Nigerian Christians killed by a suicide bomber

Hebrews 10:32-39

But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:   partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;   for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.    Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.   For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:   "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.   Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."     But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.  

The Hebrew believers are reminded by its writer of what they did when they were first saved.  They endured a great conflict of sufferings.   They not only were persecuted by being insulted; they had to endure affliction of many kinds, that  set them forth as a spectacle to the world, exposed to contempt.

The text, in Hebrews 10:34, tells us they suffered because they showed sympathy and partnered with their brothers and sisters who were in prison.  This apparently resulted in their losing their houses. 
But even in the midst of that they had joy.

 Now they had become weary in running the Christian race. t most likely demoralization had set in and Satan was tormenting them. through enemies on all sides.  The writer of Hebrews tells them they need endurance, they should not throw away the confidence because in the future they will be greatly rewarded.

Christians across the world are being insulted, beaten, ostracized, tortured and imprisoned.

Some of you who are experiencing severe persecution may be able to read this blog.  I pray that you would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to persevere in the faith.  Many of us in the United States,Great Britain. Canada, Australia and other countries. are praying for you.

If you are blood bought child of God, then somehow (especially when given the opportunity) you must show sympathy to those who are persecuted.  Why? Your part of the body.  If one member suffers, we all do.  You can go to actually send a letter in the language of those who are in prison.  http://www.prisoneralert.com/ And of course you can pray.  Here is the latest.

VOM-USA Prayer Update for June 15, 2012 On Wed. Jun 13 2012 at 02:55 PM Moderator wrote: Nigeria -- Boko Haram Attacks Church During Worship Service Sources: Compass Direct News, Punch (Nigerian Newspaper) Suicide bombers attacked the Living Faith Church in Yelwa, Nigeria, on Sunday, June 3, killing at least 13. Eight more deaths were later attributed to soldiers who responded to the blast. The Muslim extremist group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombing, which also damaged the nearby Harvest Field Church. More than 60 people were taken to hospitals for treatment, 38 in critical condition. The suicide bomber detonated his bomb after his vehicle was stopped at a security checkpoint in front of the church compound. In a statement sent to journalists last week, a Boko Haram spokesman promised more violence. The group is responsible for the deaths of at least 181 Christians since December. The pastor of the Living Faith Church, Gauis Biyal, urged Christians not to seek revenge. Pray for peace in Nigeria, and pray that Christians there will be motivated to follow Christ wholeheartedly, at any cost. Indonesia -- Two Evangelists Arrested and Beaten in Banda Aceh Sources: VOM ContactsTwo evangelists were arrested and beaten after meeting with a Muslim woman on Indonesia’s Sumatra island. The evangelists, Roy and Ribur, were accused of coercing the woman, from a Muslim majority area, to be baptized. The pair had met with the woman previously and asked her to join their church. They were subsequently invited to her home on Wednesday, May 28, for further discussion. But when the evangelists mentioned Jesus Christ, the woman appeared confused and went outside to talk with her neighbor. She eventually went to the village head to report that there were Christians in the village. Roy and Ribur were then brought before the village head, who confiscated their bags containing gospel tracts, a list of new believers and a water bottle that was believed to be used for baptisms. News of the “forced” baptism quickly spread, and a mob that had gathered outside the village leader’s office began to beat Roy and Ribur. Police intervened and arrested the two evangelists. Pray for Roy and Ribur, and pray that God will soften the hearts of the people in Banda Aceh. Laos -- Officials Seek Evangelists Responsible for Christian ConversionsSources: VOM ContactsPolice in Laos are looking for the evangelists who led 55 Hmong people to Christ in two different provinces in May. In one province, 45 people converted to Christianity. “Police are searching for the one who spread the Good News,” wrote a VOM contact. In Luang Prabang province, a Christian evangelist led 10 people to Christ. Provincial officials there know who introduced the families to Christ and have reported the information to authorities. This worker is now being watched. Pray for the protection of this worker as well as the protection of other Hmong evangelists in the region. North KoreaVOM ProjectPray for those involved in the production and broadcast of one-hour radio programs. The programs include hymns and readings from the Bible and VOM books. ************* Suggested Links www.persecution.com The Voice of the Martyrs official homepage. Find links to our programs, read news about recent events, and learn more about the organization. http://www.prisoneralert.com/ Write to a Christian Prisoner in their own language! Use our letter-writing template online to build your letter, and send it by mail to a needy Christian.