SOUTH SUDAN: Pastor and Associates Abducted and Slain

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, VOMC Contacts, Divine Mission Pentecostal Church

Stephen Wesley teaching in South Sudan. Photo: VOMC

For the past 10 years, South Sudan has struggled under the weight of unrest and civil war. This upheaval has led to ethnic tensions, political instability, and the ongoing trauma that accompanies prolonged conflict.

Due to economic challenges, Pastor Lino Pasquale had been working for a fishing business in Gondokoro, a region located south of the capital city of Juba. On February 19th, the church leader was returning home with three other men when they were suddenly captured by unknown gunmen. A few days later, the bodies of Pastor Lino and two of the men were discovered. At last report, the fourth victim remains missing.

Pastor Lino served faithfully as the leader of an outreach branch for the Divine Mission Pentecostal Church in Juba. Church leaders have condemned the attack as "barbaric," believing that the pastor and his associates were deliberately targeted. Those who knew Pastor Lino remember him as a devoted shepherd who was committed to sharing the hope of the Gospel.

On the same day that Pastor Lino was abducted, VOMC's Director of Global Education and Discipleship, Steven Wesley, had been visiting South Sudan to teach local believers about the theology of persecution and discipleship. Providentially, Pastor Lino's wife, Eva, was present at that very training session. It was only later that she discovered what had happened to her husband. Tragically, on the same day that she received news of his death, Eva's mother passed away following a short time of illness.

Upon his return from South Sudan, Stephen recorded an interview to share insights from his recent ministry trip. To watch this video report, go to VOMCanada.com/video/TOPAD-SSudan. More information about the challenges encountered by Christians in South Sudan can be accessed at our country profile.

• Prayerfully remember Eva as she now deals with the immense grief of suddenly losing both her husband and her mother. Ask God to lovingly surround this dear follower of Christ – and all who are mourning the loss of those mentioned in this report – with His strength, comfort and peace.
• As the authorities conduct their investigation into this violent incident, may they not only safely locate the missing abducted victim but also bring those responsible for committing the crimes to justice.
• Pray for VOMC's "Theology of Persecution and Discipleship" ministry, asking that this training program will continue to encourage and equip Christians in South Sudan (and other areas of the world) who are enduring persecution because of their faith.

INDIA: Christians Denied Burial Permission

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Catholic Connect, Christian Today

A village in India. Photo: Flickr / Rakshit Pandey (CC)

A Christian family residing in a tribal village of Chhattisgarh state has been denied permission to bury a relative who passed away, unless they first convert to Hinduism. Local villagers claim that allowing a Christian burial would defile their land and anger their deities.

Sambai Mandavi, a 34-year-old Christian woman from the village of Amodi, passed away on February 24th. When her husband Kamlesh attempted to arrange her burial – either in the village's public cemetery or on privately owned family land – both of his options were refused. According to village leaders, the burial could only proceed if the family renounced their Christian faith and converted to Hinduism. As a result, Sambai's body remains in the hospital's mortuary while the dispute continues.

A formal complaint has been filed with local authorities after Kamlesh received threats of violence against both himself and his property. This conflict arises only six days after a court ruling that halted the exhumation of Christians' bodies in tribal villages throughout the state.

Commenting on this difficult situation, a spokesperson for the Progressive Christian Alliance stated that "the persistence of such threats underscores a blatant disregard for judicial directives." The organization is calling for direct intervention by state authorities.
To review other reports addressing the persecution of Christians in India, go to our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold Kamlesh and his family, asking the Lord to greatly comfort and strengthen them as they now must contend with this troubling situation while grieving the loss of their loved one.
• Pray that state officials would intervene in their case, working to enforce the court's decision and protect the constitutional rights of these citizens.
• May God work powerfully within the lives of villagers in Amodi so that, in the midst of this conflict, their hardened hearts would be softened, and thus receptive to the truth of the Gospel.

NIGERIA: Fulani Militants Face Terrorism Trial

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Premium Times, Vanguard, Punch

Video screenshot showing some of the destruction following the Benue massacre. Photo: Stefanos Foundation

In a rare court case, nine Fulani herdsmen are facing trial for their roles in the massacre of more than 200 Christians in Benue State during the month of June, 2025. Prosecutors filed a total of 57 charges against the accused individuals, and additional suspects are still being pursued by authorities.

The leader of the violent group, Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono – along with the other eight offenders – pleaded "not guilty." Ardo has been accused of organizing and funding terrorism activities, plus recruiting complicit participants to join him. Similar charges relating to acts of violence and terrorism were brought against the remaining accused members of the group. Although the trial has experienced various delays, the presiding judge cautioned the defence against unnecessary stalling, stating that the matter is of "significant public interest." In the meanwhile, the alleged perpetrators have been remanded to custody for the duration of the trial.

All of the apprehended defendants are members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, an organization representing Fulani herders. While the group has been accused of financing attacks on Christian villages, its leaders continue to deny any involvement.

Violence against Christians – often involving militant Fulani herdsmen – has been a major concern for several years, particularly in northern Nigeria. The indiscriminate raids, village burnings, as well as targeted killings, have devastated entire communities and resulted in the displacement of countless families.
Further information concerning the atrocities experienced by believers in Nigeria can be obtained by reviewing VOMC's previously published reports.

• Pray that God will impart wisdom and guidance to court officials as this trial proceeds, in hopes that the outcome will mark meaningful progress towards the cessation of violent activities perpetrated by militant groups across Nigeria.
• May the Lord provide protection, comfort and healing to our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ, who are not only suffering deep grief and loss in the aftermath of the attacks, but also living under the perpetual threat of further danger.
• Pray that international attention and pressure will help strengthen the pursuit of justice for the thousands of innocent Nigerian believers whose lives have been devastated by the violence.

IRAN: Urgent Prayer Needed for Middle East

Source: VOMC
Sources: VOMC Contacts, Open Doors, Al Jazeera

Overlooking Tehran. Photo: Shutterstock / PedramRostamian_shr

On February 28th, the United States and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran. The strike resulted in hundreds of casualties, including the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of other government officials.

In response to this campaign, Iran and its allies have carried out counter attacks on Israel and countries in the Middle East that are perceived to be supporting the Israeli-American military efforts. Public protests have also begun in some Muslim-majority nations. As of March 2nd, at least 20 people have died in Pakistan as a result of pro-Iranian demonstrations; 10 of those fatalities occurred during a protest at the American consulate in Karachi.

Amid the crisis, many Christian leaders are hoping for major changes to take place within Iran, as well as opportunities to minister to the hurting people of this nation in peril. Under its oppressive government, believers in Christ have suffered intense persecution, even to the point of torture and imprisonment. In recent weeks, renewed calls for reform have resulted in widespread unrest within Iran and demonstrations around the world condemning the present regime. With the sudden loss of much of Iran's governing leadership, many citizens are now longing for a hopeful future. Dr. Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries declared, "History is in the making in Iran today."

The situation across the Middle East remains volatile, placing innocent civilians in serious danger – including Christian minorities who are particularly vulnerable. VOMC's CEO, Floyd Brobbel, issued the following statement: "The crisis in Iran will ignite widespread outrage and provoke retaliatory violence against Christians in Iran and neighbouring countries. We must remember our brothers and sisters who are helplessly caught in the midst of this conflict."
For further reports addressing the persecution of Iranian believers, along with specific ways you can pray, visit our country profile.

• As you pray for God's intervention and ministry to take place in the lives of people throughout Iran, please be mindful to uphold our Christian brothers and sisters who are presently at risk of retaliatory attacks.
• May the Lord also bring greatly needed comfort to those in Iran and its surrounding countries who have lost loved ones or suffered trauma during the conflict.
• As this Persian nation now faces the possibility of major political change, pray that wise and just leadership will be raised up, and that decisions made during this season would promote religious freedom and human dignity.
• Amid the turmoil, prayerfully ask God to reveal His unchanging character to people throughout the region – leading many more to an understanding of His eternal love, spiritual truth and redemptive grace.

INDONESIA: Social Media Comments Lead to Arrest

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, BITV, USCRIF

Photo: Pixnio

A Christian leader in Indonesia was arrested on February 18th following the online comments he made about Muhammad. According to reports, Dedi Saputra allegedly referenced the Muslim prophet's multiple wives on his TikTok account. Before being removed, Dedi's video was viewed almost two million times and sparked widespread backlash.

In response to the public reaction, several Islamic organizations brought the matter to the police. As a result, Dedi has been accused of insulting the prophet and offending the religious sentiments of local Muslims within the region. As of the latest update, he remains in police custody while the allegations continue to be investigated.

This incident comes shortly after major amendments to Indonesia's criminal code took effect on January 2nd. Portions of the updated code apply directly to activities on social media and other digital mediums. Human rights observers have noted that the language used in the amendments relating to apostasy and blasphemy is "intentionally vague, allowing for broad interpretation and application."
Learn more about the challenges facing our Christian brothers and sisters in Indonesia at our country profile.

• Pray for the Holy Spirit (Scripturally referenced as the "Advocate" and "Mediator") to work mightily on behalf of Dedi, so the truth would be made clear and this accused Christian leader can be acquitted of all allegations.
• May wisdom, discernment and protection be granted to all Christians in Indonesia as they navigate conversations of faith in an increasingly sensitive environment.
• As believers across the country courageously share the hope of God's salvation through Christ, may their words and lives reflect His compassion, mercy and grace.

PAKISTAN: Christian Teen Labourer Forcibly Converted

Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS-UK, Morning Star News, Pakistan Christian Post

A village in Punjab. Photo: Pexels / Rana Saif

A 14-year-old Christian boy from a village in Punjab has reportedly been forcibly converted to Islam by his employer and separated from his family. The boy, Jameel Masih, is the son of a poor labourer named Sharif. Due to financial hardships, Sharif was compelled to send his son to work at a local cattle farm. Instead of paying wages for the young teen's labour, the owner – Muhammad Boota Bajwa – supplied the family with wheat. Jameel's parents were permitted to visit their son once a month and occasionally bring him home overnight.

On February 22nd, Sharif and his wife Nazia attempted to visit their son, but they had been denied access. The Christian parents were then informed that Jameel had changed his religion and no longer wished to see them. Distressed, the parents brought the matter to village elders, who concluded that, as a minor, Jameel could not legally change his religion. They ordered that the boy be returned to his family, who brought him home. Only hours later, however, the employer arrived at their household with armed associates and forcibly took the boy away.

Despite repeated pleas, the family has not been allowed to see Jameel or receive confirmation of his safety. Fearing that he may have been harmed or sold to someone else, Sharif and Nazia have filed a formal complaint with police. The Christian advocacy group, HARDS, which has taken up their cause, intends to file necessary court petitions to secure Jameel's recovery.

Religious minorities in Pakistan frequently encounter exploitation and abuse, not only because of their faith but also due to the vulnerability that comes with deep poverty.
To access other reports concerning the ill-treatment of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

• Pray earnestly for Jameel's protection and soon release from captivity, asking God to shield him from potential harm and safely reunite him with his family.
• May local authorities act with courage, integrity and urgency on behalf of this boy and his distraught family, so that justice will prevail in their case.
• May advocacy groups seeking equality and protection for Christians across Pakistan receive strength and wisdom as they diligently persevere in their tireless efforts to uphold justice.

Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday March 2, 2026 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer:

Short Video: Prayer for the Persecuted!

Suggested video: Nigeria: Faith Under Fire: A Documentary Journey Through Loss, Courage, and what it means to be Christian

2. Scripture: Revelation 2:10 — Faithful unto death

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”

In our first story, the children have stood up to their relatives:
Relatives there have urged the surviving children to return, saying: "You have nobody now.
Stop following Christ and we will take care of you and live together." The siblings have
declined, with Suguda (the 18 year old son)firmly responding: "We will not leave Christ.
We will live as Christians; and when we die, we will die as Christians."

3. Worship Video: Turn your eyes upon Jesus - by Helen Lemmel - sung by the Calvary Quartet

Video: In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church

Prayer for the Persecuted

4. INDIA: Christians Slain by Opposing Family Members

5. Muslim in Uganda Kills Adult Son for Accepting Christ

6. YEMEN: Dozens Detained in Campaign Against Christians

7. Christian Boy Forcibly Converted to Islam, Sources Say

Recent News

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PAKISTAN: New Legislation Against Child Marriages in Punjab

RUSSIA AND OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Unregistered Churches Face Opposition

NICARAGUA: Christians Released Amidst Ongoing Oppression

Turn your eyes upon Jesus - by Helen Lemmel - sung by the Calvary Quartet

 

Iran

Pakistan: Christian Boy Forcibly Converted to Islam, Sources Say

Source: Morning Star News 

A 14‑year‑old Christian boy named Jameel Masih from Punjab Province, Pakistan, was forcibly converted to Islam and taken into illegal custody by a local Muslim landlord. Jameel had been working at the landlord’s cattle shed because his family was extremely poor and accepted wheat instead of wages as payment.

Jameel Masih, forcibly converted to
Islam in Pakistan in February 2026,
 in Islamic attire in TikTok video.
(Screenshot Christian Daily
International-Morning Star News)

When Jameel’s parents visited him on February 22, the landlord refused to let them see their son, claiming Jameel didn’t want to meet them. Local elders intervened and forced the landlord to release the boy temporarily. But shortly after the family brought Jameel home, the landlord returned with armed men, beat the parents, and abducted Jameel again.

The family later saw a TikTok video showing Jameel in Islamic clothing with an Islamic hymn playing, and local residents told them he had been converted to Islam under coercion. The family has been threatened for trying to inquire about him.

A Christian advocacy group, HARDS Pakistan, is helping the family file complaints and may take the case to the Lahore High Court if police refuse to act. Rights advocates say this case reflects a broader pattern of forced conversions and bonded labor exploitation of Christian and Hindu minors in Pakistan.

Prayer Points for Jameel and His Family

1. Rescue and Protection for Jameel
Pray that God would intervene to bring Jameel safely out of illegal custody, protect him from further harm, and restore him to his family.

2. Strength and Comfort for His Parents
Ask God to strengthen Sharif and Nazia Masih, who are traumatized, beaten, and threatened. Pray that they would feel God’s nearness and courage.

3. Justice Through Authorities
Pray that police will register the case, that courts will act swiftly, and that those responsible for kidnapping and coercion will be held accountable.

4. Courage for Local Christians and Advocates
Lift up HARDS Pakistan and other advocates who are risking pressure and threats to defend this family.

5. Protection for Other Vulnerable Children
Pray for Christian and Hindu minors trapped in bonded labor or at risk of forced conversion, that God would shield them and expose injustice.

6. Transformation of Hearts
Pray that God would soften the hearts of those who exploit the poor, and bring repentance and change in communities where these abuses occur.

7. Strength for the Church in Pakistan
Ask God to sustain believers who live under constant pressure, reminding them that He sees, He knows, and He will not abandon them.

ETHIOPIA: Open-Air Evangelists Attacked

Source: VOMC
Source: Voice of the Martyrs USA

These Christian evangelists were attacked while preaching the Gospel.

On February 9th, two Christian evangelists were attacked by Muslim militants while preaching within an open-air market in central Ethiopia. As a result of the incident, both men suffered severe head injuries and thereby had to be transported to a local hospital. Details surrounding their current conditions have not yet been released at the time of publishing this report.

Although Ethiopia is statistically a majority-Christian nation, followers of Jesus living in predominantly Muslim parts of the country often face hostility, threats and violence because of their faith.
For more information on the difficulties confronting Christians in Ethiopia, visit our country profile.

• Pray for God to minister strength, comfort and complete healing to these injured believers as they recover from the attack.
• Intercede for the country's evangelists, asking the Lord to grant them courage, protection and discernment as they share their faith in difficult and sometimes hostile environments.
• As a result, may the message of the Gospel continue spreading throughout Ethiopia, working mightily within the hearts of those who have yet to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour – including the persecutors.

INDIA: Christians Slain by Opposing Family Members

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, UCA News

A prayer meeting in the home of the deceased. Photo: Morning Star News

In a tribal region of Odisha State, three members of a Christian family were recently killed by close relatives, leaving three children orphaned and now in hiding. The incident took place in the village of Nialijharan on January 25th, claiming the lives of Jitendra Soren and his wife Malati, along with their 15-year-old daughter Sasmita.

Jitendra and Malati are survived by their 21-year-old married daughter Pana, their 18-year-old son Suguda, and their 12-year-old daughter Rani. Although both Pana and Rani witnessed the horrific attack, the traumatized sisters were able to narrowly escape with their lives. Their brother Suguda was not home at the time of the incident.

Those accused of the killings are Jitendra's brothers, Baidyanath and Laxman, as well as Baidyanath's son Sudam. While authorities have cited a "long-standing land dispute" between the brothers as the official motive for the attack, the slain couple's surviving son stated that his family's recent conversion to Christianity – a decision considered "intolerable" within their village – was at the heart of the hostility.

Jitendra began following Christ eight months earlier, during a time of prolonged illness. After receiving prayer, the family began attending church regularly. Following Jitendra's healing from liver damage, he and his wife – as well as their children – eventually committed their lives to the Lord. Noticing Jitendra's healing, his brother Baidyanath confronted him about his Christian faith. According to Suguda, "My uncles objected to our faith and often argued with my parents." When Baidyanath's own daughter fell ill, he blamed Jitendra and his family, alleging that the newly converted Christians were "practising witchcraft."

On January 25th, when the condition of Baidyanath's daughter worsened, he – along with his son Sudam and brother Laxman – rushed to Jitendra's home, armed with bamboo staffs and an axe. Despite pleas for mercy, Jitendra was beaten to death. When his wife Malati and daughter Sasmita attempted to intervene, the assailants slit their throats.

That day, Pana had been visiting her parents with her two small children. Hearing the commotion, the young mother ran to help but was told by her uncles that because she was now married – and therefore no longer considered part of the Soren family – she should flee. Rani, overhearing this conversation, fled to a neighbouring village where she alerted local residents who then contacted the police.

Suguda and Rani have since taken refuge with a Christian family and refuse to return to the village due to fear. Relatives there have urged the surviving children to return, saying: "You have nobody now. Stop following Christ and we will take care of you and live together." The siblings have declined, with Suguda firmly responding: "We will not leave Christ. We will live as Christians; and when we die, we will die as Christians."

In an effort to promote peace, a prayer meeting was organized at the house of the deceased on February 16th. Under police protection, approximately 400 people gathered for the event. According to Anil Kumar Nayak, a church leader who has been assisting the couple's surviving children, "By the grace of God, the program was blessed."

An application has been submitted requesting that the police investigation be transferred to an independent agency to ensure fairness. The application highlights the hostility of opposing villagers towards the Soren family because of their faith in Christ.

For Christians living in tribal areas of India, religious opposition can be compounded by cultural beliefs and close family connections. Witchcraft accusations are also commonly used against followers of Christ due to entrenched superstitions. 
Review additional reports concerning the persecution of believers in India.

• Prayerfully remember the slain couple's three surviving children – Pana, Suguda and Rani – asking God to provide them safety, comfort, emotional healing and restoration.
• May the Lord fill the hearts of these grieving young people with His peace as they navigate their way through this traumatic season in their lives – sovereignly guiding them to a promising, hope-filled future (Romans 8:28).
• Pray that the authorities would conduct their investigation with impartiality and integrity, so that truth and justice will prevail.