Vietnam: Hmong targeted by Vietnamese troops
28 May 2011
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)
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
Vietnam: Crackdown on Christians
09 Nov 2010
Since August thousands of armed soldiers, police and security forces have been trying to ‘wipe out’ Christians who refuse to join a state-approved church. The security forces have been ‘strategically placed’ to watch Christians in 23 villages in Vietnam's mountainous Gia Lai province to ensure no one is still worshipping God or attending an independent church for worship. The security police are ordered to arrest, torture and send to prison any one who violates this religious law. There was no immediate comment from Vietnamese officials, but the Foreign Ministry has in the past denied reports of wrongdoing. Vietnam's Communist government allows Christians to join the official Evangelical Church of Vietnam but many Degar Christians prefer to worship in house churches.‘The Vietnamese government has created a new religion and built a new church but it is not religion and church that we need.’ said a local Christian. Pray: for Vietnamese Christians to have the right to worship Jesus Christ in the church of their hearts.(Jn.4:23)
Vietnam: Christian Churches targeted
19 Sep 2013Two 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
In a central government crackdown on Protestant Christianity in Vietnam, hundreds of Christians from 10 northern provinces were locked out of a Christmas celebration due to take place on December 19th when police locked the doors and sent them away. Some of the deeply disappointed Christians began singing and praying in front of the building. Police moved in, striking some with fists and night sticks in the melee that followed. Video clips of the action were posted online by Monday Dec. 20th. Christian leaders calmed the crowd, which eventually left, but not before at least six people – including the Rev. Nguyen Huu Bao, the scheduled speaker - were arrested. Similar incidents occurred on Dec.19 in at least four other places throughout the country. As Christmas Day approaches, it appears the 400,000 Protestants in unregistered churches will be denied celebrating together. Pray: for those beaten and wounded to know God's comfort and healing and for officials to see Christians in a positive light and no threat to their authority. (Is.9:6) More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/vietnam/30101
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
Venezuela: Chavez re-elected, Christians fearful
11 Oct 2012Amid 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)
Uzbekistan: Protestants harassed and bullied
29 Apr 2013Uzbekistan'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