Let's continue to lift up Sweaxulira during this time of loss. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Ps 34:18). Trust His comfort and peace. In Jesus' name! 
Friends, April 21 marks two years since the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka. Zion church, in Batticaloa, lost 36 people, including 14 children. The loss of family, friends, income and health were profound, but believers at Zion Church continue to press on, thanks in prayers to your prayers and support.
Praba, a Sunday school teacher at Zion, lost her 8 year old son Peter. When our local partners visited her again recently, she shared, "After we lost Peter, for about 6 months I could not pray. Jesus was all I could say. But people who have never even seen us were praying for us when we could not. Because of their prayers, we have been able to stay strong in our faith. "
Debbie, now 8 years old lost both parents and her eyesight in the suicide bombing. Her aunt, Rebekah, suffered serious burns all over her body and had to undergo numerous surgeries. Recently, during our local partners' visit to their home, Debbie showed more independence than in previous visits and could manage to get around the house by herself. She will be starting school soon! Rebekah is growing stronger, she will undergo more surgeries, including some to help give her fingers movement.
Prashant lost his wife, Girja, in the attack. She was the first Christian in her family and attended church regularly with 2 of her 4 children. It was only after his wife's death that Prashant began searching for the Saviour his wife had been so devoted to - he now listens every evening as his daughter reads the Bible to him. When the bombing left him alone to raise 4 children, Open Doors helped his family with a tuk-tuk so he would be able to provide for them and spend time with them.
Ask God to fill moments of loneliness felt by families like Praba's with His presence.
Pray for grieving believers at Zion Church who continue to struggle. Pray God would heal their hearts as only He can.
Pray the faith of believers like Prashanth grows deeper and stronger.
Pray for provision for Christians whose income was severely disrupted due to the loss of family members.
Praise God for the healing our wounded sisters and brothers - like Debbie, Rebekah and others have experienced so far. Ask Him to continue to restore their health.
Thank you so much for joining us in prayer for the persecuted family, as the Bible tells us to in Hebrews 13.3 and other verses. May Elohim reward you for your faithfulness in this life and the life to come.
This information comes from the very worthwhile charity for persecuted Christians Open Doors, the USA branch through a text alert. Michelle.
Praba, a Sunday school teacher at Zion, lost her 8 year old son Peter. When our local partners visited her again recently, she shared, "After we lost Peter, for about 6 months I could not pray. Jesus was all I could say. But people who have never even seen us were praying for us when we could not. Because of their prayers, we have been able to stay strong in our faith. "
Debbie, now 8 years old lost both parents and her eyesight in the suicide bombing. Her aunt, Rebekah, suffered serious burns all over her body and had to undergo numerous surgeries. Recently, during our local partners' visit to their home, Debbie showed more independence than in previous visits and could manage to get around the house by herself. She will be starting school soon! Rebekah is growing stronger, she will undergo more surgeries, including some to help give her fingers movement.
Prashant lost his wife, Girja, in the attack. She was the first Christian in her family and attended church regularly with 2 of her 4 children. It was only after his wife's death that Prashant began searching for the Saviour his wife had been so devoted to - he now listens every evening as his daughter reads the Bible to him. When the bombing left him alone to raise 4 children, Open Doors helped his family with a tuk-tuk so he would be able to provide for them and spend time with them.
Ask God to fill moments of loneliness felt by families like Praba's with His presence.
Pray for grieving believers at Zion Church who continue to struggle. Pray God would heal their hearts as only He can.
Pray the faith of believers like Prashanth grows deeper and stronger.
Pray for provision for Christians whose income was severely disrupted due to the loss of family members.
Praise God for the healing our wounded sisters and brothers - like Debbie, Rebekah and others have experienced so far. Ask Him to continue to restore their health.
Thank you so much for joining us in prayer for the persecuted family, as the Bible tells us to in Hebrews 13.3 and other verses. May Elohim reward you for your faithfulness in this life and the life to come.
This information comes from the very worthwhile charity for persecuted Christians Open Doors, the USA branch through a text alert. Michelle.
