Families of Martrys: 2024

Provision for a woman persecuted by her husband: Nepal

Rachana became a Christian after she witnessed the miraculous healing of her mother, when a pastor prayed for her in the name of Jesus. Rachana’s two children also came to faith. Rachana’s husband, a Hindu, objected to his wife’s conversion and left her to marry another woman. Rachana struggled to provide for herself and her children. One day, her husband returned home to seek revenge on his wife for her ‘betrayal’. He attacked her by pouring petrol on her and setting her alight. He then fled the scene. Her neighbours extinguished the flames and took her to hospital. Fortunately, she recovered well. We assisted Rachana with financial provisions to repair her dilapidated home and cover education costs for her children.

Please pray: thank the Lord for Rachana’s recovery. Pray that Rachana’s witness may be powerfully used by God to soften the hearts of her family, especially her husband, who is currently in prison.

Safe houses: Muslim nation (North Africa)

A law was passed in 2006 that prohibits proselytising by non-Muslims under penalty of fines and imprisonment. Many believers have been arrested, while others have lost their jobs. Persecution also comes from family and the community, particularly towards women, who may be
driven from their homes after leaving Islam for Christ. We help fund two safe houses in a Muslim nation in North Africa. Here, persecuted believers receive assistance depending on their needs and situation. Assistance may include accommodation, food, medical treatment, funding for legal costs and much-needed pastoral care. The project is being repeated in 2025.

Please pray: some of the believers who receive legal assistance through this project are appealing prison sentences. Pray for favourable verdicts, and for the believers and their families as they wait.

Small business grants for Muslim background believers: Indonesia

In Indonesia, Muslims pay a price for converting to Christianity. Even in the cities (as persecution normally occurs in more rural areas), many Muslim background believers (MBBs) choose to attend churches outside their community. Those who openly share their faith face pressure from family members because their conversion affects the family’s social standing. Muslim families often disown their children who come to faith in Christ.

Last year, VOM Australia provided business capital for ten MBBs who have faced persecution for leaving Islam for Christianity.

Please pray: several of these believers have been forced to move to an area far from their home. Pray for the success of these businesses so the owners can provide for themselves and their families. Pray too that the businesses will be used as platforms to share the gospel with others.