RUSSIA: Missionary Detained Under Questionable Charges

Source: VOMC
Source: Voice of the Martyrs Korea

Online petition seeks release of retiring Korean missionary from Russian prison. Photo: VOM Korea

Ms. Park Tae-yeon is a recently retired Korean missionary who served in Russia as a children's ministry worker with Child Evangelism Fellowship. At the age of 69, she decided that it was time for her to retire and return to Korea. Reflecting on her 33 years of ministry, the Christian woman described herself as "married to Russia."

On January 15th, Ms. Park's departure from Russia was unexpectedly blocked when authorities arrested her for alleged immigration violations. Subsequently, a Russian media report published on January 23rd referenced an investigation into children's religious camps in Khabarovsk which were being operated by a Korean citizen – camps that authorities claim to have shut down. Representatives from Voice of the Martyrs Korea believe that the immigration-related charges are a pretext to prevent Ms. Park from receiving proper legal counsel and to shield the Russian government from international scrutiny amid its ongoing crackdown on religious freedom.

Thankfully, Ms. Park was able to meet with a representative from the Korean consulate on February 3rd. She was briefly placed under house arrest before being transferred the next day to a detention centre for foreigners, since her visa had expired in the time since her initial arrest. Efforts are now underway to ensure the detained missionary receives appropriate legal representation.

Voice of the Martyrs Korea has initiated a petition calling on the Russian government to release this faithful servant of God from detention.
 View the petition and add your voice to these concerns.

In recent years, the state of religious freedom in Russia has significantly deteriorated, particularly for those not associated with the Russian Orthodox Church.
See this list of additional reports regarding the situation in Russia.

• Please pray for Ms. Park's swift release from detention, asking God to open every necessary door – spiritually, legally and politically – so this retired ministry worker can return home to her family in Korea as initially planned.
• As she awaits timely legal support and consular representation, may this faithful servant experience the Lord's comforting presence and strength, along with encouraging reminders of His promised intervention.
• Despite the Russian government's shutdown of the camps, pray that the Lord will make a way for the children in Khabarovsk and throughout Russia to receive further ministry and discipleship; while, at the same time, presenting evangelistic opportunities that will enable the Holy Spirit to reach many more young hearts with the truth and hope of the Gospel.

IRAN: Christian Convert Re-Arrested

Source: VOMC
Sources: HRANA, Article18

Ghazal Marzban Photo: Article18

In January 2025, 41-year-old Ghazal Marzban was detained in Tehran's Evin Prison after being sentenced to six months' imprisonment and 74 lashes. The charges against her included "propaganda against the regime" and "appearing in public without a hijab." Ghazal, a Christian convert from Islam, had initially been arrested in November 2024 while participating in protests against government oppression. She was released from prison in 2025 after serving two months of her initially sentenced term.

For unknown reasons, the Christian convert was recently arrested again. On January 14th, two hours after being taken into custody, she contacted her husband to inform him that she was being held by the Ministry of Intelligence. Since that phone call, no further information has been provided regarding Ghazal's condition, whereabouts, or the charges being brought against her. Her arrest comes amid an intensified crackdown on widespread protests in Iran, compounded by an ongoing Internet blackout and reports that thousands of protestors have been killed by security forces.

Ghazal, who is a law graduate, has faced severe restrictions since converting to Christianity. Authorities have prevented her from taking the bar exam and repeatedly pressured her to leave the country. In addition, her husband, who is also a Christian convert, has been unable to access medication to manage his Parkinson's disease – deepening the family's hardship in the wake of her disappearance.
Previously published reports concerning the persecution of Christians in Iran are available here.

• Lift up Ghazal before God's throne of grace – along with all those who are likewise being detained or living under threat because of their Christian faith – praying that He will mightily protect, sustain and strengthen them.
• Additionally, please remember Ghazal's husband in your prayers, asking the Lord to grant him greatly needed comfort, courage and strength as he endures this season of uncertainty while also struggling with his physical health.
• Intercede for the country of Iran as a whole, so that God's peace, justice and restoration may prevail in the midst of government-inflicted violence and civil unrest.

RUSSIA AND OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Unregistered Churches Face Opposition

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

A worship meeting outside a closed church. Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum18

In both Russia and areas of Ukraine that are currently occupied by Russian troops, unregistered churches have been experiencing increasing pressures. Officials have forced some congregations to close, while threatening others with penalties if they continue to gather for worship.

In the city of Rostov-on-Don, Pastor Oleg Volkov was recently fined for "unlawful missionary activity" due to his involvement with an unregistered church. Prosecutors have since sought to ban the church itself because its members refuse to undergo state registration.

Courts have issued bans on at least ten congregations belonging to the Council of Churches Baptist denomination. Despite these restrictions, many believers continue to meet, often in private homes. However, a new bill has been introduced by Russia's parliament which would outlaw public worship services and any religious ceremonies in residential buildings. Debate on the bill is scheduled for May 2026. If passed, the legislation would directly affect many congregations.
More information on the oppression of Russia's Christians can be accessed here.

Similar actions have occurred in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. On January 25th, Russian police and military officers raided worship services in Krasnodon, as well as those of a church located in a nearby village. The officers ordered all men to stand while they recorded the identities of everyone present. One church leader, Pastor Rytikov, was taken to the police station for interrogation, where officials warned that if his congregation continued to refuse registration, police would disrupt every future service.

For many years, official registration has been rejected by groups such as the Council of Churches Baptist due to concerns over governmental control.
For further reports addressing the challenges experienced by churches in occupied Ukraine, go to this page.

• Continue to pray for followers of Christ in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine who are being subjected to intense opposition, asking God to spiritually strengthen them, protect their gatherings, and provide His divine wisdom for every decision they must make.
• May the Holy Spirit move mightily within the hearts and minds of Russia's governing leaders, prompting meaningful changes in policies and attitudes towards religious freedom.
• Pray for the churches' ongoing outreach efforts, asking that – despite the present challenges – multitudes more will powerfully encounter the truth of the Gospel and, as a result, experience God's saving grace.

INDIA: Pastor Injured in Brutal Mob Violence

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Morning Star News, The Indian Express, NDTV, The Independent

Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik being paraded in the street. Photo: Morning Star News

Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik had just gathered with other believers for prayer in the village of Kandarsinga, Odisha State, on January 4th when a group of men burst into the home where the meeting was taking place. The men dragged the pastor outside and began to violently assault him. When Pastor Bipin's wife attempted to intervene, she was threatened with similar treatment.

The attackers accused the church leader of carrying out religious conversions among local Hindus and subjected him to more than two hours of physical abuse. During this time, he was forced to walk barefoot on thorns while being beaten and paraded through the village.

The mob eventually took Pastor Bipin to a local Hindu temple, where his head was shaved, his hands were bound, and he was forced to drink drain water mixed with cow dung. While cow feces hold religious significance for many Hindus, forced consumption is used as a form of humiliation. The assailants also attempted to coerce the abused Christian into reciting Hindu chants while forcing him to bow before an idol.

During the prolonged ordeal, Pastor Bipin thought that he would not survive the attack. Thankfully, his recollection of verses from the Bible gave him strength to endure until the authorities arrived and took him to the police station. While the police initially refused to file a complaint, a report was eventually registered against the attackers, who are believed to be associated with a militant nationalist Hindu group. However, a counter-complaint was also filed against the pastor for allegedly participating in forcible conversions.

In the aftermath of the incident, Pastor Bipin and his family have faced further hardship. Their landlord of eight years asked the Christians to vacate their home, forcing the family to temporarily return to Pastor Bipin's native village of Khamar. Speaking to reporters, his elder brother, Udaynath James, stated, "I don't think my brother will be able to gather the courage to visit the village [of Kandarsinga] again." For more information on the difficulties experienced by Christians in India, go to our country profile.

• Pray for the Holy Spirit to heal the physical and emotional wounds that were inflicted on Pastor Bipin during the attack.
• Prayerfully uphold the members of his family and congregation who witnessed this distressing event, asking that they may also be freed from the horrific trauma of the assault and find strength in the Lord's reassuring presence.
• Intercede for the villagers in Kandarsinga – including those who are opposed to the truth of the Gospel – that they would receive opportunities to experience the love of Christ and ultimately turn to Him in faith.

MEXICO: Pastor Expelled for Not Participating in Syncretic Rituals

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Christian Daily International

Pastor Mariano Velasquez Martinez Photo: CSW

In parts of rural Oaxaca State and other regions of southern Mexico, the dominant religion is a syncretism of Roman Catholicism and traditional indigenous beliefs. The resulting ritual-based belief system is a significant part of community life in many villages.

In the community of Santiago Malacatepec, Pastor Mariano Velasquez Martinez had been serving local residents alongside his wife and infant child. In November 2025, he was asked to take on a community leadership position. He accepted on the condition that he would not be required to participate in rituals associated with the community's traditional religious practices.

During a local festival on January 15th, Pastor Mariano was ordered to light candles and kneel in prayer before an image of St. James. When he refused to comply, a complaint was made to village authorities. Two days later, the pastor was bound with ropes and detained for five days. He was then brought before an assembly where he was formally expelled from the village. After being forced to sign a document acknowledging his expulsion, he has since expressed concern that it will be used to falsely suggest that he left the community voluntarily rather than under coercion.

The pastor and his family are temporarily living with relatives in Oaxaca City. In September 2025, a state law was instituted to prohibit forced displacements and establish potential prison sentences for those responsible. A formal complaint has been submitted to the state authorities on behalf of Pastor Mariano and his family.

While religious freedoms are enshrined in Mexican law, indigenous communities frequently operate under local governance systems. In such settings, attempts to enforce religious uniformity have resulted in harassment, exclusion and displacement for Christians and other individuals whose beliefs differ from community norms.
To access additional reports addressing the persecution of believers in Mexico, go to our country profile.

• Pray that God would provide wisdom and guidance for Pastor Mariano, his family and all those who are advocating on his behalf.
• Ask the Lord to reveal the truth to state authorities regarding the illegal nature of Pastor Mariano's displacement from the village, despite the expulsion document that he was forced to sign.
• May the Lord make a way for this displaced family to peacefully return to their home and practice their faith without opposition.
• Intercede for those who are opposed to the Scripturally based beliefs of this dedicated pastor, praying that they will be convicted by the Holy Spirit for their wrongdoing, brought to repentance, and realize the need to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.

NICARAGUA: Christians Released Amidst Ongoing Oppression

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, OSV News, Zenit, Crux

Pastor Rudy Palacios Vargas Photo: CSW

In recent months, Nicaragua's dictatorial government led by President Daniel Ortega has arbitrarily detained or deported Christians and shut down numerous non-profit organizations. (Read about some of the recent challenges.) On July 17th, 2025, Pastor Rudy Palacios Vargas was among a group of Christians detained by police. No arrest warrants or charges were issued, and family members had not received any information on the believers' whereabouts for six months. Tragically, one of Pastor Rudy's detained companions, Mauricio Alonso Petri, died while in custody.

On January 10th, Pastor Rudy was released from detention, along with five surviving friends and family members. The Christians were instead placed under house arrest and currently remain under surveillance. Although their movements are restricted, they have been able to reunite with family members who were concerned about their welfare. Authorities provided no explanation for the release of the remaining detainees.

Despite this positive development, the repression of Christian activities continues. On January 24th, parishioners from the Catholic Diocese of León had planned a door-to-door outreach as part of a community ministry initiative. However, police shut down the planned event, ordering the church members to "do your work inside." This order followed similar door-to-door ministry efforts carried out the previous week. Martha Patricia Molina, a Nicaraguan lawyer who has been documenting religious opposition in her country, stated, "As soon as authorities realized [the outreach] was something positive, they banned it."

• While we can thank God that Pastor Rudy and the other released believers have been able to rejoin their families, pray that continued healing and restoration will take place in the aftermath of their incarcerations.
• Also prayerfully uplift the grieving family and friends of Pastor Rudy's fellow detainee, Mauricio, who tragically died in custody, asking the Lord to minister greatly needed comfort, strength and peace in each of their lives.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will mightily work in the hearts and minds of the country's governing authorities, facilitating the Christians' full release from house arrest and surveillance so that they can live in freedom – without any oppressive conditions.
• Remember Christians throughout Nicaragua who continue to face threats, intimidation and repression for their faith, asking God to provide them the encouragement, empowerment and fortitude they need to testify of His greatness and faithfulness.

Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday February 2, 2026 @ 7 PM

 1. Open in Prayer: 

2. Scripture: Acts 2:47, describes the life of the early church after Pentecost:

“…and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)

It’s a beautiful reminder that even in seasons of pressure or hostility, God Himself is the One who grows and sustains His people. This scripture is mentioned in "The impossible faith of a Somali believer."

3. Worship Video:   Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me (Lyrics)  ~  CityAlight    
                    
                    Video: In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church

                  

   Prayer for the Persecuted

4. Iran’s Christians Amid Nationwide Uprising

5. Pastor Assaulted in India Felt Police Left Him to Die
                           

6. Video: The impossible faith of a Somali believer

 
7. NIGERIA: More Than 170 Worshippers Taken Hostage

 

Recent News

• ERITREA: Over 100 Christians Released from Prison
• Pastor in South Sudan Refugee Camp Jailed after Muslim Converts
• Muslim in Pakistan Sets Christian on Fire over Petty Dispute
• INDIA: Attack on Evangelistic Team
• PAKISTAN: Kidnapped Girl Returned to Her Home

India: Pastor Assaulted in India Felt Police Left Him to Die

Sources:
Sabrang India – “Publicly Tortured, Forced to Eat Cow Dung: No arrests in Odisha Pastor assault case”
Morning Star News – “Pastor Assaulted in India Felt Police Left Him to Die”

Hindu nationalists assaulted and paraded Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik
 through Parjang village, Odisha state, India
on Jan. 4, 2026. (Morning Star News)

Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik of Odisha, India, was violently attacked earlier this month when a mob stormed a small prayer gathering at his home. Reports from both Indian and international outlets describe him being beaten, paraded through the village, humiliated with a garland of slippers, and they tried to force him to chant religious slogans he did not believe.

One account also states that the mob forced him to walk on thorns, mocking the suffering of Jesus as a form of deliberate religious humiliation. Another report says they tried to force him to drink water mixed with cow dung and later faced a counter‑FIR accusing him of forced conversions, which his family denies.

Several Christian families have since fled the village out of fear. Despite everything, Pastor Naik has publicly said he forgives his attackers — but he continues to ask for safety and the freedom to worship without intimidation.

Prayer Requests

For Pastor Naik — healing from trauma, protection from further threats, and strength in his faith.
For his family — peace, safety, and emotional restoration.
For the displaced Christian families — shelter, courage, and God’s provision.
For justice — fair handling of the case, integrity in the investigation, and protection from false accusations.
For the village — reconciliation, softened hearts, and an end to hostility.

Iran’s Christians Amid Nationwide Uprising

 Source: Summary of an ICC Report

Amid Nationwide Uprising, Iran’s Christians
Are on Heightened Alert

Iran is experiencing its most violent unrest since the 1979 revolution. Protests that began on December 28, 2025 have been met with overwhelming force. Tanks patrol the streets, police fire into crowds, and thousands of civilians have been killed. Many are too afraid to leave their homes, go to work, or even open a window. Hospitals are dangerous because wounded protesters are often arrested.

In the middle of this national trauma, Christians—especially converts from Islam—face heightened danger. Iran already ranks among the world’s most oppressive countries for believers. Farsi‑language worship is banned, Christian literature is illegal, and house churches are constantly targeted. Recognized ethnic Christians (Armenian/Assyrian) are treated as second‑class citizens, while Muslim‑background believers have no legal rights at all and are often charged as national‑security threats.

Despite this, the underground church continues to grow. Many Iranians are turning away from the regime’s ideology and seeking spiritual truth. Christian leaders report that the government is overwhelmed by the scale of the uprising, but the environment remains extremely unsafe for all Iranians, including believers. Internet shutdowns make communication difficult, and contact with Christians inside the country is sporadic.

Leaders ask for vigilance, hope, and prayer as the nation stands at a historic crossroads. Many believe the next government—whenever it comes—could be less repressive, but the path to that future is filled with suffering and uncertainty.

How to Pray

1. For Christians (including Muslim-background believers) in immediate danger: protection, courage to remain faithful, strength during interrogations or pressure, comfort for those separated from family, wisdom for house‑church leaders

2. For the nation’s suffering people: comfort for families grieving lost loved ones, safety for those afraid to seek medical care, provision for those unable to work or travel

3. For the underground church: secure communication despite internet blackouts, growth in faith, unity, and resilience, opportunities to share hope with those searching

4. For Iran’s future: a government that protects freedom of belief, justice for victims of violence, healing for a nation exhausted by decades of repression

NIGERIA: More Than 170 Worshippers Taken Hostage

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, BBC, Reuters, Truth Nigeria, New York Times

Photo: Unsplash

On the morning of January 18th, Christians were gathered for worship in the village of Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, when armed assailants stormed the community. The attackers raided three church buildings in the village: two congregations of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, as well as a fellowship belonging to the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). While over 170 people were taken hostage, some of them later escaped. At the time of publishing this report, at least 163 of the kidnapped victims remain missing – all of whom are being held by their abductors presumably in an unknown location.

Initial reports from government sources denied any knowledge of the attacks, raising questions by the press about whether they had actually happened. However, confirmation was later provided by both government representatives and church members. According to a spokesperson from the ECWA, gunmen had burst into the church building shouting, "Allahu Akbar," then warned the targeted congregants that anyone who made an attempt to flee would be killed. The captives from all three congregations were subsequently gathered together and marched into the forest. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the perpetrators are believed to be militant Islamic Fulani herdsmen.

These recent attacks are part of a larger pattern of violence affecting communities across Nigeria. One woman, Afiniki Moses, whose family paid for her ransom, had just been released on January 15th from a separate kidnapping incident. To her dismay, Afiniki's husband and two children were abducted during the latest occurring attack only three days after her release.

Following the most recent abductions, the state governor visited the village of Kurmin Wali and pledged to establish a military base, as well as a hospital, in the area. He announced to news reporters: "When we met [the villagers], I affirmed that we are with them and...we will not let any of them down." As the affected families await news of their abducted loved ones, they are hoping the governor will be able to keep his word.
To review more reports addressing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, visit our country report.

• Pray for the protection, endurance and safe return of all those still in captivity, asking God to sustain them physically, emotionally and spiritually as they await their rescue.
• Please also uphold their concerned loved ones who are waiting with uncertainty by praying that they will experience the Lord's comfort, strength and provision.
• Additionally, ask the Lord to heal all those who have lost loved ones or suffered repeated trauma as a result of the ongoing violence in Nigeria.
• May the Nigerian authorities follow through on their commitments, providing effective security and support for vulnerable communities, so that the cycle of terror and fear will be abated.

CHINA: Newly Arrested Members of Early Rain Covenant Church

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Human Rights Watch, International Christian Concern, Reuters

One of the Early Rain Covenant Churches. Photo: Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church via ChinaAid

The Chinese government's ongoing campaign against unregistered church networks has resulted in the recent arrests of seven additional members of the Early Rain Covenant Church on January 6th. Those detained include Pastor Dai Zhichao, Elder Li Yingqiang and his wife Zhang Xinyue, Deacon Jia Xuewei, along with three other church members: Ye Fenghua, Liang Zhongyuan and Brother Lin (whose full name is being withheld for security reasons).

On January 21st, ChinaAid confirmed that formal charges have now been formally issued against Elder Li and Brother Lin. Both believers were accused of "inciting subversion of state power." This is the same charge under which the church's lead pastor, Wang Yi, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment during December 2019.

Rev. Dr. Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, condemned the continued use of national-security charges against the country's Christians. "The use of 'inciting subversion of state power' against pastors and church members whose only 'crime' is peaceful worship represents a grave abuse of China's criminal law," he stated. "This case illustrates once again how the Chinese Communist Party weaponizes national-security charges to criminalize faith, silence conscience, and intimidate religious communities."

Further information addressing the various challenges encountered by believers belonging to the Early Rain Covenant Church has been made available here. To watch an informative video-recorded interview with Dr. Fu concerning the ongoing crackdown on China's unregistered churches, go to this page.

• Pray that each one of these detained believers will experience the nearness, peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, and that their faith would remain strong despite the pressures they are presently facing.
• Continue to intercede for the members of the Early Rain Covenant Church and other unregistered congregations across China, asking God to provide for their spiritual and practical needs as they continue to proclaim the Gospel amid an atmosphere of increased opposition.
• Pray that justice will prevail, all charges based on false allegations or political agendas would be dropped, and the international advocacy efforts presented on behalf of our persecuted Christian family in China will be duly considered and fulfilled.

ERITREA: Over 100 Christians Released from Prison

Source: VOMC
Sources: Open Doors UK, Church in Chains, The Christian Post

Shipping containers in Eritrea. Photo: VOMC

More than a hundred Christians were among groups of prisoners released from Eritrean detention centres during the months of November and December in 2025. Despite many of them having spent years in captivity under harsh and arbitrary conditions, none of the recently freed individuals had ever been formally charged with a crime.

At least 144 Christian prisoners were listed in various release reports between November 18th and December 20th. Some of them spent their terms of detainment at the Mai Serwa prison – one of Eritrea's most notorious detention facilities. Known for its inhumane treatment and cramped living conditions, this particular prison uses metal shipping containers as makeshift cells – exposing prisoners to the extremities of Eritrea's arid desert climate.

Most of the recently listed releases are believed to be conditional, requiring prisoners to sign documents confessing to the "crime" of participating in religious activities banned by the government. The majority of those whose freedom has been confirmed include young people who were imprisoned for one to five years. Among them were members of a worship music group known as the Mahalians, whose arrests took place in April 2023.
(Details on the arrests of these young people can be reviewed here.)

Regrettably, these recent releases did not include the seven prominent church leaders who have been imprisoned for more than 20 years. Their continued detention remains a source of deep concern for the Christian community – both inside and outside the country.
To learn more about the suffering of believers in this East African nation, go to VOMCanada.com/Eritrea.htm.

• Although we can be thankful for the release of these Christian prisoners, please pray that they will receive healing, restoration and renewed hope after experiencing years of unjust suffering.
• Continue to remember the hundreds of believers who remain imprisoned without any charge, asking the Lord to protect each one of them, sustain their faith, and make a way for their safe release.
• Pray that the governing authorities of this East African nation would yield to international pressure, end their oppressive policies, and come to rightfully grant our Eritrean brothers and sisters in Christ the basic religious freedoms that have long been denied.