LIBERIA: Pastor Presently Awaiting Trial

Source: VOMC
Source: VOMC Contact

A scene in Liberia. Photo: Wikipedia / Sahmeditor

A pastor in Liberia is facing ongoing legal challenges following a dispute with Muslim community members over his ministry activities. According to a local source, the situation began in 2023 when Pastor Sylvester led two individuals to faith in Christ. Following their conversions, he has been accused by opponents of preaching against Islam, praying loudly, and playing musical instruments early in the morning.

The church leader was arrested in late October. Although he was initially released by police, prosecutors convinced the court to once again detain him. Since then, Pastor Sylvester and his family have been experiencing health issues due to a lack of food and other basic necessities. At the time of publishing this report, the official charges against the believer remain unclear. On November 18th, the Christian lawyer hired to assist with the pastor's defence requested additional time to study the case. The next hearing is scheduled to take place on November 24th.

• Please prayerfully uphold Pastor Sylvester and his concerned family during this difficult time. In addition to meeting their daily practical needs, ask God to provide them renewed spiritual strength, encouragement and peace.
• May the Lord also intervene in the legal process – giving greatly needed wisdom and guidance to the defending Christian lawyer – so the detained pastor will be set free.
• Pray on behalf of all followers of Jesus throughout Liberia as they seek to build congenial relationships with their Muslim neighbours and peacefully live out their faith.

NORTH KOREA: Imprisoned Church Leader Released!

Source: VOMC
Sources: Voice of the Martyrs Korea, Release International, Church in Chains

Deacon Jang Moon Seok Photo: VOM Korea

In November 2014, Deacon Jang Moon Seok (also known by his Chinese name, Zhang Wen Shi) was kidnapped in China while ministering in the town of Changbai, which is located near the country's border with North Korea. Following his abduction, the church leader was transported to North Korea where he was subsequently sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment.

Deacon Jang, along with a pastor named Han Chung-Ryeol, had been regularly hosting North Korean visitors in Changbai, offering them warm clothing, food and other necessary provisions. Although it is illegal for North Koreans to cross into China without permission from governing officials, many do so in hopes of receiving needed medical care or purchasing practical goods that could be resold in their homeland. Sadly, in April 2016, only 15 months after Deacon Jang's kidnapping, Pastor Han was lured out of his home and tragically stabbed to death.

According to Dr. Hyun Sook Foley from Voice of the Martyrs Korea (VOMK), a number of the visiting North Koreans became Christians through the ministry of these dedicated Christian leaders. "Some returned to Deacon Jang's home repeatedly for more Bible training," she states. "Deacon Jang and Pastor Han also taught them how to share their faith with their loved ones. Their goal was always to see North Koreans return home."

Throughout the years, VOMK and its ministry partners organized letter-writing campaigns, urging the North Korean government to free Deacon Jang. Finally, after more than a decade of captivity, the believer was released from prison on November 5th and permitted to return home to China.

One of VOMK's primary ministry outreaches involves sharing the message of the Gospel with North Koreans. In a recent video interview, the Korean mission's CEO, Dr. Eric Foley, spoke of the organization's expanding radio broadcasts which are being used to reach the citizens of their extremely restricted neighbouring nation. To hear his discussion with VOM Canada's podcast host, Greg Musselman, go to the video, "North Korea: Gospel Radio Penetrates the Hermit Kingdom."

• Let us rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters in East Asia and other areas of the world by giving thanks to God for His faithfulness in securing Deacon Jang's release after so many years of imprisonment.
• As this released believer begins the process of readjusting to life and ministry in his home community, may he experience emotional healing, relational restoration, spiritual and physical strength, as well as further guidance.
• Ask God to open more incredible doors of opportunity so the Gospel can effectively reach the people of North Korea, while providing protection and wisdom to all who are courageously sharing His Word.

BANGLADESH: Christians Targeted in Bombing Attacks

Source: VOMC
Sources: AsiaNews, International Christian Concern, Catholic News Agency, Arab News

St. Mary's Cathedral Photo: Wikipedia / Grentidez (CC)

Just before midnight on November 7th, two improvised explosive devices were thrown at St. Mary's Cathedral in Dhaka. One exploded near the front gate, while the other landed inside the church facility. Thankfully, the second one failed to detonate within the building and no injuries were reported. Despite the attack having occurred only hours before an important event was scheduled to take place – involving the attendance of hundreds of people from across the country – the gathering went ahead as planned.

A few hours later, another homemade bomb exploded inside the compound of a Catholic school in a Dhaka neighbourhood. There were no injuries resulting from the November 8th school attack, and classes resumed the following Monday. A churchgoer who had attended a worship service at St. Mary's Cathedral on Sunday, November 9th, which also proceeded as usual, described their concern over the recently occurring attacks as an "eerie feeling," noting that anxiety has gripped many fellow believers within the congregation.

To date, no group has claimed responsibility for either of the two recently occurring attacks nor provided any explanation as to why the Christian community was targeted. A police spokesperson states, "[Although] we are trying to determine whether the incidents are connected or isolated, they are certainly aimed at terrifying people."

Authorities have since detained a suspect for questioning. The individual has been identified as a member of a student organization linked to the banned Awami League – the political party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from her dictatorship role following mass protests in 2024. In the wake of these recent attacks, members of the police force have increased security at religious sites throughout the capital.
For previously published reports addressing Christian persecution in Bangladesh, visit our country profile.

• As members of the Christian community in Dhaka recover from the resulting fear and anxiety of these recent bombing attacks, may God's peace and comfort greatly calm their troubled hearts.
• In addition to praying that justice will prevail in this situation, ask the Lord to work mightily within the hearts of those responsible for carrying out the attacks, ultimately leading them to repentance and eternal salvation.
• Pray for God's continued protection over the churches and Christian schools of Bangladesh; and, in the event of any further threats, that the country's political and spiritual leaders will respond wisely and proactively.

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MALAYSIA: Authorities Found Complicit in Pastor's Disappearance

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors Canada, Release International, Christianity Today, CNN

Pastor Raymond Koh

On February 13th, 2017, Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted from his car by 15 masked men in the Malaysian city of Petaling Jaya. The incident, which was captured on security cameras and took only 40 seconds to unfold, appears to have been executed by professionally trained individuals. From the beginning, there were strong indications of official government involvement in the kidnapping. More than nine years have passed since the abduction with no news of the pastor's whereabouts.
(For previously published reports on this situation, including video footage of the kidnapping, see this list.)

Demanding answers, Pastor Raymond's wife Susanna filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government, alleging negligence. On November 5th, the country's High Court found sufficient evidence to suggest that the government and its police played a role in the pastor's disappearance, ordering authorities to reopen the investigation. The court also directed the government to pay Susanna 10,000 RM ($3,370 CAD) per day, starting from the date of Pastor Raymond's disappearance until he is found. Additionally, a further 250,000 RM (about $84,000 CAD) was awarded in compensation for the repeated delays the family has experienced, bringing the total amount to more than $10 million and growing. The government's legal representatives for this case have announced their intention to appeal the ruling.

Following the High Court's decision, Susanna stated, "Though this will not bring Koh back, it is somewhat a vindication and closure for our family." Pastor Raymond's loved ones and supporters continue to press for answers, determined to uncover what happened that fateful day in 2017 and where the beloved church leader is now.

• Praise God for this significant court ruling. May the decision greatly encourage Susanna and all who have been tirelessly advocating for justice on behalf of Pastor Raymond.
• Pray that the ruling will put pressure on the Malaysian government to fully cooperate and thereby release all information pertaining to the church leader's mysterious disappearance.
• As Susanna and her family continue to live with uncertainty, ask the Lord to surround them with His sustaining grace, comfort and peace.

IRAN: Christian Prisoner Denied Adequate Medical Care

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Open Doors, Church in Chains

Aida Najaflou Photo: Article18

Aida Najaflou, a 44-year-old Christian convert, was arrested in February by Iranian authorities for allegedly "acting against the Islamic Republic" because of her faith in Jesus. The believer has suffered from physical ailments for years, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Since her imprisonment, Aida has repeatedly been denied proper medical care – a common hardship experienced by Christian prisoners in Iran. Her request for a lower bed was denied, forcing the Christian woman to climb into an upper bunk despite her health limitations. Tragically, Aida suffered a fall from her bunk bed on October 31st, resulting in a spinal fracture.

Following the accident, the believer was taken to hospital where doctors confirmed the fracture and recommended immediate surgery. However, against medical advice, officials transferred Aida back to prison on a stretcher, disregarding her painful injuries. Fellow inmates in the women's ward of Evin Prison staged a protest in support of Aida, which eventually resulted in her transfer to another hospital for treatment. At the time of publishing this report, further details remain unknown.

Religious and political prisoners commonly face harsh conditions in the country's notorious Evin Prison. Aida, who cannot afford to pay the exorbitant bail amount of 11 billion tomans (about $135,000 CAD), is one of many Christians in Iran who remain incarcerated because of their faith.
To review other reports about the persecution of believers in this oppressive Middle Eastern country, visit our country profile.

• Pray that Aida will receive the urgent medical treatment she needs, and that her spinal injury will heal quickly and without complications.
• Intercede for this believer's physical endurance and emotional resilience, praying that she will experience God's presence and peace in the midst of suffering.
• Ask the Lord to powerfully intervene in Aida's case, softening the hearts of the Iranian authorities so that she will be rightfully released.

NIGERIA: Violence Against Christians Draws International Attention

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, International Christian Concern, Christian Daily International

A funeral in Plateau State. Photo: Christian Daily International / Morning Star News

Violence against Christians in Nigeria continues to spread, even as international attention to the crisis grows. Recently, the United States designated Nigeria as a "a county of particular concern" due to the ongoing religious persecution, threatening military intervention if the situation does not change. In response to the recent global attention, the Nigerian government insists that its laws safeguard religious freedom and that efforts are underway to protect citizens of all faiths.

One of the greatest challenges facing Nigerian authorities is that much of the recent violence is fuelled by a mix of cultural, economic and religious factors. As Fulani herdsmen seek to expand their grazing areas, they often perpetrate violence against those who are already living on the land. When some members of this nomadic group adopt militant Islamic ideologies, combining their economic intentions with a desire to establish an Islamic state, religious persecution results.

Recent attacks by Fulani assailants give only a few examples of the ongoing violence against Christian-minority communities. In addition to the destruction of homes, businesses and churches, dozens of believers have been killed or kidnapped within the past few weeks alone.

On October 28th, 10 Christians, including a pastor, were killed in the Kauru area of Kaduna State and 20 others were kidnapped. Only a few days later, two more villages in Plateau State came under siege. Shortly after midnight, attackers entered Kwi and began killing their victims indiscriminately, taking the lives of 12 believers by daybreak. A few hours later, a second assault took place in Damakasuwa, killing five more.

On November 3rd, at least 10 additional Christians, including Pastor Simon Nbach, were killed in the village of Anwule Oglewu, Benue State; while three days later, two believers were killed in Nasarawa State and two others in Plateau State.

In a recent interview with VOMC's Minister-at-Large, Greg Musselman, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu from Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria acknowledged that there has been some progress made by the current government, yet he stressed that far more must be done. Reflecting on the relentless daily violence, he expressed the deep frustration of Nigerian Christians who feel powerless to stop the devastating attacks.
Please view this informative video interview. Additional reports concerning persecution in this West African nation are available at our country profile.

• Pray for further decisive action to be taken by the Nigerian authorities, specifically requesting that the government would strengthen its security measures and ultimately pursue lasting peace across the nation.
• Remember the grieving families whose loved ones have been tragically killed in the attacks, as well as all those whose homes, communities and livelihoods have been destroyed. In addition to praying for their healing and restoration, ask the Lord to provide them greatly needed strength, practical provisions and hope as they recover from such unimaginable loss.
• Intercede on behalf of our Christian brothers and sisters who have been kidnapped, asking God to divinely protect them while working out their safe release.

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INDIA: Supreme Court Decisions Bring Hope of Change

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, International Christian Concern, The Hindu, The Siasat Daily, Zenit

The Supreme Court of India. Photo: Wikimedia / Subhashish Panigrahi (CC)

A ruling issued on October 17th by India's Supreme Court has brought relief to several believers in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The court reviewed multiple cases filed against Christians under the state's anti-conversion law and ultimately dismissed all charges, stating that "the criminal law cannot be allowed to be made a tool of harassment of innocent persons."

The 158-page ruling examined critical deficiencies in each of the cases, including the absence of complaints from the so-called "victims" of the alleged conversions. The court referred to aspects of Uttar Pradesh's 2021 anti-conversion legislation as "onerous" and "intrusive," although it clarified that the constitutionality of the law itself was not being ruled upon at this time.

In a separate statement, the Supreme Court announced on November 3rd that it will hear two formal petitions challenging the anti-conversion legislation that recently passed in several of the country's states. Prior to this announcement, the court had issued notices to the respective state governments in September, requesting their official responses regarding the existing anti-conversion law. (For further information about the issued notices, see VOMC's previously published report.)

• Praise God that the mentioned cases in Uttar Pradesh have been overturned, resulting in the dismissal of all charges against these innocent Christians.
• Pray for the many other previously convicted followers of Jesus in India who are still awaiting court decisions. May God's peace guard their hearts and minds, and may His strength continually sustain them as they face uncertainty amid the ongoing legal challenges.
• Ask the Lord to sovereignly guide the Supreme Court justices as they consider the broader implications of the country's anti-conversion law, leading them to seek a path that will both uphold justice and protect religious freedom.

CHINA: Government Offers Rewards for Information on Christian Activities

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

A church in China. Photo: ChinaAid

Amid ongoing oppression against believers in China, authorities in Shigunhe Town, Henan Province, have intensified their efforts to suppress Christian activities by targeting unregistered churches. Residents have been urged to report "privately established religious venues" and "illegal religious activities," with incentives offered for submitting evidence such as photos, videos and audio recordings. Individuals providing such information have been offered a cash reward of 500 yuan (approximately $100 CAD).

While similar campaigns have occurred in other parts of Henan, they seldom receive media coverage. These measures reflect a broader pattern of religious repression in China, particularly against followers of Jesus who worship outside of the state-sanctioned churches.
To review other reports addressing Christian persecution in China, go to our country report.

• Pray for guidance and wisdom on behalf of Christians in Shigunhe Town, and those residing in other areas of China, as they seek to follow Christ faithfully amid increasing surveillance and pressures.
• Ask the Lord to convict the Communist authorities involved in the intensifying oppression, as well as those who are compliantly supplying them information on Christian activities.
• May God continue to provide strength and encouragement to believers who are patiently awaiting their release from imprisonment, filling them with His peace that "surpasses all understanding" even in the midst of hardship (Philippians 4:7).

INDIA: Oppression Against Christian Missionaries

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, The Indian Express

A bus in India. Photo: Wikimedia / Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation (CC)

Two recent incidents in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (located within India's larger Kashmir region) demonstrate the growing challenges faced by those sharing the Gospel in northern India.

On October 23rd, several Christian missionaries travelling by bus were suddenly attacked after leaving a home in the village of Juthana. An opposing group, consisting of about 10 individuals, forced the vehicle to stop before assaulting the believers with sticks and other weapons. A video recording of the incident shows that, apart from one officer, police at the scene failed to intervene. News sources indicate that between 10 to 15 Christians were targeted in the attack.

The assailants claimed that the missionaries – who had travelled from southern India – were forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity. However, no evidence of forced conversions was ever presented. Following the incident, eight police officers were suspended for negligence, and charges had been filed against the alleged perpetrators.

Just three days later, authorities announced that a group of Christian missionaries was under investigation for allegedly promoting religious conversions within the area. Officers stated that a few residents of Juthana claimed that poor villagers were offered money and aid as incentives to embrace Christianity. At last report, no arrests have been made in relation to this case, and it remains unclear whether the accused believers are the same missionaries who were attacked on October 23rd.

Allegations of forced conversions continue to be a tactic that's commonly used in several areas of India to oppress religious minorities.
Additional reports addressing this concern are available at VOMCanada.com/India.htm.

• Pray for God's healing and comfort to be manifested in the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters who were physically and emotionally wounded during the recently occurring bus attack.
• Ask the Lord to nurture the seeds of the Gospel that these missionaries had compassionately planted in the hearts of the Juthana villagers, praying that they will take root, grow and bear much lasting good fruit.
• May the Lord protect and strengthen all those who are faithfully sharing the Gospel in India, sustaining these ministry workers with needed courage, wisdom and grace – especially when serving in difficult and dangerous regions of the country.

Prayer for the Persecuted - November 3, 2025 @ 7 PM

Breaking News: Trump Announces CPC Designation for Nigeria

1. Open in Prayer:


2. Scripture: KYRGYZSTAN: Pastor Pavel’s Imprisonment and Injury

🩺 Theme: Suffering for Christ and healing

Corinthians 4:8-10 –

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

3. Worship Video:  He Will Be
                               In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church

Prayer
4. Niger: American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout was kidnapped

5. KYRGYZSTAN: Imprisoned Pastor Suffers Brain Damage

6. Nigerian Persecution Surges as God Supernaturally Moves Amid Mayhem, Horror

7. PALESTINE: Threats Against Christian Converts

8. Recent news:

Blind Christian in Pakistan Charged with Blasphemy
Police in Sudan Arrest Pastor in Apparent Property Grab
Hundreds of Muslims Protest Church Construction in Indonesia
Muslim Attacks His Family and Demolishes Church Building
Christian in Pakistan Wins Faith Change on National ID Card

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