Monday, January 19, 2026
Thursday, January 15, 2026
CHINA: Major Crackdown on Church Networks
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, BBC, The Christian Post, France 24
In recent months, the Chinese Communist Party has intensified its campaign against some of China's largest unregistered church networks. This crackdown follows years of pressure on congregations such as those belonging to the Early Rain Covenant Church, which has faced major oppression since December 2018. In October 2025, authorities also launched coordinated raids on multiple campuses of the Zion Church network, arresting several church leaders. More recently, similar actions have targeted the Yayang Christian Church and its affiliated congregations.
In the early morning hours of December 15th, more than 1,000 officers raided 12 congregations linked to the Yayang Christian Church. During the raids, authorities arrested hundreds of believers and detained key church workers. In the days following, police vehicles remained stationed outside the homes of several church members.
On January 5th, hundreds of police officers and members of China's special forces surrounded the Yayang Christian Church in Wenzhou with scaffolding and barricades, blocking the building from public view. In addition to strictly warning citizens to not take any photographs or videos, authorities deployed drones and signal-blocking vehicles to monitor the area. Several individuals were taken into custody merely for sharing information on social media or through private messaging apps.
While the church remains blocked from view, the silhouette of the building clearly shows that the cross has been removed from the bell tower. There have also been reports that the bell tower itself is being dismantled. It is believed that the authorities intend to eventually demolish or substantially alter the church building.
Despite these recent campaigns, church members are standing firm in their faith. Dr. Eric Foley from VOM Korea observes: "As their leaders are put in jail, new leaders are raised up from the congregation to take their place. This is real church life...an all-church commitment to Jesus Christ." As these churches continue to conduct worship services – even in the midst of dire challenges – the Gospel message is boldly being proclaimed.
At last report, 20 members of the Yayang church are presently being held in detention, and the government's oppression remains ongoing.
To review previously published reports addressing the persecution of Christians in China, go to VOMCanada.com/china.htm.
- Pray that God's peace and strength will encourage the hearts of His oppressed people as they seek His guidance through these challenging times of persecution.
- In the midst of the present hardships, pray that the Lord will continue to work powerfully in and through China's churches, enabling them to courageously proclaim the message of His sacrificial love and forgiveness.
- May international pressure be applied in a concerted effort to overturn the Chinese government's oppressive policies, and thus bring relief to those who are suffering for their faith.
KAZAKHSTAN: Police Coerce Complaints Against Unregistered Churches
Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18
Police in Kazakhstan continue to pressure congregations belonging to the Council of Churches Baptist in an ongoing campaign to force them to register with the government. Recent reports indicate that the authorities have coerced individuals into filing complaints against these churches, even dictating what they should say.
On September 29th, police arrived at the Shu Baptist Church after receiving a complaint alleging that the church was conducting lessons for children – an activity restricted by law. The woman who filed the complaint later admitted that it had been written "under pressure and dictation from the police."
On October 26th, a church in Balpyk-Bi was raided by police officers mandating that the congregation be registered with the government. When the officers returned on November 19th, they demanded statements from all the attendees and, throughout the ordeal, forbid them from leaving. Those who refused to comply by giving a statement were then taken to the local police station. Charges were subsequently filed against nine members for holding a worship meeting without state permission. Thankfully, on December 24th, the judge dismissed all nine cases due to lack of evidence.
Under Kazakhstan's religious laws, registration requirements are strictly enforced. For some groups, such as the Council of Churches Baptist, these requirements bring back memories of the oppression Christians faced under the former Soviet Union. Under Kazakhstan's religious laws, registration requirements are strictly enforced. For some groups, such as the Council of Churches Baptist, these requirements bring back memories of the oppression Christians faced under the former Soviet Union.
More information on the persecution of believers in this Central Asian nation is available at our country report.
- Pray on behalf of the church leaders in Kazakhstan as they navigate how to wisely respond to the ongoing demands of governing officials and appropriately deal with the legal challenges presently facing them.
- May congregations throughout the country experience God's divine protection, empowerment and provision, enabling persecuted followers of Jesus to remain steadfast in their faith despite intimidation and coercion.
- Additionally, ask the Lord to bless His people's endeavours to faithfully share the Scriptures with those in need of eternal salvation, so that many hearts will be enlightened to the truth of His Word.
INDIA: Protest Leads to Arrests
Source: VOMC
Sources: The New Indian Express, Catholic Connect, News18
A 60-year-old pastor and his son, along with seven other Christians, have been arrested on allegations of conducting coerced conversions. The arrests took place after members of the militant nationalist group, Bajrang Dal, staged a protest outside a church building in the Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
On December 28th, Pastor David Gladion was leading a prayer meeting when protestors suddenly gathered outside, accusing him and his adult son, Abhishek, of luring Hindu women to convert to the Christian faith by offering money, employment and free education. The protestors claimed that approximately 150 people were in the church building at the time – many of them women.
After learning of the protest, authorities arrived at the scene. They then transported the two accused Christian men, along with seven unidentified followers of Jesus, to the police station. A case has since been registered against the believers. Police state that "publicity vehicles" were used to invite villagers to prayer meetings. One such vehicle was seized, along with religious literature.
The protest against the believers was instigated by accusations from a local resident who claimed that he and others had been invited to the church. He alleged that the Christians also made derogatory remarks against Hindu beliefs and offered incentives to convert to Christianity.
Police state that the investigation is presently in progress, and that further action will be taken based on the resulting evidence. Many Indian states have laws against coerced conversion activities. Unfortunately, these laws are frequently abused through false accusations.
To learn more about the challenges facing our Indian family in Christ, and/or to view related video clips, go to our country profile.
- Ask God to guide the authorities' investigation so that the truth may be revealed and justice will ultimately be upheld.
- In the meanwhile, pray that Pastor David, Abhishek and the other detained believers will experience the Lord's loving comfort, peace and mighty protection.
- In spite of the frequently encountered opposition and false accusations, may the message of God's love and grace powerfully spread throughout India.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
NIGER: Two Slain in Christmas Eve Attack
Source: VOMC
Sources: The Daily Star, Macau Business
On the night of December 24th, Christians gathered for worship at a church in Mailo village, a community located in the Dosso region of Niger. At around 11 p.m., armed men stormed the church building and fired into the air, causing the worshippers to panic. As a result, all who had been attending the service fled – some escaping into the bush, while others sought refuge in neighbouring villages. Tragically, a husband and wife who hid in their home were pursued and killed by the assailants.
This violent incident reflects the ongoing unrest caused by rebels linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State terrorist group. The country's military has been fighting these insurgent groups for several years. Despite the terrorists' threats, relations between Christians and Muslims in Niger have generally remained amicable.
To learn more about the challenges facing our Christian family in Niger, visit our country profile.
- Prayerfully remember the family, friends and church parishioners who are now left mourning the tragic loss of this dear Christian couple.
- Ask the Lord to also minister healing to the survivors who are trying to cope with the resulting emotional trauma of the attack.
- Pray that the officials' efforts to curb the violent activities of militant groups will be strengthened, bringing effective and lasting security and stability to vulnerable communities throughout the country.
- In the midst of the present turmoil, may God guide and empower His people in this West African nation to live as ambassadors of His peace, forgiveness and love.
PAKISTAN: Update on Pastor's Death
Source: VOMC
Source: Morning Star News
A recently released report has provided further information regarding the death of Pastor Kamran Salamat.
For other details surrounding the assassination of this Pakistani pastor, see VOMC's initial Persecution & Prayer Alert posting here.
According to the latest report, authorities have since filed charges against the church leader's wife, Salmina, along with a Muslim man named Najam Ul Saqib, for apparently conspiring together to kill Pastor Kamran. Najam has also been accused of hiring contract killers to carry out the assassination. While the motives behind this tragic incident appear to have changed, one fact remains: a devoted servant of God has been killed, and all those who knew and loved him continue to need prayer.
- Pray that investigating authorities will work diligently to uncover the full truth of this heinous act, identifying the correct perpetrators and shedding light on the motives that led to Pastor Kamran's death.
- Ask the Lord to provide comfort and care for all those who are mourning the death of this devoted church leader.
- If investigators prove that Pastor Kamran's wife, Salmina, was indeed involved in his assassination, pray for her repentance – so she may experience the forgiveness and transformation that only Jesus can bring.
IRAN: Aida Released on Bail Pending Appeal
Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Church in Chains
Aida Najaflou was arrested in February 2025 for "acting against the Islamic Republic." Despite suffering from multiple health issues, including a spinal fracture she sustained after a fall in late October, the 44-year-old Christian woman received limited medical care. Adding to her adversities, she was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison this past November.
(More information on Aida's case can be accessed at VOMCanada.com/tagged-items/
In an unexpected development, Aida was released from Evin Prison on December 21st after posting bail. However, this release is temporary, pending the outcome of her appeal. During the interim, it is hoped that the injured Christian woman will be able to receive the medical care she so urgently needs. In addition to dealing with her own health concerns, one of Aida's two children has also been unwell. While the concerned mother was detained in prison, family members who were tending to her sick child encountered significant difficulties in their attempts to provide adequate care.
- While we can praise God for Aida's temporary reprieve from imprisonment, pray that this time will result in greatly needed healing, strength and restoration for the persecuted mother and her family.
- Ask the Lord to not only provide the necessary medical care, but also spiritual and emotional renewal.
- As each member of this Christian family experiences God's healing in their lives, may His Holy Spirit advocate judicially on Aida's behalf – intervening powerfully throughout the appeal process so that her conviction will be rightfully overturned.
- Please remember the many other Christians who remain imprisoned in Iran because of their faith, asking that they too will experience the Lord's comfort, courage and unwavering hope in the midst of suffering.
PAKISTAN: Haroon Shahzad Acquitted
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Christianity Daily, The Christian Post
In June 2023, Haroon Shahzad posted a Bible passage on his Facebook page without any commentary. Some community members were offended by the post, which eventually led to mob riots. While the authorities were able to avert the resulting violence, hundreds of Christians – including Haroon and his family – were forced to flee their village. Based on the allegations, Haroon was initially charged with blasphemy.
(Read further details about his case.)
Despite the charge against him, the 47-year-old believer was granted bail in November 2023. Yet, due to ongoing threats against his life, he was forced to remain in hiding since that time. It was only recently revealed that Haroon had in fact been wrongfully accused. Following the Muslim complainant's official retraction of the blasphemy allegation, Haroon received acquittal by the court on September 27th of 2025. Apparently, news of the decision was withheld until now for security reasons.
Reflecting on the court decision, Christian lawyer Aneeqa Maria stated: "The verdict lays bare the profound fragility of justice itself. It reveals a system in which an individual's liberty, dignity and entire future can be held hostage by a flawed process, where an accusation alone can unleash turmoil, turn lives upside down and leave families shattered."
While the miraculous turnaround in Haroon's case brings great joy for members of Pakistan's Christian community, the threat of vigilante violence against him and other accused believers remains a serious concern.
Additional reports addressing the persecution of Christians in this South Asian nation may be reviewed at our country profile.
- Thanks be to God that the truth regarding Haroon's case has been revealed, and that justice on his behalf is finally being served.
- Please pray for this believer's continued safety and protection from opposing community members, asking that news of his acquittal will quell any further threats of violence.
- May God bring about lasting changes to Pakistan's blasphemy laws so that such unjust allegations against our Christian brothers and sisters will cease and justice will prevail.
NIGERIA: All Remaining School Students Freed!
Source: VOMC
Sources: Al Jazeera, Church in Chains
On November 21st, people around the world were shocked by the abduction of over 300 students from a boarding school in Niger State, Nigeria.
(Learn more about this kidnapping incident.)
About two weeks after the attack, Nigerian authorities announced that 100 of the children had been recovered. On December 21st, a spokesperson for the Nigerian president confirmed via social media that the remaining 130 pupils have since been released. This means that all the abducted schoolchildren were safely freed from captivity!
While there were some discrepancies in the reported number of captives, a United Nations spokesperson explained that some of the students had apparently escaped earlier. Those that had been released were taken to Minna, the state capital, for final processing. To date, governing officials have not publicly disclosed who was responsible for the initial attack nor how the captives were eventually freed.
Catholic Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna referred to this most recent release of the remaining schoolchildren as "a testimony to answered prayers and the power of faith in sustaining hope amidst fear and uncertainty." While the path forward for these students will be challenging, please join us in praying that each one of them will receive strength and healing as they recover from the trauma of their captivity.
- Praise God that these remaining schoolchildren have been safely released and are now able to return to their relieved families.
- Pray for each child's complete emotional and physical healing as they process the ordeal, asking God to bring comfort, peace and restoration to their hearts and minds.
- Intercede for an end to the ongoing violence in Nigeria – praying that God will transform the lives of the persecutors, bring stability to the region, and protect vulnerable communities from future attacks.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday January 5, 2026 @ 7 PM
1. Open in Prayer: A NEW YEAR'S EVE PRAYER” For The Persecuted Church
2. Scripture: Psalm 34:18–19“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted… Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
3. Worship Video: Video: Guy Penrod - Revelation Song (Live)
In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church
Prayer for the Persecuted
Friday, January 2, 2026
Pakistan: Pastor’s Wife, Muslim Arrested in Clergyman’s Killing
Source: Morning Star News
Rev. Kamran Salamat, a Presbyterian pastor in Pakistan, was shot and killed outside his home on December 5. While many initially feared it was a
religious‑motivated attack, police now allege that his wife, Salmina, and a Muslim businessman, Najam Ul Saqib, conspired to murder him. Investigators say Saqib hired two gunmen and that Salmina intended to use the killing to seek asylum abroad. Both suspects are in custody. The case has deeply shaken Pakistan’s Christian community, which already faces high levels of persecution. The Rev. Kamran Salamat. (Christian Daily
International-Morning Star News)
For more info: Pastor’s Wife, Muslim Arrested in Clergyman’s Killing in Pakistan - Morningstar News
Comfort for the Family
Pray for God’s comfort for Pastor Salamat’s children, extended family, and congregation. Ask for healing from shock, grief, and betrayal.
Truth and Justice
Pray that the full truth continues to come to light. Ask for integrity and fairness in the legal process.
Protection for Christians in Pakistan
Pray for safety for pastors, evangelists, and believers in a country where Christians are less than 2% of the population. Ask God to strengthen churches facing fear and uncertainty.
Strength for the Local Church
Pray that the church in Gujranwala and Islamabad remains united and steadfast.
Ask for wisdom for church leaders as they guide their communities through grief.
Gospel Witness
Pray that even in tragedy, the hope of Christ shines clearly. Ask that believers respond with grace, courage, and forgiveness.