This is a report from the Voice of Martyrs regarding our brethren who are being persecuted because of their faith. Delete it if you do not want to read it. 
 

Dear Rev Joseph Diaz, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12) As the persecuted church patiently endures affliction let us be faithful in prayer and share in the joy of their hope. Christians in many countries have been imprisoned, their crime, being faithful to Christ. You can offer support and encouragement to them as they endure for the sake of Christ by writing a letter to them in their own language at PrisonerAlert.Com. To learn more (click here). Have a blessed week! VOM Web Editor

Prayers for April 6, 2004 From The Voice of the Martyrs

CHINA (ASSIST News Service) The United Nations special rapporteur on torture, Theo van Boven, is heading to China amid fresh reports that Christians are suffering abuse in jails and prison camps. China Aid Association (CAA) has learned that 72-year-old Chen Jingmao, a South China Church leader, was recently beaten and crippled in his prison as punishment "for leading 50 prison inmates to the Christian Faith." An unidentified "reliable source" claimed that Chen's legs were broken in a beating he received by prison guards. He must now be carried to go to the toilet and to eat. Chen was arrested in July 2001, and sentenced to four years on May 14, 2002, for "using an 'evil cult' to obstruct the law," referring to his association with the South China Church. The United States plans to put forward a resolution criticizing China's record at the UN commission's annual session, which runs until April 23rd. Pray the Lord will work a miracle of healing and Chen will be able to walk again. Give thanks to God that Chen was able to lead so many to faith in Christ. Pray the officials in China will come to know the One they neither love nor fear. CUBA (Compass Direct) Evangelical Christians in Cuba have learned to survive, even thrive, despite shortages of everything from food and clothing to jobs and transportation. The Castro regime has shown more tolerance toward Christians in the past five years, and there has been a high rate of growth. However, Christians caution that the changes are not necessarily permanent and enforcement of the law depends on local authorities. Restrictions on worship, evangelism and Christian education are still in force. Although leaders see a "notable improvement" in the availability of Bibles, there is still a critical shortage of Scriptures. Pray the growth of Christian churches will bring more government officials to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Pray churches and missionary agencies will be able to get many Bibles into the country. Pray the people of Cuba will have enough food to eat. EGYPT (ASSIST News Service) The U.S. Copts Association claims it has received reports indicating that supermarkets in Egypt publicize shopping contests and single out Coptic girls for conversion to Islam. Store employees notify a young Christian woman that she has won a contest. To claim her prize, she is asked to sign documentation confirming receipt of her reward, but her signature is in fact official confirmation of her conversion to Islam. Also, four Coptic Christian students in Sinai were arrested January 26th for having a number of Bibles and Christian material and "disturbing national unity." They received another 49-day extension to their imprisonment with no court date in sight, the U.S. Copts Association said. (Click here) Pray this deceitful practice of luring Coptic girls to convert to Islam will stop. Pray the imprisoned students will feel the comforting presence of Jesus. Pray God will use these events to lead Muslims to question their beliefs and turn to Christ. SAUDI ARABIA (ASSIST News Service) The human rights group, International Christian Concern, has discovered that on March 25th, Brian O'Connor, a Christian ex-pat Indian national, was arrested by the Muttawa (religious police). O'Connor's legs were chained, and he was hung upside down in a mosque. For many hours, the Muttawa came in turns of fours and kicked him in the chest and rib area. His back and the soles of his feet were also whipped with electrical wires, and he is in intense pain. Police state that he is being held on account of preaching Christianity, drug-related charges, and selling liquor. They added the charges were brought by the Muttawa, and they have no proof of the claims. It is typical for charges of drug dealing to be leveled at Christians suspected of spreading the gospel. The Muttawa informed Brian that he is to be formally charged and taken to court where the case would take about six to seven months before a verdict is issued. (Click here) Pray God will give Brian O'Connor strength and patience to endure. Pray the United States will take serious action in demanding Brian's release. Pray Jesus will give the Muttawa a spirit of repentance and compassion for Christians in their country. ZIMBABWE (ZWNEWS.com/Belfast News) A Northern Ireland clergyman is facing a prison sentence for holding a street prayer meeting. The Rev. Noel Scott, who has been a missionary in Zimbabwe for more than 30 years, could be jailed for two years for breaching the Public Order and Security Act when he stands trial next month. He and three other church leaders were arrested two years ago for praying on the pavement, but magistrates threw out the summons as "defective." Mr. Scott has been on remand since the arrest and has now received a new summons. Pray Mr. Scott will be exonerated. Pray Christians in Zimbabwe will rally around him with love and support. Pray Noel Scott's commitment to Jesus will bring many to faith in our Lord and Savior.  1PRISONER ALERT:      http://www.prisoneralert.com  2EGYPT:      http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s04030113.htm  3SAUDI ARABIA:      http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s04030129.htm