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A Thanksgiving Message
(Voice of the Persecuted) Dear Prayer Warriors, every day is a day to be thankful for. All praise to the Great I Am, the King of all Kings. our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our Merciful and loving Father.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I want you to know that I am so thankful for all of you, for the love you have for the Persecuted Church and for the Harvest. You have all been so faithful in serving united in the Spirit. I’ve been so blessed to pray with all of you.
We have grown united in our obedience to the call that the Lord has given to us. I’m so encouraged during our powerful prayer time together. I love you all so dearly and I am so grateful for you.
Thank you, my dear ones. God bless you all.
Tonight, we will not be hosting a prayer conference call. I encourage you to continue to keep our dear persecuted brothers and sisters in your heart that they may sense your prayers and love in the Spirit!
All People Exhorted to Praise God.
A Psalm for Thanksgiving.
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with jubilation;
Come before Him with rejoicing. Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and
the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
And His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting
And His faithfulness is to all generations. Psalm 100:1-5
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving Day
In the love of Christ,
Nadia Dybvik Prayer Leader of Persecution Watch (PW)
A message from Voice of the Persecuted
Dear Brothers and Sisters, your prayers have an impact on persecuted Christians who know you are praying for them. They are filled with joy in the realization that they are remembered. Encouraged by your love and concern as you walk with them through your prayers, the Lord is using you to help boost their faith. These brothers and sisters thank God and pray for you as well.
I too would like to thank you for your dedication, for loving them as your family in Christ Jesus and for being a voice on their behalf.
Father God, I thank you for these precious saints that you have gathered to pray and sound the trumpet for those suffering for their faith in Christ. Please bless each member with, peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, self-control, discernment through the Holy Spirit and an abundance of your good gifts.
Lord suit them up in your armor. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, fit their feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, (the ‘Good News of salvation’ so that they can have supernatural peace), a shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is your word, Father.
Protect these dear ones and their families from the flaming arrows of the enemy and give them strength to run their race. In the name of Jesus, may You be glorified!
God bless you all and may every day be a day of Thanksgiving.
Lois Kanalos, Voice of the Persecuted (VOP)
Note: If you are not yet a part of this amazing prayer team, you can join today! Sign up here
Tonight on Persecution Watch: 40 Brave Soldiers for Christ
(Voice of the Persecuted) Dear Prayer Warriors, Blaine Scogin, the Founder of Persecution Watch, would have celebrated his 69th birthday today. He was legally blind but now in Glory he can see! I will always remember one of stories he shared with us.
In April 2019, Blaine shared the following message along with a beautiful video.
They Profess Allegiance to Another King
—– “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world, they shouted, and now they are here disturbing our city too. And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.” —– ( Acts 17:6-7 )
The above is true. Down through the ages believers who have followed Jesus have professed allegiance to him. The followers of Christ bear witness that his kingdom is not of this world. Jesus told Pilate,
—– My kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my kingdom is not of this world ” —– John 18:36
Because of their profession of Jesus as King and those who follow him [are] citizens of a spiritual Kingdom, believers have been persecuted by the temporal authorities for not submitting to the power of the state. For the first few decades the followers of Jesus were not persecuted by the Roman authorities. The Roman authorities tolerated Christians as just another sect of Judaism. But when Nero came to the throne and those emperors who followed him, Christians were persecuted. They were persecuted because they would not acknowledge the power of the state as being god. They would not acknowledge Ceasar as being god.
The Christians submitted to the power of Rome. They paid their taxes and Roman authorities considered the believers model citizens. But the early Christians drew the line at offering sacrifices to Ceasar as a god or regarding him as a deity. To offer sacrifices to Caesar was to pledge allegiance to him and the state. Failure to do so, one would we be regarded as a traitor. But for the early Christians to offer such sacrifices would be tantamount to violating the first commandment of committing idolatry.
Two thousand years later, this is being played out in the persecuted church. In a nation such as North Korea, Kim Jung Un is regarded as a god. Failure to honor him as such can have one sent to a death camp, or mercifully executed on the spot. Many of our brothers and sisters have been executed for not bowing down do the portrait of the Kim family.
In China, the state is reasserting its authority to be god. Specifically, President XI, appointed president for life, is setting himself up to be the deity who rules China. Consequently, obedience to China is obedience to President Xi. This will bring the Chinese Christians into direct conflict with the government. Or should I say with President XI.
The persecution of Christians in nations like N. Korea and China amount to one thing, believers will not worship the state as god. They will not worship the rulers of those nation such as Kim Jung Un and Xi, nor worship Satan who inhabits those individuals. What occurred in Rome 2000 years ago is occurring in the persecuted nations today.
For sure there will be those who will say we have no king but Caesar, but there will be those believers who say we have no King but Jesus. And the latter will pay a heavy price for declaring Jesus as their King.
Below is a YouTube video that tells a story of 40 brave soldiers who would not sacrifice to Caesar. The story is true though it is told in ballad form.
Who will our King be? Will it be Jesus or Caesar? Will we be one of the brave soldiers for Christ. Though it may cost us. Will we stand with those in the shadow of the cross.who have determined that Jesus be there King and they pay the price. Will we stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters
Bro Blaine
The Lord our God told us to pray with out ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5:17. As we come together to pray tonight, we will seek the Lord’s presence and strength. 1 Chronicles 16:11. I invite you to join us as the Spirit of the Lord leads you.
Your sister in Christ,
Nadia Dybvik, Persecution Watch Prayer Leader
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
From any location on your phone
Time:
9:00 PM Eastern
8:00 PM Central
7:00 PM Mountain
6:00 PM Pacific
Call in number: 712 775-7035
Access Code: 281207#
Recommended: For those who may be subject to added charges for conference calls. Please download the app, it’s free!
MOBILE APP: Free Conference Call HD also provides a quick and easy way for you to dial into conference calls without having to remember the dial-in credentials. Save all of your conference call dial-in numbers and access codes using this free app. With the Free Conference Call HD you can instantly dial into a conference call via 3G/4G data network and or regular mobile carrier. Google Play link or App Store – iTunes
What is Persecution Watch?
Persecution Watch is a U.S. national prayer conference call ministry that prays specifically for the global Persecuted Church. For over a decade, Blaine Scogin led this national network of believers who faithfully pray for the persecuted and the global harvest for the Kingdom of God. The group meets via a free call-in service every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at 9pm Eastern (please check your time zone). Blaine also served as Prayer Director for Voice of the Persecuted and our missions became one. The prayer mission of Persecution Watch is an important part of our own. With the passing of Blaine into glory on December 26, 2019, Voice of the Persecuted is committed to continue the prayer conference call for the persecuted along with our dedicated prayer warrior team.
On occasion, persecuted brothers and sisters have been invited on the call to share the trials they’re facing. The team serves to encourage them by washing their feet in Spirit led prayer. Time is often reserved for those on the call to ask questions. We believe this helps to gain a better understanding of the situation that persecuted Christians endure in their specific nations. Q&A also helps us to focus our prayers based on their current needs.
Persecution Watch also hosts callers who want to pray united from other nations. If your heart is perplexed by the sufferings of our persecuted brothers and sisters, you no longer need to pray alone. We welcome all who desire to pray for the persecuted church and consider it a joy to pray together with you. If you’re new to the call and can’t find your voice, listen in and pray silently or on mute. We are grateful and thank the Lord for bringing us all together to pray in agreement for our persecuted family in Christ. We can all be prayer warriors on this call!
NOTE: Persecution Watch has a new email address for the prayer team and those who would like to receive urgent prayer requests, weekly call prayer points and notification of special prayer events and special guest speakers. Please fill out the form below to be included in our new distribution list to receive this important information. Since the passing of Brother Blaine Scogin, we thank you for your patience as we have transitioned into this new season. We are grateful for your prayers and to the Lord for guiding us as we continue the Persecution Watch prayer call mission.
Note to Voice of the Persecuted (VOP) readers: The Persecution Watch prayer team is also the prayer team of Voice of the Persecuted. SIGN UP today.
His Exile Extended 11 Months, Christian in Iran Finds Warm Welcome
interview screenshot
Be encouraged as you read this praise report!
Morning Star News) – When a convert from Islam in Iran was sentenced to two years in exile in Sarbaz last year, the judge warned him that religious extremists in the remote desert town would treat him harshly.
When Ebrahim Firoozi arrived in November to southwest Iran near the border with Pakistan, though, he discovered the fear the judge had tried to instill in him was unfounded – local Muslims were helpful, open and hospitable, the Christian said in a recent online interview.
This discovery was all the more welcome as in March his term of exile was extended by another 11 months.
Upon his arrival in Sarbaz, one person invited Firoozi to stay at his home the first night; others quickly found him a place to live. Local people’s kindness only increased, he said, when they learned he was exiled for his Christian faith rather than for a crime.
“I found these people to be very noble,” Firoozi, 34, told Joseph Hovsepian of Hovsepian Ministries in an interview posted on YouTube in which he opened up about his conversion and his years in prison before exile.
Firoozi and advocates believe this kindness was an answer to the prayers of worried friends, family and others.
“The reason people were nice to me wasn’t because of my own character or my goodness. It was all because of God,” Firoozi told Hovsepian.
Released from Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj on Oct. 26, Firoozi was ordered to report to Sarbaz following a brief period to order personal matters. Shortly after arriving, though, he sought permission to leave the area to settle family affairs in Hamedan and, receiving no response, in December he departed.
As a result, he received an additional eight months of exile for violating terms of the sentence and three more for failing to show for a daily check-in, according to advocacy group Middle East Concern (MEC).
Besides punishment, the purpose of exile is to keep people from continuing to be an influence in their areas, a researcher at MEC told Morning Star News. He added, however, that Firoozi has been an inspiration to Christians in his desire to stay in Iran, rather than fleeing in the face of persecution, and in his attitude throughout the process.
“His faithfulness in the midst of persecution is an inspiration to others,” he said.
Firoozi’s lifestyle in exile is simple, the researcher at MEC added, and he spends much of his time reading Christian literature.
It is unknown whether Firoozi has found work in the area, but Hovsepian told Morning Star News, “He is not alone, and he will be taken care of.”
Prison
Before exile, Firoozi had spent almost seven years in prison, starting in 2011, when agents searched his house, arrested him and presented tracts and other materials as evidence against him, he said in his online interview.
The judge initially sentenced Firoozi to 10 months in prison. When Firoozi was released, he continued to share his faith, and in 2013 he was given a one-year sentence and two years in exile.
Five years were added to the one-year sentence. As he was preparing to turn himself in to serve the initial one-year sentence, Firoozi said, he met with people to say goodbye, during which agents entered and interrogated them and accused him of conducting a Bible study group, and five years were added to his initial one-year sentence.
He was sentenced to five years under charges of “crimes against national security,” “participating in illegal gatherings” and “colluding with foreign entities.” Criminal charges are given to Christian converts for involvement and fellowship with Christian groups and activities. The sentences, Firoozi said, are rarely put in writing to avoid evidence of unjust convictions.
In court he was pressured to ask for forgiveness and renounce his faith in exchange for a lighter sentence, he told Hovsepian.
“But that was absolutely not an option for me,” he said. “I could never turn my back on my faith and submit to this, and by God’s grace I encountered a few years in prison in exchange for an eternity with him.”
Faith
At the beginning of his faith journey, Firoozi said he knew that he would face this type of persecution.
His journey began at age 20, when his family moved from Hamadan to Tehran. Through Christian media, he was introduced to a Christ much different than the one he had heard of while growing up.
When the friends he had been staying with blocked the Christian programs, he listenedto short-wave radio broadcasts with headphones on the roof of the house, Bible in hand, until he could find his own place. Through subsequent contacts with Christians, he said, “I came to accept him as my Lord and Savior.”
After his conversion, he openly shared his faith and gave people Bibles, and even declared himself as Christian on official forms.
Staying in Iran
While emphasizing that his experience in prison was not necessarily like that of all Christian inmates, Firoozi said he was not mistreated. He was eventually allowed to have a Bible, to build a small library, and when all Christians were transferred to Rajai Shahr Prison in 2013, he was able to be with fellow believers.
He told Hovsepian that in prison he realized the value of freedom, love and grace toward others as well as the endurance and submission required of biblical heroes like Job.
While serving his sentence, his mother died. Hovsepian said the fact that Firoozi’s heart is not filled with bitterness is a testament to his character.
“In a way I would say maybe he is an icon of the young generation of persecuted believers in Iran,” said Hovsepian, 46.
While there is hope that in future generations Christians will not be imprisoned for their faith, Hovsepian noted that persecution often strengthens the church.
“I have seen that wherever there is persecution, the church grows fast,” he said. “The church purifies. The church unites, and the opposite also happens wherever there is no persecution.”
While some might use their conversion as a means to request asylum abroad, Firoozi told Hovsepian that he has no intention of doing so. Instead, he wants to stay, bring change and spread hope and the gospel to Iranian people.
He asked for prayers that Iranians would be granted human rights, that those in prison would feel supported and that the leaders of the country would have a change of heart.
“I don’t want people to be discouraged by stories of people like myself being imprisoned or other believers being persecuted in Iran or other countries,” Firoozi said, “but instead I want them to emphasize the fact that God is with the church in Iran and gives the church grace and strength to endure in difficult times.”
Iran was ranked ninth on the Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.
Urgent Prayer Request: Please pray for Anita who gave her life to our Lord and converted to Christianity in Iran. She has been charged for having a role in the underground house church movement. Her final court/trial date is scheduled tomorrow, April 15 in Iran, which would be this evening for those of us in the USA. In recent weeks, we’ve heard of the many being released from Iranian prisons due to the coronavirus. However, it appears the authorities may be set on giving her a heavy conviction and they’re moving forward with her trial. Pray for the heart of the judge hearing her case to be soften. Please continue to pray for all Christians in Iran as well.
Tonight on Persecution Watch Prayer Call: These are the Days
(Voice of the Persecuted) Dear Prayer Warriors, as the Lord leads you; we welcome you on tonight’s Persecution Watch Prayer conference call to pray with us for our persecuted brothers and sister and for the harvest.
It is written, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Oh, what joy and peace we have in the Lord when trouble surrounds us.
For our hope comes from the Lord and we are His precious children.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:18-20
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ John 1:23
As I was rejoicing in the Lord last night, this song came to mind an oh, what joy The Lord gave to me. I wanted to dance and sing to Him and glorify His Holy Name! My spirit was boosted with immense joy.
These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord
And these are the days of Your servant Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
“Prepare ye the way of the Lord!”
I highly recommend that you listen to this song in the video below with lyrics included!
Glory, Glory to our Lord God Almighty! My dear brothers and sisters come closer to the Father, to the Living Water and taste His peace. Come near to Him to receive His Glory!!!
We will continue to lift up our dear precious Leah Sharibu and Alice, who continue to suffer as captives of the Islamic Boko Haram group in Nigeria.
Also, for Pastor Wang Yi, who was sentenced to 9 years in prison for boldly sharing the love of God in China.
In Christ Love
Nadia Dybvik and Merlaine Smokes, Prayer Call Moderators for Persecution Watch
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
From any location on your phone
Time:
9:00 PM EST
8:00 PM CST
7:00 PM MST
6:00 PM PST
Call in number: 712 775-7035
Access Code: 281207#
Recommended: For those who may be subject to added charges for conference calls. Please download the app, it’s free!
MOBILE APP: Free Conference Call HD also provides a quick and easy way for you to dial into conference calls without having to remember the dial-in credentials. Save all of your conference call dial-in numbers and access codes using this free app. With the Free Conference Call HD you can instantly dial into a conference call via 3G/4G data network and or regular mobile carrier. Google Play link or App Store – iTunes
What is Persecution Watch?
Persecution Watch is a U.S. national prayer conference call ministry that prays specifically for the global Persecuted Church. For over a decade, Blaine Scogin led this national network of believers who faithfully pray for the persecuted and the global harvest for the Kingdom of God. The group meets via a free call-in service every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at 9pm Eastern (please check your time zone). Blaine also served as Prayer Director for Voice of the Persecuted and our missions became one. The prayer mission of Persecution Watch is an important part of our own. With the passing of Blaine into glory on December 26, 2019, Voice of the Persecuted is committed to continue the prayer conference call for the persecuted along with our dedicated prayer warrior team.
On occasion, persecuted brothers and sisters have been invited on the call to share the trials they’re facing. The team serves to encourage them by washing their feet in Spirit led prayer. Time is often reserved for those on the call to ask questions. We believe this helps to gain a better understanding of the situation that persecuted Christians endure in their specific nations. Q&A also helps us to focus our prayers based on their current needs.
Persecution Watch also hosts callers who want to pray united from other nations. If your heart is perplexed by the sufferings of our persecuted brothers and sisters, you no longer need to pray alone. We welcome all who desire to pray for the persecuted church and consider it a joy to pray together with you. If you’re new to the call and can’t find your voice, listen in and pray silently or on mute. We are grateful and thank the Lord for bringing us all together to pray in agreement for our persecuted family in Christ. We can all be prayer warriors on this call!
NOTE: Persecution Watch has a new email address for the prayer team and those who would like to receive urgent prayer requests, weekly call prayer points and notification of special prayer events and special guest speakers. Please fill out the form below to be included in our new distribution list to receive this important information. Since the passing of Brother Blaine Scogin, we thank you for your patience as we have transitioned into this new season. We are grateful for your prayers and to the Lord for guiding us as we continue the Persecution Watch prayer call mission.
Note to Voice of the Persecuted (VOP) readers: The Persecution Watch prayer team is also the prayer team of Voice of the Persecuted. SIGN UP today
Tonight on Persecution Watch: CHINA Prayer and Praise Reports
People in Chinese park-Photo: Wikimedia Commons-Author: Pvt pauline
Dear Saints, my heart rejoices as I hear testimonies of our dear Brethren in China.
11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,
13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
I received the following message from my dear sister in Christ, Angelica,j
Brothers and sisters,
I thought you might be interested in the current situation of Wuhan.
A few months ago, a pastor I know, along with church members, was preaching the gospel on the streets of Wuhan. He kept on street preaching even when Christians were not encouraged to share the Gospel. But nothing stopped them from proclaiming the Gospel, not even the plague.
Now it is the 10th day since the city has been separated by quarantine, and protective masks are the most valuable thing in Wuhan. Money is useless because you can’t find a store that sells the masks. People are in a desperate situation. In response, our brothers and sisters preach the gospel and give out tracks and free masks. They are sharing the word of hope and comfort from God. They have become more and more favored in the city, even in the authorities’ eyes.
These churches in Wuhan keep themselves away from all the rumors and political issues, they just do what a true Christian should do in this situation: preaching Gospel and being wittiness of true peace and true hope that comes from Jesus Christ in front of the non believers who are in panic and hopelessness.
A police officer came to one sister, listened to the gospel, and left with the track and mask happily. After a while, another police officer arrived, heard, and left with the tract and a mask also. Shortly, the first one came back saying another officer would like one too. Soon four more officers came! They are the ones who used to be concerned about the message. But now they came to Christians for help, and they bow down to our God.
The yellow (Christians wearing yellow suits for protection) has become the most beautiful color in the city. Christian gained the respect that they never had because of their willingness to risk their health to serve.
I thank God for their witness and full of joy for our Lord’s amazing work.
Please put them into your prayers. Lots of them are overloaded. Compared with the doctors and nurses, their load is even more massive. For they know, that is the opportunity God gave to them to gain people to Christ. The opening may go soon.
Your brother, P. Z.
Our brother is asking for us to pray, it has been our privilege to pray for them!
– Continue to plead with God for the lives of the people of Wuhan. Ask God for mercy on China as they battle the coronavirus. Ask God to strengthen his church to be salt and light at this dark time.
Lots of them are overloaded. Compared with the doctors and nurses, their load is even more massive. For they know, that is the opportunity God gave to them to gain people to Christ. The opening may go soon.
– This week pray for the church in China to take hold of their identity as God’s children.
– Pray the church in China will trust in the Father’s providential care & learn to entrust themselves fully to God.
– Pray the church in China will see more of the Father’s goodness and kindness and learn to trust him in suffering.
– Pray the church in China will submit to the Father’s discipline knowing that he disciplines those he loves.
– Pray the church in China will learn to delight in the Father as the Father delights in them in Christ Jesus.
– Pray the church in China will live out their lives that bring honor to the Father & not grieve him.
– Pray the church in China will never stop wondering at the depth of the Father’s love for them in giving his only son. May this be their constant praise to him.
– We will lift up two persecuted witnesses for the Lord and continue to pray for Leah Sharibu on this 4th day of two weeks of prayer for her. February 19th marks two years of her captivity by the Boko Haram. We also pray for Alice another Christian captive of the Boko Haram. Pray that this year will be the year where they will be set free. Remember and pray for Pastor Wang Yi to be released from prison in China.
If you are so led by the Spirit please join us tonight. Lord willing, I look forward to praying with you..
In Christ Love your sister,
Nadia Dybvik, Persecution Watch Prayer Leader
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
From any location on your phone
Time:
9:00 PM EST
8:00 PM CST
7:00 PM MST
6:00 PM PST
Call in number: 712 775-7035
Access Code: 281207#
Recommended: For those who may be subject to added charges for conference calls. Please download the app, it’s free!
MOBILE APP: Free Conference Call HD also provides a quick and easy way for you to dial into conference calls without having to remember the dial-in credentials. Save all of your conference call dial-in numbers and access codes using this free app. With the Free Conference Call HD you can instantly dial into a conference call via 3G/4G data network and or regular mobile carrier. Google Play link or App Store – iTunes
What is Persecution Watch?
Persecution Watch is a U.S. national prayer conference call ministry that prays specifically for the global Persecuted Church. For over a decade, Blaine Scogin led this national network of believers who faithfully pray for the persecuted and the global harvest for the Kingdom of God. The group meets via a free call-in service every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at 9pm Eastern (please check your time zone). Blaine also served as Prayer Director for Voice of the Persecuted and our missions became one. The prayer mission of Persecution Watch is an important part of our own. With the passing of Blaine into glory on December 26, 2019, Voice of the Persecuted is committed to continue the prayer conference call for the persecuted along with our dedicated prayer warrior team.
On occasion, persecuted brothers and sisters have been invited on the call to share the trials they’re facing. The team serves to encourage them by washing their feet in Spirit led prayer. Time is often reserved for those on the call to ask questions. We believe this helps to gain a better understanding of the situation that persecuted Christians endure in their specific nations. Q&A also helps us to focus our prayers based on their current needs.
Persecution Watch also hosts callers who want to pray united from other nations. If your heart is perplexed by the sufferings of our persecuted brothers and sisters, you no longer need to pray alone. We welcome all who desire to pray for the persecuted church and consider it a joy to pray together with you. If you’re new to the call and can’t find your voice, listen in and pray silently or on mute. We are grateful and thank the Lord for bringing us all together to pray in agreement for our persecuted family in Christ. We can all be prayer warriors on this call!
NOTE: Persecution Watch has a new email address for the prayer team and those who would like to receive urgent prayer requests, weekly call prayer points and notification of special prayer events and special guest speakers. Please fill out the form below to be included in our new distribution list to receive this important information. Since the passing of Brother Blaine Scogin, we thank you for your patience as we have transitioned into this new season. We are grateful for your prayers and to the Lord for guiding us as we continue the Persecution Watch prayer call mission.
Note to Voice of the Persecuted (VOP) readers: The Persecution Watch prayer team is also the prayer team of Voice of the Persecuted. SIGN UP today and join the team!
Tonight on Persecution Watch: Special Guest Speaker-Bible Smugglers
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Join us on the conference call tonight and hear from a Bible Smuggler who will share what the Lord is doing to grow His Church!
(Voice of the Persecuted) Dear Prayer Warriors, years ago I read a book by Brother Andrew titled, God’s Smuggler. I was young in my walk with the Lord and I didn’t realize that God was still performing miracles. I had thought miracles only happened during Biblical times.
Andrew van der Bijl (known in English-speaking countries as Brother Andrew) is a Christian missionary born on 11 May 1928 in Sint Pancras, the Netherlands. He’s noted for his exploits in smuggling bibles into communist countries at the height of the Cold War and earned the nickname “God’s smuggler”.
In 1955, Andrew went to a Communist youth congress in Poland, at that time a part of the Soviet bloc. But he wasn’t a communist: he was a Christian. His suitcase contained his Bible, a change of clothes and hundreds of tracts entitled The Way of Salvation, which he intended to give away.
If caught, Andrew knew that he would be sent to prison and that only God could help him. This brave missionary is known for having prayed the following prayer when he was stopped to have his car inspected at the border of a communist country.
“Lord, in my luggage I have Scripture I want to take to your children. When you were on earth, You made blind eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind. Do not let the guards see those things You do not want them to see.”
I had never heard any one pray with such assurance and devotion. God did answer his prayer and made it possible for Andrew to give away the tracts without being caught! I was encouraged by his amazing story, I wanted to know more about this man and how he was able to communicate with the Lord.
One day, through a dear missionary friend of mine, I was able to meet this extraordinary brother. I was so elated when I came face to face with him that I was speechless and unable to ask any questions. He smiled and he began to speak to me with a kind voice that made me feel at ease. I came to know about his deep relationship with the Lord and his faith in Him. Andrew was led by God to go where people were hungry to hear God’s Truth. He obeyed the Lord’s calling on his life which took him to dangerous places. He realized that prayer was crucial to communicate with God, to be led by Him and know what to do. He was confident that God was listening and would answer him. I was so excited because I too desired to talk to God through Jesus. His testimony touched me deeply. He also loved persecuted Christians and cared that they needed help.
I had met an ordinary man that was able to do extraordinary things in the Lord through prayer. Andrew’s love for the Lord was so contagious that I wanted to spend more time with him. I was sad that day when we parted.
I became involved with my missionary friend who was also smuggling bibles to persecuted Christians. It was then that I became aware of their deep persecutions and trials. She showed me the importance of Hebrews 13:3,
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
As I heard the heart wrenching testimony of Christians being persecuted for the sake of His glory, their love for the Lord and for the harvest, I was given a new heart and a desire to pray for them. At the time, I didn’t fully comprehend God’s will and Kingdom purposes for me.
Years later, Lois Kanalos, the Founder of Voice of the Persecuted, invited me to join a special prayer conference call event hosted by Blaine Scogin, Founder of Persecution Watch. The mission of Persecution Watch is to specifically pray for the persecuted and the global harvest. I was thrilled to join on the call to serve God in praying for suffering believers. I had grown in the Lord and it was then that I recognized what God had been training me for all along. I continued to join the weekly prayer calls and prayed united with the group of intercessors for the persecuted. The presence of the Holy Spirit was strong and powerful. Later, Blaine and Lois asked if I would like to take the role as a prayer leader and moderate one of the weekly prayer conference calls. I could not believe it. My dear sister, Merlaine, who God had brought into my life years ago, also accepted to serve with me as co-moderator on the calls. Our Father had orchestrated all these things before I even understood what was going on!
My love for persecuted Christians has deepened and my heart cries also for the lost ones who do not yet know Jesus. But I’ve learned what is impossible for men is possible for God. It’s a privilege for me to pray for my brothers and sisters and for the harvest. It is a honor to be on the call in unity with other brothers and sisters as we intercede for them and praise the Lord. What a joy it is to be able to stand together, to come to know and love one another, as the Lord intended.
Tonight, my missionary friend, ‘Dr. Pat’ will be joining the call to share with us about what the Lord is doing to get Bibles into the hands of those in restricted nations.
I welcome all of you who love Jesus, have a desire to serve Him and care about persecuted believers, to come on the call as you are led to pray. Join us and experience the amazing love of God who leads us into prayer through the Holy Spirit. Receive the joy and amazing blessings that God has in store for you as you are obedient to His calling.
In Christ love,
Nadia Dybvik and Merlaine Smokes
Prayer Call Moderators, Persecuted Watch
Prayer Warriors and those wanting to receive prayer updates, please see note below the call details.
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
From any location on your phone
Time:
9:00 PM EST
8:00 PM CST
7:00 PM MST
6:00 PM PST
Call in number: 712 775-7035
Access Code: 281207#
Recommended: For those who may be subject to added charges for conference calls. Please download the app, it’s free!
MOBILE APP: Free Conference Call HD also provides a quick and easy way for you to dial into conference calls without having to remember the dial-in credentials. Save all of your conference call dial-in numbers and access codes using this free app. With the Free Conference Call HD you can instantly dial into a conference call via 3G/4G data network and or regular mobile carrier. Google Play link or App Store – iTunes
What is Persecution Watch?
Persecution Watch is a U.S. national prayer conference call ministry that prays specifically for the global Persecuted Church. For over a decade, Blaine Scogin led this national network of believers who faithfully pray for the persecuted and the global harvest for the Kingdom of God. The group meets via a free call-in service every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at 9pm Eastern (please check your time zone). Blaine also served as Prayer Director for Voice of the Persecuted and our missions became one. The prayer mission of Persecution Watch is an important part of our own. With the passing of Blaine into glory on December 26, 2019, Voice of the Persecuted is committed to continue the prayer conference call for the persecuted along with our dedicated prayer warrior team.
On occasion, persecuted brothers and sisters have been invited on the call to share the trials they’re facing. The team serves to encourage them by washing their feet in Spirit led prayer. Time is often reserved for those on the call to ask questions. We believe this helps to gain a better understanding of the situation that persecuted Christians endure in their specific nations. Q&A also helps us to focus our prayers based on their current needs.
Persecution Watch also hosts callers who want to pray united from other nations. If your heart is perplexed by the sufferings of our persecuted brothers and sisters, you no longer need to pray alone. We welcome all who desire to pray for the persecuted church and consider it a joy to pray together with you. If you’re new to the call and can’t find your voice, listen in and pray silently or on mute. We are grateful and thank the Lord for bringing us all together to pray in agreement for our persecuted family in Christ. We can all be prayer warriors on this call!
NOTE: Persecution Watch has a new email address for the prayer team and those who would like to receive urgent prayer requests, weekly call prayer points and notification of special prayer events and special guest speakers. Please fill out the form below to be included in our new distribution list to receive this important information. Since the passing of Brother Blaine Scogin, we thank you for your patience as we have transitioned into this new season. We are grateful for your prayers and to the Lord for guiding us as we continue the Persecution Watch prayer call mission.
Note to Voice of the Persecuted (VOP) readers: The Persecution Watch prayer team is also the prayer team of Voice of the Persecuted. SIGN UP today and join the team!
Tonight on Persecution Watch: ‘This is the Life of the Martyrs’
The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer, painting by Jean-Leon Gerome
(Voice of the Persecuted) Dear Prayer Warriors, all brothers and sisters, I was deeply touched by the following statement of Pastor Wang Yi.
“When we see the martyrs, when we see their witnesses, we know that redemptive history is progressing; we know that the end time – although we do not know which day it will be – is near. Our hearts will then be lightened; we will no longer think so much about the things on earth but more about the things in heaven. We will no longer think so much about the things of the present age but more about the things in the coming age. We will no longer think so much about ourselves but more about others. This is the life of the martyrs; this is a mark of Christ’s second coming in the end times; this is a mark in the life of a pilgrim.”
Our dear brother sincerely means what he says. The fruits of his faith is evident his life. Wang Yi has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His zeal and boldness reflects his love for the Lord, his brothers and sisters and for the lost. He is such an encourager not only for Chinese believers, but the entire Body of Christ!
As the Holy Spirit leads you, I welcome you to come on the call, tonight and pray with us for the Persecuted Church.
In Christ love.
Nadia Dybvik,
Prayer Call Moderator, Persecuted Watch
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
From any location on your phone
Time:
9:00 PM EST
8:00 PM CST
7:00 PM MST
6:00 PM PST
Call in number: 712 775-7035
Access Code: 281207#
Recommended: For those who may be subject to added charges for conference calls. Please download the app, it’s free!
MOBILE APP: Free Conference Call HD also provides a quick and easy way for you to dial into conference calls without having to remember the dial-in credentials. Save all of your conference call dial-in numbers and access codes using this free app. With the Free Conference Call HD you can instantly dial into a conference call via 3G/4G data network and or regular mobile carrier. Google Play link or App Store – iTunes
What is Persecution Watch?
Persecution Watch is a U.S. national prayer conference call ministry that prays specifically for the global Persecuted Church. For over a decade, Blaine Scogin led this national network of believers who faithfully pray for the persecuted and the global harvest for the Kingdom of God. The group meets via a free call-in service every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at 9pm Eastern (please check your time zone). Blaine also served as Prayer Director for Voice of the Persecuted and our missions became one. The prayer mission of Persecution Watch is an important part of our own. With the passing of Blaine into glory on December 26, 2019, Voice of the Persecuted is committed to continue the prayer conference call for the persecuted along with our dedicated prayer warrior team.
On occasion, persecuted brothers and sisters have been invited on the call to share the trials they’re facing. The team serves to encourage them by washing their feet in Spirit led prayer. Time is often reserved for those on the call to ask questions. We believe this helps to gain a better understanding of the situation that persecuted Christians endure in their specific nations. Q&A also helps us to focus our prayers based on their current needs.
Persecution Watch also hosts callers who want to pray united from other nations. If your heart is perplexed by the sufferings of our persecuted brothers and sisters, you no longer need to pray alone. We welcome all who desire to pray for the persecuted church and consider it a joy to pray together with you. If you’re new to the call and can’t find your voice, listen in and pray silently or on mute. We are grateful and thank the Lord for bringing us all together to pray in agreement for our persecuted family in Christ. We can all be prayer warriors on this call!
Tonight on the Persecution Watch Call (12/28/19)
(Voice of the Persecuted) Tonight we welcome you to join us on the conference call to pray for the global persecuted church. We will also be remembering our Brother Blaine and praying as the Holy Spirit leads us. Thank you dear brothers and sisters for your support and dedication to pray for the persecuted Church. We can all be prayer warriors on this call.
In Christ love
Nadia Dybvik, Prayer Call Moderator
From any location on your phone
Time:
9:00 PM EST
8:00 PM CST+
7:00 PM MST
6:00 PM PST
Call in number: 712 775-7035
Access Code: 281207#
Recommended: For those who may be subject to added charges for conference calls. Please download the app, it’s free!
MOBILE APP: Free Conference Call HD also provides a quick and easy way for you to dial into conference calls without having to remember the dial-in credentials. Save all of your conference call dial-in numbers and access codes using this free app. With the Free Conference Call HD you can instantly dial into a conference call via 3G/4G data network and or regular mobile carrier. Google Play link or App Store – iTunes
What is Persecution Watch?
Persecution Watch is a U.S. national prayer conference call ministry that prays specifically for the global Persecuted Church. For over a decade, Blaine Scogin has led this national network of believers who faithfully pray for the persecuted and the global harvest for the Kingdom of God. The group meets via a free call-in service every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at 9pm Eastern (please check your time zone). Blaine also serves as Prayer Director for Voice of the Persecuted.
On occasion, persecuted brothers and sisters have been invited on the call to share the trials they’re facing. The team serves to encourage them by washing their feet in Spirit led prayer. Time is often reserved for those on the call to ask questions. We believe this helps to gain a better understanding of the situation that persecuted Christians endure in their specific nations. Q&A also helps us to focus our prayers based on their current needs.
Persecution Watch also hosts callers who want to pray united from other nations. If your heart is perplexed by the sufferings of our persecuted brothers and sisters, you no longer need to pray alone. We welcome all who desire to pray for the persecuted church and consider it a joy to pray together with you. If you’re new to the call and can’t find your voice, listen in and pray silently or on mute. We are grateful and thank the Lord for bringing us all together to pray in agreement for our persecuted family in Christ.
VOICE OF THE PERSECUTED 