[__ Prayer __] persecuted church

[totallylovedbygod65]

"I have decided to follow Jesus
and there is no turning back."
~ Quote attributed to 19th-century
Indian martyr, Nokseng.
Hymn lyrics by Sadhu Sundar Singh.​

---

MALAYSIA: Christians Forcibly Registered as Muslims​

Sources: International Christian Concern, Mission Network News​

[td]

A church in Malaysia.
Photo: Public Domain​

​

​

[/td]​

​

​

Christians constitute a minority of the population in Malaysia, where they are frequently marginalized and pressured to convert to Islam. According to recent reports from the community of Nabawan, the national identity cards of some Christians have been secretly changed, classifying them as Muslims rather than followers of Jesus. These changes were made without the believers' knowledge.
Individuals who are designated as Muslims in this predominantly Islamic country are subject to Sharia law – a requirement not imposed on those having other religious designations. As stated by VOMC's CEO, Floyd Brobbel, "So now these Christians who were immune from Islamic courts are...going to have to follow Islamic tradition [and] Islamic law. There's no recourse for them."
As pointed out by Floyd, however, "Just because these Christians now are...classified as being Muslim doesn't mean that they're Muslim in their hearts or faith levels.... Christians will continue to do the work of evangelism and live out a Biblical worldview." Further information concerning the difficulties facing Malaysian Christians is available at our country profile.

• Pray that God will provide guidance and wisdom to those who are working to resolve this issue of concern.
• In the meantime, may Christians in Malaysia continue to rejoice in the eternal hope they have through the atoning life, death and resurrection of Christ.
• Additionally, pray for increased evangelistic efforts to take place within this Muslim-majority nation, so that the "Good News" of the Gospel can be readily received by many more spiritually needy people throughout the country.

---

LAOS: Christian Families Expelled​

Source: Barnabas Aid​

[td]

Some of the believers who were evicted.
Photo: Barnabas Aid
​

​

[/td]​

​

​

Four Christian families were forcibly evicted from their village in northwestern Laos on May 5th and 6th. According to local sources, opposing community leaders and other residents of Huang Khan Village in Luang Namtha province specifically targeted the Christians.
Thankfully, essential aid has been provided to those who were left homeless, and efforts are now being made to find them safe accommodations. Unfortunately, the eviction of these families is not an isolated situation for believers living in rural districts of the country. While legislation passed in 2019, granting Christians throughout Laos the right to conduct worship services and practise their faith, the enforcement of this law has been inconsistent – particularly in rural areas. For previous reports addressing persecution in this Buddhist-majority nation, go to our country profile.

• Please lift up these recently displaced believers in your prayers, asking the Lord to continue meeting their daily practical and spiritual needs while leading them to suitable housing.
• Pray that the efforts of those who are assisting these families with needed humanitarian provision and encouragement during this time of relocation and emotional recovery will be blessed and multiplied.
• Ultimately, may relational restoration and a renewed sense of harmony take place between these evicted Christians and the villagers opposing them.
• In the interim, pray that appropriate action will be taken to ensure all followers of Jesus throughout Laos are granted due consideration and fair treatment within the country's legal system.