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Please pray that our brothers and sisters in Christ would be filled with Christ's love and boldness as they persevere in times of persecution.

VOM–USA Prayer Update for August 13,2010

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

Romans 8:34–36

IRAN — Christian Converts Arrested — Farsi Christian News Network

On July 18, government security forces arrested 15 Christian converts traveling to the city of Bojnoord to meet with other believers, according to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN). In what appeared to be a coordinated effort, security forces stopped the Christians’ bus in Mashhad, the capital of Razavi Khorasan, Iran. Authorities boarded the bus, arrested 15 believers and took them to the Ministry of Information’s central detention center. According to FCNN, the believers were subjected to harsh and inhumane interrogations. After being held for a week, 13 of the Christians were conditionally released after signing promissory notes and posting bail. At last report, the two remaining detainees, 48-year-old Reza and 23-year-old Ehsan Behrooz, remained in detention because they refused to sign any forms or post bail. Pray that the Lord will strengthen these new believers as they face this trial. Pray that the two remaining detainees will be released without charge and that their strong testimony will lead others to consider the source of their peace and strength.

INDIA — Police Detain Christian Students — All India Christian Council

A pastor and team of students from a Bible college in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, were detained by the police on July 24 for alleged conversion activities, according to All India Christian Council. The students had been working with Compassion for India ministry, serving the poor and underprivileged in and around Lucknow. Police accused the group of converting Muslims, and while in detention the pastor and his team were questioned about their work. The police also took money from the pastor before releasing the students from custody. Praise God for the many faithful Christian workers and evangelists in India. Pray that these students will be encouraged to continue the good works the Lord has prepared for them and that their lives will continue to glorify God.

2 Corinthians 12:9–11

UZBEKISTAN — Christian Arrests Continue — Forum 18 News

The Uzbek government continues to harass and detain Christians who gather for worship. On July 28, police broke into a house where Christians from an unregistered church had gathered for a celebration, according to Forum 18 News. Ten Christians were arrested and held for several days before being released, and three were fined 80 times the minimum monthly wage. According to Forum 18, police confiscated two personal Bibles, four songbooks and one textbook of violin lessons. They then began pushing 23 believers, including children, into cars. The believers reported that some of them were “kicked and hit while they were dragged out of the house.” According to Forum 18, when the believers asked Police Major Ilyos Mustafayev why the police acted like bandits, he replied, “Yes, we are bandits.” A court has ordered that officially permitted Christian books and leaflets found in a raid be confiscated and destroyed. Pray that believers in Uzbekistan will remain faithful in their walk with Christ. Pray that God will encourage and protect them and that their testimonies will draw non-believers into fellowship with Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:3–5

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http://www.persecution.com