November 2004

IRAN (Religion Today) The removal of Christian prisoner Hamid Pourmand to a military prison last week deepened fears for his safety. Despite assurances that he would be released in late October, Pourmand has remained under detention at an unknown location until a few days ago, when he was transferred to a military jail. He and nine other pastors were held for four days of interrogation after their arrest on September 9th, but the others have been set free. Pray God will strengthen Pastor Pourmand as he remains in prison. Ask God to give Pastor Pourmand the opportunity and energy to share Christ with his persecutors. Pray the international community will protest his cruel treatment and God will use it to bring about his release. Pray the Holy Spirit will convict the Muslim authorities of their attitude toward and treatment of Christians and will draw them into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

JORDAN (Compass Direct) Christian widow Siham Qandah's Muslim brother-in-law, who was given legal guardianship of her children, finally appeared in court to account for his taking $16,500 from the children's trust fund. Abdullah al-Muhtadi explained he had used the money for lawyers' fees during the long legal battle to gain custody of the children. He produced receipts that will be examined by Qandah's lawyer and the judge who set the next hearing for November 23rd. Pray the judge will deliver a just verdict, giving Qandah custody of her children. Pray God will protect the children and keep them faithful to Jesus. Pray the Holy Spirit will melt al-Muhtadi's heart to have compassion for the children who need their mother. Ask God for al-Muhtadi's salvation.

RUSSIA (The Bible League) The Bible League received an appeal for prayer from several leaders of churches in the Moscow area, mentioning attacks and beatings of church members and pastors in many regions, as well as the vandalizing and burning of Christian churches. Leaflets with calls to violence against Protestants are being distributed. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow confirms the growing violence-and lapse in law enforcement-in its 2004 International Religious Freedom Report. Pray Christians in Russia will put on the whole armor of God to stand against their enemies. Pray the leaflets calling for violence against Protestants will cause many to look to the true God of peace. Pray the Holy Spirit will move in power to bring spiritual revival to Russia.

VIETNAM (Compass Direct) Le Thi Hong Lien, the only woman among the six Mennonites sentenced to prison November 12th, is hospitalized with a "mental disease" according to prison officials. Imprisoned since June 30th, her appearance at the November 12th trial so alarmed co-defendant Rev. Nguyen Hong Quang that he asked the court to take her immediately for a medical examination. The judge refused. Prison officials have not allowed her parents to visit her. Pray God in His mercy will protect Lien from any further abuse. Pray Jesus will draw close to her and she will know His loving, comforting presence. Pray Lien's strong faith will lead others to our Savior.

Please continue to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ, and please send them letters of encouragement.

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