NIGERIA: Twelve Fatalities in Easter Sunday Attacks

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, The Washington Post, Morning Star News, Truth Nigeria, BBC

A funeral from a previous incident. Photo: Morning Star News

Easter Sunday worship services in the town of Ariko, Kaduna State, were violently disrupted when gunmen attacked two churches, killing 12 Christians. According to witnesses, Fulani rebels opened fire on followers of Jesus who had been worshipping at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and the St. Augustine Catholic Church. In addition to the fatalities, dozens of others were kidnapped and both church buildings sustained damages.

Residents reported that as many as 30 militants surrounded the town. The gunmen specifically targeted the ECWA congregation first before moving directly to the Catholic church. The coordinated movement between the two sites suggests that the attacks were carefully planned.

Following the incidents in Ariko, the Nigerian army pursued the attackers, resulting in a firefight. The army reported that as the terrorists fled, 31 of the kidnapped hostages were left behind. The number of individuals still being held captive remains unknown.

Violence during Christian holidays is a tragically common occurrence in Nigeria, as well as in other specific regions of the world.
More details about the atrocities experienced by our Nigerian family in Christ can be obtained by reviewing VOMC's written and video-recorded reports at our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold the families and friends of those who were tragically killed during these recent incidents, asking the Lord to tenderly minister to them by providing His healing presence, comfort and strength as they grieve such painful loss.
• May Nigeria's authorities receive wisdom, courage and integrity as they endeavour to recover the kidnapped victims and bring those responsible for committing the crimes to justice.
• Pray that the hope and transformative power of the Risen Christ would spread throughout the region, leading many – including those who carried out the attacks – to faith in Him.

ERITREA: Police Arrest 13 Believers During Gathering

Source: VOMC
Source: Open Doors Canada

Photo: Pexels /  Alejandro De Roa

On Sunday, March 15th, Eritrean police arrested 13 Christians at a gathering held in an undisclosed location. The believers were then taken to a prison in the capital city of Asmara. While the identities of the arrested individuals have not been publicly released, a recently received report indicates that one of the detainees – who previously spent 15 years in prison – was freed less than a year ago. No further information regarding the arrests is currently available. In the interim, considering the longstanding patterns of persecution in Eritrea, there are concerns that these believers may be held without any formal charges or court trial.

In January, more than 100 Christians who had been imprisoned for their faith were released.
(See this report for more details.) Following these releases, VOMC's Greg Musselman interviewed Dr. Berhane Asmelash from Release Eritrea. To hear this recorded audio podcast, in which they discuss the challenges facing our Christian brothers and sisters in Eritrea, go to this page.

• Given the harsh conditions frequently experienced in Eritrean prisons, please pray that God's protection, strength and sustaining presence will be with each of these recently arrested believers and all other followers of Christ who are currently being detained.
• Additionally, pray for significant changes to take place within Eritrea's political system – opening the way for positive reforms that will result in freedom of religion and dignity for all citizens.
• Lift up the loved ones of those who were recently arrested, asking God to also comfort them with His perfect peace, sustaining hope, and the wonderful assurance that He sovereignly sees all, cares deeply and responds justly.

INDIA: Court Reiterates Privileges for Specified Religions

Source: VOMC
Sources: Tribune India, The Hindu, International Christian Concern

India's Supreme Court Building Photo: Wikimedia / Subhashish Panigrahi (CC)

In India, where the caste system remains deeply embedded within the framework of societal standards, those belonging to the lowest castes are classified as "scheduled castes" or "Dalits." Although historically marginalized, and often subjected to severe social discrimination, members of the lower castes receive constitutional protections and access to certain governmental benefits.

A Supreme Court ruling on March 24th reiterated earlier decisions, stating that the scheduled caste status – and the benefits attached to it – are not available to individuals who profess a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism. As a result, conversion to any other faith leads to the immediate loss of these protections. The justification for this ruling continues to rest on the assertion that Christianity and Islam do not recognize caste distinctions. However, critics note that Buddhism and Sikhism likewise do not follow a system of castes.

The recent court ruling also clarified that any Dalits who had initially converted away from one of the mentioned approved religions – yet later decided to return – would be able to reclaim their scheduled caste status, provided they fulfill certain stipulated conditions. These conditions include: 1) conversion back to their originating religion, and 2) formal acceptance as reintegrated members of their caste communities.

While India is officially a secular state, Hindu nationalist organizations exert significant influence over governing policies in many areas of the country. Several states have instituted anti-conversion laws that punish "unlawful" religious conversions through which coercion or pressure are allegedly involved. Most recently, India's second-largest state, Maharashtra, passed such regulations in March of this year.

Against this broader backdrop, the ruling of India's Supreme Court has raised concerns among religious freedom advocates. By permitting the restoration of social and financial benefits only when individuals convert to select religions, the decision appears to create incentives for reconversions away from Christianity or Islam. Critics also argue that the ruling risks undermining religious impartiality – and, ironically, may even be considered an indirect endorsement for such coerced conversions.
To review previously published reports concerning the situation in India, visit our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold India's human rights advocates, asking God to grant them wisdom and guidance as they legally and politically navigate through the country's complex religious and social issues in their endeavours to promote fairness and impartiality.
• Remember our Christian brothers and sisters in this South Asian country who are facing accusations of forced conversion, asking the Lord to provide them with protection, courage and clarity so they can respond wisely and in a manner that will ultimately bring honour to Him.
• Lift up the many Dalits who have been subjected to financial burdens and social exclusion for remaining faithful to Christ, praying that our Heavenly Father will providentially provide for their daily spiritual and practical needs.

Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday April 6, 2026 @ 7 PM

 1. Open in Prayer: (Dozens Killed During Palm Sunday Attacks in Nigeria)

2. Scripture: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners;” – Isaiah 61:1 (Second story, Iran)

3. Worship Video: Christ is Risen - Josh Groban

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

Prayer for the Persecuted

4. Wanda's friend prayer request.docx

5.  Iran: Christian convert and political activist ‘brutally beaten’ during arrest

6. Pakistan: 25,000 Christians Ordered to Leave Their Homes

7. Pakistan - Muslim Man’s Custody of Christian Girl Upheld

Recent News

• Boko Haram Kills 10 Christians in Northeast Nigeria 
• Bill Would Criminalize Forced Conversion in Punjab, Pakistan
• Herdsmen Kill 13 Christians at Wedding Reception in Nigeria 
• Gunmen in Nigeria Kill 28 People in Predominantly Christian Area
• Prison Conditions in Iran Worsen for Christians, other Inmates

Pakistan: 25,000 Christians Ordered to Leave Their Homes

Source: ICC

Around 25,000 Christians living in Rimsha, Allama Iqbal, and Akram Masih Gill colonies in Islamabad, Pakistan, are facing eviction. The authorities have told them to leave their homes within a few days. These are entire families who have been living here for years, and now they are being asked to vacate without any clear plan for where they will go.

Thousands of Christian Families
Face Eviction in Pakistan

It is important to understand how these families came here. Many of them were settled in these areas by the government after the Rimsha Masih case. At that time, a young Christian girl was falsely accused, and it created serious threats against the Christian community. For their safety, families were moved to these colonies so they could live without fear. Since then, they have been living here and have built their homes and lives.

Now, the same authorities are asking them to leave. There is no proper resettlement plan, no alternative land, and no clear compensation being offered to these families. This has raised serious concerns among the community.

Christian leaders and representatives have begun speaking out against this decision. Protests and prayer gatherings are occurring. Leaders are asking the government to stop the evictions and to provide a fair solution. They are also raising this issue at higher levels so that it can be addressed properly.

On the ground, daily life has been badly affected. Many people are not going to work because they are afraid that while they are away, their homes might be demolished. Most of these families belong to low-income backgrounds. They work in jobs such as sanitation, domestic work, and other day labor. Missing work even for a day is difficult for them, but the fear of losing their homes is even greater.

Children are also not going to school. Families are staying at home, worried about what might happen next. This situation is affecting their education and daily routine.

The government, through the Capital Development Authority, has said that these settlements are illegal and part of a plan to develop the city. However, many people are questioning this action, especially because these families have been living here for years and were placed here by the authorities themselves.

• Pray that each family will find a safe new place to live, work, go to school, earn a living and have a church community.

• Pray for them to have courage and share the gospel in their new community wherever that might be.

Pakistan - Muslim Man’s Custody of Christian Girl Upheld

 8thirty8

March 28 at 7:15 AM ·

Maria Shahbaz’s parents with rights activist
Safdar Chaudhry and lawyer Rana Abdul Hameed
 after federal court ruling on Feb. 3, 2026. (Facebook)

The Christian mother of Maria Shabaz (13) cries next to her husband (photo), Shahbaz Masih, as they stand with their lawyers after judges in Pakistan ruled that a Muslim man who abducted Maria in 2025 could keep her as his wife.

“A court in Pakistan on Wednesday (March 25) upheld the marriage of a forcibly converted 13-year-old Christian girl to the Muslim man accused of kidnapping her, sending a wave of anguish and alarm through the Christian community.”

“Shehryar Ahmad, a 30-year-old Muslim man, forcibly converted Maria to Islam and married her. Since her abduction on July 29, 2025, her family has repeatedly sought judicial intervention to recover her, without success.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heavenly Father, we cry out to you about this heartbreaking judicial decision against Maria and her family by two judges in Pakistan named Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Muhammad Karim Khan Agha. We ask for Your divine intervention in this situation. Will there be no justice for this innocent young Christian girl? Will she be forced to live with her kidnapper and never see her family again? We pray not! But we don’t know what else to do as the legal system in Pakistan has made its ruling. You are the God of miracles and we ask you for another one in Maria’s case. May this verdict spur on the Christian community to strongly seek judicial protections for their community in Pakistan which persecutes them. Strengthen Shahbaz, his wife and family along with the lawyers to continue to press forward to receive justice. For Your glory in Pakistan. Amen.

“...but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” – Matthew 18:6

NEPAL: Christians Harassed for Sharing Their Faith

Source: VOMC Contacts

A church steeple in Nepal. Photo: Wikipedia / Ramesh Thapa Magar (CC)

While three Christians, including Pastor Dipak Shrestha, were sharing their faith on March 23rd in the remote village of Banjara, Madhesh Province, they were confronted by members of the militant Hindu group, Bajarangi Dal. The aggressors physically assaulted the evangelists before reporting them to the police.

The believers were detained by local authorities and brought before the district court later that day. Although there was no evidence of any criminal activity, police requested additional time to investigate the situation. Meanwhile, all three men presently remain under legal scrutiny. This situation raises continued concerns about biases within the country's police enforcement and judicial system, particularly in light of Nepal's anti-conversion laws.
To review previously published reports, visit our country profile.

• Please prayerfully intercede for these detained evangelists and their families, asking God to sustain them in every way during this difficult time of scrutinous investigation.
• May the hearts of the accusers and authorities be softened, leading to the withdrawal of any potential charges against the accused.
• Pray that Nepal's governing officials, attorneys and judges will exercise wisdom, fairness and courage so they can rightfully uphold justice – not only for the mentioned evangelists involved in this case, but also for other Christian leaders in this South Asian country who are called by God to share the 'Good News of the Gospel.'

OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Pastor Faces Expulsion From His Country

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

Pastor Vladimir Rytikov Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum18

Pastor Vladimir Rytikov has lived his entire life in a region of Ukraine that is now occupied by Russian forces. Born in the city of Krasnodon (located in the Luhansk district) during 1959, he grew up in the area as a committed follower of Christ. From the years of 1979 to 1982, which encompasses the era of the former USSR, he was imprisoned because of his faith. Since becoming ordained for ministry in 1995, the Christian leader has faithfully pastored an unregistered church within his home city for more than 30 years.

Pastor Vladimir was recently informed that his residence permit has been annulled, requiring him to leave what Russian authorities now consider their territory. On March 23rd, officials from Migration Services issued an order giving him 15 days to depart or face deportation. No explanation was provided for this decision. However, the notice came just 10 days after police filed a complaint against his church, accusing the congregation members of "illegal missionary activity." Pastor Vladimir is convinced that this deportation order is directly related to his pastoral ministry.

Although the Christian leader has been ordered to leave, his wife Lyudmila was granted permission to remain. Upon asking the officials where he was expected to go – given that this region is the only home Pastor Vladimir has ever known – they reportedly replied, "Maybe to Poland." After praying together, the couple has decided that the pastor will stay as long as he is able.

Churches in areas of Ukraine overtaken by Russia continue to face significant hardships, as occupying authorities impose restrictions on any congregation that is not in alignment with the Russian Orthodox Church. For further reports, see this page.

• Pray that the presence of God would be tangibly sensed by Pastor Vladimir and Lyudmila in the midst of the oppression and upheaval, granting them encouragement, strength and peace.
• In addition to experiencing the Lord's comforting nearness, may their every decision and response be sovereignly guided by His Holy Spirit.
• Also remember to uphold the congregation members of this targeted church, along with those located in other areas of Russian-occupied Ukraine, asking that these believers will likewise be strengthened in their faith and encouraged to persevere amid the uncertainty and political pressure.
• May God's peace reign within the hearts of His people in this war-torn nation as they worship together and celebrate our Risen Saviour.

CANADA: Faith and Public Life in Light of Bill C-9

Source: VOMC
Source: Cardus

Canada's Parliament Buildings Photo: RawPixel

On March 25th, after months of committee proceedings and deliberations in the House of Commons, Canada's governing Liberal Party has forced an end to the debate – resulting in the passage of the controversial Bill C-9. The legislation has now moved to the Senate for further consideration.

The proposed bill seeks to amend the Canadian Criminal Code in areas related to propaganda and hate speech. Many religious groups have raised concerns about the removal of a clause that previously provided protection for individuals who – in good faith – expressed opinions based on religious texts.

The bill has resulted in wide-spread public reactions, with many critics claiming that the legislation "criminalizes the reading of Scripture." However, Ray Pennings from the Christian think-tank organization, Cardus, describes this as an "inaccurate description." While acknowledging the flaws in the legislation, he points to a deeper and broader issue: a growing expectation that faith should be kept separate from public life.

A similar view forms the basis for Quebec's Bill 21 on state secularism, which is presently being challenged before the Supreme Court of Canada. However, rather than treating faith as a private matter that must be excluded from public life, Ray Pennings argues that "at its core, religious freedom is about identity and authenticity: the freedom to live in accordance with who we truly are." From this perspective, faith naturally and necessarily informs public engagement.
For an in-depth and challenging discussion on these issues, visit this page.

• Pray for Canada's senators as they review Bill C-9 and seriously consider the expressed concerns and implications of the proposed legislation.
• In a spirit of humility, may these senators exercise wisdom and discernment, realizing that implementing this new legislation can consequently affect religious freedoms across the country.
• Also prayerfully uphold the Supreme Court justices as they carefully weigh the arguments relating to Quebec's Bill 21, recognizing the importance of safeguarding the nation's founding principles of faith among today's secular society.
• Ask the Lord to guide these judicial officials by heightening their awareness of His truth and the need to deeply respect freedom of conscience and belief.
• As Canadians, may we not take our freedoms for granted, but rather aim to steward them wisely – living out our faith with grace, courage and a heart to serve God – while diligently interceding for the protection of this great nation.

Iran: Christian convert and political activist ‘brutally beaten’ during arrest

Source: 8thirty8

While the U.S. and Israel are carrying out their bombing of Iran, its security police have not stopped persecuting Christians.

Mohammad Nikbakht, a Christian convert

On March 14, Mohammad Nikbakht (photo), a Christian convert and activist, was “violented arrested” at his home by a large group of security forces.

“Mohammad was brutally beaten in front of his terrified family and faces an immediate and serious threat to his life,” said the National Decision Council, a human rights organization.

It stated that, “Mohammad was a beacon of hope, a courageous voice for justice, and a Christian believer whose faith strengthens his commitment to truth and human dignity inspired others.”

Conditions in Iran for Christians imprisoned for their faith and other inmates have deteriorated dramatically since the U.S. and Israeli bombing of the Islamic regime in the past month, according to human rights groups.

Guards and some prison officials across the country have largely abandoned their posts, leaving hardliners from the paramilitary group known as the “Counter-Terrorism Special Force” (Nīrū-yi Vizhe-yi Pād Vahshat, or NOPO) in charge, rights groups say.

Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran. (Ehsan Iran Creative Commons)

In a statement on X, the wife of a political prisoner at Evin Prison in Tehran, Mostafa Mohammadhasan, confirmed that NOPO has taken control of that prison.

“The situation at Evin Prison is very bad,” she posted. “The prison is now in the hands of NOPO forces. They have completely closed the gates, and all prison officials have left. Obtaining food has become very difficult and there is no (prison) shop anymore.”

Prison officials have cancelled family visits and denied medical care to prisoners, and they are now “being fed just one small, low-quality meal a day,” according to Article 18, which advocates on behalf of persecuted Christians in Iran.

Even under normal circumstances, Iranian prisons are known for serious human rights violations, including torture of Christians held for their faith and other prisoners of conscience.

NOPO control of prisons is cause for serious concern among rights activists and advocates for religious freedom, as the counter-terrorism force group is responsible for some of the worst human rights violations in Iran. Those include the deaths of hundreds of Iranians protesting against high gas prices or the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman brutalized in custody after Iran’s morality police arrested her by for failing to wear a government mandated head-covering in public.

Please Pray!

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners;” – Isaiah 61:1

Photo credit: Article 18

https://articleeighteen.com/news/23834/

Imam Seeks Truth After Discovering Bible

Source: iCommitToPray 
Mar. 26, 2026 | Sudan

Mustafa reading from
 his son's Bible.

A Muslim religious leader is seeking truth about Christ after encountering a Bible for the first time. Mustafa is an imam of his local mosque, but he discovered a Bible in his son’s room. He became curious about what the Bible teaches as he noticed many in his community turning away from Islam. “When I open any pages and read, this book continues to give truth that I never heard,” he said. “As I continue to read, the tears run from my eyes [because I see] how many people in my life I misled. But as I have this book now, I want to continue studying so that I can teach its truth.” Pray that as Mustafa searches for truth in God’s Word, he will repent and place his trust in Christ.

IRAN: Heightened Concerns for Christian Prisoners

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, BBC Persian

Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran. Photo:  Flickr / sbzphoto (CC)

As political conflict continues in Iran, serious concerns have been raised about the safety of the country's prisoners of conscience, including at least 48 Christian captives. In June 2025, Evin Prison was struck by an Israeli missile, resulting in major damages to the facility which houses many religious and political prisoners. Those in custody were transferred to other locations of the country where they were imprisoned amid unsanitary and overcrowded conditions until the repairs were completed. Human rights advocates warn that the renewed instability raises the risk of similar incidents occurring.

According to reports by Amnesty International, detainees are frequently held in or near security facilities that have become targets of U.S. and Israeli attacks. In one recent example, the Greater Tehran Prison sustained damages when a nearby military garrison was struck. It remains unknown how many prisoners had been killed by guards who attempted to prevent the captives from escaping.

Some prisoners were transferred to undisclosed locations or areas near potential military targets, placing their lives in further danger. There have also been reports of "enforced disappearances," and situations in which many detainees are being denied access to adequate supplies of food and water. Despite the completion of repairs at Evin Prison, its administration is allegedly in "serious disarray," with lockdowns in certain wings that are preventing prisoners from accessing basic necessities.

While Iran's theocratic government has imposed severe restrictions on Christians for many years, the country's underground church has been referred to as 'the fastest growing in the world.'
To view a recent video interview regarding the situation in this Middle Eastern country, and/or to access previously published reports, visit our country profile.

• Pray for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict; and, in the interim, for the protection of innocent civilians caught in its path.
• Ask our Heavenly Father to strengthen, comfort and secure the release of Christian prisoners of conscience who are being detained because of their faith in Jesus.
• May God's Spirit continue to move powerfully throughout Iran, leading many more to true deliverance and eternal hope in Him.