Christians killed in Mosul, Iraq

Three Christians were killed in Mosul, Iraq over the past week. On October 4, an armed group of suspected Islamist militants assassinated a man named Hazim Thomaso Youssif (40) in front of his clothing shop and Ivan Nuwya (15) was shot to death in front of his home, located near a mosque in the Christian-majority neighbourhood of Tahrir. On October 6, a disabled 25-year-old shopkeeper was shot and killed in the neighbourhood of Karama. Some Christians believe that Islamists are targeting shopkeepers in an effort to wipe out the Christian community's economic activity and drive out believers from the area.

Pray for those who mourn these lost lives. Ask God to continue to embolden the Christian community in Mosul to proclaim the Gospel even while suffering. (2 Timothy 4:16-18).

To learn more about Christian's suffering for righteousness' sake in Iraq, visit the Iraq Country Report.

More Christians killed in anti-Christian violence Orissa, India

At least three more Christians have been killed over in the widespread violence that began seven weeks ago in Orissa state's Kandhamal district (see links on India's Country Report for more information).

On October 1, an elderly Christian, Lalji Nayak, died from axe wounds he received when a mob of Hindu militants attacked the village of Hrudangia the previous day. His wife, also attacked with an axe, was seriously injured in the head and his brother has been hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds.

On October 2, two men were dragged out of their home in Sindhipankha village, shot and then dismembered. The assailants also massacred cattle belonging to village Christians and burned Christian-owned houses. Approximately 400 homes have been set on fire by militants in in Kandhamal and Boudh district over the past week.

Pray that those who mourn will find peace in the fact that those who have suffered with Christ will be glorified with Him (Romans 8:15-17). Pray for healing for those injured. Pray that Christians in India will
continue to live as cross-bearing disciples and remain steadfast in
faith at all cost.

To find out more about the plight of Christians in India, click here.

Church destroyed by Islamists in southern Somalia

Pray that the believers in Somalia will be steadfast in their service for the Lord. Pray that they will rejoice in the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness through their tribulations (James 1:2-4).

For more information about the trials facing Christians in Somalia, click here.

Update: Uzbek Christian released

Aimurat Khayburahmanov, a Christian arrested and detained on charges of terrorism in the automonous region of Karakalpakstan on June 14 (click here for more), was released on September 26, according to a September 30 report from Forum 18. The Nukus City Criminal Court ruled that the "religious extremism" charges against Khayburahmanov be dropped and he was amnestied on the charges of teaching religion without official approval. Praise the Lord for this brother's release.

Update: Court grants custody of Christian boys to Muslim father in Egypt

Mario and Andrew Photo from Compass Direct

Update: Suspects facing charges of raping pastor's daughter in Bangladesh

Two persons accused of raping a pastor's daughter in the village of Laksmipur (click here for more information) are now facing charges, according to an October 1 report from Compass Direct. On September 7, police submitted to the district court a charge sheet based on an extensive investigation following a positive DNA test. If convicted, the two will receive life terms in prison.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Pray For Us... This is the plea of persecuted Christians around the world. Today 200 million people are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ, and over 165 thousand will be killed this year for their witness or identification with Jesus. On November 9, Canadians will join with Christians in over 130 countries to stand in prayer with our suffering sisters and brothers for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). The theme this year is "Pray for the Persecutors," based on Romans 12:9-21. To get your church, Bible Study or small group involved in IDOP, go to www.idop.ca, where you can download a free resource kit.

October edition of The Persecution Report now online

The October edition of VOMC's monthly webcast, The Persecution Report is now online. This month's video includes reports on Laos, India and Pakistan. There's no better way to see the faces and hear the voices of those taking a bold stand for Christ in environments of opposition. Check it out on our home page.

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

Check out the recent weblogs by the staff of The Voice of the Martyrs.

a) "Should pastors publicly endorse political candidates?" Share your thoughts about promoting political figures from the pulpit.

b) Find out two new ways to stay up to date on the VOMC weblog in "Follow Persecuted Church weblog."

c) Read "Three more killed in Orissa," to learn how you can help VOMC let our brothers and sisters know that they are not forgotten during these days of tribulation.

d) Adele Konyndyk highlights a recent attack on a Chinese church in "Church raided in Shandong, China."

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