NEPAL: Christians Harassed for Sharing Their Faith

Source: VOMC Contacts

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

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

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

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

OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Pastor Faces Expulsion From His Country

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

Pastor Vladimir Rytikov Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum18

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: VOMC
Source: Cardus

Canada's Parliament Buildings Photo: RawPixel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 8thirty8

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

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

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

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

Lord Jesus, we pray that You would protect Mohammad’s life as he suffers in a horrible Iranian prison while the bombs continue to fall on Iran’s brutal regime. Spare his life that he could soon be released to serve You in a new Iran once the war is over. Protect and provide for his family while he is apart from them. You set the captives free. We ask that Mohammad would miraculously be set free. Nothing is impossible for You. For Your glory in Iran. Amen.

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

Photo credit: Article 18

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

Imam Seeks Truth After Discovering Bible

Source: iCommitToPray 
Mar. 26, 2026 | Sudan

Mustafa reading from
 his son's Bible.

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

IRAN: Heightened Concerns for Christian Prisoners

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, BBC Persian

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHINA: Church Elder Released After Five Years' Imprisonment

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Elder Zhang Chunlei Photo: ChinaAid

Zhang Chunlei is an elder with the Ren'ai Reformed Church in Guiyang, China. Following his arrest in March 2021, he was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly "inciting subversion of state power." The Christian leader also received accusations of fraud relating to the receipt of church offerings – a charge commonly used to suppress unregistered congregations. Fellow believers describe the elder as a "gentle, yet firm spiritual leader."

Over the years of his imprisonment, Elder Zhang had been hospitalized due to very painful gallbladder inflammation and was later diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and hypertension. His release from custody finally took place on March 16th upon the completion of his full sentence.

Despite the church leader's release, it is anticipated that government harassment will continue. As a high-profile religious leader, Elder Zhang may face ongoing surveillance, travel restrictions and social isolation.
 A listing of previously published reports on this believer's case can be accessed here.

• Praise God for bringing Elder Zhang safely through these past five years of imprisonment and, as a result, making it possible for him to now be joyfully reunited with his loved ones.
• Pray for this spiritual leader’s complete physical healing and renewed inner strength, as well as long-awaited restoration through the loving support of his family and church community.
• Ask God to guide Elder Zhang during this next season of his life, fortify the ministry of the Ren'ai Reformed Church, and uphold the faithful witness of unregistered congregations throughout China.

RUSSIA: New Charges Filed Against Retired Missionary

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, Voice of the Martyrs Korea

Ms. Park Tae-yeon Photo: VOM Korea

In January, Ms. Park Tae-yeon – a long-serving missionary who lovingly cared for children in Russia – was planning to retire after 33 years of ministry. However, before she could return to South Korea, Russian authorities prevented the Christian woman from leaving the country. In the process, they also arrested her for alleged immigration violations.
(For more details, see this report.)

Investigators recently filed two additional charges against Ms. Park, whose case has been extended by another month. A hearing is now expected to take place in late April. With the new allegations, the arrested missionary could face up to 17 years in prison. In response to these developments, Pastor Eric Foley from VOM Korea stated: "Her activity hasn't changed for more than 30 years. The only thing that has changed is that now Russian authorities call people like her 'extremists,' 'brainwashers,' and 'conspirators against Russia,' despite all common-sense evidence to the contrary."

The Voice of the Martyrs Korea is collecting signatures on a petition calling for her immediate release. The petition will be presented to the Russian embassy in Seoul. Those wishing to add their names may do so at VOMKorea.com/en/petition-2026.

• Praise God for Ms. Park's decades of steadfast and loving ministry to children and families in Russia.
• Please pray that Russian authorities will respond with justice and compassion, allowing this faithful follower of Jesus to return safely home to her family in South Korea.
• While awaiting vindication during this time of detention, may God empower Ms. Park so she can bring His comfort, hope and light to all those around her – including the facility's prisoners, members of its staff, as well as the officials overseeing the prison.

CUBA: Pastor Detained After Posting Video

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Cuba Headlines, Evangélico Digital

A police car in Cuba. Photo: Wikimedia / Dickelbers (CC)

Each week, Pastor Rolando Pérez Lora visits a park in Matanzas, Cuba, where public Wi-Fi is available, to film a series of Bible teachings for his YouTube channel. As he records, people often gather around to listen, sometimes asking him for prayer.

On March 15th, as Pastor Rolando was returning home after completing his latest video recording, two police officers approached the church leader and forced him into a patrol car. The pastor was then taken to the Playa Police Station and detained for three hours before being released. No official explanation was given for his arrest. This is not an isolated incident, for Pastor Rolando stated that he has been targeted by the authorities since becoming a pastor in 2011.

The Cuban Christians Alliance documented that Communist officials have committed 996 repressive actions against the country's religious leaders in 2024 alone, demonstrating a consistent pattern of harassment. This recent arrest comes during a time of significant civil unrest in Cuba, as demonstrations are being held throughout the country in the face of major shortages of food, medicine and fuel.
To access additional reports addressing the oppression of Christianity in this island nation, visit our country profile.

• Prayerfully remember Pastor Rolando and other church leaders in Cuba who are faithfully sharing the Gospel message despite the increased opposition and unrest.
• Ask the Lord to provide national political leaders wisdom and guidance as they navigate how to effectively resolve the ongoing economic crisis.
• Pray for lasting peace to take place in this troubled country. In the process, may there be an end to the government's harassment of Christians who are diligently working to serve and support the Cuban people.

CHINA: New Policy Restricts Travel for Clergy Members

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

A passport and travel pass in China.

Religious rights advocates are raising serious concerns regarding the increased level of control that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is presently exerting over the Roman Catholic church in China. As a result of a 2018 agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese government, state officials have already been given the authority to appoint bishops – ensuring that the church's leadership remains amenable towards the policies of the CCP.

However, since December of 2025, the Chinese Catholic church has now adopted a new policy that restricts the travel of all clergy. Under this directive, priests and bishops must surrender their passports and travel documents to a CCP-controlled religious bureau. Any clergy member who wishes to travel must submit a detailed itinerary and statement of purpose for the trip well in advance, followed by a mandatory "post-travel accountability report" upon return. These added procedures mirror those used for monitoring governing officials in politically sensitive positions. Reports indicate that a similar system is also under consideration for the state-controlled Protestant church.

According to ChinaAid, these measures go beyond the ongoing "Sinicization" of the Chinese church. The religious rights organization warns that the implementation of the new policy will result in a "systematic severing of China's churches from the global religious community."
More details concerning the persecution of Chinese Christians, including recorded video reports, are available at our country profile.

• Please prayerfully uphold Chinese believers who are encountering ever-growing restrictions and pressures on their faith practices, asking the Lord to spiritually strengthen and encourage them.
• Pray that there will be meaningful and lasting changes made to governing policies that are currently suppressing and tightly regulating religious activities throughout China.
• In the meantime, despite the government-imposed barriers presently facing church congregations, may God provide committed believers creative and innovative ways to proclaim the Good News of His salvation so many others will likewise experience His sacrificial love and eternal hope.

INDONESIA: Local Residents Oppose Church Renovations

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Morning Star News, RiauOnline, Suara.com

A church in Indonesia. Photo: PxHere

The Batak Protestant Christian Church has been meeting at its current location in the village of Kulim Jaya since 1995. In addition to receiving official registration with the government, this congregation holds a documented proof of property ownership. Unfortunately, their church building has deteriorated significantly over the years and is now considered unsuitable for regular gatherings. These Christians have been planning renovations – including the construction of a new foundation – since 2010. However, residents of the community have consistently opposed these efforts.

On February 25th, a group of around 70 local residents had gathered outside the church building, demanding a stop to all renovation work. Questioning the legality of the construction, 20 of the demonstrators entered the building and insisted on viewing the church's permits. This protest was supported by police presence.

Indonesia's official permit process requires community approval for religious building projects – a condition that frequently prevents any progress for Christian places of worship. Despite repeated delays and ongoing opposition, the church's leader, Pastor Faber Manurung, intends to continue pursuing cooperation with governing authorities so the building can once again be safely used.
To review further reports outlining the challenges encountered by Christians in Indonesia, go to our country profile.

• Pray for wisdom and perseverance on behalf of Pastor Faber and the other members of this Indonesian congregation as they seek to obtain the necessary approvals for these long-overdue renovations.
• May God touch the hearts and minds of the opposing local villagers – fostering within each of them a greater understanding, respect and tolerance for the Batak Protestant Christian Church – so the Lord's peace and ministry will prevail throughout the community.
• Intercede for officials who are administering at every level of governance, asking that they would work fairly and compassionately to safeguard the rights and needs of all people within Indonesia.

SOUTH SUDAN: Pastor and Associates Abducted and Slain

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, VOMC Contacts, Divine Mission Pentecostal Church

Stephen Wesley teaching in South Sudan. Photo: VOMC

For the past 10 years, South Sudan has struggled under the weight of unrest and civil war. This upheaval has led to ethnic tensions, political instability, and the ongoing trauma that accompanies prolonged conflict.

Due to economic challenges, Pastor Lino Pasquale had been working for a fishing business in Gondokoro, a region located south of the capital city of Juba. On February 19th, the church leader was returning home with three other men when they were suddenly captured by unknown gunmen. A few days later, the bodies of Pastor Lino and two of the men were discovered. At last report, the fourth victim remains missing.

Pastor Lino served faithfully as the leader of an outreach branch for the Divine Mission Pentecostal Church in Juba. Church leaders have condemned the attack as "barbaric," believing that the pastor and his associates were deliberately targeted. Those who knew Pastor Lino remember him as a devoted shepherd who was committed to sharing the hope of the Gospel.

On the same day that Pastor Lino was abducted, VOMC's Director of Global Education and Discipleship, Steven Wesley, had been visiting South Sudan to teach local believers about the theology of persecution and discipleship. Providentially, Pastor Lino's wife, Eva, was present at that very training session. It was only later that she discovered what had happened to her husband. Tragically, on the same day that she received news of his death, Eva's mother passed away following a short time of illness.

Upon his return from South Sudan, Stephen recorded an interview to share insights from his recent ministry trip. To watch this video report, go to VOMCanada.com/video/TOPAD-SSudan. More information about the challenges encountered by Christians in South Sudan can be accessed at our country profile.

• Prayerfully remember Eva as she now deals with the immense grief of suddenly losing both her husband and her mother. Ask God to lovingly surround this dear follower of Christ – and all who are mourning the loss of those mentioned in this report – with His strength, comfort and peace.
• As the authorities conduct their investigation into this violent incident, may they not only safely locate the missing abducted victim but also bring those responsible for committing the crimes to justice.
• Pray for VOMC's "Theology of Persecution and Discipleship" ministry, asking that this training program will continue to encourage and equip Christians in South Sudan (and other areas of the world) who are enduring persecution because of their faith.