 Sung Cua Po Photo from Compass Direct |
A Christian couple from Ho Co village, Vietnam -- Sung Cua Po and Hang thi Va -- has endured physical abuse and threats since Sung converted to Christianity in November 2009. On December 1, the couple was arrested and beaten by officials after police earlier incited locals to abuse and stone them and other Christian families. Officials reportedly struck Sung 70 times on his head and back. Afterwards, the believers were fined 8 million dong (approximately $450 CAD) and a pig weighing at least 16 kilos. Sung's cell phone and motorbike were also confiscated.
On December 15, police took the couple to members of their extended family who severely pressured them to deny their Christian faith. When police threatened to beat Sung to death and seize his property, which would leave his family destitute, he signed recantation documents. He has since been subjected to further pressure from authorities, his family and clan members. Sung is scheduled to prove his reconversion on February 13 by offering sacrifices to ancestors. (Source: Compass Direct)
Ask God to equip Sung by His Holy Spirit to remain strong in his faith despite severe pressure and threats. Pray for protection for Sung, Hang and their children, as well as the other Christian families in their community. Pray that Vietnam will respect religious freedom for all its citizens.
To find out more about the persecution Christians endure in Vietnam, check out the Vietnam Country Report.
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