Cancer Patient Needs Passport Returned! Urgent Prayer Request!

After valiantly serving the impoverished rural communities of China, an American pastor has been diagnosed with fourth-stage cancer, and China will not release his passport so he can return home to his wife and children.

Humanitarian Service to Impoverished Communities

• Educational Projects: Pastor John established 16 schools along the China-Myanmar border, providing free education, clothing, and food to more than 2,000 impoverished minority children.
• Community Aid: He funded and constructed drug rehabilitation centres and consistently organized the delivery of essential medical supplies to isolated, poverty-stricken mountain villages.

Critical Medical Status

Fourth-Stage Cancer: Pastor John has been diagnosed with fourth-stage prostate cancer that has metastasized to his spine and bone marrow.

Current Constraints: The disease severely restricts his physical mobility and causes intense bone pain, and recent photos show him now needing a wheelchair to get around. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation in Changsha, with treatment costs covered entirely by donations, as he has no access to social medical insurance. He has continued to care for his elderly mother there despite his own declining health. Without a passport or national ID, he remains unable to return to his wife and two sons in North Carolina for the advanced oncology care and treatment options only available to him in the U.S. — and his one-year-old grandson, Conner, has never met him.

A Powerful Testimony of Healing

The following is not part of Pastor John's documented story, but a personal reflection that came to mind as I was praying for him.

As I prayed about Pastor John, Ruach Ha Kodesh reminded me of the testimony of another pastor who had been diagnosed with fourth-stage cancer. He was from Lindsay, Ontario, and had been admitted to Kingston Hospital for treatment. Given only a few weeks to live, the staff asked if there was anything he would like to do. He replied that he had some friends who played music — could they come and do a concert for everyone in the ward? During that concert, a wave of revival swept through the room as many people gave their lives to the Lord — and simultaneously, his health was completely and supernaturally restored!

It is in my heart to pray for such a miracle to happen once again.

Legal Background and Imprisonment

• Arrest and Sentencing: In March 2017, Chinese authorities intercepted Pastor John while he was returning from his missionary work. He was sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of "organizing illegal border crossings."
• International Ruling: The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention later reviewed the case and ruled his imprisonment a violation of international law. He completed the full sentence and was released on March 5, 2024, but his travel documents remain withheld by state authorities, and he is under strict surveillance — including police cameras installed at his mother's apartment in Changsha, where he has been staying.
• Identity: The minister trapped by these circumstances is Pastor John Cao, a 67-year-old Christian missionary and lawful permanent U.S. resident who spent decades splitting his time between his family in North Carolina and his missions.

  

  Pastor John Cao served his complete seven-year sentence but is now facing a severe stage 4 cancer diagnosis while being barred from leaving China to see his family in the United States. (Photo courtesy of VOMC / ChinaAid)

  
  

Faith in Action & Scriptural Prayer Directives

• Pray for Supernatural Healing and Restoration: Remembering the Kingston Hospital miracle, pray for an identical breakthrough for Pastor John. Command the cancer in his bones and spine to vanish in such a miraculous way that it will sway the hearts and minds of many.
• Pray for Miraculous Provision: Pray that all necessary funds for his ongoing medical care, legal aid, and eventual relocation costs are supplied in such a miraculous way that it will open the eyes and hearts of many.
• Pray for an Awakening for Leadership: Pray that the President of China has an immediate, eye-opening experience identical to King Xerxes in the Book of Esther, prompting him to look into the facts of Pastor John's service and return his passport.
• Pray for His Persecutors: In accordance with Matthew 5:44, "pray for those who persecute you." Pray for the transformation of the officials, judges, and guards who maintain these travel restrictions.
• Pray for Protection of His Family: Pray for his wife and sons in North Carolina as they wait, and for strength and peace during this prolonged separation.
• Pray for the American Delegation: Pray for those representing Pastor Cao's case, that their appeals would be heard and heeded.

James 2:26 states, "faith without works is dead." To actively put this faith into action, a public petition at BringCaoHome.com — a joint effort of RevelationMedia and ChinaAid — is gathering signatures to compel U.S. officials to launch a direct humanitarian appeal for his passport before President Trump's meeting with President Xi Jinping on September 24.

China Aid has a book of the poems Pastor John wrote while in prson for sale here on Amazon. That might be of interest to members if your congregation.

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About the Author

Sister Su is a survivor through her Saviour and has been blessed to see many miracles in her life. Currently digging her way out from under a mountain of debt while battling chronic illness, she dreams of one day earning her doctorate in practical theology.

For more information, visit her Linktree- Sister_Su_Buys.

Manipur Pastors Desperately Need Our Prayers!

Shalom, friends. 🕊️

Back in August 2023, I shared an urgent prayer request from GFA World regarding the heartbreaking crisis unfolding in Manipur, India. At that time, it was shocking to hear that 130 people had been murdered, 60,000 displaced, and over 250 churches assaulted or destroyed.

Today, I am writing to you with a heavy heart because the situation has escalated from temporary ethnic riots into a permanently fractured, high-tech war zone. Over the last three years, the violence has reached devastating new heights. Militant groups are now employing advanced warfare tactics, including drone strikes, factory-made rockets, and improvised pipe bombs. Tragically, these weapons are tearing through villages, and just months ago, a brutal rocket attack claimed the lives of a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old girl as they slept. The state has essentially bifurcated, separated by barbed wire, military checkpoints, and deep physical hostility.

In the midst of this darkness, the body of Christ is under immense pressure, and our frontline shepherds are paying the ultimate price.

A Heavy Blow: Three Pastors Murdered

On May 13, 2026, the Christian community in Manipur suffered an unspeakable tragedy. Three prominent Baptist pastors—Revd Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou—were ambushed and shot to death on a remote highway in the Kangpokpi district.

What makes this loss even more painful is that these men were targeted while returning from an inter-church peace and reconciliation conference. They were actively stepping into the gap to mend what has been broken, and their martyrdom feels like a direct attack on hope itself. Please lift up their grieving widows, children, and congregations during this time of profound sorrow.

Frontline Ministry on the Ground

Despite the targeted violence and personal danger, pastors and church leaders in Manipur refuse to abandon their flocks. They have transitioned from ordinary shepherds into emergency relief coordinators, trauma counsellors, and literal peacemakers.

Many pastors have lost their own homes and churches, yet they are living right inside the overcrowded relief camps alongside displaced families. They are running four to five worship services a week under plastic tarps, bringing the comfort of the Holy Spirit to thousands of deeply traumatized believers. Furthermore, local pastors and bishops are courageously stepping onto highly volatile highways, acting as defenceless negotiators to mediate hostage crises and secure the release of kidnapped civilians. They are exhausted, threatened, and running on empty, yet they continue to serve.

How to Pray Right Now

It has been put on my heart to double down on our intercession for these brave leaders. Please join me in lifting them up to Our Creator with these specific prayer points:

• Supernatural Protection: Pray for a hedge of protection around all pastors, missionaries, and church workers travelling through highly volatile, militarized zones and highway checkpoints to deliver food aid.
• Emotional Strength and Endurance: Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You in the name of Your Son. Please have the Holy Spirit heavily pour out strength on leaders absorbing the grief and despair of thousands, and guard them against spiritual and physical burnout. May they be granted the power of Acts 4:29–30: "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Yeshua." We pray that these signs and wonders will follow them as they boldly speak Your word, so many hearts will be turned to You.
• A Spirit of Boldness and Forgiveness: Pray for supernatural grace for these pastors as they preach forgiveness, actively working to stop cycles of retaliation among local youth and urging hostile factions toward peace.
• Comfort for Grieving Ministry Families: Lift up the families of the three recently martyred pastors. Pray for deep emotional healing, divine peace, and immediate financial provision for their households.

When we look at the horrors happening across the world, let us never take our freedom for granted. Let us use that freedom today to stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters in Manipur.

"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body." — Hebrews 13:3

May Our Creator bless you and your family today and always,

Su

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About the Author

Sister Su is a survivor through her Saviour and has been blessed to see many miracles in her life. Currently digging her way out from under a mountain of debt while battling chronic illness, she dreams of one day earning her doctorate in practical theology.

For more information, visit her Linktree- Sister_Su_Buys.

🚨 Urgent Prayer Request for Venezuela 🚨

Heavenly Father, we lift up the people of Venezuela after the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck north-central regions, including Caracas and La Guaira. Lord, over 3,600 precious lives have been lost, more than 16,000 people are injured, and tens of thousands have been left homeless or are still missing under the rubble.

We pray for your comfort over grieving families, strength for the search and rescue teams working around the clock, and urgent provision of medical care, clean water, and shelter for those in temporary camps. Bring hope and honour into this dark hour.

We ask this in the name of Your Son - Yeshua HaMashiach

Amen

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🇨🇦 How You Can Help (Donation Match)

💔 The devastation in Venezuela is immense, but our collective impact can be doubled today. Every single dollar, prayer, and shared link brings life-saving aid to families who have lost everything. If this request is on your heart, please use the share buttons below to pass this post along to your friends, family, and faith community before the July 14 matching deadline.

Standing in the Gap: A Heartbreaking Legal Delay for Brother Mehrdad

Waiting on a breakthrough is exhausting, especially when a person’s literal freedom is hanging in the balance. As many of you know, we have been standing in prayer for nearly a year with Iranian Christians International for our brother Mehrdad. Back in March, we praised God when the Immigration Court officially granted him a Withholding of Removal, ensuring he cannot legally be deported back to severe persecution in Iran. However, because his asylum was denied, he has remained locked behind bars in an ICE detention centre while his legal team fights for his supervised release.

This week, the ministry shared a deeply disappointing update regarding a federal court petition that was meant to secure his release. While this legal hurdle feels like a painful setback, it is not the end of the road. We know our Creator is sovereign over bureaucratic timelines.

Below is the urgent letter and update sent out by Iranian Christians International. Please read it to understand the exact legal technicalities we are facing:

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Dear Beloved of the Lord,

We want to give you a brief update on Brother Mehrdad’s situation.

After the Immigration Court granted withholding of removal, meaning Mehrdad cannot be sent back to Iran, Mehrdad’s lawyer filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court asking for his release from detention.

This week, the federal court denied the petition without prejudice. While this is disappointing, it does not mean the case is over, and it does not mean the court rejected the danger Mehrdad faces in Iran. The issue was timing.

The judge ruled that, for purposes of this federal petition, the clock begins from the date Mehrdad’s removal order became final, which was April 25, 2026, rather than from the date he was first detained by ICE in June 2025. Because of that, the court considered the habeas petition premature at this stage.

In simple terms, the court is allowing ICE more time to try to carry out the removal process, including looking for a possible third country. However, Mehrdad still cannot be deported to Iran because the Immigration Court already granted withholding of removal to Iran.

Mehrdad’s lawyer believes he will be able to refile the habeas petition after the required period has passed. So, while this is not the answer we hoped for right now, it is not the end of the road.

Brother Mehrdad has now been in detention for a whole year. This has been a long and painful road for him and for all of us who love him. Yet we remain hopeful, and we are continuing to pray and advocate for him so he can return to his life.

Please continue to pray with us:

• Pray for strength and peace for Mehrdad as he continues to endure detention
• Pray for wisdom for his lawyer as he prepares for the next legal steps
• Pray that no third country would become an option for Mehrdad’s removal

Thank you for standing with Brother Mehrdad through this long journey. Your prayers, visits, encouragement, and giving have meant more than words can express.

What then shall we say of these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:31

With much love,
Iranian Christians International

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The Wisdom of Yosef: Purpose in the Prison

As I processed this news, my thoughts immediately flew to Yosef (Joseph) and his years of false, forgotten imprisonment. From a human perspective, Yosef was trapped in a dark dungeon by an unfair system. But the scripture that stands out so vividly right now is Bereshit (Genesis) 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

What the enemy has meant for evil, Hashem will use for good.

This unexpected delay means Mehrdad has been given a divine assignment inside those walls. Let us pray in deep gratitude for the miracles that will be brought into the lives of the people he is meeting in prison. Our Father has positioned him there to be a light. We can pray with expectancy that Our Creator will miraculously supply not only for Mehrdad's daily needs but also for the needs of the doubters and skeptics around him, so that hearts will be turned completely back to the One who saves.

Let us anchor our hearts in that truth tonight. The enemy wants us to feel defeated by legal delays, but our prayers have power to pierce through detention walls. Please keep lifting Mehrdad up in your daily quiet times, and please share this post to keep our community covering him in prayer.

If you missed the previous update detailing his court case and how the Withholding of Removal was originally granted, you can read that history in my About the Author

Sister Su is a survivor through her Saviour and has been blessed to see many miracles in her life. Currently digging her way out from under a mountain of debt while battling chronic illness, she dreams of one day earning her doctorate in practical theology.

For more information, visit her Linktree- Sister_Su.

Urgent Prayer for Canada’s Orcas & Salmon: Stop the Tilbury BC LNG Expansion

How can we look at a river teeming with life and allow it to be sacrificed for industrial profit?

"Tehillim (Psa) 24:1-2 CJB

[1] By David. A psalm: The earth is Adonai’s, with all that is in it, the world and those who live there; [2] for he set its foundations on the seas and established it on the rivers.

https://bible.com/bible/1275/psa.24.1-2.CJB" — Tehillim 24:1-2 CJB

There is an urgent need to stand in the gap for the fragile Fraser River ecosystem in Delta, British Columbia. Energy developers are aggressively pushing for a major Tilbury LNG expansion project that threatens critical salmon habitats, neighbouring communities, and the feeding grounds of endangered orca pods.

Will we silently watch the destruction of God’s creation? Join us in urgent prayer to protect Canada’s orcas and the fragile Fraser River ecosystem from the Tilbury LNG expansion.

As believers who love the Lord’s creation, we cannot stay silent. The Tilbury LNG environmental assessment is approaching its final government decision phase. This means right now is a critical, window-of-opportunity moment for the power of prayer to move mountains.

Please take a moment to read these urgent prayer points, share this post to spread awareness, and lift this situation up to the Throne of Grace:

🙏 Critical Prayer Points:

Pray for Seki Diamond Leaders During Tammuz!

Important Spiritual Warfare Needed

Why Pray for Seki Diamond Executives During Tammuz?

If you have been following the massive, breakneck expansion of Artificial Intelligence, you know that our world is running straight into a wall—a literal thermal wall. The sheer amount of physical heat generated by high-power AI infrastructure is draining our energy grids and threatening local ecosystems.

But there is a quiet, brilliant gatekeeper in this space: Seki Diamond Systems (and their parent group, Cornes Technologies).

Seki manufactures the definitive, ultra-specialized Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) equipment capable of growing the synthetic diamond composites needed to cool next-generation AI hardware. Because they hold the literal key to solving the industry's thermodynamic crisis, they have entered an incredibly high-stakes corporate crosshair.

The Battlefront: The Executive Suite & Legal Teams

Dignity in the Dust: A Call to Messianic Mercy

Prayer Request:

As we walk through our cities and neighbourhoods, it is impossible to ignore the growing number of our brothers and sisters living in tents and temporary encampments. Often, these spaces are viewed with fear or judgment, but as followers of the Messiah, we are called to look deeper—to see the inherent dignity of every person created in the image of our Creator.

On a personal note, I want to say thank you to everyone who prayed protection over me when I was living on the streets. Your intercession was a lifeline, and it is in that same spirit of community that I invite you to pray for others still in that position.

I am asking you to join in a season of prayer for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Let us move beyond "words or speech" and enter into "actions and in truth" through our intercession.

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Scriptural Foundations for Our Prayer

• The Divine Duty of Dignity: "Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours the Creator" (Proverbs 14:31).
• The Command to Champion: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9).
• The Messiah’s Mandate of Mercy: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).

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Points for Prayer

1. For Dignity and Respect: Pray that those living in encampments are treated with the respect they deserve as human beings, and that societal stigmas are replaced by empathy.
2. For Compassion from Leaders: Pray for city officials and leaders to seek human rights-based solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of the vulnerable over mere displacement.
3. For the Response of the Faithful: Pray that we do not "hide ourselves from our own flesh" (Isaiah 58:7), but instead open our hearts and hands to support our neighbours in tangible ways.

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A Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Creator, 

We come to you in the name of Your Son - Yeshua HaMashiach. 

You are the refuge for the poor and a strength to the needy in distress. We lift up those living in tents and on the streets tonight. Soften hearts to see them not as a "problem to be solved," but as neighbours to be loved. Grant us the courage to advocate for their dignity and the humility to serve in the way of the Messiah. Amen.

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About the Author

Sister Su is a Messianic Metis teacher who taught for many years in the public school system. During the pandemic, she suddenly found herself homeless due to illness. Her homelessness experience while battling Lupus complications was a real eye-opener for her. For more information, see her Linktree.

Which Bible Translation is Closest to the Original? My Surprising Choice

Which English translation of the Bible has the closest meaning to the original texts? 

Searching English Bible Translations- Looking for the Version Closest to the Original Meaning 

To my way of thinking, it would be one translated by someone who grew up living in the rich culture of the original texts—someone who understands the idioms of the original language. 

I believe Dr. David H. Stern, MDiv, created an English translation that is exactly what I am looking for. Please pray for David and his family - they are now living in Israel

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind The Complete Jewish Bible
• Who Translated the Complete Jewish Bible?
• Why Create the Complete Jewish Bible?
• About the Author
• A Declaration and Decree

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

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The Story Behind The Complete Jewish Bible

The other day, I was led to read a sample from The Complete Jewish Bible here on Amazon. What I discovered as I poured through the introduction (starting at location 300) made me want to take a much closer look at this translation

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Who Translated the Complete Jewish Bible?

David H. Stern, born in Los Angeles in 1935, is the great-grandson of two of that city's first twenty Jews. He earned a Ph.D. in economics at Princeton University and was a professor at UCLA. In 1972, he came to faith in Yeshua the Messiah. He then received a Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary, did graduate work at the University of Judaism, and became active in the Messianic Jewish movement.

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Why Create the Complete Jewish Bible?

Dr. Stern grew up reading Hebrew and living a life entrenched in the nuances of the language. When he became a follower of the Messiah and started reading English translations, he found so many things had been "lost in translation." The Introduction to the Complete Jewish Bible is a fascinating read.

Dr. Stern is on fire with the desire that no one miss the faith of our Messiah while reading the scriptures. In addition to the "Complete Jewish Bible," he authored:

• The "Messianic Jewish Manifesto"
• The "Jewish New Testament," which restores the New Testament's Jewishness.
• The "Jewish New Testament Commentary," which discusses the many Jewish issues found in the New Testament.
• The Complete Jewish Bible Study Bible 

David and his family moved to Jerusalem several years ago. Please pray for their safety.

— Su

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About the Author

Sister Su is a survivor through her Saviour and has been blessed to see many miracles in her life. Currently digging her way out from under a mountain debt while battling chronic illness, she dreams of one day earning her doctorate in practical theology. For more information, visit her Linktree- Sister_Su.

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A Declaration and Decree for David and His Family

In the name of Yeshua HaMashiach, I declare and decree:

You who live in the shelter of 'Elyon, who spend your nights in the shadow of Shaddai, who say to Adonai, "My refuge! My fortress! My God, in whom I trust!"—

He will rescue you from the trap of the hunter and from the plague of calamities; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his truth is a shield and protection.

You will not fear the terrors of night or the arrow that flies by day, or the plague that roams in the dark, or the scourge that wreaks havoc at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it won't come near you.

Amen.

From Tehillim (Psa) 91:1-7 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) on the YouVersion Bible App

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Continued Prayer Requested for Iranian Believers Living in the USA

Iranian Christians International reached out a few months ago seeking prayers for Iranians who had become Christians and were living in the USA. An update on the fate of Brother Mehrdad who had been apprehended by ICE was just sent out a few minutes ago.

An urgent update on Brother Mehrdad: Withholding of Removal has been granted. We continue to seek his release and ask for your ongoing prayers for Iranian believers living in the USA.

Here is the updated prayer request.

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Dear Beloved of the Lord,

We’re writing to share an important update on Brother Mehrdad and to invite your continued prayer and support. (If you are not aware of the situation or have not received email communication over the last 9 months regarding this situation, contact us to bring you up to date.)

Today's Court Decision (March 26, 2026)

Today, March 26, at 8:30 AM, the Immigration Court issued a written decision in Mehrdad’s case with three key rulings:

• Asylum: Denied
• Withholding of Removal: Granted (meaning the U.S. cannot deport him to Iran)
• CAT (Convention Against Torture): Held in abeyance (not decided yet)

The Judge found Mehrdad’s testimony credible and recognized the grave dangers Christian converts face in Iran, concluding that Mehrdad faces a clear probability of persecution if returned. However, the court did not grant asylum due to legal requirements tied to asylum eligibility in his case, which is very disappointing.

What is “Withholding of Removal”

Withholding of removal is a form of protection: it means the government cannot send Mehrdad back to Iran because the court has recognized the danger he faces there. At the same time, withholding does not give permanent status or a green card, and a removal order can still remain “on paper.”

Where We Go From Here

Iranian Christians Intl's immediate goal is to secure Mehrdad’s release from detention under supervision so he can be released after nine months of imprisonment. Because removal to Iran is legally barred, our immediate focus is to request that ICE release Mehrdad under an Order of Supervision or through parole based on humanitarian and public-interest factors, which is currently a very difficult task. We are now preparing a sponsorship packet that includes housing, community support, transportation, and a clear compliance plan (check-ins, address verification, and accountability) to present to ICE.

As we face this continued season of uncertainty, I am reminded of the tension between the cross and the resurrection. You can read more of my reflections on waiting in the midst of bad news here.

If ICE Does Not Release Him Promptly

If continued detention stretches on without any realistic plan to remove him to another (third) country, Iranian Christians Intl will hire an attorney to pursue relief in federal court through a habeas corpus petition, asking a judge to order his release under supervision.

A Note on “Third-Country” Removals

Because withholding of removal is country‑specific, ICE may explore removal to a third country. We are prepared to show that no third country is realistically available or willing to accept Mehrdad (or similarly situated Iranian nationals) and that there is no concrete removal plan for him.

Pray:

• Please pray for us as we still haven't announced this news to Brother Mehrdad. Pray specifically for his heart not to be broken.
• Favor that ICE will grant supervised release quickly.
• Wisdom for us in preparation to know how to petition ICE for his release.

What Release Could Look Like

If ICE grants supervised release (or if a federal judge orders it), Mehrdad would live at an approved address, check in with ICE, and follow all conditions. Under supervision or parole, he may also be eligible to apply for work authorization so he can support himself while remaining fully compliant.

Thank you for standing with us during this time. We will keep you updated as soon as we have any further developments.

Iranian Christians International
PO Box 50007
Colorado Springs, CO 80949

Urgent Prayer for Temple Israel: Standing with West Bloomfield

Jonathan Bernis, President of Jewish Voice Ministries International, has just sent out an urgent prayer request regarding a shocking situation in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. An attack on Temple Israel occurred today, and it is extremely important that this situation and the families involved be surrounded with prayer.

Urgent Prayer for Temple Israel: Standing with West Bloomfield

The Prayer Request from Jonathan Bernis

"News of an active shooter situation at the Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, hit the news cycle. What we're hearing is that (besides the gunman, who was taken down by security officers), and we are grateful. Children from the onsite daycare center have been safely reunited with their parents. While much is still unknown concerning motive, we condemn any violence against Jewish people! I ask you to pray with us now for the Jewish community in West Bloomfield. Even as families in Israel continue to live under the shadow of uncertainty, wondering what each new day will bring in the ongoing conflict with Iran — Jewish people everywhere are experiencing antisemitism and violence. Yet even in these turbulent days, God’s faithfulness has not wavered. This is why I continue sending these updates — because you stand with God’s people. You pray. You give. You care deeply about the hope of Yeshua (Jesus) shining brightly in His Land, even as darkness presses in. Your support means more now than ever. Together, let us hold our ground in prayer, intercede for protection and peace, and respond with generosity and love. Thank you." — Jonathan Bernis, Jewish Voice Ministries

Praying for the Shooter

Scripture calls us to a high standard of love, even in the face of such darkness. We are instructed to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). While we condemn the violence, we recognize that anyone unkind is not in their right mind. We pray for the soul of the attacker, asking for God’s mercy and acknowledging that only a heart filled with confusion and darkness could choose this path.

Praying for the Families and Community

Our hearts go out to the families of Temple Israel. We pray for the children, staff, and security officers affected by this trauma. May Our Heavenly Father wrap them in His arms and grant them the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

We ask Our Creator to turn this incident around and use it for His Glory. Even in the midst of fear, may this event spark a renewed unity and a greater outpouring of love and protection for the Jewish community.

Closing Prayer in the Name of Yeshua

Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Your Son, Yeshua HaMashiach. We lift up the community of West Bloomfield and all those affected by this violence. We thank You for the lives spared and the protection over the children. Lord, heal the brokenhearted and bring comfort where there is fear. Let Your light shine in the darkness, and may Your peace reign in our hearts. Amen.

Thank you for joining your heart with mine in prayer ~ Su

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Help spread the word: Please share this post with your prayer groups and social circles so we can surround West Bloomfield with a canopy of prayer today.

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Prayer Resources from Jewish Voice

If you would like to continue interceding for the Jewish community and the peace of Israel, please utilize these deep-link resources from Jewish Voice Ministries:

• Downloadable Guides: Access scripture-based Prayer Infographics including the Intercessory Prayer Guide for Israel.
• Become a Prayer Partner: Sign up for bi-weekly Prayer Points Email Updates to stay informed on current needs.
• Scripture Declarations: Download and pray through these Blessing Scripture Statements to invite God's peace into your life and the lives of others.
• Weekly Prayer: Join the global community by subscribing to prayer text alerts.

José Berríos Insurance Rejection: A Call to Prayer and Hope in the Unexpected

A prayer for Blue Jays' José Berríos after his insurance rejection. Finding hope in God’s plan when life is turned upside down. Join our prayer.

Welcome to Turtle Dove Thoughts. Today, my heart is heavy as I reflect on a story that reminds us how quickly the ground can shift beneath our feet.

Have you ever had your whole world turned upside down? Have you ever stood on the precipice of your biggest dream, only to have the door slammed shut? Do you know the feeling of a "sure thing" vanishing into thin air?

Recently, the sports world was rocked by the news of a Toronto Blue Jays pitcher whose plans were suddenly derailed. This young man—José Berríos—was preparing for a major moment in his career, but during a routine process, he was rejected by an insurance company. The reason for this setback was rooted in medical concerns from his previous season; Berríos ended the 2025 campaign on the injured list with elbow inflammation. Because of this history, he was denied insurance approval to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. In an instant, his dream of representing Puerto Rico was met with a frustrating "no," leaving a significant part of his plans in a state of sudden uncertainty.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me continue to share these messages of hope. Thank you for supporting Turtle Dove Thoughts!

When life’s plans are turned upside down, we trust the One who holds the future. 🙏 Let us lift up Blue Jays’ José Berríos in prayer following his WBC insurance rejection. Let’s see what God can do! ✨

When life’s plans are turned upside down, we trust the One who holds the future. 🙏 Let us lift up Blue Jays’ José Berríos in prayer following his WBC insurance rejection. Let’s see what God can do! ✨

Turning Trials into Triumphs

Urgent Prayers for Mexico

Ten Men Working for Canadian Company Abducted

Vizsla Silver reported January 23rd ten men working in Mexico for their Vancouver, Canada based company were abducted. Please pray for their safe return.

Three of Ten Employees Kidnapped in Mexico 

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Sources:

•Reportan la desaparición de 10 empleados de mina canadiense en Concordia, Sinaloa | LatinUS https://latinus.us/mexico/2026/1/28/reportan-la-desaparicion-de-10-empleados-de-mina-canadiense-en-concordia-sinaloa-163064.html

About This Author

Sister Su is grateful to God for keeping her alive. She is a Trent/Queen's Concurrent Education graduate with over 20 years of teaching experience. She writes on several blogs, has a YouTube channel and is most easily reached through X @Sister_Su See her link tree for more details:@Sister_Su | Linktree

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Urgent Prayer Request for Persecuted Believers!

Please Pray for Persecuted Believers Everywhere!

This week I received some shocking news from a group of lawyers working to defend believers in the Messiah who have been falsely imprisoned on trumped up charges - simply because they are followers of the Messiah.

Around the world today,  followers of the Messiah are captured, tortured and killed for their faith when they defy the authorities.

Here are some  excerpts from a recent email I received from ACLJ.:

ACLJ Shares Urgent Prayer Requests

Continued Prayers Requested for Comverted Muslims!

Converted Muslims Lead Dangerous Lives!

A few weeks ago I opened an important prayer request for Our Father to place a hedge of protection around former Muslims living in the USA who are now believers in the Son of the Living God , Yeshua HaMashiach  (Jesus the Messiah).

I was just led to scroll through my numerous emails and open an update and request for continued prayers - unfortunately it was dated August 29th and I just saw it now.

Here is a copy of this email:

Nigerian Believers in Our Messiah Need Prayer!

Prayer Points for Persecuted Nigerian Believers

I had a divine appointment with an Evangelist from Nigeria last Shabbat who has graciously invited me to share a bit about my walk with the Holy Spirit online. To prepare for this opportunity, I wanted to get to know more about the believers I would be sharing with - brothers and sisters living in Nigeria and in Canada. I asked Gemini AI to tell me about the issues Nigerian believers are facing. It is most urgent that we fast and pray for protection for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and fervently pray Acts 4:29-30 for them.

Map of Nigeria from 19eli14 of Mexico on Pixabay

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Challenges Facing Believers in Yeshua in Nigeria Today

Information complied by Gemini Ai

Pray for Persecuted Messiah Followers Everywhere!

Believers in Our Messiah - Denied Clean Drinking Water Access!

GFA sent out a brochure telling about the various ways their ministry is transforming lives in places around the world by empowering local missionaries with the tools they need to share the love of Our Savior. One of the most surprising things I read was how there are communities that have wells, BUT followers of Our Messiah are denied access to this clean drinking water! 

I thought it was bad in Canada where numerous First Nations communities still do not have equal access to clean water in their homes.

To have water available and deny it to others because of their race or creed is abhorrent! We are all part of the same race - the human race! 

GFA Builds Wells to Provide Water Where Needed

Please pray for missionaries everywhere to be supported in miraculous ways, and if you have a smidgen of time please share the efforts of GFA World online. Have an extra dime or two? You might prayerfully consider supporting the efforts of GFA World to build wells so our brothers and sisters who are believers can have clean water.

Scripture:

• I was thirsty and you gave me to drink. - excerpt from Matthew 25:35

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About GFA World

Tazria Messianic Shabbat Studies Nisan 5 5784 - April 12, 2024

She Concieves - Tazria 

Happy Nisan! According to Our Creator's calendar, this is the first Shabbat of the year.

This morning I am praying for the renewed strength of Messianic Rabbi David Stone Jr. who usually leads a very interesting Torah Study on Facebook live from Beaumont, Texas. Unfortunately, he came down with a very nasty stomach bug and will need to stay close to home today. 

On the sixth day (Thursday) Rav David posted the following on his Facebook profile:

The name of the Torah portion is "Tazria" which means 'she conceives'. 

• Torah- Leviticus 12:1-13:59 
• Haftarah- 2 Kings 4:42-5:19 
• New Covenant- Luke 7:18-35
• We begin our study of Isaiah with chapter 1.

Please pray that he will be right as rain soon again and able to lead the Torah studies with his congregation on Shabbat mornings from 10:30 a.m.- to 12:30 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church 3950 Pointe Pkwy Beaumont Texas 77706. 

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Shabat Studies -

Exploring Torah- Leviticus 12:1-13:5

Leviticus 12:1-13:59 is the section of Hebrew writings that deals with laws about cleanliness - women after giving birth and people who contract skin diseases. 

So how could this possibly be of interest to us today?

This section of Torah highlights the importance of reading the whole Jewish Bible. Reading the whole Bible can open our eyes to important significant things we might miss if we only read the Greek and Aramaic writings found in the New Testament. This section about the sacrifice required after a woman gives birth to a boy gives us insight into the birth of Our Saviour, who according to Rabbi Johnathan Kahn would have been born on Nisan 1.

In Luke 2:24, we see that the sacrifice offered to redeem Our Saviour was that of a poor family. Our Saviour was born into poverty.

Similarly, when we read about Our Saviour healing lepers in the New Testament,  this section of Torah gives us further insight into what Our Saviour tells the lepers to do after they have been healed.

While exploring this section of Torah I was lead to a very interesting website - Open Siddur. This has colour-coded English Translations of the ancient Hebrew texts to help people create their own personal prayer books.

Messianic Children's Ministry Teaching Resources About Leviticus 12:1-13:59 

Hmm... how would you teach about this section of Leviticus?

• Young Messianic Torah Observant Israelite website offers a story with printable colouring pictures for this section of Torah called Clean - Unclean. They also offer other useful resources . See the Clean/Unclean lesson from YMTOI here.

Exploring Haftarah- 2 Kings 4:42-5:19 

This reading from the prophets (haftarah) in 2 Kings 4:42 starts with an amazing loaves miracle.Wow! I have read the Bible many times, and I cannot believe I have totally missed this amazing multiplication miracle that was done way back in the days of Elisha! 

Knowing that Our Saviour was not the only one to have such miracles of provision of a meagre supply expanding to feed as many as needed and have some left can give us hope for the days of famine that are foretold that will come in these last days. Have you ever experienced a miracle of multiplication of loaves like this? 

I have had two people share with me that they personally have had the opportunity to see food miraculously provided.

The section following the miracle of the loaves has many important teachings in it. This is the record of Naaman the leper and how he is healed.  

Messianic Children's Ministry Teaching Resources About Haftarah- 2 Kings 4:42-5:19 

 There are quite a few resources about the healing of Naman, but I am still strugging for find a resources about Elisha and the Bread miracle. Any suggestions?

Exploring New Covenant Reading- Luke 7:18-35

In Luke 7:18-35, we find John the Baptist's followers asking Our Messiah if He truly is expected Messiah. Our Saviour replies that they should go and tell  John what they have see.

Sources:

• Facebook Post Rabbi David Stone Jr.
• Open Siddur Project - Parshat Tazria -Color Coded English Translation
• Youtube Rabbi Kahn Explains When Our Saviour Would Have Been Born

About This Author

Sister Su is grateful to God for keeping her alive. She is a Trent/Queen's Concurrent Education graduate with over 20 years of teaching experience. She writes on several blogs, has a YouTube channel and is most easily reached through Twitter @Sister_Su See her link tree for more details:@Sister_Su | Linktree

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Free Giant Slayer Cards: How will You Use Them?

Dr. David Jeremiah Offers Free Giant Slayer Prayer Cards - Will You Share Them?

When you receive prayer cards what do you do with them? Have you found an interesting way to share them and plant seeds of hope?

The other day, I was led to insert a free prayer card I had received from a ministry in an Avon book to mark the spot a freebie was in the book. I also inserted a page from my free Daily Bread magazine in another spot.

Later that day,  I handed my Avon book to a despondant woman in a waiting room suggesting that she too might like to do Avon as a way to supplement her income.

I waited with baited breath to see what she would do when she encountered the b encouraging messages I had inserted., 

Well...she opened the book, took one look at the Daily Bread page - removed it and handed it to me as if it were a dirty piece of garbage- disdainfully saying "Here, I think you left this in here."

 

I tried to hand it back, saying "Oh, I put things in to mark where the freebies are." 

But she was adamant to not look at that page of encouragement.

Then - she turned back to the book, and when she came to the prayer card?

Wow! She had a totally different reaction!

Since the prayer card was printed on stock resembling blotting paper, she took it from the book, smelled it quizzically turned it over in her hand and reinserted it in the book!

I am praying that the prayer card will make a lasting impact on her life.

Wgen I got home, I went searching for which ministry had very kindly sent me those free prayer cards last year, so I could let them know how these prayer cards might be used to reach people who could be very difficult to reach the with the Good News!

Mysteriously, I could not find where I had blogged those free prayer cards that I had received..

However, I did discover these free spiritual warfare giant slayer cards being offered by Dr. David Jeremiah's ministry. 

When you receive prayer cards what do you do with them? Have you found an interesting way to share them and plant seeds of hope?

I would love to hear your ideas for reaching people who believe those who evangelize about Our Saviour are evil.

About This Freebie - Giant Slayer Cards

Pray for the 81 Released Israeli Innocents

Pray for Relief From PTSD 

81 hostages were released in a very strange hostage exchange. Almost two months ago innocent children and elderly people were taken hostage by Hamas in a brutal horrific attack on people who were peacefully celebrating a Holy Day.  One of the children released said he was forced to watch horrific reels of torture and abuse that had been done on that day in October when babies and children were burned alive. How can these hostages ever recover from such abuse? 

Scripture:

• No greater unconditional love has anyone than this - that they lay down their life for their friends. John 15:13

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Prayer on My Heart Today

Father, We pray in the name of Your Holy Son that the trauma these people have experienced be wiped from their minds so that whenever they would be triggered the first thought will be that You saved their lives. 

We also pray that You have mercy on the souls of those who were so possessed by evil to do the atrocities perpetrated against these innocent people. We pray as Your Son prayed"Have mercy on them for they know not what they do." 

Help us remember this statement of Yours"Vengeance is mine." Father, if it is Your will to do vengeance on behalf of these innocents, then when it is done, help us not to rejoice but to be sorrowful as these too are people created in Your image. 

Father instead of wreaking violent vengeance on those who did the atrocities against these innocents and their families, it would be a wonderful miracle if You would create in them a clean heart as was done for Saul on the Road to Damascus. Turn these hearts of stone, open their eyes and help them see that this is not the way for any people to be. 

Amen

Sources:

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About This Author

Sister Su is grateful to God for keeping her alive. She is a Trent/Queen's Concurrent Education graduate with over 20 years of teaching experience. She writes on several blogs, has a YouTube channel and is most easily reached through Twitter @Sister_Su See her link tree for more details:@Sister_Su | Linktree

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Praise Report - Prayer Update - Rabbi Bernis

Amazing Transplant News!

Thank you to everyone who took time from their busy day to whisper a prayer for Rabbi Bernis of Jewish Voice.Some absolutely amazing things have happened. Rabbi Bernis has a new liver now.  If you know anyone who has ever been on a transplant list, you may be well aware that people can be waiting a long time before they even get on the list and then waiting for a matching donor can be a very precarious waiting game. This email from Jewish Voice just came into my inbox, so I wanted to share this good news with you as quickly as I could. Now bear in mind Rabbi Bernis could definitely still use some prayers, so please keep him on your prayer list. This email will explain it all much better than I ever could- so please bear in mind he is not yet out of the woods.

Since many people find it easier to focus their prayers when they see a photo of the person, I have embedded a playlist of Rabbi Jonathan Bernis speaking on a variety of topics in the post below. Perhaps you might like to pop by his YouRube channel and let him know that you are holding him in prayer.

Related Post : Rabbi Requires Urgent Prayer 

Scripture:

• Exodus 15:26a For I am Adonai Refecha, the Lord who heals you.

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Jonathan Bernis Health Update