1. Open in Prayer
2. Scripture: Psalm 13: How Long, O LORD?
3. Worship Video: How Long, O Lord | Worship from persecuted Nigerian Christians
Prayer for the Persecuted:
4. Nigeria - The violence continues
5. Pakistan: Inside Pakistan’s Brick Kilns
6. Lebanon - Martyr's Widow Begins Cancer Treatment
7. Seven Letters from the Persecuted Church
Recent News:
Canada Grants Asylum to Iranian Christian Deported from US - ICC
Source: Global Christian Relief
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| GCR ambassador David Latting traveled to Pakistan in late August to meet Christian families living and working in brick kilns under generations of bonded labor. |
GCR: What did the kilns look, sound, and feel like?
David: Stepping into the brick kilns was like stepping into Egypt. You could see the ruthless nature of the constant production, regardless of the human soul and the image of God. There was no dignity in those brick kilns. There was only work to be done.
It was so noisy, but so quiet. There was so much noise from machines, animals, and shovels hitting mud, but there was no music. There was no singing.
I see construction workers in the heat, and there’s at least a sense of camaraderie. Here there was none of that. There wasn’t even peace at the end of the day. You could feel it.
GCR: What surprised you most about the Christian families you met?
David: Their endurance. Something I saw in every kiln was the families’ smiles and their genuine ability to refrain from despair.
In every interview, I would ask the same question: How have you endured? How have you kept faith in Christ? I kept hearing Psalm 23 and Psalm 91. And they believed it. They looked at us, weeping, saying, “Look, here we are. Look at the faithfulness of God. We had no hope. We continued to hope despite the lack of it.”
GCR: Tell us about Pastor Samuel and why that meeting stayed with you.
David: My first interaction with Pastor Samuel was on the back of a donkey cart. There were no seats. You stand, basically donkey surfing. It was awesome. We didn’t speak the same language, but we were laughing because I was trying not to fall, and he was trying to keep me from falling. I’m six foot six and 250 pounds. I’m a big guy next to him.
Then we went from that moment into the seriousness of his house. He was looking at the Word of God, and to me it felt like one of those big moments when a promise had been fulfilled. He had read the Bible to his family for years. He knew it to be true, and now it had happened. The faithfulness of God was everything.
Psalm 91 was especially meaningful because my wife had been praying Psalm 91 for me every night while I was in Pakistan. It felt like a genuine family moment.
In situations like this, everything can feel compartmentalized: you’re there, I’m here. We’re on different sides of the world. But in that moment, we were really sitting at one table. I thought, “You are my brother.” And I felt it. It wasn’t artificial. We had a brotherly experience, and then we sat down with brotherly love.
GCR: What made him a pastor inside the kilns?
David: He had been enslaved when he was 12 years old, so before that, he knew how to read. He was the one with the Bible. He read Scripture to people and told them what it meant, and people gathered because of that.
He had faith in God. That’s what made him pastoral. You could feel it. It was definitely a vocation. His occupation was brickmaking, but his vocation was caring for the souls of others.
He cared for mine.
The harsh reality for Christians in Pakistan
Another Example:
Mumtaz & Shagufta
A loan that his grandfather took out was passed down to Mumtaz's father and then to him. His own 10-year-old son just started making bricks, the fourth generation of slavery.
35 Years Enslaved
$718 total debt
Global Christian Relief has a goal of freeing 500 Christians from bonded labor.
Pray for the thousands of Christians held in bonded labor. Pray that they will be set free and that they will keep their faith strong in God.
Source: iCommitToPray
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| Lebanon was flooded with Syrian refugees like these boys during its civil war. Some refugees also fled religious persecution. |
“Pray for her and her children,” said a front-line worker.
“Pray that she will survive this health scare and also that she and her children will receive the comfort and support they need to heal emotionally as well.”
Praise God that many Muslim refugees in Lebanon have placed their faith in Christ and are active in local churches.
Pray that Christian converts from Islam will inspire their family members to follow Christ too.
Pray for front-line workers who proclaim the gospel in a dangerous, conflict-ridden environment.
Source: Morning Star News
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| Soldiers amid gunfire by Fulani militia in Dorowa Babuje, Plateau state, Nigeria on September 20, 2026. (Masara Kim, Truth Nigeria) |
Fulani militia carried out coordinated attacks in Barkin Ladi County, killing at least eight Christians, including a Baptist pastor and his church secretary, who were on their way to Sunday service. The pastor’s son was critically wounded.
Three villages were struck simultaneously, overwhelming local defenders. Police, Army, and DSS forces were present but were overpowered, with one DSS officer injured and a police armored vehicle damaged.
Additional attacks occurred in nearby villages over several days:
Five Christians ambushed and killed in Gana-Ropp. One Christian killed in Rakok while villagers slept. Three Christians killed in NTV village during a night raid. Earlier attacks in Dorowa Babuje also killed and wounded Christians.
Open Doors reports that 3,490 Christians were killed in Nigeria in one year—72% of all Christians killed worldwide.
Some Fulani groups adopt extremist ideology similar to Boko Haram and ISWAP, intentionally targeting Christian villages. Desertification and land pressure also contribute to violent displacement.
A new group, Lakurawa, linked to Al‑Qaeda’s JNIM, is active in the northwest with advanced weaponry.
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
Chinese authorities have reportedly arrested the pastor and seven other members of the Beijing Jiaquan Church – an influential house-church network with congregations in Beijing and various other areas of the country. While specific details are still emerging, concerns continue to grow for those affected.
On September 4th, members of the church were preparing a hotel conference room for the congregation's 20th anniversary celebration when more than 100 police officers surrounded the gathering. The contact information of everyone participating in the preparations was recorded, and seven church members were seized at the venue. Police also contacted Pastor Zhou Zixun, who was not present at the scene, and ordered him to report to the police station. While two of the detained members were later released, an additional two believers have since been arrested.
The eight believers presently remaining in custody are being held on suspicion of fraud – a charge commonly used against Christians from unregistered churches. These arrests appear to be part of the Communist officials' broader efforts to target prominent urban church networks, including Chengdu's Early Rain Covenant Church and the Beijing Zion Church.
Commenting on the recent campaigns, VOMC CEO Floyd Brobbel states: "We remain concerned by the persistent restrictions imposed on Christian communities in China. Freedom of religion includes the ability to assemble and worship freely, without mandatory registration as a precondition for exercising this fundamental right." He further adds, "Please join us in praying that believers in China will be strengthened by the Lord, enabling them to follow Christ faithfully with humility, courage and enduring faith."
For previously published reports, including a video interview with ChinaAid's founder, Dr. Bob Fu, visit our country profile.
Please prayerfully uphold Pastor Zhou and the other detained church members, asking the Lord to sustain them with His peace, strengthen them through His Spirit, and encourage them with the assurance of His constant presence.
Pray also that further details regarding this situation will emerge, and that those seeking to help and advocate on behalf of these believers will be granted wisdom and guidance.
Continue to remember the numerous other Christian leaders throughout China who are presently imprisoned on false charges because of their faith, praying that they too will be encouraged in Christ and steadfast in their witness for Him.
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, VOM Australia
On September 16th and 17th, Chinese authorities carried out a two-day operation against an underground church in Jinzhai County, Anhui Province. During the process, officials confiscated the believers' cell phones and ordered them to replace their worship hymns with patriotic songs that praise the Chinese Communist system.
On the first day, approximately 30 police officers and local officials raided the church's gathering place. While interrogating and searching those in attendance, authorities restricted the Christians' movements, preventing them from carrying out even basic tasks such as accessing the building's washroom facilities. Two female preachers were then taken to the police station for questioning. One of the women was subsequently confined to her home for four days, and one had sustained a hand injury while being transported by officers.
According to anonymous sources, much of the questioning focussed on two relatives of the preachers. Even though one of the two family members is presently ministering in the United States, police officers repeatedly sought contact information and details regarding the activities of both relatives.
Authorities returned to the church location on September 17th under the leadership of a religious affairs official. This time, they found several young Christians practising music for future worship services. The investigators told the musicians that they were forbidden from singing songs containing the words, "Jesus," "God" or "Lord," ordering them to instead use their songs for the purpose of praising the Chinese Communist Party.
In response, ChinaAid founder Dr. Bob Fu remarked, "When government officials begin deciding whom Christians may worship and what they may sing, so-called 'Chinafication of religion' has already become a political tool for forcing churches to submit to Communist Party ideology."
To access other reports concerning the challenges facing followers of Christ in China, go to our country profile.
Pray that the two preachers, as well as the congregation members who were interrogated during the recent investigations, will experience God's protection, comfort and peace. The same applies to the two relatives that the officials had specifically inquired about.
Ask the Lord to also intervene judicially on behalf of the mentioned Christian leaders and congregants, praying that no charges will be brought against them.
Additionally, please intercede on behalf of pastors, church leaders and others who are involved in the discipleship of new believers and young people, so maturing Christians can be further strengthened and equipped to overcome spiritual opposition with a strong, resilient faith.
Amid the hostility of Communist authorities, may the light of the Gospel continue to shine brightly throughout China, serving as a 'beacon of hope' to many more searching hearts in need of Christ's unconditional love, unchanging truths and life-saving grace.
Source: VOMC
Sources: Aljazeera, BBC, The Guardian, Associated Press
Hundreds of believers were killed during a devastating series of bombings that took place in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday of 2019. More than 260 people were killed and nearly 600 others injured when suicide bombers targeted three churches, along with three hotels that hosted Easter breakfast gatherings.
More details about the bombing incidents are available in our initial report.
The horrific attacks drew international attention and prompted investigations at multiple levels of Sri Lanka's government and law enforcement personnel. In 2023, a parliamentary committee was appointed to examine the events leading up to the bombings. The committee concluded that police and intelligence officials failed to act on repeated warnings that could have prevented the tragedies from taking place. As a result, on July 31st of this year, a former police chief and a former senior defence official were both convicted of criminal negligence and consequently sentenced to life imprisonment.
More recently, on September 22nd, Sri Lanka's High Court convicted 15 male perpetrators of the attacks on charges relating to murder and terrorism. The men were given prison sentences ranging from 200 to 260 years. Nine other suspects were acquitted of all charges. Not only have militant Islamic groups been linked to the attacks, a former intelligence chief is currently facing trial due to claims that he had collaborated with the instigating Muslim terrorists. Additional allegations have also connected the incidents to former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and members of his family, even though both the government and the Rajapaksa family deny any involvement.
When asked to comment on the court's decision, Godfrey Yogarajah, who serves as CEO for the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka and chairman for the World Evangelical Alliance, stated: "The verdict is an important step toward justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks and their families. But a conviction cannot, by itself, close the questions that remain. The investigation must continue until the full truth is established – including whether anyone directed, handled, facilitated or enabled the bombers. Only when those responsible are identified, and the mastermind held accountable, can we say that justice has been fully served."
Pray that the committee's efforts to uncover the full truth behind the attacks will continue, leading to the accountability of all the terrorists responsible for committing these crimes.
Ask God to transform the assailants' hearts so they would acknowledge the guilt of their wrongdoings, come to a point of sincere repentance, and experience the forgiveness and new life that's been made available through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the aftermath of the atrocities, please also pray for God's ongoing ministry of comfort and healing in the lives of the surviving victims and their families, helping them to fully recover from the grief of loss, physical injury, and/or the residual effects of emotional/mental trauma.
Overall, may the Holy Spirit move powerfully throughout Sri Lanka, providing greatly needed strength and encouragement to our Christian brothers and sisters, while also drawing many others in need of eternal salvation to faith in Christ – the "Light of the world" (John 8:12).
Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Burma Research Institute
On the afternoon of September 14th, while travelling to the village of Lamzang in Myanmar's Chin State, Rev. Dal Thawn Tuang was wounded by the gunshots of armed military forces and killed. According to reports, he had been shot a total of three times. The assistant pastor was returning home after conducting ministry activities in another village when the fatal attack took place. Rev. Tuang, who had faithfully served at the Lamzang Baptist Church for 22 years, is survived by his wife and two children.
Since 2021, when a military coup overthrew Myanmar's formerly elected government to enforce a dictatorship regime, its armed forces have been fighting various opposition groups. Areas under the control of pro-democracy leadership, such as the states of Chin and Kachin, happen to be predominantly comprised of Christians.
There are documented reports clearly indicating that the military has been targeting adherents of Christianity. Since the coup began, more than 340 churches and associated buildings were damaged or destroyed – with 149 believers killed and more than 200 imprisoned. The killing of Pastor Tuang follows the deaths of Pastor William and another Chin believer which took place this past June.
In these previously occurring cases, the two Christians had been in military custody where they were both executed without trial, following accusations that they supported one of the groups opposing the country's dictatorial government.
For further information concerning the atrocities perpetrated against followers of Christ in Myanmar, go to our country profile.
Pray that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) will greatly comfort the families and friends of all three recently slain believers, as they grieve the tragic loss of their loved ones.
In addition, please remember those belonging to these believers' churches and communities who are likewise reeling from shock and grief in the aftermath of the recently occurring tragedies.
Intercede on behalf of all citizens residing in this war-torn nation – including those who have yet to receive the Lord's salvation – so Myanmar can be governed with His justice and peace, a respect for the sanctity of life, and the freedom to worship Him in both spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, International Christian Concern
Over the years, the Early Rain Covenant Church has faced significant opposition, dating back to a large raid that occurred in December 2018 when more than 100 believers were arrested. The raid also involved the arrest of the church's senior pastor, Wang Yi, who was sentenced to nine years in prison.
(The initially posted Persecution & Prayer Alert reporting on this situation may be accessed here.)
Since the initial raid, police have regularly harassed the church, detaining several congregation members. Despite the relentless opposition, the church continues to find ways to worship together and meet the spiritual needs of its participating community members. For example, on September 10th, some of the elderly congregants had gathered at a teahouse in Chengdu to conduct a small-group Scripture reading. However, police officers disrupted their meeting and detained the 11 attending believers, many of whom were over 70 years of age.
When other church members heard about the incident, they went to the police station – calling for the release of the detainees. They were especially concerned for those suffering from chronic age-related health conditions. At one point, an ambulance arrived at the police station. It was speculated by observers that one of the elderly members being held in detention required urgent medical attention.
Finally, at 10 o'clock on Saturday morning, police released nine of the detained Christians. The remaining two, Elder Wu Wuqing and Brother Shen Xiaoqing, were sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention for "illegally organizing proselytizing activities."
The Chinese Communist Party has been increasing its pressure on congregations that are unwilling to join the country's state-sanctioned church and conform to the socialist teachings imposed on them.
More reports addressing the various challenges facing our oppressed Christian brothers and sisters in China are available at our country profile.
Continue to prayerfully uphold the members of Early Rain church, along with the many other believers throughout China who are facing harassment and imprisonment because of their unwavering commitment to Christ.
Pray for those who are presently being detained, as well as their concerned families, asking the Lord to sustain each one of them with His comfort, strength, provision and other means of divine intervention.
Despite the governmental oppression, may the message of Christ's love and salvation continue to spread exponentially throughout China, reaching multitudes for His eternal Kingdom.
Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Barnabas Aid
On June 12th, seven Christians – at least six of whom are pastors – were convicted under the anti-conversion laws of Madhya Pradesh state and sentenced to five years in prison, along with orders that each one of them also pay a substantial fine. The allegations relate to a social event that took place in June of 2024 when the accused believers had attended a child's birthday party.
(For more details regarding this case, see our previous report.)
Since none of the accused believers had any previous criminal record, the High Court in Jabalpur granted all seven ministerial leaders leave on August 18th so they could appeal their sentences. Even though they were all granted bail, and subsequently released from prison, the court ordered them to return on January 7th, 2027, for trial.
Those arrested included Jeet Singh Dhurve, a lay leader from the village of Pipariya where the party took place. The other six were pastors from Diwari village. While imprisoned, Jeet's steadfast dedication to Christ served as a strong testimony among prison authorities and fellow prisoners. In fact, prison officials acknowledged his special ability to foster peace within the prison institution. Jeet testified when responding to this statement that the peace ultimately came from Jesus Christ.
The esteemed prisoner was then given the opportunity to deliver a speech to his fellow inmates on August 15th (India's Independence Day), providing many of them greatly needed encouragement. Some of the inmates have now begun warmly greeting Jeet with the words, "Jai Masih Ki," which is similar to our English saying, "Praise the Lord!"
While we can praise God for the wonderful testimony that Jeet was able to provide among the prison staff and his fellow prisoners, please pray for the Holy Spirit's continual transformative work to take place in their hearts – leading them to call on the powerful name of the Lord in repentance and faith.
Additionally, we can give thanks to God that all seven of these ministerial leaders have been granted bail until January's court hearing.
In the interim, may those involved in the preparation of the legal appeals receive wisdom and guidance, so their efforts will result in the successful acquittal of the charges laid against these faithful Christian leaders.
Pray that the controversial anti-conversion laws being enforced (and often abused) in various Indian states will be changed so true justice can prevail and churches – along with other Christian organizations – would be allowed to meet the dire needs of the impoverished through provisions of humanitarian aid and other tangible expressions of God's compassionate care for them.
One of the many house churches in China.
Video stills from the raid.
People gathered following one of the blasts.
Members of Myanmar’s Armed Forces.
Church members gather outside the police
One of the imprisoned individuals.