Source:  www.csw.org.uk

Date:  April 17, 2021

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. (Psalm 20:5)

Psalm 20 is a joyful prayer anticipating God’s victory, and reminds us to pray with renewed faith in even the most difficult situations. This week, pray this verse for Vietnam.

It’s been three years since four prisoners of conscience in Vietnam stood trial accused of ‘carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the government’.

Nguyen Trung Ton, Nguyen Bac Truyen, Pham Van Troi and Truong Minh Duc were sentenced to between seven and 12 years in prison, and since then many of you have been praying faithfully for these courageous activists, lawyers and human rights defenders.

Nguyen Trung Ton is a human rights defender and Protestant pastor who has advocated for the right to freedom of religion or belief, and spoken out against social injustices. Prior to his imprisonment, Pastor Ton, his family and members of his church were repeatedly and violently attacked by local authorities and police. He is serving a 12-year sentence.

Nigeria: Professor Tarfa/Du Merci update

Thank you to everyone who prayed for Professor Tarfa in Nigeria, who had another hearing in his trial on 1 April. The judge heard the defence arguments for the case to be dismissed due to lack of evidence, and adjourned until 1 June for a ruling – we’ll update you as soon as we hear any news.

The professor has faced a series of false charges, including child abduction and forgery, and appears to have been targeted simply for running a Christian orphanage.

In summary, please pray:

  • For the physical and mental health of all four prisoners of conscience: Nguyen Trung Ton, Nguyen Bac Truyen, Pham Van Troi and Truong Minh Duc.
  • That they would be released immediately and unconditionally, and would be able to return home to their families.
  • That the case against Professor Tarfa would be dismissed.
  • That the Tarfas would soon be reunited with their children.