Philippians 4: 4-9

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

What does this passage say to you?

Faith that Moves Mountains

Hearing about persecution of Christians almost every day, it is sometimes easy to lose hope. I know that God can do anything and has come through for many, but sometimes it all seems so overwhelming. However, the Bible tells us that we have faith that can move mountains. If I truly have this kind of faith, I would have faith that God could set every persecuted Christian free. Lord, help me to have this kind of faith.

Eritrean Christian Woman Dies in Solitary Confinement

Another Christian has died while serving time in one of Eritrea’s harsh detention centres. On Sunday, January 24, Hana Hagos Asgedom (41) became the 11th known Christian to pay with her life for continuing to practice her faith, according to Open Doors.

Asgedom, an unmarried member of Asabe Rhema Church, died of a heart attack while being kept in solitary confinement at Alla Military Camp. Shortly before her death, she apparently endured beating with an iron rod for refusing to “make the chief commander in the camp a cup of coffee.” When Asgedom resisted this order, which Christians interpret as sexual advances, she was apparently sent back to her cell where she endured punishment and later succumbed to the heart attack.

After her arrest, Asgedom was detained at Wi’a Military Camp for three years. When the camp was dismantled seven months ago, she was moved with the other prisoners to Alla Military Camp. On arrival at the new camp, Asgedom was offered a final opportunity to renounce her faith. When she refused, she was placed in solitary confinement.

Shortly before the report on the death of Asgedom, Open Doors also learned about the release of Pastor Habtom Tewelde on the afternoon of Thursday, January 21. Pastor Habtom (55) is a pastor of the Full Gospel Church and was arrested in 2008. He was first kept at Police Station Number 5 in the capital Asmara, but was relocated to Mitire Military Camp six months ago.

Sources say that Pastor Habtom was released because of complications from his diabetes. With his release he was warned not to continue his Christian activities.

This story breaks my heart, yet I am so amazed by her amazing faith. She never backed down once. Please continue to pray for these believers in Eritrea.

Top Ten World Watch List Countries- #7 Yemen

Converts from Islam encounter opposition from the authorities and extremist groups who threaten ‘apostates’ with death if they do not turn back to Islam. During 2008 several were arrested, physically harmed and threatened. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but also affirms Islam as the state religion and Shariah as the source of all legislation. Citizens cannot convert from Islam; evangelism among them is forbidden.

Please pray:

That more Christians will enter Yemen and for the safety of the workers already there. For a continuing positive response to Christian radio and TV, and a revelation from God to those who search for truth on the internet. For those who were arrested and abused last year, and those who fear similar treatment this year.

Persecuted Church

How do you think your church would react if they suddenly faced the kind of persecution our brothers and sisters face? Would they stay strong? Would they minister as freely? Could they meet in secret? Share your thoughts!

What does this verse say to you?

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
— Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)

Prayer

As I was praying for my friends, family and situations in my own life before bed last night, I realized something: Praying for the persecuted was not normally apart of my nightly prayers. Sure I will strive to pray for these believers when I see a news story or I am a part of a prayer campaign. But what would it be like if I prayed the same fervent prayers for the persecuted each night, as I did for my own friends and family? After all, they are my family. What if I prayed for my brothers and sisters in Iran, as often as I do for my own brother and sisters?

Lord, please help me to pray more fervently for those in your family who are persecuted.