Russian Churches Fasting, Praying Over Terrifying New Persecution Law

[Tony Koretz]

7,000 Churches Fasting, Praying Over Terrifying New Persecution Law

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an anti-terrorism law, but for the country’s many churches, the signature sparked a demand for prayer and fasting.

The bill toughens punishment for acts deemed to be terrorism and for the organization of “mass unrest,” according to the Los Angeles Times. It would also introduce prison sentences of up to a year for those who fail to report such crimes.

Furthermore, Great Commission Ministries Chairman Hanny Haukka tells Charisma News the law entails:

Foreign guests are not permitted to speak in churches unless they have a “work permit” from Russian authorities
If a friend or relative from outside Russia wishes to share his/her faith in your home the guest will be fined and expelled from Russia.
Any discussion of God with non-believers is considered missionary activity and will be punishable.
Missionary activity will be permitted by special government permission. Example: If one traveling on a train shares his faith without written permission the offender will be taken into police custody for the duration of the journey and will be fined 50,000 rubles ($1,000).
Offenders from the age of 14-years-old will be subject to prosecution
Religious activity is no longer permitted in private homes. Most churches in Russia meet in homes.
Every citizen is obligated to report religious activity of neighbors to the authorities. Failure to be an informant is punishable by law.
One may pray and read the Bible at home but not in the presence of a non-believing person. You will be breaking the law and be punished.
If the church has purchased property it cannot be converted into a place of worship.
In church buildings, it is not permitted to invite people to turn to God. Worship services are permitted but making a non-believer a follower of Christ is against the law.

READ MORE https://www.charismanews.com/world/58295-7-000-churches-fasting-praying-over-terrifying-new-persecution-law

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[Irma]

Thanks for sharing this Tony. Yet sadly this is just the beginning. This is pure and simple hatred for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Lord warned us in numerous scriptures including Matthew 24:9 ‘…you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me’.
We must therefore stand with all our fellow believers who are currently undergoing persecution. But I personally don’t believe our prayer should be to ask that they are delivered out of persecution, but that believers will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to go through persecution.
The church grows under persecution, true believers are purified through the fire of persecution (which incidentally must come to the Western church which is largely fast asleep). So as we’re encouraged in Hebrews 13:3 to ‘Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering’.
So while I wasn’t aware of the request to fast and pray re the above bill back in June of this year. We must pray for our fellow believers wherever they are.
Irma

[Tony Koretz]

It’s sobering when you consider that all of the Apostles barring John, were martyred for their faith in the first century. And even John was imprisoned as well. That’s a far cry from the prosperity message preached in so many pulpits today!

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