Praying for our persecuted family in Christ

God is on the move, in many places around the world today. One place he is moving is among Muslims in Southeast Asia. I have a friend who is a Pastor that has asked for prayer for new members of the faith - who are standing for Christ in the country where he ministers; it's a country that persecutes people who "convert" to Christianity.

There is an urgent issue that I would ask every believer to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ - 

My friend the Pastor has said:

"There was a raid at one of the largest churches in the country where a small group of Nationals had gathered in a small room.  When the police came there were leaders that hid but the senior pastor was there and stuck up for them saying they weren't doing anything wrong as it was a dinner for philanthropic group that helps AIDS victims." (Arrests were made and there are trials that start in the morning in Asia). 

My friend the Pastor asks:

"Now is such a key time and we need your prayers.  Many are advising the National believers to hide their faith.  But the eyes of the Lord search the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully His!  We long to see them stand!  For Jesus and with each other." (This is very hard, they will be persecuted for it).

"Tuesday morning the 9th most of the arrested and detained will have to appear before the states Islamic enforcement department for interrogation.  We don't know if that will be for a few hours or if they will be sent to the religious rehabilitation camps for years.  Please pray for us that we would stand strong, that we wouldn't do anything to cause us to be ashamed and we would diligently hold out the word of life!"

A quick update:  Tomorrow morning at 9:00 am 15 nationals will have to report to the state Islamic affairs department for interrogation and probable arrest and/or “religious rehabilitation therapy.”

Right now we are scrambling to find a lawyer willing to represent our brother "Bob" and his family as well as 1 other woman.  The 15 were arrested at a large church and they do have a lawyer for the other 12.  The lawyer is willing to represent Bob and family as well on the condition that Bob denies Jesus!  That seems to be their strategy.

The other church allowed the National believers to have a meeting there but seem to be trying to argue it was not a religious meeting but humanitarian and they happened to have some National members.

Names have been changed to protect them from further persecutions.

Please pray for our brothers and sisters! The last time a trial like this was held, some were sent to re-education camps and others were killed. Please pray.