Unarmed Viet-Hmong protesters are the targets of helicopter attacks along the northern Vietnam border. Troops are reacting to peaceful Hmong mass rallies seeking human rights and land reforms. The helicopter gunships forced many of the protesters into the mountains. Vision Beyond Borders working in the region distributing Bibles to the Hmong people said, ‘There is a revival going on in Vietnam at this time and most of that revival is happening with the Hmong people. Even though this persecution has come, I do know that it's not slowing down what God has in store for these people. There's always been a certain unrest among the Hmong, primarily due to the fact that they helped the CIA during the Vietnam conflict.’

Pray: for a spiritual fortification for all God's people and purposes at this time and for His word to be read and preached across the region. (Mt.24:14)

More: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/15760

Sixty three Christian pastors and church leaders remain locked in deplorable conditions in four prison camps around Vietnam just days after religious leaders accused authorities of attempting to destroy religions in the nation. Nearly all of the 63 prisoners are members of ethnic minority communities in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. An advocacy group said that due to their status as a member of an ethnic minority and their adherence to a faith (still seen as an American import) Christians face a level of oppression far higher than most Vietnamese. Living far from major urban areas and the reach of most international news agencies, they also have little hope of assistance. Even official churches in some areas are facing persecution, house groups face regular harassment and in Binh Phuoc province local authorities are dismantling 116 chapels of the Stieng minority group belonging to the legally-registered Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South).

Pray: for the immediate release of the leaders, protection for all practicing Christians in Vietnam and an end to unjust persecution. (Ps.14:6)

More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/30891-vietnam-detains-dozens-of-pastors-church-leaders

Two churches in Vietnam caught the attention of local authorities who later ordered their closure, Open Doors USA reports. In May, a group of believers were on their way to a church in an undisclosed village in south-western Vietnam when the police stopped them. The pastor was also summoned and questioned as to why he had church members from other villages. The authorities warned him, saying that he was ‘in violation of the law.’ A month later, local authorities in another village in southern Vietnam forced a pastor to close down his church, which has existed for many years, and stop his Christian activities. His house also stood on land that was earmarked for a government project, but his family was not compensated like his neighbours were.

Pray: for God’s Church that it will be given wisdom as it faces persecution. (Eph.4:16)

More: http://www.religiontoday.com/blog/christian-churches-targeted-in-vietnam.html

Authorities in Vietnam prevented much-anticipated public Easter celebrations in Hanoi planned for Friday and Saturday (April 15-16) after giving a verbal promise to organizers that the events would proceed. An inter-church organizing committee had submitted a request for permission well in advance and had made elaborate preparations for the special events featuring renowned evangelist Luis Palau. The organizers said they were disappointed but not entirely surprised by the Communist government’s action. ‘The authorities have clearly demonstrated to the world what we experience regularly – that their promises, whether verbal or written, cannot be trusted,’ said one church leader who requested anonymity. Asked to speculate on the reasons for the government’s ultimate refusal, another key church leader said, ‘I don’t know why, but it almost seems as if the government is deliberately damaging its own reputation.’

Pray: for the Church in Vietnam that despite the set-backs it will bring glory to God by its actions. (Ps.86:9)

More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/vietnam/article_110895.html

Amid allegations of voter fraud, Hugo Chavez has won another six-year term in office with 54% of the vote. According to reports, many Venezuelans in the United States are disappointed by the news. They claim their candidate Henriques Capriles lost despite exit polls showing otherwise. Typically results of Venezuelan elections are announced the following day, but this election was announced within hours of the polls closing. Executive Director of Spanish World Ministries (SWM) Daniel Sandoval says, ‘Among the true believers, there is a sense of disappointment. There's a sense of fear about what will happen in the next few years. But, we are certain that God is in charge of whoever is president in Venezuela.’ The fear is understandable. In 2006 Chavez forced many expatriate missionaries from the tribal areas of the country. This time around, however, Chavez is sending mixed signals.

Pray: that God’s people will stay strong against any fears and disappointments. (Ps.34:4)

More: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17768

Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov rules according to Communist Soviet methods, so society is heavily regulated. Revolutionary and jihadist Islam are real threats to his regime. Religious laws primarily targeting these Islamic groups are also used to persecute Protestant Christians whom the regime considers are threatening social cohesion. Small house churches are routinely raided by hostile security police. Protestants charged with breaching the religion law by possessing Christian literature, witnessing or worshipping without registration face exorbitant fines often 50 and 100 times the minimum monthly wage. These fines leave them destitute. This persecution has nothing to do with state security and everything to do with making Protestant Christianity undesirable to its members and to the masses. Despite this, Uzbekistan's Protestant and independent churches are growing.

Pray: that God, who rules heaven and earth, will raise up political and civic leaders in Uzbekistan who will establish justice and liberty. (Karimov has poor health and the next elections are in 2015.)

More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2013/s13040091.htm

Protestant churches in Karakalpakstan are illegal. Pastor Makhset is a housechurch leader and has been to court six times, his family’s apartment was raided in 2007 and they fled to Kazakhstan where they initiated the process of seeking asylum through the United Nations. The UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees determined the family to be refugees who would face prosecution in Uzbekistan because of their Christian faith. - The Kazakh government disagreed and ruled against Makhset. His case now rests before the country’s highest court, which has yet to set a date for his extradition hearing. On September 2nd Kazakh authorities arrested Makhset, prosecutors are responding to Uzbekistan’s request to return him to face charges. Open doors are asking for Christians to send a message to the Kazakh Ambassador to the United States, asking that the Kazakh government may not forcibly return Makhset to Uzbekistan! We are asked to pray.

Pray: that Makhset, his pregnant wife Aigul and their four children will not be repatriated and that Makhset will be free to preach and practice his faith. (Acts14:22)

More: http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=59821.0&dlv_id=85841