VIETNAM: Two Christians Detained and Charged

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, International Christian Concern, VN Express

A church in Vietnam. Photo: Unsplash / Tu Tran Anh

Two Montagnard Vietnamese Christians – Pastor Siu Yui and church member Siu Dok – were arrested on June 1st for spreading religious propaganda and allegedly instigating talk of independence for Vietnam's Central Highlands. Authorities claim that these men have been "undermining national unity" and associating with illegal organizations. In addition, they were accused of misrepresenting the current state of religious freedom and democracy in Vietnam through comments shared on social media.

The Montagnard people, most of whom are Christians living in the Central Highlands of this Southeast Asian country, have a long history of conflict with the Vietnamese government – primarily due to ongoing harassment from the country's Communist leadership.

Another Montagnard leader, Y Quynh Bdap, fled the country in 2018 and sought refugee protection in Thailand. Regrettably, Thai authorities later extradited him back to Vietnam, where he is now serving a 10-year prison sentence.
(See further details about this Christian leader's detention.) Additional reports addressing persecution in Vietnam are available at our country profile.

• Pray for the two recently arrested Christian men as they face these serious accusations, asking God to administer His peace, protection and strength throughout every moment of their sentences – along with the assurance that His truth and justice will ultimately prevail.

• Please uphold Y Quynh Bdap as well, praying that this Christian activist will not only be comforted and sustained as he awaits a hopeful earlier release from imprisonment, but also filled with great anticipation and courage – knowing that God's promises will be fulfilled in and through his dedicated life.

• In general, prayerfully remember the country's many other believers, including the Montagnard Christians living in Vietnam's Central Highlands. Despite the long-term oppression they have endured, may these followers of Jesus be greatly encouraged, deeply rooted in their faith, and upheld by a clear sense of God's abiding presence with them.

INDIA: Christian Families Denied Access to Basic Resources

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, UCA News, Catholic Connect

People drawing water in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Unsplash / Wietse Jongsma

More than 180 Christian families from 32 villages in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh have reportedly been denied access to communal water supplies and livelihood opportunities for refusing to renounce their faith in Jesus.

Some of the families were restricted from using rivers, ponds or well pumps to meet their daily water needs. Others have been excluded from government-assistance programs intended to support marginalized tribal communities. In a few cases, some families also had their firewood confiscated.

Complaints regarding the denial of these basic life-sustaining resources have been submitted to local police and governing leaders, raising concerns about the lack of equality and protection of the victimized citizens' constitutional rights. Christian leaders from the Progressive Christian Alliance have emphasized that "any denial based on religion, if established, should raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns."

Despite such appeals, many believers continue to experience severe hardships in their communities.
To review previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert reports concerning the mistreatment of Christians in India, visit our country profile.

• Pray that the affected Christian families will reflect God's grace and love even in the midst of hardship, finding daily comfort in His loving presence and provision.

• May the Lord's wisdom, guidance and perseverance be imparted to all who are diligently seeking a just and peaceful resolution to the families' alarming, life-threatening situations.

• Intercede on behalf of India's governing political and judicial representatives, asking that their decisions be moved with compassion and a commitment to fairness, so that all citizens will be treated with equality and dignity.

CHINA: Church Building Forcibly Demolished

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Yazhong Church. Photo: ChinaAid

In December 2025, the Yazhong Church (also referred to as the Yayang Church) was targeted during an intense government campaign, resulting in the arrests of hundreds of believers. The following month, large numbers of police surrounded the main church building in Wenzhou, setting up barricades to block any views of the worship facility. At the time of the blockage, there were also concerns that the building may potentially risk demolishment.
 (For more details, see this page.)

Five months later, on May 17th, heavy equipment moved onsite. By the morning of May 19th, the church building had been reduced to rubble. Along with the destruction, four church leaders were arrested, joining 18 other members who are currently in prison. The families of those detained have reportedly been warned by authorities to remain silent.

Reflecting on these disturbing events, as well as the broader oppression facing Christians in China, Dr. Bob Fu from ChinaAid stated, "Our sources confirm that this beautiful and sacred place of worship has been destroyed – but our prayers are not reduced to rubble."
To access further reports relating to Christian persecution in China, go to our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold the distressed members of this congregation who have sadly witnessed the destruction of their meaningful place of worship, asking God to calm their inner hearts with His perfect peace and console them through His strengthening presence.

• In general, remember the numerous other persecuted believers throughout China, praying that the Lord will also grant them overcoming courage in the midst of oppression, enduring faith in His ultimate sovereignty and righteousness, as well as an unbroken sense of national Christian unity.

• Last, but not least, pray that the international community would respond with wisdom and compassion, advocating for justice and encouraging greater protections on behalf of our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ.

DR CONGO: Christians Targeted by Islamic Terrorists

Source: VOMC
Sources: Barnabas Aid, Mission Network News

A church in the DR Congo. Photo: Wikimedia / Ralph Malan (CC)

Islamic militants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) claim to have killed more than 80 Christians during several recent armed assaults in the northeastern region of the country. The deadliest incident, which took place on May 5th, is believed to have claimed the lives of an estimated 60 believers, whom the attackers referred to as "Christian combatants."

The Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) uses the term "combatants" to describe Christians who refuse to convert to Islam or accept the status of dhimmi – a condition of subjugation in which non-Muslims are permitted to live under Islamic rule in exchange for the payment of what is known as jizya tax.

A statement from the aggressors declared, "Let the worshippers of the cross know that they have no security except by submitting willingly or paying the jizya in humiliation." ISCAP claims to have killed nearly 1,000 Christians in northeastern DRC since December 2024.

Despite being one of the world's wealthiest nations in terms of natural resources, the DRC remains marked by widespread poverty. This contrast has drawn the attention of external forces that are seeking control over the nation and its wealth, thus contributing to ongoing instability. Notably, the country is also one of the most predominantly Christian nations in Africa. For additional reports concerning the life-threatening dangers encountered by followers of Jesus in this Central African nation, go to our country profile.

• Pray that God's comforting presence will be sensed in tangible ways by those who have lost loved ones, and that His healing ministry would restore the health and emotional well-being of all who were physically harmed and/or traumatized during these recent attacks.

• May those of our Congolese brothers and sisters in Christ who were displaced receive safe shelter, compassionate support and divine guidance as they now navigate their way to new hope-filled beginnings in the aftermath of the violence.

• In general, ask the Lord to mightily intervene throughout this war-torn nation, so that His peace and justice will prevail and communities would be protected from further attacks – resulting in lasting harmony and stability for all.

AZERBAIJAN: Christian Worship Locations Demolished

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Radio Free Europe

Photo: Flickr / David Stanley (CC)

In mid-April, reports began to circulate that two significant places of worship had been demolished in Stepanakert, the capital located within the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Recent satellite imagery has since confirmed that the Holy Mother of God Cathedral and the Church of St. Jacob have been completely destroyed.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a region historically inhabited by ethnic Armenians, though it has long been claimed by Azerbaijan. After many years of armed conflict, Azerbaijan seized control of the territory in September 2023, triggering an exodus of about 120,000 Armenians from the area.

Leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Church have warned that Azerbaijan's predominantly Muslim leadership may attempt to erase the Christian heritage of the Armenian people by demolishing monuments, monasteries, churches and other religious sites. Previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert reports addressing the challenges facing believers in Azerbaijan are available at our country profile.

• Pray for God's protection over those of our Christian family who are still residing in this disputed region, and that others who have opted to flee the area would receive His comfort, provision and a sense of belonging as they endeavour to rebuild their lives.

• Intercede for Azerbaijan's governing leaders, praying that they would be mindful to duly respect the religious faith and heritage of this large group of Armenian citizens by preserving their historical sites.

• Pray that the message of the Gospel would be heard throughout the nation, planting seeds of spiritual truth that will lead many lives to salvation and lasting transformation through the power of Christ.

CHINA: Total of 31 Christians Recently Sentenced

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Believers in China. Photo: ChinaAid

In March 2024, leaders of a house church fellowship in Suizhou, a city located in central China's Hubei Province, were arrested as part of a major crackdown on itinerant ministry workers. In an apparent attempt to minimize public and international attention, authorities conducted the trials in small numbers, often with only one or two defendants at a time.

According to a recently released report, a total of 31 believers have now been sentenced to imprisonment, with terms ranging from 28 to 48 months. Among them is 77-year-old Pastor Yang Zhijin, who was sentenced on May 21st to 38 months in prison for allegedly "using a cult organization to undermine the implementation of the law."

The convicted believers are itinerant workers who travelled to minister among ethnic minority groups in western China. To review other reports about the persecution of our Christian family in this Communist nation, visit our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold these recently sentenced believers, asking the Lord to provide each one of them – as well as their concerned families – divine strength, protection and sustaining grace.

• As they begin serving their prison sentences, in hopes the convictions will be rightfully overturned, may these faithful servants find meaningful opportunities to share the message of God's love and eternal salvation with others around them.

• Pray that the Gospel message would continue spreading exponentially throughout China – bringing hope, encouragement and new life to many more spiritually searching hearts.

Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday June 1, 2026 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer: 

2. Scripture: Matthew 10:16“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

3. Worship Video: Unashamed - Matthew West (Lyric Video)

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

Prayer for the Persecuted

4. Mozambique: It seems like all of sub-Saharan Africa is on fire–including northern Mozambique.

5. Short Video: Nigerian Church Worship During Ongoing Genocide
                            NIGERIA: Three Slain During Prayer Vigil Attack

6. IRAN: Nine-Year Sentence for Christian Convert

7. Central Asia: Pastor Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

Recent News

• Islamic Extremists Halt Church Service in Indonesia
• Three Christians Killed at Prayer Vigil in Western Nigeria 
• Pakistan Fails to Make Arrests in Violence against Christians
• Married Muslim Said to Forcibly Convert, Marry Christian Girl
• Fulanis Face Rare Resistance as Attacks Mount in Nigeria

Unashamed - Matthew West (Lyric Video)

Central Asia: Pastor Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

Source: iCommitToPray
May. 28, 2026 | Central Asia

A young pastor has been arrested and sentenced to eight years in prison for his ministry. Not long after this pastor had launched a church in Central Asia, local and secret police arrested him for simply conducting Christian ministry, actions considered by many Muslims to be offensive and even illegal in that region. “The young pastor has a wife and little children,” said a front-line worker. “Please pray that they will be encouraged and that this gospel worker’s faith and witness will be strong inside the prison.” Since the pastor began serving his sentence, the family has experienced hardship without a regular source of income. The front-line worker, with the help of the global body of Christ, is working to ensure that the pastor’s wife and children are cared for. “Pray that they will be strong during this time and that the sentence will be shortened,” the front-line worker added.

Mozambique: It seems like all of sub-Saharan Africa is on fire–including northern Mozambique.

Source: Open Doors South Africa

Open Doors South Africa

May 27 at 1:02 AM ·

It seems like all of sub-Saharan Africa is on fire–including northern Mozambique. Our field shares that Islamic State set fire to a church, including a kindergarten managed by the church.

In addition to the church, a nearby school was also set on fire.

Since the insurgency began, a million people have since been displaced and thousands killed. Due to the area’s current insecurity, our local partners have not yet been able to access the area for prayer and presence ministry to believers. So, they’re asking us to pray:

• Pray that the St. Louis de Montfort Church congregation and church leaders

would remain strong in their faith.

• Pray for justice for the perpetrators.

• Pray that Islamic militants in the area will meet Jesus.

• Pray that the communities in Mozambique will have better job opportunities and

a stronger economic situation.

NIGERIA: Three Slain During Prayer Vigil Attack

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Punch, Leadership, Mission Network News, BBC

Photo: Unsplash / Gracious Adebayo

Three Christians were killed and 15 others kidnapped when gunmen raided a night prayer vigil on May 23rd. At least 10 attackers invaded the gathering in the community of Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran in Nigeria's western state of Kwara. The violent assault sparked widespread terror throughout the region, causing villagers to flee for safety.

State police officers have since been dispatched to the area and are now conducting a coordinated rescue mission. The commissioner of police described the attack as "barbaric, callous and unacceptable," assuring affected families that the authorities are fully committed to rescuing the captives and bringing those responsible to justice.

At last report, the identities of the perpetrators remain unknown. However, similar attacks throughout Nigeria have generally been attributed to militant Islamic members of the nomadic Fulani herdsmen tribe, as well as ISIS-affiliated terrorist groups such as ISWAP and Boko Haram.

To review other reports concerning the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria, go to our country profile.

More than 30 Christians were killed by radical Islamists on Palm Sunday. On March 29, 2026, around 7:45 p.m., a group of jihadi terrorists on motorbikes rode into a crowded outdoor market in the Christian area of Jos, Nigeria. The group was yelling “Allahu Akbar!” and began shooting unarmed people. Bystanders ran for cover, but the Islamists killed some 30 people and injured even more. “The area is a 100% Christian community,” said a front-line worker. “Right now, the entire region is under curfew. There is a serious tension within Jos and its environs, and people fear another deadly attack by the terrorists.” The front-line worker asks for prayer for the families of the victims, for those who have been injured and for Nigerian Christians to show the light of Christ to their enemies despite such attacks.

• Pray for the safe and timely rescue of the 15 believers who were taken captive during this most recent attack.

• Ask the Lord to restrain the violence, protecting Nigeria's believers from militants who seek to harm them in an attempt to establish an Islamic state.

• In addition to experiencing God's perfect peace – which surpasses all understanding – may all who are suffering in the aftermath of this incident receive His healing, comfort and renewed strength. (This includes those whose loved ones were either abducted or slain, as well as the assaulted victims in need of recovery from physical injury and/or emotional trauma.)

• Prayerfully remember all of our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria, asking the Lord to provide them ongoing practical help, spiritual encouragement and enduring hope, so they can continue brightly shining His light in a world that desperately needs His salvation.

INDIA: Increased Harassment Since New Anti-Conversion Laws

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Daily, UCA News

Photo: VOMC

On the morning of May 10th, members of a Hindu nationalist organization travelled to disrupt several worship services in the city of Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, where they verbally confronted the churches' pastors and demanded to see their identification papers. In some cases, police were also present to monitor the situation.

The aggressors, who are members of the Hindu Jagran Manch organization, accused the congregations of holding "healing meetings" as a cover-up for conversion activities. They called on authorities to strictly enforce the state's new law against forcible conversions, which came into effect in early April.
(See here for more details.)

Anti-conversion legislation in India has commonly been used to intimidate and harass Christians across the country. In a separate incident within the same state, a Christian family in the village of Madgaon was violently attacked on May 9th by two men who confronted the believers while they were harvesting mangoes. As a result of the confrontation, the five family members sustained serious injuries and required medical treatment at a local hospital.

The targeted believers were told by their attackers that they had no right to live in the village due to their conversions to Christianity. Prior to this, the Christians regularly encountered various forms of intimidation and threat over recent months, including demands that they renounce their faith or face expulsion.

Pastor Simon Digbal Tandi from the Progressive Christian Alliance has noted a significant increase in attacks against fellow followers of Christ in Chhattisgarh since the new law was enacted. "Almost every other day, we hear [of] such incidents in the state, raising concern for our people living in the villages," he reported. These escalating attacks are occurring in a state that already ranks second in the country for violence against Christians.
To access additional reports addressing religious persecution in India, visit our country profile.

• Prayerfully lift up the injured family in Madgaon, asking the Lord to minister needed healing, comfort and wisdom as they now consider their next steps.

• In fact, may God's loving guidance, protection and peace preside over all Christians throughout Chhattisgarh whose lives are being affected by the increased opposition.

• Pray that India's governing leaders would acquire a better understanding of the many challenges faced by religious minorities and, therefore, be moved to establish policies that will support the freedoms and rights of all citizens.