Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday April 6, 2026 @ 7 PM

 1. Open in Prayer: (Dozens Killed During Palm Sunday Attacks in Nigeria)

2. Scripture: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners;” – Isaiah 61:1 (Second story, Iran)

3. Worship Video: Christ is Risen - Josh Groban

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

Prayer for the Persecuted

4. Wanda's friend prayer request.docx

5.  Iran: Christian convert and political activist ‘brutally beaten’ during arrest

6. Pakistan: 25,000 Christians Ordered to Leave Their Homes

7. Pakistan - Muslim Man’s Custody of Christian Girl Upheld

Recent News

• Boko Haram Kills 10 Christians in Northeast Nigeria 
• Bill Would Criminalize Forced Conversion in Punjab, Pakistan
• Herdsmen Kill 13 Christians at Wedding Reception in Nigeria 
• Gunmen in Nigeria Kill 28 People in Predominantly Christian Area
• Prison Conditions in Iran Worsen for Christians, other Inmates

Pakistan: 25,000 Christians Ordered to Leave Their Homes

Source: ICC

Around 25,000 Christians living in Rimsha, Allama Iqbal, and Akram Masih Gill colonies in Islamabad, Pakistan, are facing eviction. The authorities have told them to leave their homes within a few days. These are entire families who have been living here for years, and now they are being asked to vacate without any clear plan for where they will go.

Thousands of Christian Families
Face Eviction in Pakistan

It is important to understand how these families came here. Many of them were settled in these areas by the government after the Rimsha Masih case. At that time, a young Christian girl was falsely accused, and it created serious threats against the Christian community. For their safety, families were moved to these colonies so they could live without fear. Since then, they have been living here and have built their homes and lives.

Now, the same authorities are asking them to leave. There is no proper resettlement plan, no alternative land, and no clear compensation being offered to these families. This has raised serious concerns among the community.

Christian leaders and representatives have begun speaking out against this decision. Protests and prayer gatherings are occurring. Leaders are asking the government to stop the evictions and to provide a fair solution. They are also raising this issue at higher levels so that it can be addressed properly.

On the ground, daily life has been badly affected. Many people are not going to work because they are afraid that while they are away, their homes might be demolished. Most of these families belong to low-income backgrounds. They work in jobs such as sanitation, domestic work, and other day labor. Missing work even for a day is difficult for them, but the fear of losing their homes is even greater.

Children are also not going to school. Families are staying at home, worried about what might happen next. This situation is affecting their education and daily routine.

The government, through the Capital Development Authority, has said that these settlements are illegal and part of a plan to develop the city. However, many people are questioning this action, especially because these families have been living here for years and were placed here by the authorities themselves.

• Pray that each family will find a safe new place to live, work, go to school, earn a living and have a church community.

• Pray for them to have courage and share the gospel in their new community wherever that might be.

Pakistan - Muslim Man’s Custody of Christian Girl Upheld

 8thirty8

March 28 at 7:15 AM ·

Maria Shahbaz’s parents with rights activist
Safdar Chaudhry and lawyer Rana Abdul Hameed
 after federal court ruling on Feb. 3, 2026. (Facebook)

The Christian mother of Maria Shabaz (13) cries next to her husband (photo), Shahbaz Masih, as they stand with their lawyers after judges in Pakistan ruled that a Muslim man who abducted Maria in 2025 could keep her as his wife.

“A court in Pakistan on Wednesday (March 25) upheld the marriage of a forcibly converted 13-year-old Christian girl to the Muslim man accused of kidnapping her, sending a wave of anguish and alarm through the Christian community.”

“Shehryar Ahmad, a 30-year-old Muslim man, forcibly converted Maria to Islam and married her. Since her abduction on July 29, 2025, her family has repeatedly sought judicial intervention to recover her, without success.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heavenly Father, we cry out to you about this heartbreaking judicial decision against Maria and her family by two judges in Pakistan named Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Muhammad Karim Khan Agha. We ask for Your divine intervention in this situation. Will there be no justice for this innocent young Christian girl? Will she be forced to live with her kidnapper and never see her family again? We pray not! But we don’t know what else to do as the legal system in Pakistan has made its ruling. You are the God of miracles and we ask you for another one in Maria’s case. May this verdict spur on the Christian community to strongly seek judicial protections for their community in Pakistan which persecutes them. Strengthen Shahbaz, his wife and family along with the lawyers to continue to press forward to receive justice. For Your glory in Pakistan. Amen.

“...but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” – Matthew 18:6

NEPAL: Christians Harassed for Sharing Their Faith

Source: VOMC Contacts

A church steeple in Nepal. Photo: Wikipedia / Ramesh Thapa Magar (CC)

While three Christians, including Pastor Dipak Shrestha, were sharing their faith on March 23rd in the remote village of Banjara, Madhesh Province, they were confronted by members of the militant Hindu group, Bajarangi Dal. The aggressors physically assaulted the evangelists before reporting them to the police.

The believers were detained by local authorities and brought before the district court later that day. Although there was no evidence of any criminal activity, police requested additional time to investigate the situation. Meanwhile, all three men presently remain under legal scrutiny. This situation raises continued concerns about biases within the country's police enforcement and judicial system, particularly in light of Nepal's anti-conversion laws.
To review previously published reports, visit our country profile.

• Please prayerfully intercede for these detained evangelists and their families, asking God to sustain them in every way during this difficult time of scrutinous investigation.
• May the hearts of the accusers and authorities be softened, leading to the withdrawal of any potential charges against the accused.
• Pray that Nepal's governing officials, attorneys and judges will exercise wisdom, fairness and courage so they can rightfully uphold justice – not only for the mentioned evangelists involved in this case, but also for other Christian leaders in this South Asian country who are called by God to share the 'Good News of the Gospel.'

OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Pastor Faces Expulsion From His Country

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

Pastor Vladimir Rytikov Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum18

Pastor Vladimir Rytikov has lived his entire life in a region of Ukraine that is now occupied by Russian forces. Born in the city of Krasnodon (located in the Luhansk district) during 1959, he grew up in the area as a committed follower of Christ. From the years of 1979 to 1982, which encompasses the era of the former USSR, he was imprisoned because of his faith. Since becoming ordained for ministry in 1995, the Christian leader has faithfully pastored an unregistered church within his home city for more than 30 years.

Pastor Vladimir was recently informed that his residence permit has been annulled, requiring him to leave what Russian authorities now consider their territory. On March 23rd, officials from Migration Services issued an order giving him 15 days to depart or face deportation. No explanation was provided for this decision. However, the notice came just 10 days after police filed a complaint against his church, accusing the congregation members of "illegal missionary activity." Pastor Vladimir is convinced that this deportation order is directly related to his pastoral ministry.

Although the Christian leader has been ordered to leave, his wife Lyudmila was granted permission to remain. Upon asking the officials where he was expected to go – given that this region is the only home Pastor Vladimir has ever known – they reportedly replied, "Maybe to Poland." After praying together, the couple has decided that the pastor will stay as long as he is able.

Churches in areas of Ukraine overtaken by Russia continue to face significant hardships, as occupying authorities impose restrictions on any congregation that is not in alignment with the Russian Orthodox Church. For further reports, see this page.

• Pray that the presence of God would be tangibly sensed by Pastor Vladimir and Lyudmila in the midst of the oppression and upheaval, granting them encouragement, strength and peace.
• In addition to experiencing the Lord's comforting nearness, may their every decision and response be sovereignly guided by His Holy Spirit.
• Also remember to uphold the congregation members of this targeted church, along with those located in other areas of Russian-occupied Ukraine, asking that these believers will likewise be strengthened in their faith and encouraged to persevere amid the uncertainty and political pressure.
• May God's peace reign within the hearts of His people in this war-torn nation as they worship together and celebrate our Risen Saviour.

CANADA: Faith and Public Life in Light of Bill C-9

Source: VOMC
Source: Cardus

Canada's Parliament Buildings Photo: RawPixel

On March 25th, after months of committee proceedings and deliberations in the House of Commons, Canada's governing Liberal Party has forced an end to the debate – resulting in the passage of the controversial Bill C-9. The legislation has now moved to the Senate for further consideration.

The proposed bill seeks to amend the Canadian Criminal Code in areas related to propaganda and hate speech. Many religious groups have raised concerns about the removal of a clause that previously provided protection for individuals who – in good faith – expressed opinions based on religious texts.

The bill has resulted in wide-spread public reactions, with many critics claiming that the legislation "criminalizes the reading of Scripture." However, Ray Pennings from the Christian think-tank organization, Cardus, describes this as an "inaccurate description." While acknowledging the flaws in the legislation, he points to a deeper and broader issue: a growing expectation that faith should be kept separate from public life.

A similar view forms the basis for Quebec's Bill 21 on state secularism, which is presently being challenged before the Supreme Court of Canada. However, rather than treating faith as a private matter that must be excluded from public life, Ray Pennings argues that "at its core, religious freedom is about identity and authenticity: the freedom to live in accordance with who we truly are." From this perspective, faith naturally and necessarily informs public engagement.
For an in-depth and challenging discussion on these issues, visit this page.

• Pray for Canada's senators as they review Bill C-9 and seriously consider the expressed concerns and implications of the proposed legislation.
• In a spirit of humility, may these senators exercise wisdom and discernment, realizing that implementing this new legislation can consequently affect religious freedoms across the country.
• Also prayerfully uphold the Supreme Court justices as they carefully weigh the arguments relating to Quebec's Bill 21, recognizing the importance of safeguarding the nation's founding principles of faith among today's secular society.
• Ask the Lord to guide these judicial officials by heightening their awareness of His truth and the need to deeply respect freedom of conscience and belief.
• As Canadians, may we not take our freedoms for granted, but rather aim to steward them wisely – living out our faith with grace, courage and a heart to serve God – while diligently interceding for the protection of this great nation.

Iran: Christian convert and political activist ‘brutally beaten’ during arrest

Source: 8thirty8

While the U.S. and Israel are carrying out their bombing of Iran, its security police have not stopped persecuting Christians.

Mohammad Nikbakht, a Christian convert

On March 14, Mohammad Nikbakht (photo), a Christian convert and activist, was “violented arrested” at his home by a large group of security forces.

“Mohammad was brutally beaten in front of his terrified family and faces an immediate and serious threat to his life,” said the National Decision Council, a human rights organization.

It stated that, “Mohammad was a beacon of hope, a courageous voice for justice, and a Christian believer whose faith strengthens his commitment to truth and human dignity inspired others.”

Conditions in Iran for Christians imprisoned for their faith and other inmates have deteriorated dramatically since the U.S. and Israeli bombing of the Islamic regime in the past month, according to human rights groups.

Guards and some prison officials across the country have largely abandoned their posts, leaving hardliners from the paramilitary group known as the “Counter-Terrorism Special Force” (Nīrū-yi Vizhe-yi Pād Vahshat, or NOPO) in charge, rights groups say.

Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran. (Ehsan Iran Creative Commons)

In a statement on X, the wife of a political prisoner at Evin Prison in Tehran, Mostafa Mohammadhasan, confirmed that NOPO has taken control of that prison.

“The situation at Evin Prison is very bad,” she posted. “The prison is now in the hands of NOPO forces. They have completely closed the gates, and all prison officials have left. Obtaining food has become very difficult and there is no (prison) shop anymore.”

Prison officials have cancelled family visits and denied medical care to prisoners, and they are now “being fed just one small, low-quality meal a day,” according to Article 18, which advocates on behalf of persecuted Christians in Iran.

Even under normal circumstances, Iranian prisons are known for serious human rights violations, including torture of Christians held for their faith and other prisoners of conscience.

NOPO control of prisons is cause for serious concern among rights activists and advocates for religious freedom, as the counter-terrorism force group is responsible for some of the worst human rights violations in Iran. Those include the deaths of hundreds of Iranians protesting against high gas prices or the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman brutalized in custody after Iran’s morality police arrested her by for failing to wear a government mandated head-covering in public.

Please Pray!

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners;” – Isaiah 61:1

Photo credit: Article 18

https://articleeighteen.com/news/23834/

Imam Seeks Truth After Discovering Bible

Source: iCommitToPray 
Mar. 26, 2026 | Sudan

Mustafa reading from
 his son's Bible.

A Muslim religious leader is seeking truth about Christ after encountering a Bible for the first time. Mustafa is an imam of his local mosque, but he discovered a Bible in his son’s room. He became curious about what the Bible teaches as he noticed many in his community turning away from Islam. “When I open any pages and read, this book continues to give truth that I never heard,” he said. “As I continue to read, the tears run from my eyes [because I see] how many people in my life I misled. But as I have this book now, I want to continue studying so that I can teach its truth.” Pray that as Mustafa searches for truth in God’s Word, he will repent and place his trust in Christ.

IRAN: Heightened Concerns for Christian Prisoners

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, BBC Persian

Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran. Photo:  Flickr / sbzphoto (CC)

As political conflict continues in Iran, serious concerns have been raised about the safety of the country's prisoners of conscience, including at least 48 Christian captives. In June 2025, Evin Prison was struck by an Israeli missile, resulting in major damages to the facility which houses many religious and political prisoners. Those in custody were transferred to other locations of the country where they were imprisoned amid unsanitary and overcrowded conditions until the repairs were completed. Human rights advocates warn that the renewed instability raises the risk of similar incidents occurring.

According to reports by Amnesty International, detainees are frequently held in or near security facilities that have become targets of U.S. and Israeli attacks. In one recent example, the Greater Tehran Prison sustained damages when a nearby military garrison was struck. It remains unknown how many prisoners had been killed by guards who attempted to prevent the captives from escaping.

Some prisoners were transferred to undisclosed locations or areas near potential military targets, placing their lives in further danger. There have also been reports of "enforced disappearances," and situations in which many detainees are being denied access to adequate supplies of food and water. Despite the completion of repairs at Evin Prison, its administration is allegedly in "serious disarray," with lockdowns in certain wings that are preventing prisoners from accessing basic necessities.

While Iran's theocratic government has imposed severe restrictions on Christians for many years, the country's underground church has been referred to as 'the fastest growing in the world.'
To view a recent video interview regarding the situation in this Middle Eastern country, and/or to access previously published reports, visit our country profile.

• Pray for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict; and, in the interim, for the protection of innocent civilians caught in its path.
• Ask our Heavenly Father to strengthen, comfort and secure the release of Christian prisoners of conscience who are being detained because of their faith in Jesus.
• May God's Spirit continue to move powerfully throughout Iran, leading many more to true deliverance and eternal hope in Him.

CHINA: Church Elder Released After Five Years' Imprisonment

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Elder Zhang Chunlei Photo: ChinaAid

Zhang Chunlei is an elder with the Ren'ai Reformed Church in Guiyang, China. Following his arrest in March 2021, he was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly "inciting subversion of state power." The Christian leader also received accusations of fraud relating to the receipt of church offerings – a charge commonly used to suppress unregistered congregations. Fellow believers describe the elder as a "gentle, yet firm spiritual leader."

Over the years of his imprisonment, Elder Zhang had been hospitalized due to very painful gallbladder inflammation and was later diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and hypertension. His release from custody finally took place on March 16th upon the completion of his full sentence.

Despite the church leader's release, it is anticipated that government harassment will continue. As a high-profile religious leader, Elder Zhang may face ongoing surveillance, travel restrictions and social isolation.
 A listing of previously published reports on this believer's case can be accessed here.

• Praise God for bringing Elder Zhang safely through these past five years of imprisonment and, as a result, making it possible for him to now be joyfully reunited with his loved ones.
• Pray for this spiritual leader’s complete physical healing and renewed inner strength, as well as long-awaited restoration through the loving support of his family and church community.
• Ask God to guide Elder Zhang during this next season of his life, fortify the ministry of the Ren'ai Reformed Church, and uphold the faithful witness of unregistered congregations throughout China.

RUSSIA: New Charges Filed Against Retired Missionary

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, Voice of the Martyrs Korea

Ms. Park Tae-yeon Photo: VOM Korea

In January, Ms. Park Tae-yeon – a long-serving missionary who lovingly cared for children in Russia – was planning to retire after 33 years of ministry. However, before she could return to South Korea, Russian authorities prevented the Christian woman from leaving the country. In the process, they also arrested her for alleged immigration violations.
(For more details, see this report.)

Investigators recently filed two additional charges against Ms. Park, whose case has been extended by another month. A hearing is now expected to take place in late April. With the new allegations, the arrested missionary could face up to 17 years in prison. In response to these developments, Pastor Eric Foley from VOM Korea stated: "Her activity hasn't changed for more than 30 years. The only thing that has changed is that now Russian authorities call people like her 'extremists,' 'brainwashers,' and 'conspirators against Russia,' despite all common-sense evidence to the contrary."

The Voice of the Martyrs Korea is collecting signatures on a petition calling for her immediate release. The petition will be presented to the Russian embassy in Seoul. Those wishing to add their names may do so at VOMKorea.com/en/petition-2026.

• Praise God for Ms. Park's decades of steadfast and loving ministry to children and families in Russia.
• Please pray that Russian authorities will respond with justice and compassion, allowing this faithful follower of Jesus to return safely home to her family in South Korea.
• While awaiting vindication during this time of detention, may God empower Ms. Park so she can bring His comfort, hope and light to all those around her – including the facility's prisoners, members of its staff, as well as the officials overseeing the prison.

CUBA: Pastor Detained After Posting Video

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Cuba Headlines, Evangélico Digital

A police car in Cuba. Photo: Wikimedia / Dickelbers (CC)

Each week, Pastor Rolando Pérez Lora visits a park in Matanzas, Cuba, where public Wi-Fi is available, to film a series of Bible teachings for his YouTube channel. As he records, people often gather around to listen, sometimes asking him for prayer.

On March 15th, as Pastor Rolando was returning home after completing his latest video recording, two police officers approached the church leader and forced him into a patrol car. The pastor was then taken to the Playa Police Station and detained for three hours before being released. No official explanation was given for his arrest. This is not an isolated incident, for Pastor Rolando stated that he has been targeted by the authorities since becoming a pastor in 2011.

The Cuban Christians Alliance documented that Communist officials have committed 996 repressive actions against the country's religious leaders in 2024 alone, demonstrating a consistent pattern of harassment. This recent arrest comes during a time of significant civil unrest in Cuba, as demonstrations are being held throughout the country in the face of major shortages of food, medicine and fuel.
To access additional reports addressing the oppression of Christianity in this island nation, visit our country profile.

• Prayerfully remember Pastor Rolando and other church leaders in Cuba who are faithfully sharing the Gospel message despite the increased opposition and unrest.
• Ask the Lord to provide national political leaders wisdom and guidance as they navigate how to effectively resolve the ongoing economic crisis.
• Pray for lasting peace to take place in this troubled country. In the process, may there be an end to the government's harassment of Christians who are diligently working to serve and support the Cuban people.