For many months, I have been passively involved and interested in the Voice of the Martyrs ministry. What is happening to Christians around the world has been going on for many years. The U.S. government under any administration for the last 40 or more years has failed to protest this injustice around the world.

We must stand for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, I am going to encourage you  to become involved there are several ways you can do that. Please go to their website. PLEASE!

Here is one of the latest bulletins they've posted. This, compared to other reports is a minor affront, as you learn more you will see that. It is easy to get involved and get others involved as well.

God Bless

====================================================================== 

Authorities in Uzbekistan are cracking down on Christians. Raids, detentions and other forms of government harassment have been on the rise in the last few days, according to Mission Network News.

Three Christians have each been sentenced to 15 days in prison in the Andijan region of eastern Uzbekistan after police raided a home.

In a separate case, a Baptist in Tashkent was given a 10-day prison sentence after officials raided a prayer meeting in a registered church. Sergey Rakhuba, with Russian Ministries, says government officials are using anti-terrorist laws to arrest believers. "[The believers] were doing what their constitution allows," he said. "They were praying and reading the Bible. But government officials arrested them... implying that they were trying to [create an uprising] against their country." The increased pressure on Christians has not stopped the gospel. "The more pressure they create, the more success we see in the underground movement," Sergey says.

Please Pray!

Praise God that pressure placed on Christians by the Uzbek government has not served to hinder the gospel! Pray the Christians will continue to stand firm in the face of adversity. Pray for those serving prison terms; that they will see their sentence as a ministry opportunity, not only to their fellow inmates, but also to the government officials with whom they come into contact.

VOM assists Christians in Uzbekistan through the Families of Martyrs fund, Pastor Support Program and by supplying Bibles and other Christian literature.