Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday May 4, 2026 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer: 

2. Scripture: Matthew 10: 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.38Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

3. Worship Video: "No Turning Back" Christian Persecution Play by CORNERSTONE ASIAN CHURCH YOUTH - YouTube (I have Decided to Follow Jesus)

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

Prayer for the Persecuted

4. China - Wu Qiuyu Held 205 days • Arrested October 2025

5. Ethiopia - Refusing to Reject Jesus

6. Sierra Leone - Muslim Woman Beaten for Visiting Church

7. Middle East - Convert's Family Faces Spiritual Attack

8. Nigeria - Gunmen Abduct Christian Schoolgirls, Kill 1

Recent News

• Bill to Curb Child Marriage Passes in Punjab, Pakistan
• Pakistan Urged to End Forced Conversions/Marriages
• Change Sought to Help Kidnapped Christian Girls in Pakistan
• Evangelist Killed after Gospel Event in Kampala, Uganda
• Police Action Lacking in Abduction of Christian Girl in Pakistan

• NIGERIA: Hundreds of Militants Convicted

• INDIA: Harsh Anti-Conversion Laws in Chhattisgarh

• CHINA: Christian Leaders Released from Prison

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Nigeria - Gunmen Abduct Christian Schoolgirls, Kill 1

Source: ICC

Armed attackers abducted several Christian school girls traveling to school in Kachia Local Government Area on Sunday, according to field reporting by TruthNigeria, which has documented a series of ambushes along the Akwando–Kachia corridor since early 2026. 

The victims were traveling from Akwando village to Kachia town on April 26 when gunmen intercepted their vehicle less than 10 minutes into the journey. The children had resumed travel after schools reopened in the area. 

Local sources said the driver attempted to flee the ambush, but the attackers opened fire, forcing the vehicle to stop. Several passengers were taken into the surrounding bush. 

Those reported abducted include:
Augustina Muntari, student at GSS Gumel
Happy Muntari, student at GSS Gumel
Favour Tanimu, student at GSS Kachia
Patience Joseph, student at GSS Kachia
Peace Irimiya, student at St. John’s School, Kachia
Bishara Irimiya, student at St. John’s School, Kachia
Irimiya Galadima, the driver
Fatu Danladi
Laraba Caleb 

One of the students, Purity Babangida, was killed while attempting to escape during the attack. Witnesses said at least 15 other students managed to flee by jumping from the vehicle and later reached nearby communities, including Awon village, after trekking for several hours through the bush. 

Residents in Kachia and surrounding communities claim the road has become a high-risk route, especially for students commuting between villages and schools in the town. Many families rely on shared transport due to long distances and limited access to boarding facilities. 

Education officials and community leaders have previously raised concerns about the impact of insecurity on school attendance, especially for girls. Local advocacy groups report that repeated attacks and kidnappings have contributed to disruptions in schooling, with some families withdrawing children from school due to safety concerns. 

In affected communities, families of the abducted students are awaiting further information as local volunteers and security actors continue search efforts. 

Please pray that these girls will be rescued unharmed!

Middle East - Convert's Family Faces Spiritual Attack

Zaynab reads her Bible
and prays for her family.

Source of: iCommitToPray

The family of a new Christian is enduring unexplained health issues believed to be a demonic attack. Zaynab and her family fled violence in Iraq in 2017, and she became a follower of Christ through the kindness of Christians. (Her story was shared in VOM’s December 2025 magazine.) But her former Sufi community has continually pressured Zaynab to revert. Members of the mystical Sufi community wanted Zaynab’s daughter to marry the son of a Sufi imam. Zaynab and her husband refused, and she believes the Sufis used witchcraft to cause several family members to become physically and emotionally incapacitated to the point of hospitalization. 

“Please pray for her and her family, as we believe they are under a demonic attack,” said a front-line worker. 

He also asked for prayer for Zaynab’s husband to become a follower of Christ and for the entire family to experience the love and power of Christ.

Sierra Leone - Muslim Woman Beaten for Visiting Church

Source: iCommitToPray

Isata had never sewn before being
enrolled in this Christian training program.

A Muslim woman was beaten for visiting a church but has now placed her faith in Christ. Isata is from a town where her father is an imam and her brother is a local muezzin (someone who calls Muslims to prayer). Despite being raised in a strict Muslim home, she began to have dreams in which Jesus Christ appeared. After having this dream three times, she decided to visit a church, which angered her husband. He felt she had brought shame upon his family and gathered some Muslim men, who tied her up and beat her. He then told Isata she could no longer enter her home and burned all her clothes. With nowhere to live, Isata fled to a pastor’s house. His family cared for her until they enrolled her in a Christian sewing center where she receives practical training and discipleship in God’s Word. The center was created to help Christian women like Isata start new lives after being rejected by their families for following Christ.

Overview:

Persecution is associated with tribal violence and the rise of radical Islam. Despite identifying publicly with a particular religion, an estimated 90 percent of Sierra Leoneans are aligned with secret societies that dominate all aspects of life in the country. These societies practice demonic rituals that include bodily mutilation of society members. Those who leave secret societies when they place their faith in Christ are persecuted and even risk being killed.

Pray for Isata and women like her as they start new lives after being rejected by their families for following Christ.

Pray that demonic secret societies will be exposed as powerless against the truth of Christ.

Ethiopia - Refusing to Reject Jesus

Source: ICC

Haroji Wado, on Ethiopia’s western border with Sudan, is now a place where choosing a new faith means risking everything.

For 18-year-old Zamzam Addaamaa, her only crime was loving Jesus. The simple act of choosing her faith has transformed her life into a struggle for survival.

“I was born into a devout Muslim family in Haroji Wado,” she said. “For 18 years, I lived within the prayers and expectations I was raised with. However, something stirred in my heart, a quite unshakable conviction that Christ is real.”

That conviction led her to make a life-altering decision — one she could never take back.

“When I surrendered my life to Jesus,” she said, “I never imagined that it would cost me the very same day.”

What followed was immediate and harsh rejection. Not just from her family, but from her entire community.

“When my family and community discovered my conversion, my house became a place of danger,” she said. “I was not only rejected but also expelled. I was thrown out and left with nothing to sustain me. In many parts of Eastern Ethiopia, leaving Islam is seen as a change of belief; it is seen as a betrayal worthy of punishment, and sometimes death.”

Being cast out was only the beginning of Addaamaa’s ordeal. Because of her conversion, she became a target.

“I now live hidden in someone else’s house,” she said. “A hiding place, not a home. I cannot freely step outside. I cannot go out without considering the risk. Every knock on the door could be from a neighbor, a relative, or someone sent to hurt me.”

Despite the dangers, Addaamaa survives through the compassion of other Christians. Even that kindness comes with risk.

“I survive on the kindness of strangers,” she said. “But they live in fear of being discovered while helping me. This hiding place is a temporary sanctuary, but the threat to my life remains continuous.”

Addaamaa’s story is not a new incident in Ethiopia. Across the Horn of Ethiopia, Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds face a brutal reality of family rejection, community violence, and state indifference. Girls are especially vulnerable without anyone to defend them; they become targets for beatings, isolation, or even death. Many flee to cities such as Addis Ababa or attempt dangerous crossings into Sudan or Kenya, only to face trafficking and exploitation. Yet despite everything she has lost, Addaamaa’s faith remains unshaken.

“I remain hidden, not because I want to, but because I have no resources to leave,” she said. “I have lost my family, home, and my safety, but I cannot renounce Christ.”

Please Pray!

China - Wu Qiuyu Held 205 days • Arrested October 2025

Source: VOM
 
Between Oct. 9 and Oct. 11, 2025, Chinese authorities arrested nearly 30 leaders of Zion Church, an urban house-church network based in Beijing with influence in more than 40 cities across China. Wu Qiuyu, the wife of Pastor Yang Jun, was among those arrested. Many of those detained were charged with "illegally using an information network" on the grounds that the church conducts online worship services. This charge carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.

The series of raids and arrests was the biggest crackdown on Chinese Christians since 2018. Besides Wu Qiuyu, nine men and eight women remain in detention: Jin Mingri, Wang Lin, Liu Jiang, Sun Cong, Gao Yingjia, Yin Huibin, Liu Zhenbin, Lin Shucheng, Wang Zhong, Wang Cong, Wei Yunfei, Zhu Mingli, Li Shengjuan, Hu Yanzi, Zhan Ge, An Mei and Mei Liming.

"Their only 'offense' is worshiping God peacefully, preaching the gospel faithfully, shepherding their flock and serving their neighbors," church leaders said in a statement on Oct. 12.

Founded in 2007, Zion Church has grown rapidly, reaching an estimated 1,500 members in Beijing by 2018 when it was shut down by authorities. During the coronavirus pandemic, the church shifted to online meetings and outdoor small group gatherings, hosting up to 10,000 participants for its regular gatherings.

Pray for encouragement and boldness for Wu Qiuyu as she waits in detention and is separated from her husband and family. 

Pray also for the other Zion Church leaders as they face prosecution and imprisonment. 

Pray, as the church's leaders have requested, that "those in chains for Christ will be completely free in Christ."

NIGERIA: Hundreds of Militants Convicted

Source: VOMC
Sources: Associated Press, Deutsche Welle, International Christian Concern, Open Doors

Nigeria’s Federal High Court Complex in Abuja. Photo: Wikipedia / Ovinuchi Prince Ejiohuo (CC)

In early April, more than 500 individuals who had committed terrorism-related crimes were brought before a federal court in Nigeria. The proceedings, which took place in the nation's capital of Abuja, were heard by a panel of 10 judges. Many of the accused submitted guilty pleas. In the end, 386 individuals were convicted, receiving sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment. Over 100 other cases were adjourned to a later date.

Those convicted were affiliates of the Islamic State West Africa Province or Boko Haram terrorist groups. For years, members of these militant groups have committed horrific acts of brutal violence, particularly in the northern part of the country. While the Nigerian government insists that religion is not a motivating factor behind the attacks, it is clear that churches and predominantly Christian communities have been specifically targeted. Groups seeking to establish an Islamic state consider Christianity a significant obstacle to their goals.
To review previously published prayer alert reports concerning the crimes committed against law-abiding citizens in this West African nation, go to our country profile.

• Pray that Nigeria's judicial authorities will continue to pursue and legally prosecute those who have committed such horrific crimes of violence against innocent victims in Nigeria.

• Ask the Lord to strengthen, sustain and comfort His suffering people as they now recover from the aftermath of the attacks – including the resulting loss and trauma.

• May He also minister within the hearts of the perpetrators responsible for carrying out these acts of violence, leading them to true repentance and transformation through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ.

INDIA: Harsh Anti-Conversion Laws in Chhattisgarh

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Catholic Connect, International Christian Concern

A pastor is sharing the Gospel in India.

Photo: VOM International

While many Indian states have instituted laws aimed at preventing coerced or forced religious conversions, the newly passed legislation in Chhattisgarh is notably more severe. Signed into effect by the governor on April 7th, the recently implemented law replaces a 1968 statute that Christian leaders say was frequently used as a weapon against minority communities.

The new law further enforces potential abuse by making it a non-bailable offence to convert anyone through force, allurement, undue influence, misrepresentation, marriage, and now also digital platforms. The ruling also mandates that individuals seeking to convert must give 60 days' advance notice, allowing opposing officials, family members, as well as others within the state, opportunities to scrutinize their intent. Police are then authorized to intervene and make arrests if any violation is suspected.

The law specifically exempts conversions to Hinduism, adding that reconverting to one's "ancestral religion" is not treated as a religious conversion. Punishments for violating the new statute are particularly harsh as standard offences carry prison sentences ranging from seven to ten years, along with fines of approximately $7,000 CAD. If the converting individual is classified as vulnerable (such as a woman, youth, mentally ill person, or someone deemed a member of India's Scheduled Castes), punishments are doubled. In addition, a "mass conversion" (involving more than one convert), could result in a life sentence.

Christian advocacy groups have called the law unconstitutional and discriminatory, arguing that it is designed to harass religious minorities. Vaguely defined terms such as "allurement" and "undue influence" have been misappropriately applied in the past, often leading to false accusations. On April 13th, more than 30,000 people gathered in Jagdalpur to protest the new law and call for its repeal. Similar demonstrations have also taken place in other communities across Chhattisgarh.

While genuinely coerced conversions should be discouraged, laws of this nature have repeatedly been used to falsely accuse, harass, intimidate and mistreat Christians.
For access to VOMC's previously published reports, go to our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold followers of Jesus in India, asking the Lord to provide them guidance, courage and wisdom as they seek to faithfully and peaceably share the "Good News" of His great love and gift of eternal salvation amid the growing restrictions.

• Intercede for India's governing leaders, as well as the members of its judicial courts and police enforcement, praying that they would exercise discernment and strive to uphold true justice – not only preventing the misuse of laws for political or personal gain, but also rightfully granting religious freedom for all citizens.

• Additionally, pray that India's anti-conversion laws would be overturned; and that, in the interim, all believers undergoing spiritual oppression and persecution will receive persevering strength and enduring hope through their unity in the Holy Spirit.

CHINA: Christian Leaders Released from Prison

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains

Church leaders in front of a banner stating, ”Dad, welcome home.” Photo: ChinaAid

In August 2022, police raided a family camp run by the Linfen Covenant House Church, resulting in numerous arrests and the closure of both the church and its affiliated school. (For additional details, see these reports.) Among those arrested were Pastor Li Jie, Han Xiaodong and Wang Qiang.

Since Wang had been released in September 2024, after serving a two-year prison sentence, he was present on April 19th to welcome the release of Pastor Li and Han following the completion of their respective sentences. According to reports, the release process for each of these believers proceeded relatively smoothly, and they were not required to sign any documents that compromised their faith principles. Staff from the judicial bureau were said to be friendly and even volunteered to assist in taking commemorative photographs. Family members added that, although their loved ones had been physically imprisoned, their spirits remained free through their steadfast faith in Christ.

Despite this encouraging news, the persecution of Christians in China remains ongoing. Believers continue to face pressure to conform to the requirements of the Chinese Communist Party, placing significant strains on the ability to freely live out their faith.
For additional reports addressing persecution in China, visit our country profile.

• Pray for Pastor Li, Han, Wang and their families as they adjust to life beyond imprisonment, asking the Lord to restore their strength, grant them healing, and guide their next steps through the restorative process.

• Remember our Christian brothers and sisters throughout China whose lives and religious freedoms are continually at risk because of their commitment to Christ.

• Lift up believers throughout this East Asian nation who are presently imprisoned for their faith, praying that they too would be further encouraged by God's presence, sustained by their eternal hope in Him, and given opportunities to rejoice and share the Gospel in the midst of their challenging circumstances.

INDONESIA: Prayer House Forcibly Closed

Source: VOMC
Sources: AsiaNews, VOM Australia, International Christian Concern, BBC

A group of believers in Indonesia. Photo: VOMC

For the second time in two years, the Tesalonika Christians Oikumene congregation in Teluknaga, Tangerang Regency, has encountered community opposition during Easter celebrations at their prayer house. The previous year, local officials sealed the building the day after Good Friday, forcing the believers to rent an alternative location in order to hold their Easter Sunday services.

This year, the authorities arrived in the middle of the Good Friday services, evicting everyone prior to sealing off the facility. This action was the result of protests from local villagers who opposed the church's activities. Some protesters are even demanding the permanent closure of the facility, claiming that the Christians do not have a valid permit.

While policies restricting "prayer houses" are generally less stringent than those required for formal church buildings, the congregation had applied for a building permit in 2023. Unfortunately, the outcome of the application remains unresolved. In the interim, however, governing officials have thankfully intervened in the situation by providing the congregants a temporary facility. The mayor has also promised to find them a suitable location where they can peaceably meet for the long term.

In various other areas of the country, protests revolving around permit-related disputes continue to pose significant challenges for many Indonesian congregations.
To review other reports addressing the challenges encountered by Christians in this Southeast Asian nation, go to our country profile.

• Pray for the members of this congregation as they continue to seek God's help amid opposition in their community, asking Him to grant them patience, guidance, endurance and steadfast faith.

• As in their case, may the Lord likewise intervene in the hearts and minds of governing officials in other parts of the country, also guiding them towards just and lasting resolutions that will both honour Him and uphold the dignity of Indonesia's faith communities.

• In general, may the Lord work in the hearts of the country's overall population – not only making it possible for religious tolerance and understanding to take place, but also creating opportunities for believers to share His love and the "Good News" of His salvation.

EGYPT: Court Hearing for Christian Convert

Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, International Christian Concern, USCIRF

Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq Photo: CSW

Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq converted from Islam to Christianity in 2016, joining the Russian Orthodox Church. Immediately following his conversion, he began experiencing harassment and intimidation from his family members, the wider community, and local police. In an effort to find safety, Saeid sought asylum in Russia but was forced to return to Egypt in 2024.

An outspoken advocate for his Christian faith, Saeid was formally charged in July 2025. The accusations against him include participation in a terrorist organization, stirring unrest and spreading false information.
(For more details on his arrest, go to this page.)

Religious freedom advocates contend that Saeid's arrest is solely the result of his conversion and Christian activities. While apostasy is not a criminal offence under Egyptian law, attempts to change one's religious identity on official documents have frequently led to national security charges.

While a court hearing was scheduled to take place on April 21st before Egypt's First Criminal Terrorism Circuit in Badr, the outcome is yet to be publicized. This court, which handles terrorism-related cases, has been widely criticized for its lack of transparency and frequent denial of defendants' basic legal protections. While awaiting his hearing, Saeid has reportedly suffered from physical abuse and a lack of access to many basic necessities.

• Please uphold Saeid in your prayers, asking God to provide him strength, comfort and peace, as well as the practical provisions that are needed to improve his physical health and well-being.

• Pray that Saeid will also receive capable and compassionate legal representation so that all the charges against him would be dismissed.

• Additionally, remember the many other Christian converts in Egypt who are facing hostility and uncertainty because of their faith, praying that they too would receive protection, courage, and the reassurance that they are not forgotten.

PAKISTAN: Child Marriage Bill Reaches Final Hurdle

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Daily International, Dawn

Governor of Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan Photo: Wikipedia (CC)

On February 11th, the governor of Punjab signed the "Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026" into effect. This recently implemented law aims to raise the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 and establish penalties for violation. Those advocating for the protection of the country's youth describe the legislation as a "moral and social victory."
(For more details, see our previously published report.)

Child marriage has long been a serious concern in Pakistan, particularly for young Christian girls who are frequently kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam, and then married to their abductors against their will.
Numerous reports documenting cases of such abuses against our young Pakistani sisters in Christ can be found at our country profile.

Although currently in effect, this ordinance is temporary. The newly implemented law will automatically lapse in May – 90 days after its introduction – unless approval is granted by the Punjab Assembly. The legislation has already passed through the standing committee, but now awaits a final vote by the Assembly. Opponents argue that the restraint ordinance conflicts with their personal freedoms, as well as interpretations of Islamic law, which permit the marriage of young girls upon reaching puberty.

• Pray that members of the Punjab Assembly will seriously take into consideration the devastating consequences and trauma posed to vulnerable girls (and their concerned families) if this life-protecting legislation is not swiftly and rightfully approved.

• Lift up the many young victims who have already been forcibly converted and married, asking God to provide greatly needed healing, protection and restoration in their lives.

• Pray that Christians in this predominantly Muslim nation would not only be strengthened and encouraged in the midst of pressure and opposition, but also empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve as willing instruments of the Lord's compassion, forgiveness and saving grace.