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Feature Story

Christian Father Attacked

Published on May 9th, 2013

Worshiping in attacked church
Nigerian Christians worshiping in their church after it was attacked

Christians in northern Nigeria are often threatened by radical Muslims if they refuse to deny Jesus. The threats are serious, and some Christians are afraid. But many Christians continue to boldly proclaim Jesus as their Savior, knowing that they will live forever with him in heaven.

A VOM contact told the following story of how God helped a persecuted family in Nigeria.

One night last November, the family heard banging on their front door at 11 p.m. A man’s voice said to open the door or he would force his way inside.

Before the family understood what was going on, two men forced their way into the sitting room. They ordered the family to come out of the bedroom immediately.

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Activities Story

Refusing to Bow (A Skit for Younger Children)

Published on May 8th, 2013

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

For younger children, the teacher may read all the parts, and the children can act out the parts as they are read.

Characters
5 narrators
Nebuchadnezzar
Shadrach
Meshach
Abednego

Narrator #1: Nebuchadnezzar was a king who set up a huge statue. When music played, all the citizens were supposed to bow down and worship the statue. Anyone who refused to bow would be thrown into a blazing hot furnace.

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Spotlight Story

Eva: Safe House Update

Published on May 7th, 2013

Eva
Eva

Eva, a 17-year-old in Tanzania, was sent to prison for two years. Muslims accused her of damaging a Quran. The Quran is the Muslim holy book.

Read a previous post about Eva here.

Eva is now 18. VOM readers sent more than 1,000 letter of encouragement to Eva while she was in prison.

A VOM worker visited Eve in prison and provided her with legal help. The court ruled that Eva was “not guilty” in January 2013!

After she left prison, Eva needed a safe place to stay. A VOM worker helped her move to a home with other Christian women who can help and encourage her. The worker also helped her find a job.

Eva was blessed by the letters she received from Christians, and she re-reads them during her stay at the safe house. “I did not know God loved me to that extent,” she said. “I am terribly amazed and am highly motivated and encouraged.”

(Source: The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter, May 2013)

To learn how to write letters to Christians in prison, visit www.PrisonerAlert.com.

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Spotlight Story

Thanking God in All Circumstances

Published on May 6th, 2013

Spreading the Gospel
Christians spread the gospel in challenging conditions

A Christian in Asia sent the following letter to The Voice of the Martyrs. The letter is a thank you note to VOM supporters whose gifts helped him spread God’s Word.

I am the son of a farmer. I live in a remote area. God has used me and my family to serve him by amazing grace.

Since 1993, my family has used our own house as the place where our church has studied the Bible and prayed. Every week, I invited a servant of God to come here to teach the Word.

When that became difficult, God prompted me by his Word in Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I, send me!’”

It was very difficult at first. I was often faced with arrests. At first, I was very worried, so I prayed more and more to God.

Thank God! The arrests are increasing. I pray eagerly. So I have more strength and courage. Thank God! “If there are no fading winter days, there are no splendid spring days.”

I am also teaching at other churches at a long distance from my house. The work is increasing more and more. But my motorbike was downgraded and damaged. The light was dim.

One time I had to go somewhere to teach and visit. On the way home, it was dark and rainy. I had to go six miles on a muddy road. A forest of motorbikes and trucks were going in the other direction. Their lights shone in my eyes. It was very difficult for me to drive my old motorbike.

I smiled and told God, “God, those people are on the road just for pleasure. You give them good transportation. But I work for you. Why is my motorbike so bad? Please be merciful and help me.”

Give thanks to the Lord for he has answered me! After only a month, God has touched your heart to help me buy a new motorbike. Thank God, and thank you so much. I will not forget to pray for you.

A Pastor

(Edited from the original source for clarity.)

To Think About

  • Why do you think the pastor thanked God for his arrests? What did he mean when he said, “If there are no fading winter days, there are no splendid spring days”?
  • The pastor said he will pray for those who helped him. If you decided to pray for those who help you, who would be on the list?

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Activities Story

China Youth Day

Published on May 3rd, 2013

On May 4th, China celebrates Youth Day. Events on Youth Day honor the patriotism of youth in China’s history.

Praise God, Christianity is spreading in China. But still, it is estimated that more than 1 billion people in China are not followers of Jesus. (Source: Operation World)

How many is one billion? Draw and cut out a 1-inch by 1-inch square. If possible, set it on a football field. (Or imagine it on a football field) About 7 million 1-inch squares would fit from end zone to end zone on a football field. You would have to fill 142 football fields with the squares to equal almost 1 billion squares.

On China’s Youth Day, pray that all China’s youth will hear about Jesus and his love for them.

Try the photo puzzle below and find two more China photo puzzles here.

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