“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness” (Acts 4:29, NIV)
Fanatics disturbed Pastor “K’s” workplace and seized the sewing machines through which he ran a sewing center. They put him behind bars for few days and threatened him of further consequences if he continues to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. The political situation has gotten worse in this place and Pastor “K” and his family needs our prayers more than ever – they are in serious jeopardy. Pastor “K” sent us an urgent prayer request: “I am fine and we hope you are fine. The situation in this area is not good; one fanatical person gave report to police that Christians are converting others. I was put into jail and a friend of mine was an advocate before the court and then he gave bail for me to be released. When released from jail I had to move from my rented home as fanatics would come and break windows and threaten me and my family. Please pray for me as I am making repairs to my home, pray as we may have to change homes once again. Also, please pray for me and my family as we continue to minster here that God will open a way for the Gospel!” Another Pastor from the same geographical location, Pastor “V” wrote us providing an update on their ministry as well as the fear they have for their lives. “Many times believers have been threatened to leave working in this group. They are bold enough to share the gospel to this group touching the lives. We are doing certain compassion work to show them the love of Jesus. The good thing is that the people in very secret are coming to know the real God and people are coming to Christ.” Pastor “V” and his family are doing tremendous work even though their lives are threatened and they are forced to leave the place and demanded to not share the gospel. Despite the oppressive and difficult situations, Pastor “V” and his family are touching the lives of people, sowing the seeds of Good News. AMEN Sample of prayer requests we receive: Pray for the protection of our family as we are threatened daily. Pray that God will give us His wisdom and new strategies to reach others more effectively. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for MY sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12a NKJV). It is hard for us to wrap our minds around the fact that a person who is so passionate about reaching his family, friends or people of his tribe for Jesus Christ, they will endure unthinkable persecution. However, this is the life of many of our Christian partners that minister in some of the most difficult, unreached areas in the world. Many have come to me, after being persecuted, telling me how honored and worthy they feel to be persecuted for the Gospel. For most of us, this is hard to understand and grasp, but it does say in God’s Word we will be persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus even said, my paraphrase, if they did not accept ME what makes you think they will accept you, you will be persecuted because of ME! If you are not already aware, pay close attention, as the persecution of Christians is not only happening abroad; however also in our own back door. There is an intense religious war right here in America! It is being fought every day in our schools, our government and our businesses. To mention a few examples: Columbine; attacks against Chick-fil-a for their Christian stance; protests against Hobby Lobby for their Christian beliefs yet they stood firm against abortion – There are countless more! The persecution of believers here in America is increasing! We can learn how to endure persecution and use it to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the words that Jesus spoke, from biblical accounts of others, of brothers and sisters abroad and in the US. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring Good News, who proclaim peace…” (Isaiah 52: 7a NIV) A Prayer of Compassion from Mother Teresa: Lord, open our eyes that we may see you in our brothers and sisters. Lord, open our ears that we may hear the cries of the hungry, the cold, the frightened, the oppressed. Lord, open our hearts that we may love each other as you love us. Renew in us your spirit. Lord , free us and make us one. AMEN. Helping Hands In Motion is committed to prayerfully and financially supporting our persecuted faithful believers in ministry. Please join us in lifting them up to the Lord for protection and endurance. And fervently pray for America! This wonderful country was founded by Christians, based upon freedom of religion and expression. These liberties are now in danger, one-by-one they are being removed. We must earnestly seek God and ask Him for help! PRAY: We ask you to pray with us for the persecuted while they passionately serve and take the Gospel to difficult areas. SUPPORT: We ask you to financially support the ministry of Helping Hands In Motion, as we encourage, enable and empower national indigenous leaders with resources to reach their communities, cities and countries for Jesus Christ!]]>