Lord Bless this man and his Family. Give him strenth and courage to continue speaking of Jesus and praying for ALL who come to him. Calm his wife and children and bring peace to their household that astounds all who come into their home. Protect them with and Hedge of thorns built high and strng. Surround them with a wall of fire to show Your love for them. Thank you Lord for his life! Thank You Lord for his return! Thank You Lord! for his drive to serve You and share the Word of Life in the midst of trial! Thank You Lord! Thank You! Jesus!!! Thank you! Avenge the beating and poison this man has been subjected to and bring even more to the side of the Savior, Jesus! Protect the Christians who are endangered by this group of men and bring them to Jesus for their own Salvation! AMEN!

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Father God,I pray with Jerry and others for this Pakistani pastors total safety and healing and peace-comfort from his afflictions and renewed strength to serve You in Your will-what a brave person!in Jesus name,Amen.

Agreeing with Jerry and the prayers so wonderfully worded by akabezalel and oldrtnu
"Amen: the LORD do so. Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen."
Dear God, please bring healing of body and emotions to Pastor Yousaf Masih, give comfort and strength to his family and church, and continue to minister to Pastor Wilson Fazal.
We pray for others suffering persecution in Pakistan and around the world. Please sustain them. Indeed we do pray that those who are persecuting can be, as Saul/Paul, drawn to the Saviour.
We pray "through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
(Jeremiah 28:6; Psalm 89:52; Hebrews 13:21)


KJV Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

KJV 1 Peter 3:12 ...The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.... 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

KJV 1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

KJV 2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.

KJV Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

KJV Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 36 ...I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 40 ...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.



Pakistani Christian dies after attack by policeman May 28, 2004
Pakistani pastor shot and killed Apr 6, 2004
Australian court case ongoing Oct 26, 2003
Blasphemy Conviction of Two Christians Upheld by Pakistani Court Aug 7, 2003
Pakistani Priest Killed, Nuns Targeted for Attack Jul 8, 2003
Extremists Threatened by Reports of Conversions to Christianity Jun 4, 2003
Extremists Threatened by Reports of Conversions to Christianity Jun 4, 2003
Pakistani Christians Injured in Church Attack May 19, 2003
Pakistani Brothers Jailed for Blasphemy Released Mar 19, 2003
Pakistan Authorities Silent on Church Investigation Jan 30, 2003
Pakistani Christians' Blasphemy Appeal Set For Friday Jan 23, 2003
Injured Pakistanis lose eyes in Christmas Attack Jan 7, 2003
Christian massacre eyewitness abducted by Pakistani police Oct 22, 2002
Verdict overturned; Ayub Masih to be released Aug 15, 2002
Christian Nurses Killed in Pakistani Grenade Attack Aug 9, 2002
Christian School Attacked in Pakistan Aug 5, 2002
Bahawalpur Church Terrorists Killed in Shootout Jul 29, 2002
Acid Attack: Christian Girl’s Face Disfigured in Pakistan Jul 29, 2002
Imprisoned Pakistani Teacher Attacked Jun 24, 2002

A Letter Writing Ministry to Prisoners
You Can Make a Difference
Why write to them?
Your letters can make a difference! Mail sent to Christian prisoners, and to those who are being persecuted is very important for several reasons:
· Mail indicates clearly to the authorities that we are aware of that Christian’s situation — and we care! It chips away at the theory that the West is apathetic.
· Mail testifies of the love and unity found among followers of Jesus Christ throughout the world. This is especially true when letters are opened and censored. God may also choose to use them in the lives of those in authority — they too are people for whom Christ died!
· Mail is also evidence to our persecuted family that they are not forgotten. Communist oppressors and other persecutors of Christians constantly tell these prisoners that they are forgotten, that they are not loved, that no one knows about them. Through this isolation and loneliness the devil can prey upon their faith. When a prisoner receives a letter, whether they can read it or not, they know that someone cares.
· Mail can result in better treatment for a prisoner. The authorities are very sensitive about their image abroad. When they realize that outsiders are monitoring a prisoner’s situation, conditions may be improved.

Each card or letter that reaches a prisoner or family is a precious gift.
Gintautus Iesmantas spent six years in Soviet prison camps and a further five years in exile in Siberia, merely for writing and distributing Christian poems and articles. The prison officials limited the number of letters he received, yet he wrote:
“I feel that the senders exist, helping me to live and not to lose faith and hope. For five years now, your words and good wishes have kept me company on the difficult road of suffering. They have given me strength and the comfort that my sacrifice has not disappeared in the darkness of anonymity, and that there are people who are concerned for the fate of someone they don’t know.”

Here are other responses from the former Soviet Union:
“Each card that arrives from distant lands seems to say, ‘I come from your brothers and sisters who love the Lord as you do. And they love you, pray for you, have compassion for you and want you to remain faithful to your Redeemer and Lifegiver.’ I hold each letter with a sense of awe…” — Neonila Antonova
“During my eight years of imprisonment I received 9,546 letters!…They were a tremendous source of encouragement. They gave me new life and hope…Those letters are probably the only earthly treasure which I would like to take to heaven with me…” — Yakov Skorniakov
“I praise my Saviour for His great love, and I want to thank you, my dear friends. How great is your ministry! How endless your care and love! How precious your prayers and letters!…I thank God for hearing the cries of His people all over the world on behalf of each prisoner, orphan and widow…” — Anton Nazarevich
YOU are ‘DOING TIME FOR GOD’
by taking time to write and minister to those who need help and encouragement, while they are ‘DOING TIME FOR GOD’ in prison for their faith in Christ their Lord!

Writing to Prisoners
May I write in English?
Yes, write in English, but please watch your penmanship. Your note must be legible to be translated. Many people study English, so there will often be someone to translate your letter.
What do I write?
Send letters, notes, postcards even bookmarks. Attractive Christian greeting cards are especially cherished. Express your Christian love and mention you are praying (then do!). Include a Bible verse, quote it and please give the reference. Be careful in writing about politics or criticizing their government. If you want to make your letter even more personal and special, you may want to include a snapshot of yourself, your family or your prayer group.
We do not believe it to be dangerous to put your name and address on correspondence.
What if I don’t get an answer?
Don’t expect an answer. Most of your letters reach their destination, but it is difficult to reply. For many families in these restricted lands, the cost of a letter back to you may be equal to a day’s wage.
Letters sent to Christian prisoners are occasionally returned unopened. Sometimes, authorities refuse to give a prisoner their mail in order to make them feel isolated. In other cases, the prisoner may have been moved to a different camp and their mail is not forwarded. Keep writing. Don’t be discouraged! Your letters are significant. They are a quiet and loving gift to your brothers and sisters. You will rejoice together when we meet in Heaven.

Writing to Government Officials
Letters and petitions show officials that there are people who know and care what happens to each prisoner. Their conditions may be improved as a result. If the authorities think no one cares, the Christian may be imprisoned with dangerous criminals, abused, deprived of food, or denied rights to their mail, parcels and visits.
Don’t underestimate the power of your letter.
What do I say?
Be brief.
Be polite. You are representing Jesus Christ.
Be careful in writing about politics or criticizing their government, other than human rights abuses.
State a general concern for persecuted believers.
State a specific concern for one or more prisoners.
(a) Where possible, give full name and home town of prisoner(s).
(b) Tell why you are concerned (perhaps they have been beaten).
(c) Tell what you would like to see done (released, given medical treatment, etc.).
Remember to thank them in advance for their positive actions.
PAKISTAN
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations
Pakistan House, 8 East 65th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021
Telephone: (212) 879-8600, Telefax: (212) 744-7348



The 7x7 initiative of releaseinternational(org) encourages prayer and action for seven years for seven countries (identified in 2002) where Christians have faced intense persecution: China, Indonesia, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan and Vietnam. Through an international network of missions, RI serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries around the world.


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"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you...."
2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV

Dear Lord,
I pray for this pastor Lord. I pray that he doesn't give up. That he still realizes that you are there. I pray that you send thousands of angels by his side to protect him. I pray that through everything that he feels the peace and love of you lord. I pray that you heal him lord. I pray that the people who kidnapped him lord, will release him. I pray this lord in the name of Jesus. Amen

dd

Continuing in prayer for Pastor Yousaf Masih, his family, and church -- as well as for the many Christians being persecuted throughout the world and their families.

__________________
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you...."
2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV

Focus on the Family
November 19, 2004

CHINESE PERSECUTION ASSAILED: Capitol Hill hearing focuses on religious oppression in the Communist nation.

by Keith Peters, Washington, D.C., correspondent

Advocates for Chinese Christians went to Capitol Hill on Thursday looking for help to counteract religious persecution in China, which has been growing in severity over the last few years.

Bob Fu, president of the China Aid Association, said the sheer numbers behind the persecution are sobering.

"Over 20,000 members of underground religious groups have been arrested, detained, kidnapped or under house arrest," he said. "Hundreds of churches and homes have been destroyed. Many of the arrested believers, especially women, were tortured, raped, or sexually abused during their interrogations."

But while the campaign against underground churches continues throughout China, there are some who excuse the mistreatment. Professor Pitman Potter of the University of British Columbia said the West should accept the Communist country's perspectives on social regulation.

"It's in the enforcement of those rules that China should be invited to improve its compliance," he said, "rather than saying we have a set of standards here in Washington or in Ottawa or elsewhere."

That suggestion doesn't sit well with U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa.

"It is unconscionable to hold anyone in prison anywhere in the world for religious faith," he said. "It is only conscionable to release such prisoners and to clear their records."

There is no other position, he said, a civilized human being can take.


20 April, 2006
CHINA - USA
Abuse of Chinese Christians persists as Hu Jintao visits Washington

An American organization lobbying for religious freedom in China claimed: “Police raids against unofficial Christians are continuing and becoming ever more violent.”

Washington (AsiaNews) – On the day of the visit to the White House of China’s President, Hu Jintao, the China Aid Association [CAA – an American NGO lobbying for religious freedom in China] denounced new and ever more violent persecution against Chinese Protestant Christians....

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"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you...."
2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV

Father, in Jesus' Name we pray for Your will over any human who will hurt another human being. Like You did Saul, we ask You to turn them around and make them warriors for You.

Lord, for the men, women and children who have been hurt and killed, we ask for vengeance. Since this return belongs to You, we will only stand where You command us to, and have mercy....give us ears to hear and eyes to see...so we can move to the place You are leading us to go.

Lord, bless these victims (warriors of the kingdom) and their families with joy in the place of grief and mourning. Give them all divine protection for the rest of their lives in You.

In Jesus' Name we ask these things and we give You thanks....Amen.

__________________
Trust God.

Lord, have mercy on the souls of those who beat this man. I pray that his Christian witness will minister to them. Let it have a great impact. Lead these Muslim's to repentence.

Father, protect Masih from any further persecution. Send angels to protect him. Surround him by a mighty angel guard. I pray that he will be directed by Your Holy Spirit in every move he makes, so he will be directed away from danger.

Lord, I pray You will heal his body, and give him the ability to preach for you again.

May his family keep serving You and not give up because of the persecution. Teach these children that anything they go through for You can not compare to the Glory they will one day know. Let them be willing to endure for You, whatever they may have to go through. Let their father's strong faith teach them this lesson.

Let mighty things happen in this for the furthering of Your Gospel. Use this all for Your glory.

Release legions of angels all over the world, to go to every place where Christians are persecuted.... Let there be a renewed zeal on the part of Your children to pray for the persecuted church. As we do, let angels be sent on assignment, that far less are persecuted and that many more are protected.

I praise You for this, in Jesus Name, amen.

~JeriRose~
Finding YOU in 2004

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24 But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:24)

KJV Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.


http://www.annointed.net/ForumTopic_45467__15.htm
http://www.annointed.net/pn_vb.php?...3589#post203589




releaseinternational(org)
PAKISTAN: CHURCH ATTACKED

Yet another church in Pakistan has been attacked, bringing the total to five in the last two months.

Church leaders have appealed for greater security for Pakistani Christians after a mob set fire to a church in the village of Mian Channu in Punjab, some 100km east of Multan, on the night of March 30. Local residents quickly extinguished the fire but some of the church furnishings were destroyed, according to The Voice of the Martyrs Canada.

Although no-one was injured, the church pastor, Rev Nathaniel Barkat, said his congregation were ‘shaken’ by the attack. Local police have said that they believe the motive might have been an attempt by Islamist militants to stir up conflict between Christians and Muslims in the area.

Ejaz Ghauri, chairman of the Human Development Network, condemned the attack and accused the authorities of not intervening sufficiently to protect minorities from religious violence.

In February and March this year, attacks were made on churches in the following areas: Kanwanlit, Punjab province; Sukkur in Sindh province; and Sarghoda in Punjab. AsiaNews reports that a well-known Christian singer A. Nayyar was recently attacked in Lahore and forced to recite the Salama-Tayyaba, the Islamic profession of faith.

Pray for the congregations of the five churches attacked in recent months. Pray that they will not allow fear or the desire for retribution to overtake them.

Pray that the Pakistani government would heed calls for greater protection for Pakistan’s religious minorities, including Christians.


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"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you...."
2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV

Dear Lord in Heaven, I pray for Thy protection to be over all Christians throughout the world and those who live in fear and danger of their lives and recieving bodily harm to come upon them for their beliefs. May Thy shield of protection be over them and use them to further Thy work and spread Thy gospel to those who are in darkness, I pray in Jesus Holy name amen.

__________________
Prayer & faith changes things!

April 4, 2006
From: The Voice of the Martyrs

"But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."
(I Corinthians 12:24b-26)

INDIA
(Compass Direct)
In remanding the president of the Emmanuel Mission International (EMI) to judicial custody until April 10th, a Rajasthan court ordered the administration to keep the Rev. Dr. Samuel Thomas in a cell separate from Hindu extremist inmates allegedly plotting to assault him. Thomas' attorney, Mohammad Akram, told Compass he had pleaded in court his client be given a cell separate from jailed militants accused of violence against Christians. EMI officials said other Hindu extremists were hatching a conspiracy to falsely implicate Thomas for illegal trade in drugs. A delegation from the All India Christian Council has submitted a report to the prime minister, concluding that Rajasthan state is harassing Christians due to pressure from the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). During a three-day tour of the Kota area, the delegation also met Samuel Thomas in police custody. Thomas told the delegation he had not been mistreated, but he was worried about EMI's orphanage and the hospital. At the hospital the delegation found patients had not received adequate care because of police presence and threats that if anyone were treated, staff members would be arrested and the facility closed down.

Pray God will continue to protect Dr. Thomas from physical harm. Pray those who never sought the Lord will see Jesus in Dr. Thomas and turn to Him. Pray God will move in power to protect and maintain the orphanage and hospital founded by Dr. Thomas' father.

A Hindu extremist group planning centenary celebrations in April hopes to "reconvert" as many as 10,000 tribal Christians to Hinduism during the event. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold the Dharma Jogna in Orissa, India, on April 8th – 10th. Given the recent trend of mass "reconversion" ceremonies organized by the RSS and its sister organization, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council), Christian leaders fear many tribal people may be persuaded to reconvert against their will. "We are extremely worried," said the Rev. Dandia Basi Hrudaya, secretary of the Orissa chapter of