Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Killing Christians, Burning Church and Homes in Mozambique

Source: CBN

Islamic State Claims Responsibility

NIGERIA: New Year Begins with Increased Violence

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Channels Television, This Day

Nigerian believers are seeking God’s intervention. Photo: VOMC

In November 2023, a report was released stating that incidents of anti-Christian violence and kidnappings in Nigeria appeared to have declined in comparison to the year before (see this report). The Christmas season, however, was particularly violent (read more) and now, as 2024 begins, numerous reports seem to point towards increasing brutality from militant groups in northern and central Nigeria.

On January 1st, members of Boko Haram attacked two Christian villages in the Chibok region of Borno state. They first targeted Gartamawa village, killing 12 people and wounding two others. The militants then ambushed a group of Christians who were returning to the nearby village of Tsiha after mourning those killed earlier in Gartamawa. During the latter incident, three more believers were killed and one young girl was kidnapped.

Two days later, Fulani militants launched attacks in two counties of Kaduna state. In Kauru county, 17 Christians were killed and 36 others kidnapped. A government source reported that 22 of the abducted believers were later rescued by local vigilante groups. In Gefe village, Kajuru county, another 17 Christians were murdered. Speaking of these attacks, the state governor referred to the bandits as "beasts in human skin" whose sole aim is to "reverse the gains the good people of Kaduna State have made in rebuilding trust, forging understanding, and reviving the economies of conflict-challenged communities."

The violence continued on January 5th when a group identified as either fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or a faction of Boko Haram invaded the town of Kwari in Yobe state at approximately 1 a.m. The militants entered Pastor Luka Levong's church building and killed the Christian leader before setting the place of worship on fire. During the rampage, they raided the homes of several church members, killing 13 Christians, in addition to destroying their houses and vehicles.

January 7th also brought a series of fatal assaults by Fulani terrorists; this time, targeting three villages in Benue state. As villagers slept, the attackers moved from house to house, killing ten people and injuring several others. Many of the residents fled their villages to escape harm.

All of these recently occurring incidents indicate that Nigeria remains an extremely dangerous country for Christians, particularly because of the repeated attacks perpetrated by various militant groups.
For more information on the violence targeting our Nigerian family in Christ, go to our country report.

As you approach the Lord's throne in prayer, please remember to lift up the multitudes of Nigerian Christians who are now mourning the tragic loss of their slain loved ones. May these surviving believers – who must live each day with the uncertainty of knowing when the next violent attack will take place – receive God's divine protection, as well as His great comfort, encouragement and hope. 

Pray for those in governmental authority, asking that they be given the wisdom and resources required to gain control over the violence committed by various militant groups. 

Ultimately, may the "Prince of Peace" reign sovereignly over this troubled African nation and within the hearts of its people.

BELARUS: New Religious Restrictions Pass into Law

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Mission Network News

President Aleksandr Lukashenko Photo: Wikipedia / Tatarstan.ru (cc)

On December 30th, President Aleksandr Lukashenko officially passed into law new religious regulations, finalizing a bill that had initially been introduced in September 2023. For more details, see this page. The policies are scheduled to take effect on July 5th and, while the legislation carries various new stipulations, the most significant is the requirement that all religious communities must re-register within one year of the law coming into effect.

Under the new legislation, any religious community failing to gain re-registration will be deemed illegal, and thus all activities that group conducts will pose them to be at risk of criminal punishment. Various other restrictions have also been instituted, including limits on religious education. The wording of the legislation makes extensive use of terms such as "extremism" and "terrorism" to justify the changes.

Reactions from church leaders reflect the political and social environment to which the Belarusian people are accustomed. When Eric Monk from the Slavic Gospel Mission spoke with local pastors, they told him that were aware of the laws and did what they could to honour the government. "That doesn't mean that they agree with the government," he announced, "but they want to be people who are beyond reproach."

For the Council of Churches Baptist congregations, the need for registration has always been perceived as a restriction on their freedom of religion. These congregations refuse to register with the government, and thereby intend to carry on doing what they have always done since the requirement for registration was instituted under the Soviet Union. One church member described the situation using the words of Ecclesiastes 1:9, stating that "there is nothing new under the sun." 
For more information on the governmental restrictions faced by congregations in Belarus, go to our country report.

Please pray that Belarusian church leaders will receive wisdom, fortitude and clear direction from the Lord as they shepherd their congregations in the days to come. 

As churches submit their applications for re-registration, may the officiating governmental workers be peaceable and cooperative, allowing our Christian brothers and sisters to gather freely for worship. 

Pray also that believers who are opposed to these registration requirements would be able to exercise their religious freedoms without interference from the government.

ERITREA: More Christian Youth Released from Prison

Source: VOMC
Source: Church in Chains

In April 2023, more than 100 talented Christian young people, who are members of a musical group known as the Mahalians, were arrested after recording songs of praise which they had intended to share on YouTube. The government deemed their recording session to be an illegal church gathering.
For more details, go to this page.

In September, it was announced that close to half of the detained youth had been released (see this report). Since then, more imprisoned believers have gained their freedom, generally in small groups at a time. As of late November, it was reported that around 20 young people were still being held in captivity, with hopes that they too would soon be released.

While there has been no change in governmental policy, Church in Chains reports that hundreds of Christian prisoners have been released in the past few months, and that fewer believers than normal were arrested during the same period. The total number of Christians currently incarcerated for their faith in Eritrea is estimated to be around 300.

Praise God that many of these detained young people, as well as hundreds of other Christian prisoners, have been recently released from captivity. 

Please continue to prayerfully uphold those who presently remain imprisoned, asking that they too will soon be safely released and joyfully reunited with their families. 

May God work deeply within the hearts of the Eritrean authorities and, as a result, bring about positive changes in the religious policies of this East African nation so followers of Jesus will be granted their rightful freedom to worship Him and praise His holy name.

BRUNEI: Compulsory Islamic Teaching in Schools

Source: VOMC
Sources: VOM USA, Borneo Bulletin, The Star

A school in Brunei. Photo: Wikipedia / Pangalau (cc)

On November 1st, Islamic religious teaching was officially integrated into the educational system of schools in Brunei. This requirement was issued due to a decree from the country's sultan. The newly mandated curriculum applies to all students from the second to fifth grades – whether they attend public or private school. It involves an hour of instruction each day, including the practise of Islamic prayers and study of the Quran.

Christians in the country have requested prayer that their children will be effectively discipled at home and in the church, so their faith will continually strengthen and sustain them.
For more on the challenges facing followers of Jesus in Brunei, go to our country report.

Pray for guidance on behalf of Christian parents in this Southeast Asian country as they deal with the newly implemented educational system. May these believers continue raising their children in the ways of the Lord, teaching them to love and serve Him despite any opposition they may encounter. 

While navigating the growing governmental restrictions, may our Bruneian family in Christ receive divine wisdom, strength and boldness as they seek to faithfully share the Gospel message with those around them.

PAKISTAN: Blasphemy Charges Dropped

Source: VOMC
Sources: Pak Christian News, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Morning Star News

Musarrat Bibi (right) with attorney Lazar Allah Rakha (centre) and Muhammad Sarmad. Photo: Morning Star News

In April 2023, two school workers in Pakistan were given the tasks of cleaning a storeroom and burning any garbage they found. However, as both of these workers are illiterate, they did not realize that some of the papers they had burned contained verses from the Quran. When this was discovered, they were reported to the police and charged with blasphemy for allegedly desecrating the Quran.

The two accused workers have been identified as Musarrat Bibi, a Christian widow, and Muhammad Sarmad, a young Muslim man. Although the workers were released on bail as of May 12th, they finally had their day in court on December 8th. After hearing the evidence, Judge Tariz Mahmood dismissed all the charges against them.

Following the announcement of the verdict, Musarrat expressed her relief, saying, "I feel like I have got my life back again." Unfortunately, despite being released, the Christian widow has experienced further challenges. After being granted bail in May, the school administration refused to restore her job. Also, due to receiving subsequent death threats, she was forced to flee the village with her daughter. They have since had to move frequently to avoid being found by Islamic militants who want to cause them harm. Musarrat hopes to eventually find a similar position in another area where she is unknown.

Such dilemmas are frequently experienced by Christians in Pakistan who have been falsely accused of blasphemy. Even when these believers are acquitted by the courts, they often find themselves convicted by public opinion.
To review more reports on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Please pray that Musarrat and her daughter will find a home in a safe location where they will be protected from mob violence and other forms of persecution. 

May this Christian woman also be granted a new job that will provide for their practical needs. 

Additionally, pray that Muhammad will not suffer any further consequences because of these false accusations. In fact, as a result of this ordeal, may his heart be stirred towards Christ and receptive to His loving kindness – to the point of acknowledging Him as Saviour and Lord. 

Finally, may God work by His Holy Spirit in and through the legal and political systems of Pakistan so that the frequently abused blasphemy laws would no longer be used to persecute the country's Christians and so many other innocent victims.

EGYPT: Temporary Church Building Burned

Source: VOMC
Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

The temporary church building before and after the arson attack. Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Local Christians in the village of Misha'at Zaafaranah, located within Egypt's Minya Province, are working to get approval to build a place of worship. The required documents have been submitted to the authorities and, for the meantime, the group of believers were meeting in a temporary structure on the land belonging to the church.

Although local officials have no objection to these gatherings, in the early morning of January 6th, an opposing mob converged at the location to protest the construction of the church building. During the protest, the temporary structure being used by the church members was set on fire. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident.

This destructive act of persecution follows a similar attack that happened on December 18th against a church building being built in Al-Azeeb. Details on that situation are available in a previously posted report. Weeks prior to that incident, another had taken place in Minya Province during the month of November, when a mob attacked a Christian man and burned down his house which had been under construction.

Prayerfully uphold our suffering Egyptian brothers and sisters in Christ who have been terribly affected by these recent acts of violence. In each case, may the Lord minister healing from the trauma they have experienced and provide them the financial resources they need to replace all that has been destroyed. 

Pray that He will also work by His Spirit to soften the hearts of those in opposition to the Gospel, including the perpetrators who were directly responsible for the attacks, leading them to realize the error of their ways and come to a point of sincere repentance and salvation.

IRAN: Christian Detained on Christmas Eve

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, HRANA, Church in Chains

Esmaeil Narimanpour Photo: Article 18

Esmaeil Narimanpour* is an Iranian believer who has faced repeated detentions because of his faith in Christ. In April 2021, he was detained along with three others and tortured by the authorities. Two days later, due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, these four Christians were released on the condition that they would agree to return to custody when summoned (read more). Although they were eventually cleared of any criminal offence in November of that same year, they were ordered to take "re-education" classes about Islam.

On Christmas Eve of 2023, Esmaeil was again apprehended by security forces. During this most recent arrest, his home in Dezful was thoroughly searched, and Christian books were confiscated, even though no warrant had been issued. The next day, Esmaeil was allowed to make a short phone call to his family. While conversing with his loved ones, Esmaeil explained that he was being held in Ahvaz, a city located 150 kilometres south of Dezful. When his wife and brother attempted to follow up on the case, they ended up being detained and questioned for several hours as well. At least three other Christians were also reportedly arrested around Christmas, but no details can be released at this time.

Today, numerous Iranian Christians remain in prison because of their faith, and often they are being detained without any conviction. Such is the case for Hakop Gochumyan, who has been in Evin Prison for five months while awaiting trial. Although his hearing was scheduled for January 7th, no details have yet been announced regarding the outcome.
For more information on Christian persecution in Iran, including previously posted reports and podcasts, go to our country report. (*Note: This is the spelling variation more commonly used for the transliteration of Esmaeil's name.)

Prayerfully remember Esmaeil, Hakop, and the many other Iranian followers of Jesus who are presently detained because their personal beliefs have been based on the teachings of Christianity. 

Ask the Lord to work by His Holy Spirit in and through the court system so that these Christians will be released and protected from further persecution by the authorities. 

In the meanwhile, may these believers receive many wonderful opportunities to reach out to those around them with the Gospel message of God's salvation through Christ.

BELARUS: Officials Issue Threats to Church Leaders

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Christian Vision

An Orthodox church in Belarus. Photo: Wikimedia / Horakvlado (cc)

On December 20th, a meeting was held for the Minsk Orthodox Diocese. During the gathering, which consisted of more than two hundred priests, Olga Chemodanova from the Ideology Department of the Minsk Executive Committee was invited to speak. She told those present that state agencies were monitoring more than 500 religious communities and openly warned against committing any act that could potentially be perceived as being political in nature, including the use of "non-religious symbols." Her address clearly threatened any church leaders who may be considered "ideologically alien," further indicating that such leaders should expect to serve time in prison.

Also addressing the assembly was Religious Affairs official Aleksandr Rumak. His office was directly responsible for the development of a newly drafted religion law which is presently working its way through parliament.
For more information on this law and its implications, which would consequently impose significantly tighter restrictions on the religious practices of the country's Christians, see this report.

The threats against the Belarusian Orthodox Church echo the measures recently taken by the government to liquidate the New Life Church in Minsk (see this page). Though the church had appealed the government's action, a Supreme Court ruling on December 12th dismissed the appeal, supporting the actions of the Minsk City Executive Committee. Not only did the liquidation order come into effect that day, the court's decision also closed any future legal avenue for the church.

While the New Life Church no longer legally exists, threats of criminal prosecution continue against its pastor, Vyacheslav Goncharenko. Any future religious activities carried out by Pastor Vyacheslav, or other members of the church, could lead to fines or jail terms.

Continue to pray for Pastor Vyacheslav and the many other disappointed members of the New Life Church as they navigate this new situation. 

May these enduring believers be further strengthened and equipped to face any additional challenges that lie ahead as they endeavour to remain unified in the love of Christ. 

Also prayerfully uphold fellow Christians throughout the country who likewise must now contend with these increased threats from the government, praying that they too would receive the wisdom, courage and spiritual fortitude to faithfully persevere in the midst of trial – and thus ultimately "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

CHINA: Police Question Church Elder and Confiscate His Computer

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Elder Li Yingqiang Photo: ChinaAid

For the past five years, Elder Li Yingqiang has been repeatedly subjected to questioning and detention since the Chinese Communist Party began targeting the Early Rain Covenant Church.
(For previously published reports on Elder Li, see this list.)

In the most recent incident, Elder Li was taken by Deyang police officers for interrogation on December 15th. They questioned him about a pre-recorded message that was played on December 9th as part of an online event commemorating the fifth anniversary of the government's crackdown on the church. After being summoned again on December 19th, the church elder was detained for another eight hours for further questioning. In addition to warning him against participating in any future online church activities, the authorities confiscated his computer.

In a public letter issued that day, Elder Li expressed his concern over the various challenges being experienced by members of the Early Rain Covenant Church and requested that followers of Jesus please continue to pray for them.
To review additional reports addressing the persecution of believers in China, go to our country report.

As you 'pray without ceasing,' please remember your Christian brothers and sisters in China who are undergoing relentless opposition – including Elder Li and the church's pastor, Wang Li, who is presently serving a nine-year prison term. 

As they navigate the different challenges, may the Lord provide for their every physical, emotional and spiritual need. 

Also continue to uphold Christians throughout China who are reaching out to others with the message of the Gospel, praying that the church in this Communist nation will continue to grow exponentially despite intensifying persecution.

Martyr Anniversary

 

Laos Mother and Children Rejected for Faith

Dec. 07, 2023
Source: iCommitToPray

Phin with one
of her daughters.

When Inn’s uncle shared the gospel with his family in February 2022, Inn was the only one who accepted Christ. The village leaders threatened Inn and his parents, saying he would be kicked out of school and jailed and the whole family would be evicted. Inn sought refuge with front-line workers so that he could finish high school and grow in his faith. Inn stayed in touch with his family, sharing about Christ whenever he could. Those gospel seeds took root. In January 2023, Inn’s mother, Phin, and his two sisters accepted Christ. Village officials made daily threats, and Inn’s father persecuted them as well. In June, he threw Phin and her daughters out of the house. They found temporary homes with other Christians, and Phin works as a day laborer for food. Front-line workers are helping them with basic needs and building a permanent home. Inn is working now to help his mother and wants to be an evangelist.

Pray for Inn as he goes to school and his desire to be an evangelist.

Pray for Phin and her daughters as they grow in faith and that God would provide abundantly for them.

Pray for Phin's husband that he would accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour.

Pray for the wisdom of front-line workers who boldly witness for Christ. 

Pray for the 200 ethnic subgroups in Laos. 

Pray that village leaders will follow the law that allows people the right to become Christians. 

Mozambique: Christians Remain at Risk

Dec. 21, 2023 | Mozambique
Source: iCommitToPray

Muslim extremists in Mozambique

Since 2019, the Cabo Delgado region of Northern Mozambique has been the site of extremist Muslim attacks in which thousands have been killed and at least 100,000 displaced. The attackers are part of a group connected to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) that seeks to establish a region ruled by sharia law. Some of the deadliest attacks came in 2021 near a massive oil processing installation under construction, garnering worldwide media coverage. Since then, the region remains extremely dangerous for Christians. “When the terrorists raid a village, they ask villagers what religion they are,” said a front-line worker. “If they say ‘Christian,’ the terrorists usually behead them.” The front-line worker said he spoke with a widow who lost her husband and three sons in such an attack in August 2023. Few Christian ministries continue to operate in that dangerous region of Mozambique, and they request prayer.

Pray for Christians who have lost everything in recent Islamist attacks. 

Pray for the 16,000 displaced Christians receiving emergency food relief this year. 

Pray that displaced Christians who receive audio Bibles will be encouraged by God’s Word. 

Pray for efforts to rebuild churches that were destroyed in Islamist attacks. 

Pray for the reestablishment of a Christian school destroyed by Islamists. 

Pray for the encouragement of those ministering to displaced and traumatized Christians. 

Heavenly Church - Arabic song of faith and perseverance

NIGERIA: At Least 140 Fatalities Due to Christmas Attacks

Source: VOMC
Sources: Catholic News Agency, Morning Star News, VOM USA, Christianity Today, Pilot News

A burial on Christmas Day. Photo: Morning Star News

The Christmas season was anything but peaceful for Christians in Plateau State, Nigeria, this past December. Approximately 20 Christian-majority communities were targeted during a series of coordinated attacks committed by Islamic Fulani militants on December 23rd through to the 25th. By the time the assailants left after causing widespread devastation, hundreds of homes were burned, along with eight church buildings. Thousands of innocent villagers were displaced and/or injured, and more than 140 people were killed, including two pastors.

The ordeal has been referred to as the worst attack on Christians in the area since 2018. Bishop Matthew Kukah has called on the newly elected Nigerian president to take immediate action. In his address, the bishop emphasized his concern that "Nigerians have almost lost hope" in the government's promises of intervention.

Various reasons have been speculated for the ongoing attacks of Christian persecution perpetrated by militant Fulani groups. In response to the latest outbreak of violence, Gideon Para-Mallam, a Nigerian church leader, stated: "A terrible genocide is taking place in Plateau State, but it is being window-dressed to look like a clash between farmers and herders. Sadly, false and misleading narratives are created while rivers of blood continue to flow."

In a separate attack that took place in the eastern state of Adamawa, a group of assailants, believed to be members of Boko Haram or a faction of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), raided the village of Kwapre on Christmas Day. Houses had been set on fire, shops were looted, and two Christians ended up tragically killed. The attackers then fled on their motorcycles into the Sambisa forest, which has been a key Boko Haram hideout for years.

An extensive podcast report, in which host Greg Musselman interviews Andrew Boyd of Release International, has just been released. During their discussion on the persecution trends for 2024, they address the Plateau State's recently occurring attacks in light of the ongoing challenges facing Christians in Nigeria.
To view this informative video, click here.

Please pray for the thousands of innocent Nigerians who were impacted by this most recent series of devastating attacks. Ask the Lord to minister healing to the injured victims and provide greatly needed comfort to those who are now mourning the tragic loss of their loved ones. 

Pray that He will also minister to the spiritual and practical needs of the many displaced believers who've lost their homes and/or livelihoods due to the violence. 

In the process, may God grant wisdom and guidance to the country's political and spiritual leaders, providing them effective strategies that will prevent further attacks from taking place against our Nigerian family in Christ and the unnecessary bloodshed of so many innocent lives.

EGYPT: Attack on Church Building Site

Source: VOMC
Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

A Coptic church in Egypt. Photo: Flickr / Mark Fischer (cc)

Since 2016, the government of Egypt has been slowly approving the registration of more than 3,700 church buildings that were operating without the required licencing. These buildings were established before 2016, during a time when permits were virtually impossible to get. Although the licencing process now being administered has been long and tedious, thankfully progress is eventually taking place.

For a Coptic community in the village of Al-Azeeb, the process of attaining a safe place to worship has become even more difficult due to the opposition of hostile neighbours. After obtaining the necessary permits from the government to construct a church building, this congregation began excavating the property in preparation for the laying of the foundation. On the evening of December 18th, however, militant members of the Muslim community in their village, as well as those from the surrounding area, converged on the building site. Along with physically attacking the workers who were present, the mob threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the Christians' homes and livestock – all the while, clashing with police officers who were working to mitigate the attacks.

While local police and security forces are continuing in their search for culprits of the attack, followers of Jesus in the community are fearful of further violence.
For more information on the challenges experienced by Egyptian Christians, go to our country report.

In the aftermath of this recently occurring incident of persecution, ask God to mightily intervene on behalf of the Christians in Al-Azeeb by ministering His peace, protection, comfort and encouragement. 

Pray that those responsible for the attack will not only be held accountable for their destructive actions, but that they would also experience the Holy Spirit's conviction for their volatile hostility towards fellow members of the community – in hopes of them turning to Christ with sincere repentance. 

Finally, pray that relational reconciliation and harmony would become more evident among the diverse peoples of this community and those in other areas of Egypt.

PHILIPPINES: Christmas Celebrations Curtailed After Bombing

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christianity Today, Agenzia Fides

The scene of the bombing. Photo: Wikipedia / Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur - Public Information Office

On December 3rd, a Catholic mass held at Mindanao State University was rocked by a bomb that killed four participants and wounded 45 others. (More details about this incident are available here.) Following the bombing, which was carried out by ISIS-affiliated terrorists, the church deemed it necessary to scale back on their upcoming Christmas celebrations.

As a result of the attack, the church cancelled a number of traditional celebratory events leading up to Christmas Eve, and members of the armed forces were brought into the university to protect those attending the services that had resumed. In the aftermath of the assault, the bishop of Marawi stated: "The attack has caused disbelief, emotion and great pain in everyone, Christians and Muslims.... There is much fear now, but faith accompanies us and gives us support. Even in this time of distress, we feel the presence of the Lord."

At last report, police had arrested one of the suspects, though the man who planted the explosive device was still at large.
For further information on the challenges encountered by Christians in the Philippines, particularly due to the opposition of militant Islamic groups operating in parts of the country, go to our country report.

Pray that God's perfect peace will rest on each of the believers who were affected by this fatal bombing. 

May the authorities capture those responsible for the attack and take necessary measures to protect the members of this church and any others that may be at risk in the community. 

Continue to intercede for the citizens of this Southeast Asian nation in general, praying that the Gospel message of God's love, healing and deliverance will continue touching the hearts of people residing on the various islands of the Philippines, leading many more to salvation through faith in Christ.