Urgent Prayer Chain

I apologize that the prayer requests am sending you is a little bit delayed already but please take time to pray for these. Thank you so much.
Blessings to you all in Jesus name!

Arlyn (ficc)

Subject: 2 prayer requests
From: Ipray4allu
Date: Thu, August 7, 2008 10:00 pm

Pastor Melissa sent ME these 2 requests. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. Wayne

Hi Wayne,

Thank you in advance for the prayers, and God Bless each of you.

From: stevenandsarah
Sent: 8/16/2008 7:53:54 P.M.
Subject: Prayer request

Please pray for my mom Nancy who was admitted to St. Anne’s Hospital on Thursday evening. She was very disoriented and did not know what she had done all day. This is very unlike her as she usually can recount her day in great detail. So far all the tests have not showed anything. She is back to normal mentally.

Pray that the Drs. are able to determine the cause of this and for continued healing from cancer. She had been feeling pretty good until last weekend when she began feeling like she was coming down with something and was feeling tired. She is in Rm. 1005.

Sarah Cieply

Not much change foreseen for believers in Mauritania’s coup

Mauritania (MNN) — Leaders of a military coup in Mauritania will hold a presidential election soon but will appoint a government for now. The junta deposed the president over corruption and alleged overtures to hard-line Islamists. It’s been a difficult region for Christians. Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs says, “It’s still 99.8 percent Muslim, whether it’s a general that sits in the top chair or whether it’s the president. There’s not going to be a dramatic difference in how the church is treated. We hope for more freedom; we hope for safety for our Christian brothers and sisters. I think it’s not going to make a dramatic difference.” Nettleton thinks radical Islamic groups will still be in force regardless of what the government says. “One of our staff members has been in contact with Mauritanian Christians. They had received threatening letters from the Islamic committee who were watching the ministry that was going on, and they were prepared to take action to stop the action from going forth.”

* Pray for strength of mind and spirit for those risking much to bow their knees to Christ.

* Pray for opportunities for the love of Christ to show through the humanitarian efforts of Christian organizations.

* Pray that Christians in Mauritania will find support and fellowship with other believers, despite their small numbers.

Churches damaged as Georgia/Russia clash

Georgia (MNN) — Violence continues between Russia and Georgia today. It began after Georgian forces tried to re-take the breakaway province of South Ossetia and warned of “war” if Russia intervened. Senior Vice President of Russian Ministries Sergey Rakhuba says they have workers in nearby Vladikavkoz. “We have a ministry center that is reaching out to all those neighboring provinces, including South Ossetia. This is a huge catastrophe for so many people.” Several thousand have been killed, and tens of thousands have been displaced and are now refugees. Rakhuba says God has prepared the local church for ministry. They were united after the Beslan tragedy; now they’re ready to help with aid and trauma counseling. He’s asking for prayer “that God would give wisdom and guidance — how to deal with this crisis and how our national workers would find the resources and be available to all of these refugee families, but also to give for this ministry to reach out to families who lost everything.” Pray that many will turn to Christ.

* Ask God to use this situation to bring many souls to Himself.

* Pray that the violence will come to an end and that no more people would be killed.

President Bush pushes religious freedom in China

China (MNN) — Next, human and religious rights organizations urged President Bush to raise the issue of religious freedom and be an advocate for persecuted Christians. And they got their wish. In an interview with NBC Sports, President Bush announced he attended church and also had frank talks with President Hu Jintao. Carl Moeller with Open Doors USA reports: “I think it’s remarkable that on the occasion of the Olympics, that the President of the United States no less than three times in an independent secular interview brought up the issue of religious liberty and brought it up particularly with the President of China.” Despite the positives, Moeller says, “Believers in China–especially unregistered believers–are still regularly harassed and persecuted by the authorities in a lot of locations around China. Our estimates are over 700 protestant pastors last year were arrested for some period of time simply for normal church activity.” You can help. Go to our Web site to find out how.

* Pray that many would hunger and thirst for righteousness and that God would open hearts and minds to receive the Gospel.

Russia/Georgia conflict concerns Christians

Georgia (MNN) — The U.S. State Department asked its citizens to leave the Republic of Georgia as Russia continued its onslaught against civilian and military targets. That came despite Russia’s claim to have halted military operations. 30,000 refugees are reportedly streaming into bordering North Ossetia, where Slavic Gospel Association supports churches. Griffith says those churches may be reaching out. “It’s still too early to say how that’s going to develop, though. But there’s always the potential of a humanitarian crisis, and we will just pray that the churches will be ready and able to step into situation like that to help if it’s needed.” While SGA is asking Christians around the world to pray for an end to the fighting, Griffith is also asking you to pray for something more specific. “Pray for the protection of the evangelical churches that are there and are ministering. Just pray that even through this crisis that the Lord will be able to use this to be able to find an open door for the Gospel.” The potential for outreach is great, but prayer and funding are needed.

* Pray that the conflict will end and peace will be renewed.

* Pray that Christians will be ready to share the hope of Christ in the midst of this conflict.

Spike in persecution of church leaders in Philippines

Philippines (MNN) — Communist rebels have executed a church pastor in the Mindanao area after falsely accusing him of aiding soldiers in an anti-insurgency campaign. Adele Konyndyk with Voice of the Martyrs Canada says unfortunately this trend appears likely to continue. “The reason that church leaders are in the positions of being threatened is because usually they’re in places where they are advocating change. It’s Islamic leaders focusing their attacks on Christian leaders.” According to the ministry, the murdered pastor, who had been kidnapped in May, had been subjected to torture during his captivity. Militant Muslim groups in the southern part of the country are intent on forming an Islamic state, and persecution of Christians is increasingly common. Keep praying for those who are taking the hope of Christ into the region. “Pray that they will be bold and be strong. Be thankful that we have seen in these situations, where even in these climates of threat and of violence, that leaders have actually become bolder and stood up and recognized the need for strong church leaders in these kinds of environments.”

* Pray for the family and loved ones of the pastor who was killed.

* Pray that the Filipino authorities will be able to effectively stop the Muslim and Communist guerrilla organizations operating in the country.

Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed about
missions and evangelism around the world. Our goal is to help you
become engaged in missions through praying more effectively, giving or
going to the field short or long term.

Thank you for your dedication and heart for world missions. Your
prayers are greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you as you
serve Him today!

In His grip,

Greg Yoder, Executive Director

Mission Network News

Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan, known for traveling across China on a bicycle to evangelize, was arrested by Chinese police just two days before the Olympics began. Pastor Bike was the inspiration for the recent partnership between The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association to create the Olympic Prayer Band.

Learn More about the Olympic Prayer Band here

Pastor Asks for Prayer Band

Earlier this year, Pastor Bike pleaded with VOM staff to ask Christians to pray for persecuted Christians in China during the Olympics. The pastor voluntarily preaches the gospel openly in China despite being persecuted. He has asked for his identity to be revealed to bring continued attention to the persecution of Christians in Communist China.

Thanks to Pastor Bike’s inspiration and the commitment of concerned Christians across the United States, more than 800,000 prayer bands have been circulated. On Aug. 6, Pastor Bike was arrested while trying to deliver medicine to his ailing wife. His wife and another pastor were also arrested. We have also learned this week that Chinese officials are opening a full investigation of the Olympic Prayer Bands that were distributed to house church members within China. Despite this increased pressure from Chinese authorities, Chinese Christians continue to ask for prayer and to make their plight known.

Order your Prayer Bands today!

As the Olympics goes on, the harassment of Chinese evangelists continues to increase. Please help remind others to pray for persecuted Christians like Pastor Bike by ordering your prayer bands today!

More about Pastor Bike

Pastor Bike, president of the Chinese House Church Alliance, rode his bike more than 10,000 miles, visiting 24 Chinese provinces to introduce nonbelievers to Jesus Christ. Armed with a Bible and his business card, which declared “Believe in Jesus, Earn Eternal Life,” Pastor Bike brought the gospel to thousands of people. He and other Chinese evangelists have been repeatedly harassed by Chinese officials during this Olympic year. Please pray for the release of Pastor Bike and his wife.

Philippines (MNN) —- Communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have executed a church pastor in the Mindanao area after falsely accusing him of aiding soldiers in an anti-insurgency campaign.

Adele Konyndyk with Voice of the Martyrs Canada says unfortunately this trend appears likely to continue. “The reason that church leaders are in the positions of being threatened is because usually they’re in places where they are advocating change. It’s Islamic leaders focusing their attacks on Christian leaders.”

According to the ministry, the murdered pastor, 45-year-old Josefino Estaniel, who had been kidnapped in May, had been subjected to torture during his captivity. Militant Muslim groups in the southern part of the country are intent on forming an Islamic state, and persecution of Christians is increasingly common.

Though the Filipino people predominantly profess Christianity, those Christians living in areas with significant influence from Muslim and Communist guerrilla organizations have faced threats, kidnapping and death.

Keep praying for those who are taking the hope of Christ into the region. Pray for the family of Pastor Estaniel during this time of grief. Pray also for the safety of other church leaders in the region.

Konyndyk says, “Pray that they will be bold and be strong. Be thankful that we have seen in these situations, where even in these climates of threat and of violence, that leaders have actually become bolder and stood up and recognized the need for strong church leaders in these kinds of environments.”

My Dear Prayer Partners:

Our family is currently experiencing another of the great attacks that have
and continue to besiege us.

As you are aware my father (75 in November) recently had triple by pass
surgery. The surgery went well but since then he has been in and out of
hospital with bleeding ulcers and a dramatic swing in his blood sugars that
threatened to put him in a coma. Today he is home and fairing well. The
doctors changed his heart medication and gave him a new one with lesser
contraindications for his diabetes.

Yesterday my mother (71 Next month) took a fall in the grocery store parking
lot and broke her leg at the tibia. The doctors put her in some contraption
gave her medication she told them she was allergic to and sent her home.
They had to return to the emergency room last night becuase her pain was so
bad, now it seems they have admitted her because in order to prevent having
to perform surgery she has to be completely bed ridden. SHe will be off her
feet for at least two months.

My mother was the primary care giver for my father, now she is totally
incapacitated herself. Currently my sister, nephew and brother in law are
in Florida taking care of things. They were supposed to come home today,
but have extended their stay for another week. My brother in law is a
teacher and my sister is a freelance bookkeeper, so they were OK to do so.
I will be looking after my sisters accounts in Ontario until she returns.

I feel so guilty that I cannot be there. I have recently started a new job
and am still on probation so am unable to take the time off without
jeopardizing my position. Further when I don’t work I don’t get paid and we
can ill afford to miss a mortgage payment. Exacerbating the situation, I
don’t have a passport, nor can we really afford the airfare or gas to get
there. I feel awful about not being able to do my part.

My brother, who lives in Florida, is totally overwhelmed. He is trying to
get the family business running and at the same time deal with now, TWO
parents that are dependent.

I ask that you keep my mother and father, and our entire family in your
prayers. We have no idea how we are going to manage this situation in the
long run, and could sure use the support.

Hugs and Blessings,

Teresa

Greetings to all our prayer warriors worldwide!

We are having our 6th church birthday celebration honoring the persecuted church and we need your participation.

First, please read the press release below and PRAY for the conference.. Please pray for souls to be saved, a special awareness of the atrocities being committed against our brothers and sisters worldwide, and pray for the holy Ghost to motivate us all to action.

You are also invited to share a testimony or report of victory by email with us and we will read it each night at the conference. Please also submit your prayer requests and we will agree together on them nightly also.

If you are in the area, or can arrange to be with us for one or more of the services, please come on! We can assist with food and lodging if needed.

It is not often I get the opportunity to say how much I appreciate all of you worldwide who take your time and spend it for intercession on others. What a blessing you are and I am so thankful to be associated with such a group of people. You are a blessing!

Please read below for more information and please keep us in prayer.

Faith International Christian Center of Bradenton, FL announces the celebration of their 6 year anniversary with a missions conference spotlighting the persecuted church worldwide, featuring guest speakers from Israel and around the world.

Isa Bajalia, one of our featured speakers, is a born again Arab Christian who has pioneered churches in Israel and a school on the West Bank. He brings to us first hand information from one of the hottest spots in the world, Israel! Isa lives continually under threat by terrorist. He will share testimonies of friends who have been victorious through various persecutions. Come and learn how God is moving in the land of Israel. You can learn more about Isa at www.middleeastmissions.org. He currently resides in Israel and Alabaster, AL.

Dane Muhlig, director of Victory Worldquest, (www.victoryworldquest.com) has to date conducted 195 outreaches around the world in Africa, India, Philippines, China and more. Victory Worldquest is involved in mass distribution of food, clothes, supplies and toys to the poor…emergency relief aid to the worlds natural disasters, assisting orphans, widows, AIDS victims, buying India Slave Prostitutes their freedom, assisting the homeless and helping anyone and everyone who needs help! Dane comes to us from San Diego, CA. with an awe inspiring message of selfless love for the nations.

Nightly various missionaries will be featured sharing their ministry. Tracy Rzepka from Uganda, Loving Hands from Bradenton, FL, Voice of the martyrs world organization, The Dann’s from Liberia, Wendy Thompson, of Bradenton women’s Aglow, The Cathedral of the Blessing Brazilian Church will sing and dance, and many others will be present to show videos, answer questions, and minister.

Nightly sessions begin Tues Sept 2nd at 7 pm and continue each night through Saturday evening the 6th. There will also be special morning sessions beginning at 9 am Saturday the 6th with Voice of the Martyrs and Dane Muhlig. Services will conclude after the Sunday Morning 10 am session with a covered dish dinner.

All services will be held at 7409 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, Fl. (The Albertsons Shopping plaza) Everyone is invited to come enjoy the testimonies, singing, food and fellowship. You may call the church for more information at 941-794-1713 or visit www.ficcwordchurch.org or www.ficccelebrationmissionsconf.org on the web. Happy Birthday FICC, see you there!

Love you!

Pastor Chuck & Arlyn Kennedy
Pastor Chuck and Arlyn Kennedy

www.ficcwordchurch.org
www.blowthetrumpet.net
ficccelebrationmissionsconf.org

Our vision is to reach the un-reached so we are working in the areas where there is no any church building or the church, but the people for whom we are praying and preaching to make them the people of God.

We have many families there at Saifal Maree Goth after the 17 months’ hard laboring. This area is about 42 K.M far away from the Karachi city at the northern side of the city.

We have a 74 (16 x 42 Sq. Ft is equal to seventy four yards) Yards piece of land in that area. This is donated for the church building.

From the month of June, we having the Sunday Service, at the open place (without roof) but this was the will of our Lord to encourage the people to join Sunday service, even without roof. Further it was at the first time in our church ministry that we have arranged a Sunday service at our place.

Dear Brother and Sister, we request you to pray for the construction work at this 74 Yards’ piece of land. As the administration of Abundant Life Church is going to arrange the Foundation Laid Stone ceremony on the Sunday, 24th of August at 5:00 P.M and our people are also praying to celebrate the 24th night’s Christmas service under the roof of the church building.

We are starting from zero but having 100% faith in Christ, the Lord. So please welcome to send your prayers and encouragements to: alcopak@rocketmail.com

We thank you for your prayer support.

(For and on behalf of alcopak)

Pastor Ishaq F. Khokhar
Founder & President
Abundant Life Church of Pakistan

India (MNN) —- The four Gospel for Asia missionaries that were thrown in jail after being attacked by a mob of anti-Christian extremists have officially been granted bail. However, there are several obstacles that must be conquered before the believers can be released.

Missionaries Yohan Samuel, Raj Lohra, Nanji Bir and Shobha Joshi were arrested and charged with attempting to force people to convert to Christianity and with “offending the sentiments of the people.” The men will remain under lockdown until the judge returns from vacation to approve their release.

On Tuesday, after several days of negotiations, the judge issued the bail order. However, some unusual conditions applied. They were as follows:

– Post bail money.

– Five local landowners with extensive holdings must sign off on their release.

– A certified local government official must sign off on their release.

While GFA leaders were able to meet the requirements, the judge won’t return from vacation until at least August 8.

The missionaries, three of which are Bible college students doing their internship, were attacked during a prayer meeting at Yohan’s residence around 9 p.m. on July 31. A mob of approximately 700 people showed up and began harassing them, and after being brutally beaten, the believers were thrown in jail.

One of the missionaries said to a GFA leader who visited them: “We are so happy that God protected us. We are rejoicing here with the Lord. But pray for our bodies; we were beaten quite badly. Please pray that we would receive healing.”

GFA leaders who appealed on behalf of the missionaries arrived in the town the day after the arrests, only to find heavy opposition. The anti-Christian extremists responsible for the attack had organized protest rallies and called for a local strike, which could cripple any government and business work. They also threatened local lawyers to discourage them from taking on the missionaries’ case.

Although GFA leaders did manage to find legal representation, anti-Christians have been working against them since the beginning of the case. Lawyers weren’t able to meet with the judge until the missionaries had been in jail for a few days.

China (MNN) —- 8.8.08 signals the start of the long-awaited 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with the elaborate opening ceremonies.

The Chinese consider eight a lucky number because in Cantonese it sounds like the word for “get rich” or “prosper.”

Many Chinese will celebrate Aug. 8, 2008 as one the most important dates in Chinese history — the launching of a prestigious event for the entire world to see the “new, open China.”

Johnny Li with Open Doors agrees. “China is more open. I think it’s the best religious freedom improvement in the last few hundreds of years. And, I think the believer in China is practicing more religious freedom than before. That’s not to say we’re perfect. We still have a lot of room to grow.”

Li is hoping that once the Olympics are completed, even more openness will be seen.

But many Christians are hardly “lucky” this year. The fact is that many Christians have suffered even harsher persecution by the Chinese government due to the glare of the Olympic spotlight. Li says, “They [are] on the run because of the Olympic Games. The government did not like them in Beijing or some of the cities where [some of the events are being held]. And they were afraid they would meet with the media and say something they wouldn’t like.”

As a result, many have been thrown into prison or transported to areas far away from Beijing and the Games venues. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reported last week that nearly 700 Protestant leaders who are not registered with the government have been placed in custody in the past year.

Those prisoners include Shi Weihan, who was re-arrested earlier this year for publishing Bibles and Christian literature. Shi ran a Christian bookstore, a printing press and travel agency. The bookstore is located near the Olympic Village. Weihan’s health has deteriorated since his imprisonment as a result of poor prison conditions and the refusal of prison officials to give him medicine for his diabetes, according to China Aid Association. CAA recently reported Shi was coerced to sign and recognize a confession convicting him of “engaging in the printing and distribution of a large number of illegal publications.”

“Unfortunately, there has been a crackdown on house church leaders in wake of the start of the Olympics,” states Open Doors USA President/CEO Carl Moeller. “Please join me in praying for all those in prison. It’s a travesty that hundreds of Christians sit in prisons while the Chinese government pats itself on the back for its hosting of the Games.”

The crackdown has had an effect on outreach efforts by house church leaders, says Li. “Most of them are more quiet, particularly [those] in cities where Olympic [events are being held]. Many of them were warned by the authorities not to do anything until after the Olympic Games.”

That doesn’t mean the church is sleeping. “They’re more focused in prayer. They’re more focused on one-to-one evangelism–particularly the government church because ‘religious freedom’ does not allow anyone to go out to the street. You have religious freedom inside the church, not outside the church.”

Open Doors is urging Christians in the United States to e-mail Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhou Whenzong to express concern over the status of believers, especially Shi, including his lack of access to medical care and medicines, adequate clothing, visitation rights for his family, and a fair and prompt trial. To send an e-mail and for more information, go to www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.

Open Doors is looking for prayer warriors to host a special prayer event in their church or small group during the Games Aug. 8-24. Open Doors is offering resources in the “Get-Set-Pray” kit. The materials can be downloaded from the Open Doors web site.

Please pray especially for the meeting between President Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao this weekend in Beijing. President Bush will bring up concerns over China’s poor human rights record.

An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with more millions facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world’s most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers.

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MNN Prayer List For 08 Aug, 2008

August 23, 2008 at 2:42 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Here are your weekly prayer items. Please pray over them during your personal devotional time and at your church prayer meeting. Missionaries tackle the food crisis USA (MNN) — There have been riots in the streets, prices are soaring, and millions are cutting back on meals. The global food crisis is upon us. Experts are calling it a “silent tsunami,” and it could affect every country on every continent before it gets better. That’s why Larry Williams with The Mission Society is providing training for missionaries in agriculture. “If we can work to enhance the food sources and help people to do a better job in raising more crops, they can improve their economic situation, and they can improve their nutrition and have healthier families.” It’s also about healthier souls as they share Christ whenever possible. He says this type of ministry is an open door for the Gospel. “I’m working in some restricted countries that are some of the poorest nations on the face of the earth, and food shortage is a very series issue. We work to develop a system where 2 1/2 acres can completely feed two families and provide an income for them.” They currently have more requests than they have personnel and finances. Go to our Web site to help. * Pray that many will come to Christ as a result of these programs. * Pray that more personnel and funding will be provided so that this ministry can increase in scope and in effectiveness. Missionary acquitted of proselytism Greece (MNN) — A missionary in Greece was charged with proselytism, but a judge acquitted him this summer. Patrick Ragan with AMG International said the missionary was arrested at a youth outreach in 2004. “He took ownership when someone made a scene that they were handing out literature that basically was the Gospel of Luke, and they realized that these were evangelicals. An adult accused them of doing proselytism there in Greece, and that’s illegal.” The evangelical church is encouraged by the result of the case, in which the judge dismissed the charges because the outreach was very open and non-coercive. Greek believers face serious opposition in the task of reaching the Orthodox culture. “Evangelical Christians are in great minority in Greece. Less than two-tenths of a percent are evangelicals, and they are looked down upon by the typical orthodox Greek, who sees them really as a heretic.” Pray that God will give the church in Greece boldness to share the Gospel. * Pray for the strengthening of the evangelical church in Greece. * Pray that the Truth of the Gospel will be manifest through believers in Christ. President Bush visits China, will he talk about human rights? USA (MNN) — The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China open Friday, and U.S. President George W. Bush will be there. But many groups are hoping he’s not just going to be a spectator of the opening ceremonies. Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs says, “Our hope is that while he’s in China he’ll raise the issue of religious freedom and be an advocate for persecuted Christians. He has raised that issue in the past, and we hope he will do it during this Olympic time as well.” Nettleton says persecution has been on the increase as the Olympics have drawn near. However, he doesn’t expect that to stop Christians from evangelism during the Olympics. “They’re not as worried about the government. They simply want to follow Christ, and they’re going to do that regardless of what restrictions are put on them. They say, ‘My first loyalty is to Jesus Christ, the head of the church, and I’m going to do what He says.’” Nettleton is asking Christians to pray for China as they watch the Olympics. * Ask God to protect believers following the Olympics. * Pray that God will open doors for believers to share the Gospel in various ways during the Olympics. Saudi Arabia deports 15 Christians Saudi Arabia (MNN) — 15 foreign Christians are being deported from Saudi Arabia, just two weeks after King Abdullah called for reconciliation between Muslims, Christians, Jews and others. Police arrested the 15 in April for holding a private prayer meeting and released them after 3 days. Jeff King with International Christian Concern (ICC) says this is typical and a bit ironic. “The king [Abdullah] is saying Christians and Muslims need to get along better. Then, look at what’s happening at home! This just shows and exposes the heart of Saudi beliefs. They can spend money and spin things, and they can do PR. But what matters is what happens at home.” Islam is the only legal religion in Saudi. Despite that, the church is growing. King says, “There is a tremendous hunger for Bibles in the persecuted church. You could see up to 30 people sharing one Bible. They tear off little pieces, and each person has like one book. One of our big drives is to get Bibles into the hands of these guys.” If you’d like to help Saudi and other persecuted believers with Bibles, go to our Web site. * Ask God to preserve believers and help them to persevere in Saudi Arabia. * Pray that the country will begin allowing religious freedom. The Olympic Games begin, Christians persecuted China (MNN) — Many Chinese are celebrating as opening ceremonies for the 2008 Olympic Games are being held. Many believe it’s an opportunity for the world to see the “new, open China.” Johnnie Lee with religious watchdog group Open Doors agrees that there is more freedom, but Christians are far from free. He says the Olympic spotlight has actually caused more persecution. “They [are] on the run because of the Olympic Games. The government did not like them in Beijing or some of the cities where [some of the events are being held]. And [officials] were afraid [Christians] would meet with the media and say something they wouldn’t like.” 700 leaders have been placed in custody. The crackdown has had an effect on outreach efforts by house church leaders, says Lee. “Most of them are more quiet, particularly [those] in cities where Olympic [events are being held]. Many of them were warned by the authorities not to do anything until after the Olympic Games.” However, Lee believes more religious freedom will be coming following the Olympics. Stay tuned. * Pray that seeds of the Gospel will be planted at the Olympics. * Pray that Christians will stand strong din their faith despite the threats. * Pray that religious freedom in China will increase following the Olympics. Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed about missions and evangelism around the world. Our goal is to help you become engaged in missions through praying more effectively, giving or going to the field short or long term. Thank you for your dedication and heart for world missions. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you as you serve Him today! In His grip, Greg Yoder, Executive Director Mission Network News

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