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.

The impossible faith of a Somali believer

Prayer:

1. The threats against Aweis’ life continue, but so does God’s work through his ministry. Please pray for his safety and encouragement in his ministry.

2. Pray for deep spiritual encouragement

Somali Christians often walk alone, without fellowship or visible church community. Pray that the Holy Spirit strengthens Somali believers daily, reminding them that they are never abandoned and that Christ walks with them in every hidden step.

3. Pray for wisdom in every interaction

Following Jesus in Somalia requires discernment about when to speak, when to stay silent, and whom to trust. Pray that God grants Somali Christians clarity, insight, and supernatural wisdom as they navigate relationships and daily decisions.

4. Pray for the underground Somali church

Lift up the small, scattered community of Somali believers who worship in secret. Pray for unity, resilience, and opportunities for safe fellowship. Ask God to raise up more disciples who, like Aweis, boldly declare that there is no place where Christ cannot be followed.

5. Pray for Somalia itself

Pray for peace in a nation marked by conflict, extremism, and instability. Ask God to soften hearts, open doors for the gospel, and transform communities through the quiet witness of believers like Aweis.

INDIA: Attack on Evangelistic Team

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, 8Thirty8

A small bus in India. Photo: Wikimedia / Karthikndr (CC)

A Christian evangelistic team was brutally attacked in early January near the village of Korrakudu in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Not only were several believers injured during the ambush, the minibus they had been travelling in was also destroyed.

The team, which consisted of about 15 Christians from the Gospel Hall Church in Anantapur, had travelled to Korrakudu to conduct an evangelistic event. However, when the believers arrived at the village, they were informed that a local Hindu festival was underway, and that they would not be allowed to proceed with their plans. Respecting the situation, the team decided to continue their evangelistic work elsewhere in another location.

During the evangelists' departure, as they were approaching the outskirts of Korrakudu, a group of approximately 30 young men suddenly surrounded their bus. Using a variety of weapons, the assailants smashed the windows of the vehicle, then poured fuel over the bus. Before they could set fire to it, a local Hindu leader intervened. Unfortunately, when the passengers exited the vehicle, they were physically assaulted by the attackers.

It is believed that the aggressors were youths who had been provoked by Hindu nationalist organizations. A police report was filed, but village leaders requested leniency due to the age of the perpetrators. The representing local elders assured authorities that they would work to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future. While the church leaders retained the police report for vehicle insurance purposes, the Christians willingly agreed to forgive their attackers and not pursue any further legal action.

Militant Hindu nationalist groups remain a significant source of aggression against the country's Christians, driven by the desire to make India a Hindu-only nation. As a result, the country has experienced an alarming rise in anti-Christian persecution during recent years.
In his latest video report, VOMC's podcast host, Greg Musselman, discusses this concerning trend with a Christian lawyer and human rights advocate from India. This informative interview may be viewed at this page. For other reports regarding the persecution of India's Christians, visit our country profile.

• Pray for the physical and emotional healing of all those injured in this recently occurring attack, and for the financial losses caused by the perpetrators' destructive violence to be fully recovered.
• May the Holy Spirit dramatically transform the hearts of the assailants, enabling them to understand and apply the teachings of Christ which emphasize the importance of loving Him and others (Matthew 22:37-39).
• Lift up our Christian brothers and sisters throughout India as they continue their outreach efforts which are providing greatly needed spiritual and humanitarian help to so many destitute and impoverished souls. As the message of God's love is spread across the nation, pray that multitudes more would come to faith in Christ.

SRI LANKA: Mob Attack Leads to Injuries

Source: VOMC
Source: NCEASL

A home in Sri Lanka. Photo: Wikimedia / Dinkum (CC)

On the morning of December 6th, approximately 16 members of a church in Pasyala had gathered for a time of prayer and fasting at the home of their pastor. While they were praying together, a group of opposing neighbours – along with several other unidentified individuals – arrived at the residence. The imposing community members questioned the church secretary and the pastor's son, demanding to know whether the Christians had received an official permit to conduct worship services on the premises.

Although an explanation was provided, the intruders proceeded to physically assault the church members, including the pastor's three children. The church secretary immediately contacted the local police, notifying them of the violent outbreak. Dispatched officers arrived at the scene within 30 minutes of receiving the call. Upon their arrival, the pastor informed them that she had previously notified the station about the scheduled church meeting at her home.

When an ambulance was dispatched to transport the injured Christians to the hospital, some of the opposing community members attempted to prevent the vehicle from reaching the pastor's home. Thankfully, due to police intervention, the paramedics were finally able to transport the wounded church members – including the pastor's children. Some members of the mob, who had also sustained injuries during the confrontation, were taken for medical treatment as well.

That night, stones were thrown at the Christians' church building. This additional incident was also reported to the police, who provided protection to the threatened believers. Three days later, the authorities met with both parties involved in the dispute. In response to the inquiry of the officer in charge regarding whether or not the church was officially registered, a representing lawyer clarified that government registration is not legally required in Sri Lanka to conduct worship gatherings.

Subsequently, charges were filed against eight members of the mob. However, police also laid charges against two of the pastor's children, the church secretary, and one other congregant. In an effort to reduce tensions, the church held their worship service at a different location the following week. Since the matter was referred to the courts, there have been no further incidents.

Opposition against Christian activities in Sri Lanka often stems from community members who have been influenced by opposing Buddhist clergy. While legal permits are not required for Christian worship services, this fact is not widely understood, leading to ongoing disputes and harassment.
To access further information addressing religious persecution in Sri Lanka, as well as insightful video reports, go to our country profile.

• Ask God to minister through the presence of His Holy Spirit in the community of Pasyala, bringing His peace – which transcends all understanding – into the hearts of all those residing there (Philippians 4:7).
• Pray that as the persevering church members of this community continue proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel, they will faithfully shine the light of Christ.
• Throughout the process, may the Lord's presence go before them, preparing hearts and fostering new opportunities for connection and growth.
• Ask for the Lord's divine protection to remain over these dedicated Sri Lankan believers, so they will be shielded from any future threat of attack and further encouraged to continue standing strong in their faith.