Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: July 22, 2023
He defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners – he gives sight to the blind; he lifts up the fallen. - (Psalm 146:7-8 MSG)
This week we’re praying the words of this psalm over Vietnamese pastor Nguyen Trung Ton, currently imprisoned in Gia Trung prison, and for all prisoners of conscience unjustly imprisoned in Vietnam.
Pastor Ton is an activist and human rights defender, and in 2018 he was sentenced to 12 years in prison on false charges of ‘carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the government’.
Pastor Ton’s health is seriously declining in prison. He is suffering from ill health on several fronts – the long-term effects of COVID-19; an untreated leg injury sustained from an attack by state agents in 2017; and an eye disease which has caused a near total loss of vision.
Yet the prison authorities have not allowed Pastor Ton to be examined or treated, or his family to send him medical supplies. Mr Ton’s wife, Nguyen Thi Lanh, has stated she is worried for her husband’s life.
Use these words from Psalm 146 to pray for Pastor Ton today:
- Defends the wronged: Pray for strength and courage for Pastor Ton and all who have been wrongfully imprisoned in Vietnam. May there be justice for the injustice they have suffered.
- God frees prisoners: Pray that the prison authorities will have a change of heart, and that Pastor Ton, and all prisoners of conscience, will be released from prison.
- He gives sight to the blind: Pray that God will heal Pastor Ton’s vision and give him strength mentally and physically. Pray that he will also be able to access vital medical treatment.
- He lifts up the fallen: Pray for all who are facing injustice in Vietnam, from harassment to imprisonment. Join us in praying that God will deliver them and bring them justice.