chiar azi

Să îî cântăm OSANA !

The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
www.persecution.net
Wednesday, April 8, 2009

A weekly news digest on the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

Tough times require tough faith. Find out more at www.persecution.net/newsletter.

Subscribe to the RSS feed at www.persecution.net/pnp.xml.
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In this week’s edition: reports from India, China, Iran, Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka.
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1. Christian killed in Orissa, India

A 23-year-old Christian man, Gunjan Digal, was run over by a tractor and killed in Gungibadi village, Kandhamal district, Orissa, according to an April 1 report from AsiaNews. Police have claimed that the incident was an “accident.” According to eyewitnesses, however, the driver of the tractor intentionally drove into Digal as he was walking on the side of the road. Digal’s faith was well-known in the Hindu-majority area.

Pray that those in mourning will find strength, comfort and peace in Christ. Pray that God will continue to raise up cross-bearing disciples in Orissa who are willing to remain faithful to Him at all cost (1 Corinthians 4:9-14, 16).

To find out more about the persecution of Christians in India, go to www.persecution.net/india.htm.
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2. Chinese officials detain and interrogate Pastor Zhang Mingxuan

At approximately 6:00 a.m. on March 21, police arrested Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan, leader of the Chinese House Church Alliance, in Yanjiao town, Hebei province, according to an April 7 report from ChinaAid. Pastor Zhang was staying at the home of a local Christian man after baptizing a believer when more than a dozen police officers arrived. The authorities took Pastor Zhang to the local police station where he was searched, interrogated and threatened with death. Bank cards and three cell phones were confiscated. Three hours later, Pastor Zhang was handed over to Public Security Bureau officials who questioned him about his recent travels. Pastor Zhang’s belongings were eventually returned, except the debit card for an account containing 150,000 yuan ($27,123 CAD). He was released at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Pray for strength and protection for Pastor Zhang. Pray that he and other believers facing trials for their faith will find comfort in the fact that God commends those who suffer for doing good (1 Peter 2:20-21).

For more on the persecution of Christians in China, go to www.persecution.net/china.htm.
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3. Two Iranian Christians arrested

Two Iranian Christian women, Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad (30) and Maryam Rustampoor (27), were arrested by security forces on March 5, according to a March 29 report from Farsi Christian News Network. Iranian officials have allegedly labeled the women “anti-government activists.” The believers’ apartment was raided and some of their personal belongings confiscated. They have been interrogated several times and their bail is set at approximately $500,000 CAD. At last report, the women were being held without charge at the notoriously brutal Evin Prison near the capital city of Tehran. They are permitted daily one-minute phone calls to their families. Both women are reportedly in poor health.

Pray for the release of Marzieh and Maryam. Ask God to give them healing. Pray that the Lord will encourage and sustain their families during this difficult time.

To learn more about the plight of Iranian Christians, go to www.persecution.net/iran.htm.
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4. Home raided, believers fined in Azerbaijan

A Christian’s home was raided in Agdash, Azerbaijan on March 25 by the local official of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, police officers and two cameramen, according to an April 1 report from Forum18. Twelve children were gathered at Vera Zhuchaeva’s home, with their parents’ permission, to listen to Bible stories when authorities entered. They forced the children into one room, questioned them, and recorded their names. The children were then released to their parents. Police also confiscated 508 books and 40 films from the house. Three believers who were visiting from the capital city of Baku were taken to a police station and questioned for four hours. When they went to the station the next day to pick up their identification documents, they were fined for “illegally spreading Christianity and other faiths.”

Pray that Christian parents will demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Christ and continue to teach their children about the Lord (Deuteronomy 11:18-20, 2 Timothy 1:5). Pray that religious freedom will be respected in Azerbaijan.

To find out more about Azerbaijan’s suffering Christians, go to www.persecution.net/azerbaijan.htm.
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5. Church burned, pastor attacked in India

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on March 24, the Jesus Prayer House church building in the village of Kuruvakalva, Andhra Pradesh was burned by Hindu militants. Bibles, hymnals and furniture as well as the roof the church were destroyed.

On April 5, Pastor Yadal was attacked in the village of Vadarpalaya, Karnataka. Police officers stopped Pastor Yadal while he was on his way to preach at the House of Salvation church. An officer beat the pastor and accused him of forcibly converting Hindus. Hindu militants then called two local pastors to the scene and warned them to stop holding church services. The militants also went to two other churches in the same village and warned them against gathering for worship.

Pray for strength and wisdom for the victims of these attacks. Ask the Lord to embolden Indian Christians to continue serving Him and worshipping together despite pressure (1 Peter 5:10).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, go to www.persecution.net/india.htm.
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6. Religious liberty organizations call attention to Sri Lankan crisis

Key organizations that work on religious liberty issues around the world made strong statements on the state of religious freedom in the midst of the civil war in Sri Lanka and launched a global campaign calling for prayer for that nation. In what is being called “The Toronto Statement,” the Religious Liberty Partnership (RLP), with member organizations that include Open Doors International (Holland), Christian Solidarity Worldwide (United Kingdom), The Voice of the Martyrs (Canada), HMK (Switzerland) and the Religious Liberty Commission of World Evangelical Alliance (representing 128 countries), is calling the worldwide Christian community to pray for the crisis in Sri Lanka.

The Toronto Statement acknowledges some positive elements within Sri Lanka, including the role that the church is playing, but expresses deep concern about the ways in which humanitarian efforts are currently being handled. In addition, the Statement calls on the worldwide church to pray for work toward the religious rights of all Sri Lankans, and to support efforts to end hostilities and seek an enduring peace.

“This is yet another example of the Christian family worldwide standing together and calling its members to pray into a complex, but very serious political situation,” stated Mervyn Thomas, CEO of Christian Solidarity World, UK and Chairman of the Religious Liberty Partnership. “The Toronto Statement is in full accord with the RLP’s reputation for taking a balanced approach in these issues and we trust that this call to prayer will be heeded by Christians globally.”

“I believe this Statement captures the heart of what the RLP is about,” said Floyd Brobbel of The Voice of the Martyrs (Canada) and member of the RLP Leadership Team. “Not only are we able to work together as individual organizations, but with a united voice speak to the issues that affect religious liberty. We pray that this collective global voice will be able to give clear direction to the government officials we petition and influence positive change in the countries like Sri Lanka where religious liberty is threatened.”

The Religious Liberty Partnership (RLP) is a collaborative effort of Christian organizations in over a dozen countries focused on religious liberty. The RLP seeks to more intentionally work together in addressing advocacy and in raising the awareness of religious liberty issues globally. To view the entire Toronto Statement, go to (www.tinyurl.com/rlp-srilanka).
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7. Free “Pray for North Korea” wristband offer from The Voice of the Martyrs

Subscribe to The Voice of the Martyrs’ free monthly newsletter on the “Persecuted Church Weblog” and receive a FREE “Pray for North Korea” wristband as a special prayer reminder! Two unique ways to help you to remember today’s Persecuted Church! Each month, The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter will remind you to pray for your persecuted brothers and sisters in North Korea and around the world. Every time you look at the prayer band on your wrist, you will be reminded to pray for Christians in North Korea. As others notice it, you will also have the opportunity to tell them about the courage and faith of the North Korean church. Request your free subscription and prayer band today! Go to http://www.emailmeform.com/fid.php?formid=275140 (Note: Only available to those with Canadian addresses).
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8. In this week’s VOMC weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)

Check out the latest posts by VOMC staff:

a) In “The limits of statistics,” Glenn Penner discusses how statistics are often given too much credence when being used to describe persecution.

b) The April VOMC Newsletter included a parachute pattern meant to be used to help Christians in Colombia. Before you begin this activity, please read “Oops. Parachute pattern in error.”

c) In “Worthy!” Glenn reflects on the Church’s call to sacrificially witness to the salvation of God in the face of persecution.

d) As our society becomes increasingly rights-focused, is there less tolerance for acts of conscience? This important question is explored in “Increasing intolerance in the name of human rights?”

e) Learn about a website specifically designed by VOMC to guide you in remembering suffering Christians in “Remember them.”

To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to www.persecutedchurchblog.com.

Imi era dor de ceva vreme sa ascult o cantare mai veche, o cantare care a fost scrisa in imprejurari grele. Nu is eu de genu ala , sa tot ascult melodii vechi , mie mereu imi place sa invat cantari noi , dar dupa un timp imi aduc aminte cu cata ravna si zel cantam cantarile vechi. Am cautat cateva titluri dar nu am prea gasit , in schimb am gasit o cantare , compusa de Traian Dorz (versurile)  si pusa pe melodie de catre Nicolae Moldoveanu.

Pana acum , cel mai valid video e cel in care Organizatia de tineret ,,Ciresarii” , din care si eu fac parte , mai exact trupa de inchinare alaturi de Vladimir Pustan cantau la Casa de cultura Piatra Neamt in 31.08.2008

Am gasit un video pe YouTube care m-a pus pe ganduri. Am observat ca noua ca oameni ne place sa ni se spuna ce buni suntem ce inteligenti suntem , sa ni se admire frumusetea si caracterul, lucruri care ne fac sa ne simtim bine poate sa zambim . E frumos ca cineva sa iti spuna complimente  dar e si mai frumos cand faci pe altii sa zambeasca. De felul meu , sunt o persoana mai vesela si obisnuiesc sa ii fac pe prietenii mei sa rada , lucrul acesta imi da o satisfactie interioara si ma face sa ma simt si mai bine. In Biblie scrie ca “Este mai ferice sa dai decat sa primesti” , haideti sa facem o mica schimbare: sa ne apreciem mai mult unii pe altii. Prima persoana pe care o intalnesti , spune-i ce speciala e pentru tine , spune-i ca arata bine si e frumos/frumoasa . Fa-o sa zambeasca !!! ; asta va insemna mult, dar daca se poate da-i si o imbratisare!

Zabmetul va face pe cel intristat sa se bucure , pe cel bolnav sa se simta ajutat , pe cel parasit sa se simta iubit , pe cel ratacit sa se simta gasit !

Spunand lucruri frumoase unii despre altii ne vom unii mai tare si lumea nu va mai fi la fel de evil . Va sugerez sa vizionati acest scurt filmulet cu atentie , eventual sa va luati si notite si sa le aplicati.

The Persecution & Prayer Alert
The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada
www.persecution.net
Wednesday, April 1, 2009

A weekly news digest on the Persecuted Church and how you can respond.

Tough times require tough faith. Find out more at www.persecution.net/newsletter.

Subscribe to the RSS feed at www.persecution.net/pnp.xml.
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In this week’s edition: reports from Sri Lanka, India and Morocco with updates from Iran and Tajikistan.
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1. Violence against Christians in Sri Lanka

On March 25, a pastor and church worker were attacked by a man armed with a machete, according to a March 27 report from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. The armed man barged into the Vineyard Community Church in the city of Pannala, North Western Province and slashed the men. Both believers sustained serious injuries. Local church members suspect the assailant previously burned the church’s electricity meter and attacked the caretaker. At last report, no arrest had been made.

During the past three months, members of the Assembly of God church in the town of Bulathkohupitiya, Sabaragamuwa Province have faced threats and intimidation from local villagers and Buddhist monks. The congregation is also being monitored. A petition for the church’s closure has reportedly been sent to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. As a result of the tension, many church members have been unable to meet together for worship.

Ask God to strengthen and heal those injured. Pray that suffering Christians in Sri Lanka will stand strong in faith and not give in to fear. Pray that their faithfulness will be a light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Sri Lanka, go to www.persecution.net/srilanka.htm.
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2. Orphanage burned, believers attacked in India

An orphanage in Bargarh district, Orissa, India that was torched by Hindu militants last August (see www.persecution.net/in-2008-08-27.htm) was burned to the ground a second time on March 20, according to a March 27 report from AsiaNews. The orphanage was placed under police surveillance following the August attack, during which a young teacher was thrown into the building and burned alive. However, police were not on site on the night the orphanage was set ablaze.

In the city of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, a group of believers was attacked on March 27, according to All India Christian Council. Pastor Pramodam Joshua, his wife, his son and seven other church members were gathered in a believers’ home when three youths approached the owner of the building and threatened him for allowing the prayer service. Two youths confronted the Christians while they were traveling home and demanded to know why they were converting Hindus. Pastor Joshua and at least two other believers were beaten and injured.

Pray for lasting peace and stability in India. Ask God to heal the injured believers. Pray that God will embolden Indian Christians to be Christ-like examples to their persecutors.

To learn more about India’s suffering Christians, go to www.persecution.net/india.htm.
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3. Five Christians expelled from Morocco

Five female Christians, four Spanish and one German, were recently expelled from Morocco on accusations of “proselytizing” Muslims. According to a March 31 report from Compass Direct, the women were among a group of tourists who were arrested by police while gathered for Bible study in the city of Casablanca on March 28. Officials seized Christian material, including Arabic books and videos. The believers were questioned by police and detained until the early hours of the next day. The women, who were deemed missionaries by the government, were deported to Spain.

Pray for true religious freedom in Morocco. Ask God to give wisdom to these believers as to how to continue serving Him. Pray for the church as it continues to establish itself within Moroccan society (1 Timothy 3:15).

Find out more about the persecution Christians face in Morocco at www.persecution.net/morocco.htm.
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4. Update: Three Iranian converts sentenced

On March 10, a court in the Iranian city of Shiraz handed three converts to Christianity from Islam eight-month suspended prison sentences with five years probation, according to a March 31 report from Compass Direct. As part of the sentence, Seyed Allaedin Hussein, Homayoon Shokouhi and Seyed Amir Hussein Bob-Annari were ordered to discontinue their Christian activities. The judge warned the men, who were first arrested in May 2008 (see www.persecution.net/ir-2008-05-28.htm), that he will enforce their prison sentences and try them as “apostates” if they violate terms of their probation, which include a ban on contacting one another.
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5. Update: President signs restrictive religion law in Tajikistan

Tajikistan’s President, Emomali Rahmon, has signed a repressive new religion law that was first sent to parliament for approval in mid-November (see www.persecution.net/tj-2009-03-18.htm). The legislation, which violates the country’s constitution and international human rights obligations, has been harshly criticized by many human rights groups, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
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6. VOMC Persecuted Church Prayer Conference this weekend!

Don’t miss VOMC’s upcoming Persecuted Church Prayer Conference in Edmonton, Alberta this Saturday, April 4. Hear the testimony of guest speaker Mr. Kim, a man who served in the North Korean military until he came to know Christ and escaped to China. Learn more about the work of The Voice of the Martyrs in Korea from VOMC co-workers, Eric Foley and Ahn Hyun Sook. Be blessed through the music and worship led by violinist Trevor Dick. VOMC CEO, Glenn Penner, and Greg Musselman will also report on how the mission is serving the Persecuted Church worldwide. Find out more by phoning our office at 1.888.298.6423 or by checking out our conference brochure at www.persecution.net/download/2009confbroch.pdf.
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7. In this week’s VOMC weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)

Check out the latest posts by VOMC staff:

a) Learn more about Pakistan’s decision to allow the Swat region in the North-West Frontier Province to implement and enforce Sharia law in “Pakistan sliding into an abyss.” To find out how this decision affects Christians, read “Christians brace for Sharia law in Swat valley.”

b) Read “Help free Gao Zhisheng” to find out how you can take action on behalf of a prominent Chinese Christian human rights attorney who was seized by police officers in February.

c) In “UN adopts ‘defamation of religions’ resolution,” Glenn Penner explores how this resolution extends human rights to protect communities of believers and beliefs rather than individuals.

d) Hear the incredible story of Mr. Kim, the guest speaker at this year’s VOMC Prayer Conferences, in “North Korean defector shares his testimony.” Mr. Kim is speaking this weekend in Edmonton, Alberta. Don’t miss out!

e) Read an informative article about the growth of Christianity in China today, the challenges that believers currently face and what they think the future holds for religious freedom in their nation in “Christianity in China is booming.”

To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to persecutedchurch.blogspot.com.