No matter where The Voice of the Martyrs ministers, the first request of persecuted Christians is almost always the same: "Pray for us."

Answer that request by joining The Voice of the Martyrs in praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.   Sign up today to receive specific, up-to-date prayer requests by email every Thursday through the Persecution and Prayer Alert. To subscribe, click here.

Three Christian men murdered in Mosul, Iraq

Three relatives of Father Mzen Ishoa, a Syro-Catholic priest who was abducted and later released in 2007 (click here for more information), were shot and killed by unknown assailants on February 23. The gunmen forcibly entered the believers' home and opened fire on Aishwa Maroki (59) and his two sons, Mokhlas (31) and Bassim (25). Aishwa's wife and daughter were also in the home but were not harmed. (Sources: Middle East Concern, Catholic News Agency, AFP)

Pray that those in mourning will know that God is the defender of widows and a Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5). Pray that authorities will do all they can to improve security for all citizens of Mosul. Pray that the upcoming elections will lead to greater stability and a reduction of violence in Iraq. You can post a prayer for these and other suffering Christians on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

For more on the suffering of Iraqi Christians, go to the Iraq Country Report.

Christians under attack in Chiapas, Mexico

There were several attacks on believers in Chiapas, Mexico in recent months. Evangelicals in the state face frequent threats and attacks by rebel groups and traditionalist religious groups.

In one incident, a Christian community in the state was attacked by a group of 70 armed rebel sympathizers. Nearly 30 people were injured, including women and children. Seven Christians were kidnapped and one was shot in the back and left for dead.

On February 28, three Christians were shot and wounded on their way home from church services in the region of Mitziton. Rebel group members also reportedly threw rocks at cars and blocked the highway in order to prevent medical aid from reaching those injured.

In the city of Tumbala, rebel sympathizers assaulted approximately 40 Christians who were asleep in their homes. A 49-year-old believer was killed and 20 other Christians were injured. At last report, no suspects had been arrested. (Source: VOM Mexico)

Pray for protection and endurance of faith for these suffering believers. Pray for healing for those injured. Pray that followers of Christ in Mexico will be an example of His love and grace, even to their persecutors.

For more information on trials facing Christians in Mexico, go to the Mexico Country Report. Other stories about persecution in Mexico are included in the March and February editions of The Persecution Report. You can watch these videos today; see the March Persecution Report and the February Persecution Report.

Christians sentenced to prison for blasphemy in Pakistan

A Pakistani Christian man, Qamar David, was sentenced to life in prison for blasphemy on February 25. Qamar was arrested in 2006 for allegedly spreading blasphemous messages about the Qur'an and Mohammed on his cell phone. The court also ordered him to pay a fine of 101,000 rupees (approximately $1,200 CAD). Since his arrest, Qamar and his lawyer have been threatened with violence by mobs and have survived several assassination attempts.

In Punjab province's Kasur district, a Christian couple -- Munir Masih and Ruqqiya Bibi -- has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for blasphemy. The couple was accused of contaminating the Qur'an in December 2008 when they touched the book without washing their hands. They were released on bail in January 2009 but were subsequently re-arrested when the judge ruled against them. At last report, an appeal to have the sentence overturned was being planned. (Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, International Christian Concern, AsiaNews)

Pray that the charges of blasphemy against these believers will be overturned. Pray that their faith in Christ will grow stronger during these difficult days. Pray that the country's blasphemy laws will be repealed and that the abuse of these laws will end.

You can learn more about the persecution of believers in Pakistan at the Pakistan Country Report.

Iranian Christian couple arrested

Two Iranian house church leaders from Muslim backgrounds, Hamid and his wife Reyhaneh, were arrested on February 28. When officials arrived at their home in Isfahan, they arrested Reyhaneh. She was assaulted when she resisted them. Other believers present were threatened and one was assaulted for protesting the actions of the police. Hamid arrived home one hour later and was also arrested. The officials confiscated computers, telephones and books, including many Bibles.

On March 1, the couple's family members contacted authorities and were told that Hamid and Reyhaneh's case was to be referred to the Revolutionary Court once charges were finalized. They were also told not to make further inquiries. Hamid and Reyhaneh's whereabouts were unknown at last report. (Source: Middle East Concern)

Pray that Hamid and Reyhaneh will be released. Pray that their two teenage sons will know the presence and peace of Jesus in this time. Pray that believers in Iran will know the Spirit's guiding wisdom. Pray that Iranian officials will act justly, display mercy and respond positively to the message of Jesus.

For more on the persecution of Christians in Iran, go to the Iran Country Report.