SYRIA: Community Tensions Heightened by Threats

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Syriac Press

A church in Syria. Photo: Flickr / Hovic (CC)

Christians in the city of Al-Qusayr have expressed concerns over threats and other forms of intimidation, calling on the authorities to take necessary measures to protect residents and their properties. The situation follows the arrest of a male instigator identified as Abdo Idris, who had posted photographs of a Christian man online and encouraged other Muslims to attack the believer and boycott his business. Abdo accused the young Christian man of sympathizing with militia groups that are loyal to the former Assad regime.

Following Abdo's arrest, members of the Muslim community took to the streets, threatening Christians and forcing them to close their businesses until Abdo is released from custody. In response, followers of Jesus in the affected community issued a statement urging authorities not to treat such situations as "mere passing disputes or individual incidents," further emphasizing that "Christians are an integral part of Syria's history, present and future."

Reflecting on the incident, VOMC CEO Floyd Brobbel states: "The situation in Al-Qusayr reflects broader challenges facing Christians across the region. Ongoing insecurity and pressure continue to drive Christian families to leave, eroding the church's historic presence and witness. This underscores the importance of supporting local believers and strengthening the church for long-term ministry."
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in this Middle Eastern nation, visit our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold the Christian residents of Al-Qusayr who have been subjected to threats and other forms of intimidation, asking the Lord to encourage their hearts, strengthen their faith, and reassure them of His abiding presence and providential care.

• In general, pray that peace, mutual respect and understanding will prevail among the members of Syria's various religious communities, and that governing authorities would act with wisdom and impartiality as they work to protect all citizens.

• Even though the ongoing pressure has prompted many believers to leave the region, pray that those who remain will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue serving as faithful witnesses of Christ – sharing the hope of the Gospel with courage, grace and love.

INDIA: Maharashtra's Conversion Law Now Challenged in Court

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, International Christian Concern, Times of India, BBC

The Bombay High Court building. Photo: Wikipedia / A.Savin (FAL)

Maharashtra has become the latest state in India to enact legislation restricting religious conversions. The law, which came into effect on August 28th, imposes particularly stringent conditions. Any conversions suspected to have been achieved through either coercion, misrepresentation, allurement or undue influence can result in up to seven years' imprisonment. Even harsher penalties apply in cases involving the conversion of women, minors, persons with disabilities, or members of tribal communities.

In states with comparable legislation, allegations of coercion have frequently been used as a pretext to target Christian individuals and congregations. The law's broad definition of "allurement" could be used to describe even basic acts of hospitality, such as serving coffee before a church service. In response, many churches have begun asking worshippers to sign weekly declarations affirming that they are attending the services of their own free will.

Whether such declarations will have legal standing in the event of an accusation remains untested. Even so, Todd Neddleton of VOM USA has expressed concern that maintaining these records could potentially create additional risks for identified church worshippers should the lists fall into the hands of militants affiliated with the state's Hindu nationalist groups.

A legal challenge has been filed with the Bombay High Court, arguing that the legislation oversteps constitutional limits and infringes on citizens' fundamental rights to privacy, dignity and personal autonomy. The petition, which was submitted by a Muslim citizen named Maulana Halimullah Khan, calls on the court to either declare the act unconstitutional or at least ensure that it is applied strictly to cases involving genuine force, fraud or coercion.

In conjunction with the new legislation, the Maharashtra state government has also ordered an audit of all properties owned by Christian organizations.
See more details regarding this decision. To review other previously published reports addressing the persecution of Christians in India, go to our country profile.

• As church leaders representing congregations across the state of Maharashtra navigate the present legal challenges, may each one of them diligently seek God's wisdom and guidance that they may be fully equipped to respond with prudence and Christlike grace.

• Intercede on behalf of the judges presiding over the Bombay High Court, praying that those considering the recently submitted petition will exercise discernment and impartiality, so that their ruling would uphold justice and protect India's fundamental freedoms.

• Pray that as believers faithfully continue sharing the Gospel message throughout the nation and beyond, they will remain steadfast in their faith and confident in the Lord's ultimate sovereignty.

CHINA: Concerns Over Isolation of Imprisoned Pastor

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Pastor Wang Yi in prison. Photo: ChinaAid

Recent reports indicate that Wang Yi, the imprisoned pastor of Early Rain Covenant Church, may be suffering from advanced liver cancer. Unfortunately, severe restrictions on family contact and communication have prevented anyone from verifying these claims or assessing Pastor Wang's current physical condition.

In response, the church has released an open letter expressing deep concern. According to the statement, his wife and family have only been permitted to visit him five times throughout the duration of Pastor Wang's eight-year incarceration. As a result, while they are unable to verify the accuracy of the reports, neither are they willing to dismiss them.

If the reports prove accurate, timely medical intervention is critical. Dr. Bob Fu, founder of ChinaAid, has expressed concern not only for Pastor Wang's health but also for the ongoing denial of family contact. He stated, "Whatever the Chinese government's position regarding Pastor Wang Yi's imprisonment, there can be no justification for denying a seriously ill prisoner access to his family and adequate medical care."

As Pastor Wang serves the remaining 15 months of his sentence, the church is calling believers around the world to uphold him in prayer: "We pray that the Lord will especially protect His servant, making [Pastor Wang's] body, mind and faith strong, blocking all attacks and schemes of evil; and, according to the Lord's will and timing, bringing him safely back to his family and the church."
To review additional reports concerning Pastor Wang and other Chinese believers who are suffering for their faith in Jesus, visit our country profile.

• If the reports concerning Pastor Wang's health are indeed accurate, pray that he will not only receive urgently needed medical care, but ultimately the Lord's divine healing touch, comfort and peace.

• During the remainder of his imprisonment, may this faithful servant be further strengthened spiritually and emotionally through tangible reminders of God's never-ending presence, sustaining grace and supernatural protection.

• Also pray for Pastor Wang's wife – along with other concerned members of his family and church community – asking the Lord to encourage their hearts, deepen their trust in Him, and provide them opportunities to meaningfully engage in fellowship with this beloved Christian leader while eagerly awaiting his release from imprisonment.

Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday October 5, 2026 @ 7 PM

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. ALGERIA: 12 Christians Arrested During Worship Service

8. Bangladesh - Conditions Worsen for Stateless Rohingya Christians

Recent News:

   Seven Letters from the Persecuted Church

   Canada Grants Asylum to Iranian Christian Deported from US - ICC

• Muslims Protest against Pork Restaurant in Indonesia
• More Christians Killed in Previously Attacked Area in Nigeria
• Muslims Stall Construction of Church Building in Indonesia
• Baptist Pastor, other Christians Killed in Plateau State, Nigeria 
• Police in Algeria Arrest 12 Christians during Worship

ALGERIA: 12 Christians Arrested During Worship Service

Source: Morning Star News

Police in Algeria raided a Christian worship gathering at the House of Refuge shelter near Oran
on September 4, arresting all 12 believers present. Authorities confiscated Christian literature, mobile phones, and identification documents before detaining the group for questioning. 

The Christians may face prosecution under Algeria's restrictive Ordinance 06-03, which regulates non-Muslim worship and can impose prison terms and heavy fines for unauthorized religious gatherings. 

The incident reflects ongoing pressure on Christians in Algeria, where many Protestant churches have been ordered closed and numerous believers have faced legal action in recent years. Christian leaders say the raid is part of a broader pattern of government efforts to restrict and control Christian activity in the country. 

Pray for the 12 detained Christians, for legal protection and courage, and for greater religious freedom for believers throughout Algeria.

Pray that Christians will find a way to continue to worship together even though many churches have been closed.

Pakistan: Inside Pakistan’s Brick Kilns

 Source: Global Christian Relief

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

• 20,000 Brick Kilns in Pakistan
• 1.5 to 2.4M Christians in bonded labor
• 1/3 laborers are children
• $809 average debt

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.

Lebanon - Martyr's Widow Begins Cancer Treatment

Source: iCommitToPray

Lebanon was flooded with Syrian refugees like
these boys during its civil war. Some
refugees also fled religious persecution.

A Christian refugee whose husband was killed by his family for converting to Christianity has been diagnosed with cancer. Nour became a widow after her Syrian husband’s father and brother attacked and murdered him upon learning he had come to faith in Christ. They also attacked Nour, but she survived and fled to Lebanon with her three young children. They lived in cemeteries for nine days until local Christians found and helped them. Nour has since learned that she has cancer and has begun treatment. 

“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. 

Bangladesh - Conditions Worsen for Stateless Rohingya Christians

Source: ICC

The Rohingya are known largely as a Muslim ethnic group forcibly driven from Myanmar. But a small subset of Rohingya are Christian. Numbering about 1,500 in total.

Life as a Rohingya refugee is typically difficult no matter what but more intense if you are part of the Rohingya Christian minority, who face not only displacement and statelessness but also the hostility directed at apostates.
 

But Myanmar has denied them citizenship, even though their families have inhabited the area for several generations. Authorities instead regard the Rohingya as illegal migrants from neighboring Bangladesh. 

In May 2025, India deported a group of 40 Rohingya — including 15 Christians,. The Indian authorities ferried them into international waters, then distributed life jackets and abandoned them off the coast of Myanmar — the very country from which most Rohingya fled because they were facing abuses that many regard as a genocide. These deported Rohingya have since managed to make their way to another part of Southeast Asia.
 

In September 2026, Indian authorities served eviction notices to hundreds of Rohingya families, forcing them to dismantle the makeshift homes and shops they had built throughout the years, in some cases as long as 15 years ago. With no place else to go, these evicted Rohingya were soon sitting on the roadside.  

Most Rohingya outside Myanmar have a U.N. refugee card, which should provide some legal protection. But “the card is not a remedy at all,” Shalom said, adding that all the Rohingya who were detained or deported had these cards in their possession.    

Shalom said the Rohingya in India these days are not hired for jobs, and their children are not able to attend school. “We have to live on the fringes of society,” he added.  

Despite the bleak circumstances, Rohingya Christians have not reached out to Indian Christians.  “It is risky both for them and for us to have contact with each other,” Shalom said. “Minorities in India are already facing problems, and if somehow they are found to be in contact with us, they could suffer even worse consequences.”

Shalom said he and his fellow believers would like to leave India at this point. But, to say the least, it’s unclear where they can go. After all, they are unwelcome in any country and, as apostates, they are excluded and, at times, victimized by non-Christian Rohingya. 

Whether in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, or elsewhere, “None of us is safe at all,” Shalom said. “There is the same fear … the same mental trauma.”  

He knows of no Rohingya Christian who holds citizenship in any country. With no nation obligated or inclined to help, they hope a Christian or humanitarian organization will secure a place to live and work with some level of legal protection. 

 

They may not have a country, but they still feel they will find a home somewhere. As Shalom said, “We are living with the hope that we will one day make it.” 

Pray for their safety as they are oppressed on every side.

Pray for the Rohingya Christians that they will find a country that will take them in, where they can build their life and their children can go to school.

Nigeria - The violence continues

 Source: Morning Star News

Soldiers amid gunfire by Fulani militia in Dorowa Babuje,
Plateau state, Nigeria on September 20, 2026.
(Masara Kim, Truth Nigeria)

1. A Baptist pastor and other Christians were killed in Plateau State, 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.

2. Multiple villages were attacked at the same time

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.

3. Christians were ambushed on roads and attacked while sleeping

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.

4. Nigeria remains the deadliest country for Christians

Open Doors reports that 3,490 Christians were killed in Nigeria in one year—72% of all Christians killed worldwide.

5. Fulani militants and jihadist groups continue targeting Christian communities

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.

6. Violence is spreading, with new jihadist groups emerging

A new group, Lakurawa, linked to Al‑Qaeda’s JNIM, is active in the northwest with advanced weaponry.

🙏 Pray

1. Pray for comfort for grieving families: For God to comfort the families of the pastor, his secretary, and all Christians killed in these attacks.

2. Pray for healing for the pastor’s critically wounded son

3. Pray for protection over Christian villages in Plateau State and for strength and courage for believers living under constant threat. 

4. Pray for the repentance of attackers.  Ask God to break the cycle of violence and transform hearts—even among Fulani militants and jihadist groups.

5. Pray for justice and stability in Nigeria
Intercede for government leaders to act decisively to protect vulnerable communities and uphold justice.

6. Pray for the spread of the gospel despite persecution. Ask God to use the faithfulness of suffering believers to shine Christ’s light in dark places.

CHINA: Pastor and Assisting Church Members Detained

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

One of the many house churches in China. Photo: 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.

CHINA: Two-Day Raid on An Underground Church

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, VOM Australia

Video stills from the raid. Photo: ChinaAid

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.