Source: Open Doors South Africa
Thursday, May 28, 2026
NIGERIA: Three Slain During Prayer Vigil Attack
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Punch, Leadership, Mission Network News, BBC
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.
Recently, the United States has joined Nigeria's government in conducting raids on known ISIS groups. During the weekend of May 16th to 17th, a joint strike in Borno State resulted in the death of prominent ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, along with several other leading militants. It is hoped that these efforts will help curb the ongoing violence in this troubled West African nation.
To review other reports concerning the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria, go to our country profile.
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
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.
IRAN: Nine-Year Sentence for Christian Convert
Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, HRANA
In January 2025, Ghazal Marzban was arrested and sentenced to six months' imprisonment and 74 lashes on charges of "propaganda against the regime" and for appearing in public without a hijab. Thankfully, the Christian woman was released after serving two months of her previously ordered sentence.
A year later, Ghazal was unexpectedly arrested again. (Read more.) During this most recent detention, her Bible and other Christian literature were confiscated. Although she insists that these materials were meant for her own personal use, the Ministry of Intelligence claimed that they had been intended for evangelistic purposes. It was recently reported that Ghazal has now been sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison on charges that include "propaganda against the state."
Following her conversion to Christianity, the law graduate was prevented from taking the bar examination. In addition, her husband, who is also a Christian convert, has been unable to access needed medication for Parkinson's disease. The withholding of his medical treatment appears to be linked to the couple's Christian faith. In light of his health concern, Ghazal's imprisonment has been referred to as "a sentence for both of them."
Pray that Ghazal will remain deeply aware of God's abiding presence, divine protection and sustaining grace as she awaits with renewed hope for His mighty intervention to take place once again in her legal case.
In the interim, please also intercede on behalf of her husband, asking the Lord to provide him urgently needed medical help, improved physical health and well-being, along with further encouragement – enabling him to not only survive these challenging circumstances but also thrive in the midst of them.
Continue to prayerfully remember the dozens of other believers who, like Ghazal, are presently imprisoned in Iran because of their faith in Christ, asking Him to also greatly encourage their hearts, strengthen their faith, and surround them with His peace.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
CHINA: Church Members Charged for Hosting Sunday School
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Bitter Winter
In early May, six Christians were arrested in Kaili, a city located within China's Guizhou province. Authorities accused the believers of fraud and "organizing minors to engage in activities undermining public order." The alleged "crime" leading to these charges was hosting a children's Sunday school program and allowing families to worship together as a church.
The six church leaders – five men and one woman – have now been formally charged. Yet, legal experts raised concerns about the nature of these accusations, noting that such charges are typically associated with inciting youth to engage in criminal behaviours, such as theft or violence. The detained Christians remain in custody as their family members arrange legal representation on their behalf.
Although Chinese regulations restrict minors from entering churches, informal religious activities involving children and their parents are generally considered outside the scope of these laws.
For further information on the persecution of our Christian family in China, visit our country profile.
Please uphold these believers in prayer, asking the Lord to surround them and their children with His peace, strength and comfort during this time of difficulty and uncertainty.
Pray that God will provide wise and capable legal counsel for the accused church leaders, and that all the charges against them would be dismissed.
In general, prayerfully remember our other Christian brothers and sisters throughout China who are likewise endeavouring to faithfully disciple the next generation amid ongoing restrictions, asking that they too would be encouraged, protected and unwavering in their devotion to Christ.
EGYPT: New Appeal Filed for Imprisoned Christian
Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Coptic Solidarity, ADF International
In October 2025, Dr. Augustin Sam'an was arrested and charged with "contempt of Islam" due to the content he shared on his YouTube channel. (More details about his situation are available here.) As a result of the subsequent trial, this Christian scholar/apologist was sentenced on January 3rd to five years of hard labour. Not only were the court proceedings conducted in secret, without due notification given to his family or lawyers, but he was also denied access to legal defence. Finally, Dr. Augustin's lawyers were granted access to the file relating to his case on February 11th.
On April 24th, Dr. Augustin filed an appeal against his conviction, citing "significant procedural issues." A spokesperson for Coptic Solidarity, an advocacy group dedicated to defending the rights of Coptic Christians in Egypt, stated that "this is not a legitimate judicial proceeding." Tragically, Dr. Augustin's case is not unique. Since August 2025, dozens of other individuals affiliated with various religious minority groups have been arrested due to their online religious content.
While Egypt's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the country's blasphemy laws have been disproportionately used to target Christians. These laws are described by critics as "a sword used solely to protect Islam and Muslims."
To access other reports addressing the challenges encountered by believers in Egypt, go to our country profile.
Pray that God will providentially guide and strengthen the defence attorneys representing Dr. Augustin, granting them wisdom, clarity and favour as they advocate on his behalf.
Ask the Lord to work within Egypt's governmental and judicial systems, leading officials to uphold laws that truly honour the country's constitution regarding religious freedom, and thus ensure all citizens are treated with fairness, respect and equality.
May believers in Egypt be further encouraged to continue boldly and compassionately sharing the message of the Gospel with others, knowing that the Holy Spirit can minister in meaningful ways through their divinely inspired words and witness.
IRAN: Believer Released Despite Ongoing Arrests of Church Leaders
Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Steadfast Global, SNN
In April 2024, Amir-Ali Minaei was arrested by Iranian authorities and sentenced to 43 months in prison for alleged "propaganda activities against the regime through establishing a house church." The Christian man's sentence was later reduced to 30 months. During his imprisonment, however, he endured physical abuse and suffered from serious heart-related health issues.
(View our previously published report.)
In January 2025, Amir-Ali applied for a conditional release because of his declining health. His request was denied, reportedly due to a perceived lack of "cooperation" with intelligence agents. It was recently announced that the believer was thankfully granted early release on April 29th as part of an annual prisoner amnesty.
While Amir-Ali's friends and family members are rejoicing over his release, concerns remain for other followers of Jesus in Iran. On May 5th, authorities announced the arrests of three Christian leaders in the central province of Yazd. The prosecutor claimed that these believers had converted a "significant number" of people to what was described as "Zionist Christianity." The arrested Christians have also been accused of desecrating copies of the Quran, insulting Islamic individuals and holy sites, as well as praying for the victory of the "Zionist regime" amid Iran's ongoing war.
For further reports concerning the challenges facing persecuted Christians in this troubled Middle Eastern nation, visit our country profile.
Praise God for Amir-Ali's early release! Pray that the Lord will restore this believer's health, renew his strength, and fill his heart with peace and encouragement in the days ahead.
Also prayerfully lift up the three recently arrested Christian leaders, as well as the many others who are presently imprisoned in Iran because of their faith, asking that they would be strengthened by God's abiding presence while awaiting release; and, in the interim, greatly sustained by their unshakeable hope in Him.
Pray for the nation of Iran as a whole, in hopes that God's peace will prevail amid the ongoing tensions, and that His people would be protected, emboldened and steadfast as they continue to bear witness to His truth.
Monday, May 18, 2026
Thursday, May 14, 2026
ETHIOPIA: Christian Workers Attacked While Constructing Church
Source: VOMC
Source: Voice of the Martyrs USA
On April 7th, a group of Christians were working to construct a church building when they were violently attacked by a mob of Muslim militants. Armed with machetes, the attackers attempted to stop the construction, wounding several of the workers who were present.
The believers had been constructing the building in western Ethiopia, near the border with Sudan. Despite prior warnings to abandon the project, they continued because there was no place for Christians in the region to gather for worship. Even after the attack and their resulting injuries, the workers persevered with the construction project.
To review additional reports concerning the opposition experienced by Christians in this East African country, as well as specific ways you can pray for our persecuted Ethiopian family in Christ, go to our country profile.
Pray for the complete healing of the physically injured and/or emotionally traumatized church workers, asking that they would also tangibly experience God's comfort, strength and peace in the aftermath of this recent attack.
As the believers of the mentioned Ethiopian congregation endeavour to meet together and courageously serve the Lord amid opposition, may they consistently extend His love and forgiveness to the neighbouring members of their community – even touching the lives of the perpetrators involved in the mob attack.
Ask God to soften the hearts of those in Ethiopia who are resistant to the Gospel, drawing them to Himself and revealing His truth and grace in life-changing ways.
EGYPT: Almost 200 More Churches Officially Legalized!
Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, Egypt Independent, Watani
In 2016, legislation was passed to expedite the approval process for churches in Egypt. Prior to this, congregations that had applied for registration encountered significant opposition over the years, and the construction of new worship facilities was often delayed. Since 2017, however, the committee responsible for reviewing the applications approved an average of approximately 475 churches each year.
During its most recent meeting on April 16th, the committee approved 191 additional church buildings. This decision brings the total number of approvals to 3,804 out of the 5,415 submitted applications. Reflecting on this encouraging development, Duane Friesen from Voice of the Martyrs Canada referred to the approvals as a "good step." At the same time, he urged caution, noting that registration can sometimes result in increased government involvement.
For more information, including reports addressing the various challenges encountered by Egyptian Christians, see our country profile.
Pray that God will continue to open doors for spiritual growth to take place in Egypt, nurturing a society where freedom of belief is respected and all citizens are treated with dignity and fairness.
May the country's newly approved churches become places of peace and security, where believers will be further encouraged and strengthened in their faith.
Continue to remember our Christian brothers and sisters in Egypt who are experiencing other forms of persecution, asking the Lord to fill them with courage, wisdom and love as they faithfully share the Gospel of Christ with those around them.
CHINA: Pastor John Cao Suffers Major Health Concerns
Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains
In 2017, Pastor John Cao was arrested by Chinese authorities for allegedly "organizing illegal border crossings." Sentenced to seven years in prison, he was finally freed in March 2024. Following his release, Pastor John hoped to reunite with his wife and two children in the United States, where he holds permanent residency. However, Chinese authorities have withheld the church leader's passport, forcing him to remain in China.
(For more details, see our previously published report.)
In recent months, Pastor John has been suffering physically due to serious health concerns. After experiencing severe pain in his back and legs, he was hospitalized and diagnosed with late-stage cancer which is now affecting his prostate, spine and bone marrow. In an answer to prayer, his wife and children were recently granted permission to visit him – ending their enforced separation of nine years. April 26th also marked the 40th anniversary of the Christian leader's faithful ministry work.
On April 30th, Pastor John was discharged from hospital and returned to his mother's home in Changsha, Hunan Province. His doctor intends to continue monitoring the pastor's health condition before determining whether surgery is possible.
Prayerfully ask the Lord to graciously minister comfort, fortitude and healing to Pastor John; all the while, granting him and his family peace in the midst of this difficult time.
Pray that a way would be made for this church leader to travel back to the United States, so he can be permanently reunited with his wife and children – plus, receive the medical care and nurturing he needs.
As family members – along with fellow believers across China and beyond – reflect on Pastor John's decades of faithful service, courage and compassion, may many others be inspired, raised up and equipped by God to likewise proclaim the Good News of His eternal saving grace and mercy.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
ERITREA: 24 Christians Recently Released!
Source: VOMC
Source: Church in Chains
A report has recently surfaced, indicating that 24 Eritrean believers were released from prison in early April. While most of the freed Christians had been detained for more than two years, one of them endured imprisonment for over 18 years. As is often the case, few details have been made available, and no official explanation was given for the releases.
This latest development brings the total number of Christian prisoners who have been released during the past year to more than 400. According to Dr. Berhane Asmelash, director of Release Eritrea, an estimated 200 to 220 believers currently remain imprisoned – marking the lowest figure throughout the past 20 years.
Several theories have been proposed to explain the recent increase in releases. Some suggest that the previously noted overcrowded prison conditions may be a contributing factor. Others speculate that Eritrean officials may be questioning the value of prolonged imprisonments, or that governmental opposition towards evangelical Christianity could be waning.
Despite the encouraging outcome, followers of Jesus in Eritrea continue to suffer unprovoked raids and arrests. On March 15th, for example, 13 believers were detained by police.
To learn more about that particular incident, and/or to access other reports concerning the persecution of Christians in this highly restrictive African nation, visit our country profile.
Pray that those who have been recently freed from prison will experience the Lord's healing and strength – spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.
As these followers of Christ now rebuild their lives, may they also receive the faithful support and encouragement of loved ones and fellow believers.
While we praise God for the increased numbers of released Christians, please continue to lift up those still awaiting freedom from imprisonment, asking that they too would be strengthened, encouraged and reminded that they are not forgotten.
Ask the Lord to work mightily within the hearts and minds of Eritrea's governing authorities, guiding them so that they will serve the citizens of their country with justice, compassion, and a growing openness to the "Good News" of His salvation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)