China

"Coming out of prison during this month of [China's] Thanksgiving has

been full of God's grace – I have seen

the Holy Spirit's presence every day."

~ Pastor Zhang Shaojie

NIGERIA: Hundreds Kidnapped in School Attacks

Source: VOMC
Sources: BBC, CBC, Aljazeera, AP, Pique Newsmagazine, Reuters, Peoples Gazette

Photo: Unsplash / Samuel Martins

Shock and grief have spread through Niger State in central Nigeria after gunmen raided a Catholic boarding school in the village of Papiri on November 21st, taking 303 students and 12 staff members captive. According to the Christian Association of Nigeria, 50 of the kidnapped students managed to escape within the first two days and have been reunited with their families, leaving 265 still missing.

In a separate raid, gunmen abducted 25 girls from a high school in Kebbi State during the early morning hours of November 17th. A teacher and a guard were both killed in the assault. One of the kidnapped girls has since been located, while authorities continue to search for the remaining 24 students. At the time of publishing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for either of the recently occurring school attacks, and the abductors' motives remain unclear. The total number of victims resulting from these two incidents now surpass the infamous Chibok school kidnapping of 2014, when 276 students were abducted.

Security agencies and local hunters have been "combing the forests" in search of the remaining captive students. In response to the kidnappings, Pope Leo issued the following statement: "I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their release."

Abductions and other atrocities continue to surge across Nigeria, leaving authorities struggling in their attempts to curtail the violence. The Christian Association of Nigeria is calling on churches throughout the country to come together in prayer on December 7th, interceding for the following five needs:

1) Divine intervention to end Christian killings in Nigeria, 2) the resettlement of displaced churchgoers, 3) a stop to the activities of terrorists, 4) heavenly wisdom for political decision-makers, and 5) restoration of peace in the country.
For more reports addressing the violence facing Nigeria's Christians, see our Nigeria profile.

• Please join in the call to prayerfully uphold our long-suffering Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ, pleading for an end to the perpetual onslaught of violence in their nation.
• Intercede for the kidnapped students and staff members, asking that they would be divinely shielded from harm, immediately rescued from their plight, and safely reunited with their concerned loved ones.
• In the interim, pray on behalf of the abducted victims' families as well, that they will receive great comfort, peace and strength while awaiting urgent intervention.
• Lift up those who are responsible for these attacks, praying that they would repent, turn from their wicked ways, and receive the truth, forgiveness and eternal salvation that have been made available to them through Christ.

CHINA: Pastors Released from Prison

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains, Release International

Pastor Zhang Shaojie (left) and Pastor Xing Wenxiang (far right) Photo: ChinaAid

In November 2013, Pastor Zhang Shaojie was arrested on charges of fraud and "disrupting public order." Despite multiple appeals, the church leader was sentenced to 12 years in prison. His family reported that, while imprisoned, Pastor Zhang suffered mental and physical mistreatment – including a time of "concentrated education." With great thankfulness, he completed his sentence this month and has since been freed from prison.

Upon his release, the pastor stated that he feels "deeply grateful" for the support of the international community. "Otherwise," he remarked, “I might not be here today, and might have...'disappeared.'" However, even though he has been physically released from prison, Pastor Zhang is still not free from the oppression of the Chinese Communist regime. Authorities have installed facial recognition cameras throughout his home and restricted his ability to receive visitors.

In 2016, Pastor Xing Wenxiang was also sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment after being arrested on similar charges. She had been ministering with her husband, Pastor Bao Guohua, in an officially recognized "Three-Self Church." Yet, when the pastoring couple refused to comply with the Zhejiang provincial government's widespread order to remove all crosses from church buildings, both of these believers were arrested. Pastor Bao, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison, presently remains in custody.

After a two-year sentence reduction, Pastor Xing was recently released. According to ChinaAid, "The decade behind bars has left visible trauma on her physical and emotional well-being." Upon regaining her freedom, Pastor Xing's first action was to visit the grave of her mother, who had passed away during the recently released church leader's imprisonment.
More information concerning Christian persecution in China, including video-recorded interviews, are available at our country profile..

• Praise God for His sustaining grace throughout the years of imprisonment endured by each of these dedicated pastors, whose perseverance amid trial and mistreatment is in itself a powerful testimony to numerous people in China and many other parts of the world.
• As Pastor Zhang and Pastor Xing readjust to life outside prison walls, and yet remain under continued government surveillance, may they receive further strength and healing in every area of their lives (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and relationally).
• Prayerfully remember all those in China who are presently imprisoned for their faith, including Pastor Bao, asking that their lives would brightly shine the light of Christ's love and hope – even in the darkest places.

BELARUS: Priests Pardoned by the Nation's Presidential Leader

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

Father Henryk (second from left) and Father Andrei (second from right), along with two archbishops. Photo: Catholic.by

Two Catholic priests who had been convicted and sentenced to more than 10 years in prison were pardoned and freed from a Belarusian labour camp on November 20th. State media claimed that the church leaders, who were granted clemency by President Alexander Lukashenko, had been "convicted of serious crimes against the state, as well as other crimes."

Father Henryk Okolotovich served as the priest of St. Joseph's Church in Volozhin, a town located near the country's capital of Minsk. He was arrested in November 2023, and then sentenced for treason one year later. During his imprisonment, the Soviet Union's KGB officers approached him on multiple occasions to offer freedom in exchange for planting evidence against the Vatican's nuncio (official state representative). The priest refused each time.

Father Andrei Marianovich Yukhnevich was arrested on May 8th, 2024. Originally, he was given a short-term sentence for posting an image of a Ukrainian flag on his Facebook page. Following this initial sentence, Father Andrei was then subjected to fabricated accusations of committing sexual abuse against minors, resulting in an extended sentence of 13 years in prison. Other reports referencing his crimes against the state reflect the questionable nature of the added allegations.

While the presidential pardons for the two church leaders were unexpected, it is unknown whether these priests will be allowed to return to their ministerial roles. Upon their release, they were taken to the airport for flights to Rome where both of them are presently staying.
To review further reports, outlining the Belarusian government's harsh regulations regarding religious registration and practice, go to our Belarus profile.

• In addition to thanking God for the unexpected release of Father Henryk and Father Andrei, please pray that He would minister healing and restoration in each of their lives following the ordeals of their trials and imprisonment.
• Continue to pray for other Christians who are currently imprisoned in Belarus because of their faith, asking the Lord to sustain them with His strength, peace and hope.
• Pray for wisdom on behalf of church leaders throughout the country as they faithfully minister under oppressive restrictions – asking the Holy Spirit to not only inspire them with innovative ways of sharing the Gospel, but to also provide further opportunities for their congregations to meet the spiritual and practical needs of those in their communities.

FULL MOVIE: GO Africa: Skyboy and the Woman of Honor

A new movie produced by YWAM proves why the U.S. designation is accurate while also highlighting the ways in which missionaries are advancing the Kingdom of God in a hostile nation. The film features testimonies from child soldiers who've surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, along with other inspiring stories.

The movie, Go Africa, also honors the wives of pastors killed by beheading in northern Nigeria. Up to 150 widows come to a YWAM base there every six months to heal from trauma.

True stories of brutality and satanic rituals are depicted in the film, along with the official account of the birth of YWAM in one capital city.

In announcing the movie's release across 240-plus locations on six continents recently, a YWAM news host said its missionaries have corroborated horrendous actions by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria.

Simultaneously with the release of the film, a female missionary confirms CBN News reports of widespread, mass murder of Christians in greater numbers than in all the nations of the earth combined.

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.

Nigerian Christians Defy Genocide Through Worship

Start at 5:42 for Prayer night.

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.