More Christians have been persecuted and martyred for their faith in this past century than all the other centuries combined. The 21st century has seen many more suffer, as Jesus told us we we would, in order to bring the Good News to a dying world.
Voice of the Martyrs is an organization that helps those being persecuted. One way is through a letter writing campaign. When a Christian is arrested, Christians can go to Prisoner Alert to learn about their brothers and sisters who are imprisoned and then to write letters. The letter is done online and printed in the language of the prisoner. The address and correct amount of postage are given so that the letter can be mailed.
These letters are effective. They encourage the believer and they let those holding the prisoner know that he or she is not forgotten. Sometimes, this outside interest can help in the release of the prisoner.
We have cause to rejoice because recently, two Christians were released from prison. Their stories are below. I encourage you to take a few minutes today to learn about a persecuted Christian and write a letter. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3
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Location: China
Arrested: December 2004
Days Imprisoned: 2464
Released Aug. 31, 2011
Print Fact Sheet
09/28/2007 Update
Pastor Zhang Rongliang was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison. According to China Aid Association the verdict was issued by Zhongmu County People’s Court.
Pastor Zhang Rongliang, a prominent Chinese house church leader, was arrested in a rented apartment at Xuzhai village the afternoon of December 1, 2004. Zhang already had spent 12 years in prison for his faith during five separate detentions. He experienced harsh torture, including electric shock, during his previous prison terms. After being held in prison for a year, officials attempted to transfer him from a prison in Xinmi to one in Zhongmu. Fearing that because of his fragile condition he might die, officials at Zhongmu would not accept him. He was instead taken to a hospital in Xinmi.
Pastor Zhang suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure in addition to other chronic health problems. Later he was transferred to a Zhongmu City hospital where he spent most of February and March 2006.
He appeared in court April 6, 2006, more than 16 months after his arrest, for his third hearing on charges of “attaining a passport through cheating” and “illegal border crossing.” At this hearing the court acknowledged there was insufficient evidence for the case and asked for legal advice from a higher court.
Pastor Zhang Released
After seven and half years of in prison, Pastor Zhang Rongliang was released. Even though he was tortured and even faced death, Zhang intends to continue ministering and living for the Lord. He has moved to a coastal town to live with a family member, rest, spend quiet time with God and seek his will for future ministry.
Pastor Rongliang thanks the Lord and all those who prayed for him during his time in prison. It is uncertain whether government officials are keeping him under surveillance. Please pray for Zhang as he recovers and continues ministering in China.
Arrested: December 2004
Days Imprisoned: 2464
Released Aug. 31, 2011
Print Fact Sheet
09/28/2007 Update
Pastor Zhang Rongliang was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison. According to China Aid Association the verdict was issued by Zhongmu County People’s Court.
Pastor Zhang Rongliang, a prominent Chinese house church leader, was arrested in a rented apartment at Xuzhai village the afternoon of December 1, 2004. Zhang already had spent 12 years in prison for his faith during five separate detentions. He experienced harsh torture, including electric shock, during his previous prison terms. After being held in prison for a year, officials attempted to transfer him from a prison in Xinmi to one in Zhongmu. Fearing that because of his fragile condition he might die, officials at Zhongmu would not accept him. He was instead taken to a hospital in Xinmi.
Pastor Zhang suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure in addition to other chronic health problems. Later he was transferred to a Zhongmu City hospital where he spent most of February and March 2006.
He appeared in court April 6, 2006, more than 16 months after his arrest, for his third hearing on charges of “attaining a passport through cheating” and “illegal border crossing.” At this hearing the court acknowledged there was insufficient evidence for the case and asked for legal advice from a higher court.
Pastor Zhang Released
After seven and half years of in prison, Pastor Zhang Rongliang was released. Even though he was tortured and even faced death, Zhang intends to continue ministering and living for the Lord. He has moved to a coastal town to live with a family member, rest, spend quiet time with God and seek his will for future ministry.
Pastor Rongliang thanks the Lord and all those who prayed for him during his time in prison. It is uncertain whether government officials are keeping him under surveillance. Please pray for Zhang as he recovers and continues ministering in China.
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Location: Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Arrested: September 2010
Days Imprisoned: 359
Released Monday, Aug. 29, 2011
Print Fact Sheet
06/20/2011 Update
Pastor Vahik Abrahamian and his wife Sonia Keshish-Avanesian were with their friends, Arash Kermanjani, and his wife, Arezo Teymouri, when all four friends were detained on September 4, 2010.
The two couples were arrested at the Abrahamians' home in Hamadan, west Iran, and taken to the Ministry of Islamic Guidance prison.
For the first 40 days, they were held in solitary confinement and reportedly suffered physical abuse and psychological pressure.
The four have been accused of various offenses, including propagating Christianity, opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran, and having contact with exiled opposition figures. They have not yet been charged.
Over six months have passed since the two men and two women were arrested. They are under pressure and intense interrogation, according to Mohabat News. They were transferred from Hamadan prison to Iran’s notorious Evin prison in Tehran.
Their families are concerned for their health, but have not been able to find news of their loved ones. They are also worried about the children of the believers.
Pastor Vahik was arrested once before, on Feb. 20, 2010, on charges of conducting activities among Muslims. He spent two months in prison before being released on bail. Pastor Vahik has dual citizenship in Iran and the Netherlands, but because of his passion for the Iranian people, he chose to live in Iran.
Source: Mohabat News
Pastor Vahik Released!
Pastor Vahik Abrahamian was released after a year in prisoner. He was released pending trial after family and friends raised the equivalent of about $10,000 for his bail. An extended member the family told FCNN that the whole family is rejoicing and have expressed their gratitude first to God for His gracious protection and intervention. They are also thankful for their Christian family worldwide who have not ceased praying and advocating on their behalf.
Arrested: September 2010
Days Imprisoned: 359
Released Monday, Aug. 29, 2011
Print Fact Sheet
06/20/2011 Update
Pastor Vahik Abrahamian and his wife Sonia Keshish-Avanesian were with their friends, Arash Kermanjani, and his wife, Arezo Teymouri, when all four friends were detained on September 4, 2010.
The two couples were arrested at the Abrahamians' home in Hamadan, west Iran, and taken to the Ministry of Islamic Guidance prison.
For the first 40 days, they were held in solitary confinement and reportedly suffered physical abuse and psychological pressure.
The four have been accused of various offenses, including propagating Christianity, opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran, and having contact with exiled opposition figures. They have not yet been charged.
Over six months have passed since the two men and two women were arrested. They are under pressure and intense interrogation, according to Mohabat News. They were transferred from Hamadan prison to Iran’s notorious Evin prison in Tehran.
Their families are concerned for their health, but have not been able to find news of their loved ones. They are also worried about the children of the believers.
Pastor Vahik was arrested once before, on Feb. 20, 2010, on charges of conducting activities among Muslims. He spent two months in prison before being released on bail. Pastor Vahik has dual citizenship in Iran and the Netherlands, but because of his passion for the Iranian people, he chose to live in Iran.
Source: Mohabat News
Pastor Vahik Released!
Pastor Vahik Abrahamian was released after a year in prisoner. He was released pending trial after family and friends raised the equivalent of about $10,000 for his bail. An extended member the family told FCNN that the whole family is rejoicing and have expressed their gratitude first to God for His gracious protection and intervention. They are also thankful for their Christian family worldwide who have not ceased praying and advocating on their behalf.
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