ICC, IDOP, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Prayer Requests & Intercession for Persecuted Christians

Intercessor Report / Prayer Points

September 2002

ICC - ICC Founder and President, Rev. Steven Snyder, went home to be with the Lord on August 27. James Schnabel, Vice President and a member of the board, has been chosen as President until such time as a successor is chosen.
Prayer Points: Pray for wisdom for ICC's board of directors as they seek a permanent replacement for Rev. Snyder. Pray for Mr. Schnabel for wisdom in leading ICC during this transition. Pray that ICC's work will continue unabated. Also pray for the family of Rev. Snyder as they mourn the loss of their beloved son, husband and father.

IDOP - Pray that many churches around the nation and the world will participate in this year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on November 10. Pray that you could raise support and awareness within your own church during this special day.

China - Continue to pray for members of the South China Church who were arrested last year. The church's founder and main pastor, Gong Shengliang, was originally sentenced to death last December. Several other leaders were also sentenced to death while up to 200 people received sentences ranging from one year to life in prison. China insiders have reported that all of the leaders are now being re-tried in closed trials. In addition to the arrests, over 500 evangelists affiliated with the church had their property confiscated and many in the church were beaten in a campaign to crack down on "evil cults."
Prayer Points: Pray that the death sentences would be overturned during the re-trials of the church leaders. Pray that the work of the gospel would continue both inside and outside of the prison. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to prison officials who often beat and mistreat the prisoners. Pray for the families of those in prison.

Indonesia - During early August jihad activity increased around Tentena, central Sulawesi. The villages of Sepe and Silanca were attacked and totally destroyed on August 12. Christians have been murdered at Muslim checkpoints along the major roadways. An Italian tourist was also killed when a Christian-owned bus was attacked. Jihad warriors are closing in on Tentena where an estimated 64,000 Christians are taking refuge. Meanwhile, Christian pastor Rinaldy Damanik is being accused of provoking violence by the local authorities. However, those who know him insist Rev. Damanik is a man of peace and has exhorted the Christians not to take revenge for attacks against them. The real perpetrators of the violence have yet to be arrested.
Prayer Points: Pray that violence would cease in central Sulawesi and that the true provocateurs would be arrested and punished. Pray that Rev. Damanik would be cleared of all false charges. Also ask the Lord to provide for the many refugees who have lost homes and possessions during violent attacks against them.

Pakistan - The Christian community is tense and fearful after two recent deadly attacks. The Murree Christian school was attacked by armed militants on August 5, resulting in the murder of two security guards and several others. Then on August 9 a chapel connected with the Christian hospital in Texilla was attacked. Three nurses died instantly as they were hit by a high-power grenade. Christians, as well as westerners, were targets in both attacks.
Prayer Points: Pray for a spirit of strength and boldness to come upon the Christian community in Pakistan. Pray that Christians would love their enemies and therefore put to shame those who abuse them. Ask the Lord to change the hearts of Islamic militants and bring an end to violent attacks against His people.

Praise Report: 

Pakistan - Christian prisoner, Ayub Masih, was acquitted on August 15 by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The three justices found that the blasphemy charges against Ayub were fabricated and ordered that he be released. Pray for his safety, as Islamic extremists may still seek to put Ayub to death.

Saudi Arabia - All of the Christian prisoners being held in Jeddah have now been deported. However, three believers remain in prison in Riyadh. Pray for their soon release.

Vietnam - ICC was informed in mid-August that 14 Hmong pastors have been released from prison. Pray that their ministries could continue without police intervention.

Thanks for your prayers and action.
International Christian Concern

Posted:  September 4, 2002