Two Christians killed in Mosul, Iraq

Ask God to fill those who mourn for these sisters with a peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of their grief (Philippians 4:7). Pray for healing for their mother as she recovers. Ask God to bring peace to Mosul.

For more information on the plight of Iraqi Christians, please visit the
Iraq Country Report. A new video from CBN on the persecution of Christians in Mosul is now available on www.persecution.tv. Click here to view the video.

Relief workers arrested in Orissa, India

Seven Christians working for the Discipleship Centre relief agency in Bhadrak district, Orissa, India were arrested by police for forcible conversion on November 4. According to a November 6 report from the Evangelical Fellowship of India, the workers were travelling to their office by motorbike when a collision occurred with another cyclist. A mob of approximately 50 people then gathered around the Christians and began to attack them. The mob swelled to approximately 400 people after it was joined by members of Hindu militant groups who shouted anti-Christian slogans. The police eventually arrived on scene and took the Christians into custody and charges of forcible conversion were brought against them. At the time of the report, the Christians remained in detention.

Pray that these charges will be dismissed. Pray for the safety of believers working with relief agencies in India as they are often falsely accused of forcible conversion.

Learn more about India's persecuted Christians by visiting the India Country Report.

Restrictive religion law passes parliament in Kyrgyzstan

A restrictive religion law passed its final reading in Kyrgyzstan's parliament on November 6, sparking concern among the Christian minority. The new law, if approved by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, requires religious organizations to have a minimum of 200 members whose identities have been confirmed by local authorities, bans the distribution of religious literature in public places, and prohibits private religious schools.

Glenn Penner, VOMC's CEO, states, "This law makes it impossible for smaller churches to function legally. Even larger congregations will have difficulty getting 200 members to sign the necessary documents. History shows that these believers have good reason to be nervous about registering their names with the government."

Pray that this law will be rejected by the president. Ask God to give Christians in Kyrgyzstan strength and boldness (Acts 4:29-31).

Update: Pastor Zhang and wife released in China

Update: Imprisoned Azeri pastor transferred to house arrest

Update: Christian doctor released in Pakistan

Photo from All Pakistan Minorities Alliance

In this week's VOMC weblog (www.persecution.net/weblog.htm)

Check out the recent weblogs by the staff of VOMC:

Balloons being released into North Korea

b) Read "Orissa's Christians prepare for more violence" for an update on the precarious situation facing Christians in India.

c) Glenn Penner questions if and how Christians should express anger over the atrocities committed against Christians in "A time for anger."

d) "Balloons as a means to reach North Korea" includes a video clip that describes how literature and other material are being delivered to this restrictive country.

e) Watch a video clip of a notorious North Korean prison camp in "Yodok prison camp in North Korea."

f) Follow the link in "Glenn's IDOP sermon" to hear the sermon Glenn delivered on November 9 for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

To make comments on these and previous VOMC weblogs, go to persecutedchurch.blogspot.com.