ETHIOPIA: Orthodox Villages Attacked by Militant Muslims

Source: VOMC
Sources: VOMC Contact, Open Doors, Addis Standard, Al Jazeera

Orthodox worshippers in Ethiopia. Photo: Unsplash / Abanezer Shewaga

For more than 1,400 years, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has coexisted with Muslim communities in a unique truce with only occasional tension between them. (This long-standing relationship traces back to the year 615, when the King of Aksum granted asylum to a group of early Muslims.) Any subsequent religious opposition in Ethiopia has primarily been between adherents of one of these two religions and those belonging to other groups, including evangelical Christians. In recent months, however, there has been a troubling shift. Militant Islamic groups have reportedly begun targeting Orthodox Christian communities, particularly in areas of the country that are now primarily Muslim.

In late February, armed Islamic attackers carried out coordinated assaults in the East Arsi zone. More than 20 Orthodox Christians were killed, including a priest who was murdered inside his church building. Homes, churches and other buildings were looted and destroyed. In March and April, additional attacks were reported.

Beginning on May 30th, several more villages came under attack. Local reports suggest that as many as 40 people may have been killed in these attacks, and hundreds of others displaced. During the most recently occurring assaults, a century-old church building in Teleta Gebriel was reduced to ashes. According to local sources, the attackers had given advance warning of their plans. It appears that members of the Orthodox church were specifically targeted and, according to reports, dozens of them had been forcibly converted to Islam.

One Ethiopian source described the violence as "very disturbing," noting that this is the first time he has heard of such widespread intense attacks against Orthodox Christian communities. While the exact cause of the violence from Islamic groups remains unknown, various factors may have contributed. In 2022, an ambush by unidentified armed men killed 20 Muslim worshippers in the northern region of Amhara. In addition, several militant groups in neighbouring Somalia – including the al-Qaeda-affiliated organization, al-Shabaab – remain active within the region.
To review more details on the persecution of Christians in Ethiopia, and/or to watch informative video reports, go to our country profile.

• Pray that God will minister greatly needed peace to the members of these targeted communities, putting an end to the violent attacks by softening the hearts of the perpetrators, so that fear and hostility will give way to understanding, tolerance and reconciliation.

• Uphold those who are mourning the recent loss of their loved ones, as well as the victims who have lost homes and livelihoods, praying that they would experience God's caring presence, comfort and provision in the midst of their sorrow.

• Ask the Lord to specifically provide the displaced victims with protection and shelter, guiding them to places of safety and raising compassionate support to meet their practical and spiritual needs.

CHINA: Further Raid Against Early Rain Covenant Church

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Voice of the Martyrs Korea

Police raid at the Early Rain Covenant Church. Photo: ChinaAid

The Early Rain Covenant Church has experienced significant and sustained governmental pressure, particularly since a major raid took place in December 2018, resulting in a nine-year prison sentence against Pastor Wang Yi. Despite ongoing opposition, the church has remained steadfast in its commitment to continue gathering for worship and ministering in the community.

On June 14th, congregation members faced their latest challenge when dozens of police officers and governing officials stormed the venue during a Sunday morning gathering. Church leaders report that 33 believers were detained, including Elder Yan Hong and Elder Wu Wuqing. After several hours of interrogation, all the detained members were released. However, the following day, the two mentioned elders were sentenced to 14 and 15 days of administrative detention.

According to Dr. Bob Fu of ChinaAid, "This raid is another stark reminder that the Chinese Communist Party continues to treat peaceful Christian worship as a threat to state control."
Previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alerts concerning Christian persecution in China, including those specifically addressing the earlier actions taken against the Early Rain Covenant Church, are available at our country profile.

• May God further empower these long-suffering church members by His Holy Spirit so they will courageously persevere in the midst of opposition.

• Also pray for the continual protection, strengthening and empowering of their imprisoned church leader, Pastor Wang Yi, and now also the recently detained elders.

• Remember the many other congregation members who have been affected by this most recent raid – including the children who were present during the detainment interrogation – asking the Lord to calm every anxious heart with comfort, reassurance and a deep sense of His abiding presence.

• Pray that, through these temporary earthly trials, the Early Rain church family would increase in both love and unity, watching over one another with utmost care and standing firmly together with enduring faith and hope.

IRAN: Enforced Disappearance of Christian Convert

Source: VOMC
Sources: Amnesty International, Middle East Concern, Open Doors

Mary Mohammadi Photo: Article18

Mary Mohammadi was initially arrested at the age of 19 after converting from Islam to Christianity at a house church meeting. The young Christian woman was subsequently imprisoned for six months in Tehran's Evin Prison. Following her release, she was convicted again in 2020; this second time, receiving a suspended sentence – along with 10 lashes – on charges of "disturbing public order." Despite the ongoing persecution from Iranian authorities, Mary has remained steadfast in her faith. In 2023, she was honoured with the St. Stephen's Award for Persecuted Christians in recognition of her courage and selflessness.

In a recent disturbing turn of events, Mary mysteriously disappeared in late February while travelling from Tehran to Ahvaz. All communication with her family and friends was cut off, and authorities have refused to answer any questions regarding her whereabouts. According to information obtained by Amnesty International, she was initially held by the Ministry of Intelligence before being transferred to an undisclosed location on April 2nd.

Sadly, Mary's situation is not uncommon. Iranian authorities frequently refuse to disclose the whereabouts of detainees, leaving families in distressing uncertainty and raising serious concerns about the potential abuse of imprisoned victims.
More information on the difficulties facing Christians in Iran may be reviewed at our country profile.

• Pray that Mary's whereabouts will be made known, and that she would be safely released from enforced captivity.

• In the interim, may the Lord strengthen, protect and encourage this young Iranian woman throughout every moment of her incarceration, allowing His light to shine brightly through her dedicated Christian life, so that the hearts of all those around her – including Iran's officials and prison guards – will be touched by His tremendous love for them and His provision of eternal salvation.

• Also prayerfully uplift Mary's family and others who are facing similar uncertainties in Iran, asking that they too would be comforted and sustained, in hopes that justice, compassion and meaningful change will take place within their war-torn nation.

VIETNAM: Two Christians Detained and Charged

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, International Christian Concern, VN Express

A church in Vietnam. Photo: Unsplash / Tu Tran Anh

Two Montagnard Vietnamese Christians – Pastor Siu Yui and church member Siu Dok – were arrested on June 1st for spreading religious propaganda and allegedly instigating talk of independence for Vietnam's Central Highlands. Authorities claim that these men have been "undermining national unity" and associating with illegal organizations. In addition, they were accused of misrepresenting the current state of religious freedom and democracy in Vietnam through comments shared on social media.

The Montagnard people, most of whom are Christians living in the Central Highlands of this Southeast Asian country, have a long history of conflict with the Vietnamese government – primarily due to ongoing harassment from the country's Communist leadership.

Another Montagnard leader, Y Quynh Bdap, fled the country in 2018 and sought refugee protection in Thailand. Regrettably, Thai authorities later extradited him back to Vietnam, where he is now serving a 10-year prison sentence.
(See further details about this Christian leader's detention.) Additional reports addressing persecution in Vietnam are available at our country profile.

• Pray for the two recently arrested Christian men as they face these serious accusations, asking God to administer His peace, protection and strength throughout every moment of their sentences – along with the assurance that His truth and justice will ultimately prevail.

• Please uphold Y Quynh Bdap as well, praying that this Christian activist will not only be comforted and sustained as he awaits a hopeful earlier release from imprisonment, but also filled with great anticipation and courage – knowing that God's promises will be fulfilled in and through his dedicated life.

• In general, prayerfully remember the country's many other believers, including the Montagnard Christians living in Vietnam's Central Highlands. Despite the long-term oppression they have endured, may these followers of Jesus be greatly encouraged, deeply rooted in their faith, and upheld by a clear sense of God's abiding presence with them.

INDIA: Christian Families Denied Access to Basic Resources

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, UCA News, Catholic Connect

People drawing water in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Unsplash / Wietse Jongsma

More than 180 Christian families from 32 villages in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh have reportedly been denied access to communal water supplies and livelihood opportunities for refusing to renounce their faith in Jesus.

Some of the families were restricted from using rivers, ponds or well pumps to meet their daily water needs. Others have been excluded from government-assistance programs intended to support marginalized tribal communities. In a few cases, some families also had their firewood confiscated.

Complaints regarding the denial of these basic life-sustaining resources have been submitted to local police and governing leaders, raising concerns about the lack of equality and protection of the victimized citizens' constitutional rights. Christian leaders from the Progressive Christian Alliance have emphasized that "any denial based on religion, if established, should raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns."

Despite such appeals, many believers continue to experience severe hardships in their communities.
To review previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert reports concerning the mistreatment of Christians in India, visit our country profile.

• Pray that the affected Christian families will reflect God's grace and love even in the midst of hardship, finding daily comfort in His loving presence and provision.

• May the Lord's wisdom, guidance and perseverance be imparted to all who are diligently seeking a just and peaceful resolution to the families' alarming, life-threatening situations.

• Intercede on behalf of India's governing political and judicial representatives, asking that their decisions be moved with compassion and a commitment to fairness, so that all citizens will be treated with equality and dignity.

CHINA: Church Building Forcibly Demolished

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Yazhong Church. Photo: ChinaAid

In December 2025, the Yazhong Church (also referred to as the Yayang Church) was targeted during an intense government campaign, resulting in the arrests of hundreds of believers. The following month, large numbers of police surrounded the main church building in Wenzhou, setting up barricades to block any views of the worship facility. At the time of the blockage, there were also concerns that the building may potentially risk demolishment.
 (For more details, see this page.)

Five months later, on May 17th, heavy equipment moved onsite. By the morning of May 19th, the church building had been reduced to rubble. Along with the destruction, four church leaders were arrested, joining 18 other members who are currently in prison. The families of those detained have reportedly been warned by authorities to remain silent.

Reflecting on these disturbing events, as well as the broader oppression facing Christians in China, Dr. Bob Fu from ChinaAid stated, "Our sources confirm that this beautiful and sacred place of worship has been destroyed – but our prayers are not reduced to rubble."
To access further reports relating to Christian persecution in China, go to our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold the distressed members of this congregation who have sadly witnessed the destruction of their meaningful place of worship, asking God to calm their inner hearts with His perfect peace and console them through His strengthening presence.

• In general, remember the numerous other persecuted believers throughout China, praying that the Lord will also grant them overcoming courage in the midst of oppression, enduring faith in His ultimate sovereignty and righteousness, as well as an unbroken sense of national Christian unity.

• Last, but not least, pray that the international community would respond with wisdom and compassion, advocating for justice and encouraging greater protections on behalf of our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ.

DR CONGO: Christians Targeted by Islamic Terrorists

Source: VOMC
Sources: Barnabas Aid, Mission Network News

A church in the DR Congo. Photo: Wikimedia / Ralph Malan (CC)

Islamic militants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) claim to have killed more than 80 Christians during several recent armed assaults in the northeastern region of the country. The deadliest incident, which took place on May 5th, is believed to have claimed the lives of an estimated 60 believers, whom the attackers referred to as "Christian combatants."

The Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) uses the term "combatants" to describe Christians who refuse to convert to Islam or accept the status of dhimmi – a condition of subjugation in which non-Muslims are permitted to live under Islamic rule in exchange for the payment of what is known as jizya tax.

A statement from the aggressors declared, "Let the worshippers of the cross know that they have no security except by submitting willingly or paying the jizya in humiliation." ISCAP claims to have killed nearly 1,000 Christians in northeastern DRC since December 2024.

Despite being one of the world's wealthiest nations in terms of natural resources, the DRC remains marked by widespread poverty. This contrast has drawn the attention of external forces that are seeking control over the nation and its wealth, thus contributing to ongoing instability. Notably, the country is also one of the most predominantly Christian nations in Africa. For additional reports concerning the life-threatening dangers encountered by followers of Jesus in this Central African nation, go to our country profile.

• Pray that God's comforting presence will be sensed in tangible ways by those who have lost loved ones, and that His healing ministry would restore the health and emotional well-being of all who were physically harmed and/or traumatized during these recent attacks.

• May those of our Congolese brothers and sisters in Christ who were displaced receive safe shelter, compassionate support and divine guidance as they now navigate their way to new hope-filled beginnings in the aftermath of the violence.

• In general, ask the Lord to mightily intervene throughout this war-torn nation, so that His peace and justice will prevail and communities would be protected from further attacks – resulting in lasting harmony and stability for all.

AZERBAIJAN: Christian Worship Locations Demolished

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Radio Free Europe

Photo: Flickr / David Stanley (CC)

In mid-April, reports began to circulate that two significant places of worship had been demolished in Stepanakert, the capital located within the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Recent satellite imagery has since confirmed that the Holy Mother of God Cathedral and the Church of St. Jacob have been completely destroyed.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a region historically inhabited by ethnic Armenians, though it has long been claimed by Azerbaijan. After many years of armed conflict, Azerbaijan seized control of the territory in September 2023, triggering an exodus of about 120,000 Armenians from the area.

Leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Church have warned that Azerbaijan's predominantly Muslim leadership may attempt to erase the Christian heritage of the Armenian people by demolishing monuments, monasteries, churches and other religious sites. Previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert reports addressing the challenges facing believers in Azerbaijan are available at our country profile.

• Pray for God's protection over those of our Christian family who are still residing in this disputed region, and that others who have opted to flee the area would receive His comfort, provision and a sense of belonging as they endeavour to rebuild their lives.

• Intercede for Azerbaijan's governing leaders, praying that they would be mindful to duly respect the religious faith and heritage of this large group of Armenian citizens by preserving their historical sites.

• Pray that the message of the Gospel would be heard throughout the nation, planting seeds of spiritual truth that will lead many lives to salvation and lasting transformation through the power of Christ.

CHINA: Total of 31 Christians Recently Sentenced

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Believers in China. Photo: ChinaAid

In March 2024, leaders of a house church fellowship in Suizhou, a city located in central China's Hubei Province, were arrested as part of a major crackdown on itinerant ministry workers. In an apparent attempt to minimize public and international attention, authorities conducted the trials in small numbers, often with only one or two defendants at a time.

According to a recently released report, a total of 31 believers have now been sentenced to imprisonment, with terms ranging from 28 to 48 months. Among them is 77-year-old Pastor Yang Zhijin, who was sentenced on May 21st to 38 months in prison for allegedly "using a cult organization to undermine the implementation of the law."

The convicted believers are itinerant workers who travelled to minister among ethnic minority groups in western China. To review other reports about the persecution of our Christian family in this Communist nation, visit our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold these recently sentenced believers, asking the Lord to provide each one of them – as well as their concerned families – divine strength, protection and sustaining grace.

• As they begin serving their prison sentences, in hopes the convictions will be rightfully overturned, may these faithful servants find meaningful opportunities to share the message of God's love and eternal salvation with others around them.

• Pray that the Gospel message would continue spreading exponentially throughout China – bringing hope, encouragement and new life to many more spiritually searching hearts.

Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday June 1, 2026 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer: 

2. Scripture: Matthew 10:16“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

3. Worship Video: Unashamed - Matthew West (Lyric Video)

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

Prayer for the Persecuted

4. Mozambique: It seems like all of sub-Saharan Africa is on fire–including northern Mozambique.

5. Short Video: Nigerian Church Worship During Ongoing Genocide
                            NIGERIA: Three Slain During Prayer Vigil Attack

6. IRAN: Nine-Year Sentence for Christian Convert

7. Central Asia: Pastor Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

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Unashamed - Matthew West (Lyric Video)

Central Asia: Pastor Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

Source: iCommitToPray
May. 28, 2026 | Central Asia

A young pastor has been arrested and sentenced to eight years in prison for his ministry. Not long after this pastor had launched a church in Central Asia, local and secret police arrested him for simply conducting Christian ministry, actions considered by many Muslims to be offensive and even illegal in that region. “The young pastor has a wife and little children,” said a front-line worker. “Please pray that they will be encouraged and that this gospel worker’s faith and witness will be strong inside the prison.” Since the pastor began serving his sentence, the family has experienced hardship without a regular source of income. The front-line worker, with the help of the global body of Christ, is working to ensure that the pastor’s wife and children are cared for. “Pray that they will be strong during this time and that the sentence will be shortened,” the front-line worker added.