In Some Countries Posting This Could Get me Killed

I woke up this morning thinking about life's little messes. I opened my inbox and found the Voice of the Martyrs update. We'd like to think that martyrdom is a thing of the past. Sadly, it's not. In 2012, despite our ignorance of it, there are still people who are beaten imprisoned, and killed daily for their beliefs. I'm grateful that I live in a country where I can worship in the religion of my  choice. Today is a good day to pray for those who do not. 

My problems are SO small compared to this:

Uzbe-k Pastor Facing Extradition
Sources: VOM Canada, Forum 18 News

Revelation 2:10

An Uzbek pastor who fled Uzbekistan in 2007 has been arrested in Kazakhstan and faces extradition to his home country on charges of illegally teaching religion and distributing literature. Makset Djabbarbergenov, whose wife is expecting their fifth child, was arrested after police held his sister-in-law for two weeks in an effort to discover his whereabouts. The 32-year-old pastor faces up to three years in prison on each charge. A court in Kazakhstan has ordered that Makset be detained until the General Prosecutor’s Office decides whether to extradite him to Uzbekistan. Please pray that Makset will not be turned over to Uzbek authorities. Pray that his growing family will not be fearful but will continue to trust God.

Laos--Five Christian Leaders Arrested
Source: VOM Contacts

Psalm 69:33

On Sept. 11, three Laotian pastors and two other Christian leaders were arrested by district police. The three pastors were bound with chains and sent to the Phin distric prison, while the two others were turned over to provincial leaders and released two days later. The three pastors are enduring harsh conditions in prison -- all remain in handcuffs and one is in stocks, bound by the ankles. District police have visited the pastors’ homes and churches, asking members where their churches obtain funds, why they became Christians and whom the pastors have led to Christ. All three pastors remain in prison, and two are seriously ill. Pray that God will grant these pastors strength and endurance. Pray that authorities will provide them with needed medical treatment.

North Africa
VOM Project

Pray for a team of teachers working in a "Mobile Bible School." The teachers travel across the country in a van, 
teaching in underground Bible schools.