No matter where The Voice of the Martyrs ministers, the first request of persecuted Christians is almost always the same: "Pray for us."

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Thirteen Christians killed near Jos, Nigeria

Ask the Lord to supply the loved ones of those killed with comfort and grace as they mourn. Pray for healing for those with injuries. Pray that God will fill Nigerian believers' hearts with peace beyond comprehension in the midst of terrible violence.

To find out more about persecution in Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

Another Christian murdered in Mosul, Iraq

Sabah Gurgis (55), a Chaldean Catholic business owner in al Saa, Mosul, was shot and killed on March 7. Sabah leaves to mourn his wife and child. His killing is the latest in a series of deadly attacks on believers in the city, including the recent murder of three men earlier this month (click here for more information). (Sources: AsiaNews, AFP)

Ask God to fill those who mourn for Sabah with a peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of their grief (Philippians 4:7). Ask God to continue to equip Iraqi Christians to be cross-bearing disciples as they serve Him. Pray for the peace of Jesus to reign in this troubled land.

For more on the suffering of Iraqi Christians, go to the Iraq Country Report.

Muslim mob attacks Christians in Egypt

A mob of approximately 2,000 Muslims attacked Christians gathered for prayer in a Coptic church in the northwestern city of Marsa Matrouh on March 12. Muslims hurled stones at the building before entering and assaulting several of the over 400 believers trapped inside. Twenty-five people were reportedly seriously injured. The Muslims also burned and destroyed houses, shops and cars. At last report, approximately 28 Christians had lost their homes. The violence was allegedly sparked by local Christians building a wall around a plot of land belonging to the church. (Source: Assyrian International News Agency)

Pray that the victims of this attack will know God's care and provision. Pray that those responsible for the attack will come to repentance and recognize Christ as Lord. Pray that the international community will voice deep concern for the Christians in Egypt who are being persecuted for their faith.

To learn more about Christians suffering for their faith in Egypt, go to the Egypt Country Report.

Update: Christian sentenced to prison; believers heavily fined in Uzbekistan

Members of the Council of Churches Baptists in Uzbekistan have faced prison sentences and fines in recent weeks for refusing state registration, citing fears that it could lead to interference from the state. Unregistered religious activity in the country is banned, as is evangelizing, publishing unapproved religious literature, and attending religious meetings in private homes.

Tohar Haydarov (27), who was arrested on charges of producing or storing drugs (click here for more information), has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Local Christians insist the case was fabricated to punish him for his religious affiliation. Tohar was found guilty on March 9 of the "preparation of a crime or attempted crime" and of the "illegal sale of narcotic or psychotropic substances in large quantities." Other Baptists were not permitted to testify on Tohar's behalf and the lawyer they hired for him was not allowed into the courtroom. Tohar has appealed the ruling and the case has been referred to the Regional Court. At last report, a date had not yet been set for his appeal.

Thirteen Christians in Almalyk have been fined 100 times the minimum monthly salary for conducting "illegal teaching of religious doctrines without a special authorisation from a central religious organisation" (click here for more information). The Christians were each fined 3,768,000 soms (approximately $2,500 CAD) on February 23. The believers have issued a protest letter to the judge and the prosecutor's office, claiming that police committed over 60 violations of Uzbek law, including using excessive force, falsifying case files, denying them a lawyer and refusing to inform their relatives about their detention. (Source: Forum18)

Pray that Tohar will find his strength and comfort in Christ while in detention. Pray that the ruling against him will be overturned and he will be released. Pray that the fines against the 13 Christians will be dropped. Pray that Uzbekistan's authorities will recognize religious freedom.

For more information about the plight of Uzbek Christians, go to the Uzbekistan Country Report.

Update: Vietnamese priest temporarily released from prison

Fr. Nguyen Van Ly Photo from AsiaNews

Thank the Lord that Father Van Ly has been temporarily released. Pray for his renewed health and strength. Pray that he will not have to return to prison and that the false charges placed against him will be dropped. Pray for other Vietnamese Christians languishing in prison.

Click here for more information about persecution in Vietnam.