Prayer for the Persecuted - September 1, 2025 @ 7 PM

 1. Open in Prayer

2. Scripture: Romans 8: 35-37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship
or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written:  No, in all these things we
are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  (from number 7 - Uganda)

3. Worship Video: Jelly Roll – Jesus Is Coming Soon (Christian Gospel Lyrics Video)
                                In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church

    Prayer
4.  The Hidden Church of Somalia - Faith in the Shadows:  See recent news below

5.   India - State of Maharashtra - Christians Fear Additional Attacks, Scrutiny

6.    DR CONGO: Dozens Killed in Church Attack

7.    Uganda - 🕌 From Sheikh to Christian Witness: The Story of Wambuzi Maka
      Uthman

8. Recent news:
Minneapolis - 2 Children Killed During Mass at Catholic School
Somalia - Viral Article Sparks Outrage
INDONESIA: Children Injured in Mob Violence
VIETNAM: Worship Gathering Disrupted
CHINA: Pastor Arrested for "Illegal Business Operations"

INDONESIA: Children Injured in Mob Violence

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Mission Network News, Christianity Today

Children in Indonesia. Photo: ILO / Yodhi Prasetyo (cc)

On July 27th, a violent incident occurred in Padang City, Indonesia, when several men attacked a prayer house, which was established to provide religious education to Christian children. Armed with sticks, the assailants ordered the believers to disperse, and then they proceeded to smash the building's windows. During the attack, two children (ages eight and eleven) sustained injuries after being struck by objects that had been thrown amid the violence.

After the Christians had exited the premises, the men began wrecking the contents inside. The destroyed items included furniture and electronics. Authorities have arrested nine suspects in connection with the raid. The city's mayor has since claimed that the incident was merely a "misunderstanding," stating that the assailants mistakenly believed the facility was a church building.

This event follows a similar attack that took place in the city of Sukabumi one month earlier, when a large mob targeted a retreat centre for Christian students. The attackers alleged that a private residence was being unlawfully used as a worship site. Following the incident, in which significant damages were made to the retreat house and nearby vehicles, eight individuals were arrested.
More information about Christian persecution in Indonesia, including videotaped reports on other incidents, is available at our country profile.

• Pray for complete physical healing on behalf of the two injured children, and for the emotional recovery of all who were otherwise affected by these recent acts of violence.
• May those responsible for the attacks not only be brought to justice, but may they also encounter the truth of God's Word and thus experience genuine transformation of their hearts and minds.
• Pray that Indonesian authorities at every level of government would actively uphold and protect the religious rights and freedoms of citizens representing all faith communities.

VIETNAM: Worship Gathering Disrupted

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, International Christian Concern, Radio Free Asia

A village in northeastern Vietnam.  Photo: Pexels / Quang Nguyen Vinh

While a Catholic priest was meeting with approximately 20 worshippers in a private residence on August 11th, local police abruptly cut off the power supply of the building and proceeded to raid the gathering, demanding an immediate cessation of the service. This incident occurred in Binh Khang – a village located in Vietnam's northeastern province of Thái Nguyên – at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Authorities arrested three individuals during the incident: the homeowner, the mentioned leader of the local Catholic community, and another church member. Multiple worshippers, including the priest, posted video footage of the police raid on social media.

Although no official reason was given for the arrests, one local official can be heard on video questioning the attendees about their hometowns. In Vietnam, religious activity permits are frequently denied if applicants are not from the immediate area. However, in this case, it is believed that all those present at the worship gathering were local parishioners.

For previously published reports addressing the challenges encountered by Christians in this Southeast Asian nation, go to our country profile.

• Pray for the swift and safe release of the three church members who were arrested during this recent raid.
• May the governmental opposition faced by our Christian brothers and sisters in Vietnam subside.
• Intercede on behalf of all those in this country who are currently opposed to the Gospel message, praying that they would be receptive to the ministry of the Holy Spirit and, therefore, drawn to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus.

CHINA: Pastor Arrested for "Illegal Business Operations"

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, The Christian Post

Pastor Huang Yizi Photo: ChinaAid

Pastor Huang Yizi, a prominent church leader in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, was informed on July 30th that he had been formally charged with "illegal business practices" relating to the distribution of sermon recordings. The Christian leader and several other church members were initially taken into custody on June 26th. At the time, the reason for their arrests was unclear. (A previously published report about the arrests is available here.) However, following the recent announcement of formal charges, further information has now come to light.

In China, only government-registered churches are allowed to operate websites; and even then, all content is subject to scrutiny. Unregistered house churches encounter additional restrictions, particularly when it comes to evangelistic tools like sermon recordings. Furthermore, the government-regulated social media platform WeChat rarely allows Christian content to be shared within the country.

In the face of these challenges, some Christians have developed audio players preloaded with hymns and sermon recordings, making it easier for believers to access Biblical content. These devices are especially popular among Christians with visual impairments, as well as those who cannot attend church services. Pastor Huang and other members of his church have been charged with selling these audio players without a business permit. Yet, the church maintains that the distribution was part of their ministry outreach and not intended for profit.

At last report, Pastor Huang remains in detention, along with three of the other arrested church members. Two Christian women, Ding Liqing and Shao Haiyan, had previously been taken into custody but were granted bail on July 26th. According to Pastor Huang's wife, Lin Aili, the women appeared noticeably thinner but showed joy on their faces, testifying to God's presence with them throughout the ordeal.

• As was the case for the two released Christian women, pray that Pastor Huang and the other three church members remaining in custody will likewise experience God's peace, strength and protection as they await vindication.
• Additionally, please uphold Pastor Huang's wife, Lin Aili, and the family members of the other detained believers, praying that each one of them will be comforted and sustained as they endure separation from their loved ones in the interim.
• In general, pray for the ongoing ministry efforts of the church in China, asking the Lord to empower believers in this Communist country – specifically granting them wisdom and creativity – as they faithfully continue spreading the Gospel amid opposition.

MUSIC VIDEO In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church

Minneapolis - 2 Children Killed During Mass at Catholic School

 Source: International Christian Concern

2 Children Killed During Mass at Catholic School in Minneapolis

8/27/2025 United States (International Christian Concern) — As students attended Mass at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to mark the first week of the school year, dozens of rounds of bullets pierced the church’s windows.

Two children, ages 8 and 10, died. At least 17 people, most of whom were children ages 6 to 14, were injured. Some are in critical condition.

Authorities said the shooter used a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol to fire at the children in the pews. The shooter, who has not been identified, then died by suicide.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey extended his condolences to the families of the victims during a press briefing. He added that unsincere expressions of “thoughts and prayers” aren’t an adequate response to the shooting.

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now,” he said. “These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.”

Annunciation is a private elementary school with nearly 400 students, connected to Annunciation Catholic Church. The shooting is part of an emerging trend of church attacks in the U.S.

“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told the press. “The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”

Somalia - Viral Article Sparks Outrage

 Source: ICC

 A previously published article by ICC titled Serving the Hidden Church in Somalia went viral after being reshared by Somali Muslim influencer Ahmed Showqi. The article discusses Christian persecution in Somalia and ICC’s support for underground Christian communities in Mogadishu.

🔥 What Happened:

• The influencer’s TikTok video reached 1.4 million views, triggering widespread attention.

• He highlighted ICC’s claim that 1,500 Christians live secretly in Mogadishu.

• ICC reportedly provides safe houses, food, and rent for Christian leaders in Somalia.

😡 Backlash:

• The video prompted a flood of hostile reactions from Somali Muslims online.

• Many comments, written in Somali, included violent threats and calls to eliminate Christians.

• A representative photo of a veiled woman (not Somali) was removed due to safety concerns after threats were made against her.

⚠️ Context:

• Somalia is ranked by ICC as one of the most dangerous places to be a Christian.

• Radical group al-Shabab has vowed to kill any Christians it finds.

• In Somali society, leaving Islam is seen as betraying both religion and national identity.

• Owning a Bible or sharing the gospel is illegal and often deadly.

🙏 ICC’s Response:

• ICC emphasized the need for compassion and understanding.

• They urged their followers to respond with love, quoting Jesus’ command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Uganda - 🕌 From Sheikh to Christian Witness: The Story of Wambuzi Maka Uthman

Source: 8thirty8

Wambuzi Maka Uthman, a 39-year-old Islamic leader in Uganda, experienced a life-changing vision.  After prayers in a mosque, he went to sleep in a corner of the mosque. He saw a man in white surrounded by angels who called him by name three times and urged him to tell his people to repent and turn to the living God. Uthman later realized this figure was Issa (Jesus) and shared the message with a local pastor, deepening his understanding of the Gospel.

Uthman was so happy, as he developed a deeper love for Jesus, and began sharing his newfound faith with his wife, children, and neighbors, his family reacted violently. His brothers beat him severely, accused him of madness, and demolished his home. I developed an extra energy and managed to escape mysteriously through a thick bush, then arrived at a house of a nearby neighbor who happened to be a Christian. His wife and children left to live with relatives, and his family declared they could no longer live with someone who preached Jesus as the Son of God.

🙏 Prayer Requests

• Gratitude for Uthman’s boldness and the vision he received.

• Protection for Uthman from further harm.

• That his wife, children, and brothers would also encounter Jesus in dreams.

• That the town of Mayuge would become a place of Gospel revival.

• A declaration from Romans 8:35–37, affirming that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ.

Jelly Roll – Jesus Is Coming Soon (Christian Gospel Lyrics Video)

ETHIOPIA: Church Attack Forces Pastor and Wife into Hiding

Source: VOMC
Source: Steadfast Global

The remains of the church building. Photo: VOMC Ministry Partner

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada has partnered with Steadfast Global to provide small loans to pastors and other Christian workers so they can establish sustainable businesses in support of their ministries. Among the recipients of this project is Pastor Paul, along with his wife Mary. (Their given names were changed for the purpose of this report due to security concerns.) This couple has been faithfully ministering within a Muslim-majority community in southern Ethiopia. As part of their ministry outreach, Pastor Paul and Mary leased space in a compound where they set up a shelter composed of poles and zinc sheets so they could hold worship services with local converts.

On July 29th, a mob suddenly stormed into the compound, forcibly dismantling the shelter before stealing its structural materials. Although police were present at the time of the attack, they did nothing to intervene. Instead, the authorities arrested Pastor Paul and physically assaulted him while in custody. The church leader was later released without charge. Thankfully, Mary was unharmed during the incident.

The Christian man who had leased the space to Pastor Paul was detained by police following the raid. Soon after the landowner's release, he terminated his rental agreement with the church. For their safety, Pastor Paul and Mary have gone into hiding as they recover from the attack and discern their next steps.

Prior to this incident, the pastor was asked if he had any concerns for his own safety, considering the history of violence against Christians in the area. His response was unwavering: "We are not afraid. We will live for Christ, and we will die for Christ."
To review reports on previous incidents of persecution in Ethiopia, go to this country profile.

• Ask the Lord to grant Pastor Paul and his wife Mary full healing and restoration following this recent attack, also praying that this ministering couple will receive His guidance and provision as they seek direction for the future.
• Praise God for faithful servants across Ethiopia who are reaching out with the "Good News" of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition.
• Pray for future opportunities to proclaim the message of God's forgiveness and salvation in communities where the hope of His shining light is needed most.
• Also intercede for the spiritual growth and protection of the converts who had been meeting with Pastor Paul, praying that their faith would deepen and remain strong despite adversity.

INDIA: Pastors Arrested and Assaulted

Source: VOMC
Sources: ECSPE, Release International, Christian Daily

A screenshot of people disrupting the service in Bhilai. Photo: Morning Star News

On July 20th, six pastors were arrested after a mob disrupted a church service in Bhilai, a city located within the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The assailants chanted Hindu slogans and accused the pastors of engaging in forcible conversions. As the mob grew increasingly vocal, shouting obscenities and threatening violence, Pastor Baksh locked the church doors to protect his congregation members.

When police officials eventually arrived, they demanded that the church members open the doors. However, rather than addressing the mob, the authorities detained nearly 40 Christians, transporting them by bus to the local police station. While there, officers pressured Pastor Moses Logan to provide the names of five Christians, with the intent of pressing charges against them. The pastor refused, insisting that any charges should be directed at those who verbally threatened to attack the church. Despite his protest, Pastor Moses and five other church leaders were charged and transferred to a jail in the nearby city of Durg. While most of the other detained Christians were released, several women also received charges of "forced conversions."

During their imprisonment, all six church leaders were interrogated by prison guards. When the jailer discovered that the detained men were pastors, he ordered them to be beaten. Pastor Moses, who was ill at the time, was spared the physical violence. However, the other believers suffered brutal beatings with wooden batons, resulting in deep lacerations. Thanks to the efforts of local Christians, who were able to raise enough money for bail, the six pastors were released on July 21st. However, the charges against them remain.

In light of this attack, an unnamed ministry partner in India shared: "North Indian pastors and [ministry] workers live in fear. The right to practise your faith is under assault now." He urges followers of Jesus around the world to pray for the church in India, as militant Hindu groups continue to target Christians.
For further information, visit our country report.

• Pray that the physical wounds suffered by these pastors will heal quickly and completely, and that all false charges against them and the other accused members of this congregation would be dropped.
• Lift up believers throughout India who are facing increasingly aggressive opposition, praying that they would be filled with wisdom, discernment and courage as they navigate these challenges.
• Intercede for those who are opposed to the Gospel in this South Asian nation, in hopes that they will be receptive to the Holy Spirit's conviction of their sinful ways, and thus experience miraculous transformation through the love and saving grace of our Lord Jesus.

CHINA: Detained Pastor's Family Faces Harassment

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Bitter Winter

Pastor Chang Shun with one of his children. Photo: ChinaAid

Since 2021, Pastor Chang Shun of the Maizhong Reformed Church in Fuyang City has encountered ongoing harassment from Chinese authorities. Unfortunately, all his appeals, in response to the multiple administrative detentions and fines he received over the years, have been unsuccessful. In 2023, Pastor Chang's church was officially banned by the government. Most recently, the harassed church leader was detained on June 29th during a raid by law enforcement officers. In this latest occurrence, he was taken into custody alongside Elder Ma Tao on suspicion of "organizing illegal gatherings." Several visiting friends and family members of Pastor Chang were also detained. Authorities forcibly relocated the visiting individuals, loading their belongings onto trucks and sending them back to their hometowns with strict orders not to return to Fuyang.

Since the raid, Pastor Chang's wife, Li Yunyan, has suffered ongoing police intimidation. Surveillance cameras were installed at the door of the couple's residence, and a tracking device was placed on her car. In addition, the lock on their front door had been changed without notice, and the water supply to their home was cut off. The Christian woman also reports often being followed when she leaves her residence. Li is particularly concerned for the safety of their two young children and has expressed growing unease over the constant surveillance. In an open letter, Li calls on Christians around the world to pray for her family's situation. Reports on other incidents of persecution in China are available at this country profile.

• Pray for God's protection and peace over Pastor Chang, Elder Ma and the other church members who were detained because of their faith in Christ.
• Additionally, please prayerfully uphold Li and the many other followers of Jesus in China who are experiencing harassment and intimidation from Communist authorities, asking that these believers and their loved ones would also be divinely shielded from harm and further encouraged to continue trusting in Him.
• May the testimonies of faithful believers shine brightly amid the country's spiritual oppression, leading many more seekers of the truth to recognize God's Light – as ultimately revealed through the miraculous life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus.