Prayer for the Persecuted - March 10, 2025 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer

2. Scripture:  Psalm 31:5 NIV Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

The first Christian martyr, as described in the Book of Acts in the Bible. 

Before he was stoned to death, Stephen quoted Scripture and spoke words of faith. In Acts 7:59-60, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," echoing Psalm 31:5, and then said, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them," showing remarkable forgiveness.

3. Worship Video: Only A Holy God - CityAlight
                                  Precious Lord Take My Hand 
                              I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow 
                              Jews & Arabs worship together in Nazareth, Israel.

4. Video: Pastor Gideon's Story of Unspeakable Tragedy and Extraordinary Forgiveness

5. SOMALIA: Attacked Christian Loses Ability to Speak

6. Video: Ukraine - Persecution Of Christians You Haven't Heard About

7. OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Orthodox Priest Transferred to Russian Labour Camp

8. IRAN: Two Pardoned Pastors Rearrested

Praise Reports

EGYPT: Prisoners Released After Years of Detention
INDIA: Christian Couple Released on Bail
PAKISTAN: Acquittal for Christian Brothers
PAKISTAN: Court Calls for Inquiry into Blasphemy Cases

Jews & Arabs worship together

INDIA: Arrests for Alleged Conversion Activities

Source: VOMC
Sources: UCA News, Church in Chains, Christian Today, News Nation Bharat, Dainik Bhaskar

Christians in India. Photo: VOMC

Multiple Christians were recently arrested by authorities in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, resulting in charges of coercive religious conversions. In each case, allegations against the Christians by Hindu nationalist groups led to sudden police raids.

On February 22nd or 23rd (the exact date varies according to sourced reports), Pastor Vijay Singh and three other believers were arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district. According to local press reports, the Christians were accused of organizing "a big game of religious conversion" in which candy and pencils were allegedly given to children in an attempt to lure them into converting to Christianity.

In a related incident, police also raided the residence of Pastor Anil in a different village of Raebareli district, but the church leader was not home at the time. Unable to find the pastor, the authorities instead detained his son before later releasing him. On the afternoon of February 25th, Pastor Anil was located and subsequently arrested by police. Thankfully, the church leader was granted bail that same evening.

A similar raid occurred in Hargaon, a village in the district of Sitapur, when police invaded a worship gathering on February 23rd. During the incident, Pastor Surest Chand and his wife Nutan Kumari were arrested, along with four other worshippers. The believers were charged with conducting "unlawful religious conversions" in what local reporters described as "a big case." The Christians were accused of luring people to their faith with money and possessions. According to eyewitnesses, various religious materials – including Bibles – were seized as evidence of alleged conversion activities. Though the Christians were taken into custody, some have since been released on bail.

Anti-conversion laws are frequently used in several Indian states to intimidate followers of Jesus and shut down unwanted Christian activities.

Often, the accusations have no factual basis. For more details on the persecution of Christians in India, go to our country report.

• Pray that God will work powerfully within the hearts and minds of India's authorities so that each one of these recently detained believers will be justly declared innocent.
• May our Christian brothers and sisters who continue to be held in custody tangibly sense the reassuring presence and empowerment of God's Holy Spirit.
• Ask the Lord to also minister His peace, protection and comfort to the accused believers' family members as they cope with this time of uncertainty and fear.
• Additionally, pray that the accusers would be convicted of their wrongful allegations and, as a result, come to a point of repentance and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

CHINA: Pastor Tried for Organizing Illegal Gatherings

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, ChinaAid, VOM Australia, Release International

Ma Yan Photo: ChinaAid

On August 9th, 2024, a preacher named Ma Yan was arrested in the Chinese city of Yinchuan for "disrupting social order" and given a ten-day detention. Immediately following his release, Ma was arrested again for "organizing illegal gatherings." The accusations stem from a small gathering of Christians that took place in a hotel on August 9th.

After Ma continued to be held in custody without trial, the church leader's wife, Shu Hang, filed a lawsuit against the Jinfeng District Branch of the Yinchuan Public Security Bureau in response to the charges against her husband and his prolonged detention. The documents were taken to the court office on November 4th, where staff members accepted Shu's formal complaint and files of evidence. However, when her lawyer requested written proof of receipt, the court officials refused. Instead, Shu and her lawyer were told to return to their homes and wait for a response from the court office which they never received.

Finally, on February 10th, the young preacher went to trial. According to sources, Ma pleaded guilty because the charge of "organizing illegal gatherings" carries a lighter sentence and does not attract the same moral stigmatization as other charges commonly used against Christian leaders. The final verdict is unknown, but the prosecutor recommended a sentence of nine months in prison.

In the 2025 Persecution Trends report, VOMC's ministry partner, Release International, stated that the year ahead is likely to result in an increased number of arrests and imprisonments for Christians in China, as Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials continue their attempts to infiltrate churches with the government's ideology.

To access other reports about the persecution of Christians in China, visit our country profile.

• Please pray that Ma will experience God's strength, courage and protection as he continues to serve time in prison because of his faith in Jesus.
• May the Lord's abiding peace and comfort rest on this Christian leader's wife, as well as the believers who attended the church gathering he had previously overseen.
• Ask our Heavenly Father to divinely intervene in the lives of the country's governing officials, leading CCP members to personally discover the reality and love of Jesus Christ.
• Continue to prayerfully remember the many Christians throughout China who are endeavouring to faithfully share the Gospel message despite the opposition they may encounter.

OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Orthodox Priest Transferred to Russian Labour Camp

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

Father Kostiantyn Maksimov  Photo: Center for Civil Liberties

In May 2023, Orthodox priest Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces in the Zaporizhzhia Region of eastern Ukraine. In March 2024, it was announced that he had been accused of reporting the location of Russian air defences and put on trial for espionage. On August 2nd, the church leader was found guilty and sentenced to 14 years in a forced labour camp.

For more details on Father Kostiantyn's case, see these reports.

Although Father Kostiantyn appealed the ruling, his sentence was upheld in November 2024. At the time, concerns were raised that the priest may be transferred to a prison camp in Russia – an action that would violate the Geneva Conventions. According to these international laws, prisoners from an occupied territory must be detained within that territory. On February 11th, those concerns were realized when Father Kostiantyn was transferred to a labour camp in Russia's Saratov Region, which is located more than 1,000 kilometres from his home.

All Protestant and non-Moscow Patriarchate Orthodox churches have been declared illegal in occupied areas of Ukraine, and the occupying Russian forces have implemented many of the religious restrictions currently found in Russia.

For previously published reports on the challenges facing Christians in these regions, see our country profile.

• Ask our Heavenly Father to provide Father Kostiantyn with greatly needed physical and spiritual endurance as he continues to be detained in captivity.
• In addition to interceding for this Christian leader's immediate release, please also pray for the cessation of Russian aggression so that the people of Ukraine can live in peace.
• May followers of Jesus in Russia and occupied regions of Ukraine who are suffering under the dictates of repressive policies receive guidance, protection and courage as they share the Lord's love and the hope that He alone provides while residing in these very difficult and dangerous areas.

This report has been retracted - DR CONGO: 70 Christians Found Beheaded

Source: VOMC
DR CONGO: Report Retracted

Each week, staff members from Voice of the Martyrs Canada research news reports to provide valuable and accurate information about ways you can pray for persecuted Christians around the world. Without the ability to have personnel in each of the nations, we work together with reliable partners who have similar goals in supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Regrettably, there are times when, for any of numerous reasons, we receive inaccurate information. Despite due diligence, errors occur, which we deeply regret.  Such appears to be the case with the recent incident in DR Congo reported on February 27th. Further investigation by a reliable partner reveals that the incident, as reported, does not appear to have occurred.

While this specific incident appears to be erroneous, the situation in DR Congo, particularly in the North Kivu province, is extremely dangerous. Deaths at the hands of rebel groups happen frequently and Christians are regularly targeted because of the militant Islamist views of the rebels. Continued prayers for Christians in DR Congo is urged.

SRI LANKA: Church Pressured to Halt Christian Activities

Source: VOMC
Source: NCEASL

A congregation in Sri Lanka. Photo: VOMC

Members of the Way to the Comfort Ministry Church in Seethwaka, Sri Lanka, are receiving ongoing demands to cease all Christian activities in their village. On January 26th, Buddhist monks approached the church leadership and insisted that the pastor stop holding worship services, claiming that only Buddhist practices are permitted within the village. They further accused the pastor of forcibly converting people to Christianity and receiving foreign aid.

The next evening, an unidentified person threw large stones at the church building, damaging the roof and nearly striking the pastor's wife. In response to these threats, the Christians filed police reports, prompting the authorities to investigate the incident. As a result of the investigation, the police ordered three Buddhist monks to meet with the church's pastor, his wife, some congregants, and other local pastors. During the gathering, the authorities asked for a peaceful resolution, to which the monks agreed. Despite this agreement, one of the monks later told the pastor that they intend to pursue legal action.

Opposition against Christians in Sri Lanka is frequently instigated by local village leaders, Buddhist monks, and other hostile community members.

To learn more about the difficulties Christians in this South Asian country have been experiencing, and/or to review other reports, go to our country profile.

• Pray for a peaceful and lasting resolution to the issues being encountered by the members of this church.
• May God work mightily within the hearts of the opposing Buddhist leaders and encourage them to live harmoniously with local Christians, despite their differences in beliefs.
• Pray for the ongoing ministry of this pastor and his church members, asking our Heavenly Father to reveal ways in which they can proactively love, bless and pray for their persecutors while continuing to share the Gospel.

PAKISTAN: Court Calls for Inquiry into Blasphemy Cases

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, Morning Star News, Voicepk.net

A protest against Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Photo: Wikipedia / Vivek Ravikumar (cc)

In late 2024, an investigation by the AFP news agency revealed that a startling number of Christians in Pakistan have been falsely accused of blasphemy by members of organized "vigilante groups" who intentionally deceived followers of Jesus into sharing content that was deemed blasphemous. (See this page for more details.)

In response to these allegations, the Islamabad High Court has called on the government to establish a commission that would investigate collusion between the Federal Investigation Agency and some militant Muslim clerics who seek to entrap innocent victims. The court recommended that the commission include experts in law, religion and technology.

Pakistan's blasphemy laws are overly broad, making them easy to exploit for wrongful personal or financial motives. According to Floyd Brobbel, CEO for Voice of the Martyrs Canada, "The way [the legislation is] written...anything can be turned into a blasphemy case." This is particularly true in cases against accused Christians who are uneducated and illiterate. If established, the newly proposed commission will hopefully investigate groups and individuals who fabricate evidence for their own vested interests.

• Pray that the many issues related to Pakistan's widely abused blasphemy laws would be thoroughly investigated, leading to positive changes within the country's legal system and policies.
• May those responsible for falsified blasphemy charges be held accountable for their wrongful actions and reach a point of sincere repentance.
• Ask the Lord to provide needed wisdom, direction and protection to His people as they interact with those around them, and to ensure that opposing militant groups and individuals will be prevented from deceiving or taking advantage of our Pakistani brothers and sisters in Christ.

The 21

TÜRKIYE: Arrested Iranian Convert Faces Deportation

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Barnabas Aid, Mission Network News

Mojtaba Ahmadi. Photo: Article18

When threatened with imprisonment for his faith in 2013, a Christian convert named Mojtaba Ahmadi was forced to flee from Iran. Upon his arrival in neighbouring Türkiye, he applied for refugee status. However, despite the fact that he stayed more than a decade within the country, Mojtaba had never been interviewed about his case and, therefore, did not receive official protection as a refugee.

On January 29th, Mojtaba was suddenly arrested by immigration authorities and accused of leaving Düzce, his present city of residence, without authorization. He denies ever having left Düzce. In addition to having his identification card confiscated, officials took him to the Ayvacik Geri Gönderme Merkezi detention centre. If deported, the arrested believer may have to spend at least three years in prison.

Before escaping to Türkiye, Mojtaba previously faced months of detention and torture in Iran for allegedly "spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran." While the church in Iran is growing rapidly, believers like Mojtaba risk the possibility of imprisonment and torture.

Find more reports on the persecution of Christians in Iran here.

Over the years, officials in Türkiye have also become increasingly antagonistic towards Christian ministry workers. According to one source, individuals seeking asylum are regularly sent to deportation camps, seemingly arbitrarily.

To review reports specifically addressing persecution in Türkiye, go to our country profile.

• Pray for God's swift intervention so that Mojtaba will be released from detention and not deported to Iran.
• In the meantime, may he officially gain refugee status and protection in Türkiye.
• Please prayerfully remember the many other believers in Iran who have been detained without cause, as well as those experiencing increasing pressures in Türkiye.

EGYPT: Prisoners Released After Years of Detention

Source: VOMC
Sources: ADF International, USCIRF, International Christian Concern, Morning Star News, Amnesty International

Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo Photo: ADF International

Originally from Yemen, Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo was forced to flee to Egypt in 2014 after being subjected to violent attacks because of his conversion to Christianity. Then, in 2021, Abdulbaqi was arrested by Egyptian officials following an interview he did for a Christian television program addressing the topic of persecution in Yemen. Additionally, he was identified as a member of a Facebook group for those who had converted from Islam to Christianity. Nour Gerges, an Egyptian Coptic believer who also participated in the same Facebook group, was arrested at the same time.

Both men were detained without charge for more than three years. According to Abdulbaqi's family members, he was in poor health during that time. Thankfully, both believers were released from detention on January 23rd. Abdulbaqi has since been reunited with his wife and five children in Canada. Details on the location and condition of Nour Girgis are not yet available.

Even though the two men were released, Egyptian authorities have not dropped the blasphemy charges against either of them. And while Abdulbaqi is no longer in the country, he is working to clear his name.

To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Egypt, and/or to view recorded documentaries/podcast interviews, go to our country report.

• Praise God for the recent release of these two believers in Christ!
• Pray that all charges against them will be completely dropped.
• May they both experience full recoveries from the physical injuries they sustained – along with the mental anguish they experienced – during their terms of incarceration.
• Ask the Lord to provide wisdom, grace and guidance to all those in Eqypt who are evangelizing and discipling others while surrounded by opposition.

IRAN: Two Pardoned Pastors Rearrested

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Christian Daily International, Iran Human Rights Monitor

Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh (left) and Joseph Shahbazian Photo: Article18

While Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh had been sentenced in 2017 to ten years' imprisonment because of his Christian ministry, he was suddenly pardoned and released in 2022. Similarly, Joseph Shahbazian, a house church leader who had likewise been sentenced to ten years in 2022, was released after just over a year following an appeal of his sentence.

More information on Nasser's case is available here.

For unknown reasons, both pastors were recently rearrested on February 6th without warning. Each of them was apprehended in their homes and then taken back to Tehran's Evin Prison. While the motives for their arrests are unknown, according to a report from Article18, any Christian who is considered to be "unaligned" with the goals of the Islamic Republic of Iran is at risk of arrest and imprisonment on "security" charges.

As Joseph is an Iranian-Armenian pastor, and Armenian churches are considered legal, his arrest demonstrates that no Christian is safe in the country – even those who allegedly have freedom to worship.

More reports relating to the persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters in Iran are available at our country profile.

• Please pray for the health and safety of these two recently rearrested pastors.
• May the reassuring presence of the Holy Spirit greatly strengthen and encourage them, as well as the many other believers who are presently being incarcerated in Iranian prisons due to their faith.
• Also prayerfully uphold their loved ones during this difficult time of separation, asking that they too would receive needed strength and encouragement from the Lord as they await the hopeful soon reunion of their families.

70 Christians Beheaded in Congo. Why is No One Reporting This?

SOMALIA: Attacked Christian Loses Ability to Speak

Source: VOMC
Sources: ICR Canada, Morning Star News

A hospital in Somalia. Photo: Flickr / ATMIS

In 2020, Abdulai Ramadan put his faith in Jesus Christ and has since belonged to a secret fellowship of believers in Somalia. His wife, however, is strongly opposed to his newfound faith, which she perceives as his rejection of their family and culture.

On December 25th, 2024, Abdulai invited three other Christians to his home for a Christmas celebration. While his wife refused to participate, the couple's four children – who range between the ages of three and eleven years old – willingly joined in the Christian festivities. During a heated argument later that evening, Abdulai's wife furiously demanded that her husband renounce his Christian faith. Ultimately, she sternly warned him not to hold any further Christian activities in their home.

On January 20th, while his wife was away visiting her parents, Abdulai's Christian friend visited his home. The two men had a short time of prayer and Bible study before they parted company. When Abdulai's wife returned that evening, one of the children told her about the visit, informing her that the believers had prayed and read the Bible together. Infuriated, the wife struck her husband on the head with a heavy metal item, leaving him unconscious.

Abdulai remained unconscious until morning, when he was found by his young children. Not able to use his phone nor speak, the wounded believer managed to get his children to call for help by phoning the pastor of his local fellowship. After the pastor arrived, Abdulai's wife returned with five of her relatives, spewing shouts and insults at the Christians. When neighbours began to gather due to the sudden commotion, the pastor was able to take the injured Christian man to the hospital.

At last report, Abdulai is receiving medical treatment, but he has lost all ability to speak. His opposing wife and her family are now demanding a divorce. Additionally, due to the nature of the attack and the community's response, there are concerns about the safety of Abdulai and those belonging to his Christian fellowship.

Somalia's constitution designates Islam as the state religion and, therefore, the propagation of any other faith is prohibited. Since the country's legal system is influenced by Sharia law, those who leave the Islamic faith could be subject to the death penalty.

For more information on the severe persecution of Christians in Somalia, visit our country report.

• As Abdulai recovers from the assault, pray that he will experience complete healing – from both the brain injury and the resulting emotional trauma.
• May God provide greatly needed comfort to this dear brother in Christ as he faces the heartbreaking possibility of losing all contact with his wife, children and other family members.
• Intercede for the opposing members of his family – including his wife who inflicted the injury – praying that each one of them would experience a revelation of our Heavenly Father's sacrificial love, forgiveness, and plan of eternal salvation through His Son Jesus (John 3:16).
• In the meanwhile, ask the Lord to grant His protection, wisdom and strength to Abdulai and the members of this local Christian fellowship as they seek to carry out their faith in an antagonistic society.

INDIA: Christian Couple Released on Bail

Source: VOMC
Sources: Catholic Connect, Church in Chains

A church in India. Photo: Flickr / Nevil Zaver (cc)

In a Persecution & Prayer Alert report published earlier this month, it was revealed that a pastor and his wife in India had been convicted of allegedly attempting to convert Dalit villagers within their community. Pastor Jose Pappachan and his wife Sheeja were both fined and sentenced to five years in prison (see our previous report).

Following a rapid decision by the Allahabad High Court, the ministering couple has since been released on bail. After the bail documents were presented to the court on January 31st, the Christians' hearing took place on February 5th. Sheeja was released later that same day, while Pastor Jose's release occurred the next day. It was reported that, throughout the ordeal, the Christian couple remained strong in their faith. Pastor Jose was able to proclaim, "Don't worry, God is with me."

Shibu Thomas, who serves as the founder of the Indian organization, Persecution Relief, expressed his gratitude for the swift legal proceedings. The Christian leader believes that prayer played a key role in the court's decision to grant bail. While hoping for an acquittal, he stated that the couple's lawyers intend to continue the legal battle to exonerate Pastor Jose and Sheeja.

• Praise God for the recent release of these faithful Christian ministers of the Gospel!
• Pray that all charges against Pastor Jose and Sheeja will be dropped, and that this missionary couple will be free to carry on their ministry activities without further interference.
• Pray that Christians will continue to serve as vibrant testimonies throughout India, helping to meet the physical, mental and spiritual needs of those within their communities so that multitudes more will come to saving faith in Christ.

CHINA: Imprisoned for Distributing Christian Literature

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Bitter Winter

On January 17th, five Chinese Christians who had been charged with "illegal business operations" were convicted and sentenced to prison. Pastor Deng Yanxiang received a sentence of two years' imprisonment, while the other four believers were given sentences ranging from 14 to 17 months.

All five of these followers of Jesus had been distributing Christian literature, charging a small fee to cover costs. As a result, the believers were accused of running an illegal business. In China, this is one of several charges commonly used against those belonging to unregistered house churches.

Because Pastor Deng has already served 18 months in prison on these charges, the Christian leader is scheduled to be released in May of this year. Details on the release of the other detained believers are not immediately available.

To read a previously published report on the situation facing these imprisoned church members, go to this page.

• Ask the Lord to strengthen, encourage and meet the daily needs of Pastor Deng and the many other believers who are currently being imprisoned for their Christian faith and practices in China.
• In spite of ongoing opposition from the authorities, pray that our Christian brothers and sisters will continue to faithfully reach out to those around them with the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict the nation's Communist officials, stirring their hearts to the point of repentance and leading them to surrender their lives to Christ.

PAKISTAN: Acquittal for Christian Brothers

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Catholic Vote, The Christian Post

A village fair in Pakistan. Photo: Wikimedia / Sarwanmemon.muet (cc)

Twin brothers Sahil and Raheel (also spelled "Rahil") Shahid were arrested in August 2024 and charged with blasphemy. The young Christian men were accused of throwing scraps of paper containing Quranic verses from an amusement park ride.

For more details on the original incident, go to this page.

On January 25th, court officials ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict the 18-year-old Christians, and that police had failed to properly investigate the charges. As a result, the judge overseeing the case ordered that the brothers be acquitted and released from prison. The judge also launched an official inquiry into the investigating officer. The defence lawyer believes that the fabricated accusations could be part of an attempt to seize the property of the believers.

False accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan are frequently driven by self-seeking personal and financial motives.

Further information on the various challenges being encountered by Christians in Pakistan is available at our country report.

• We can give thanks to God for this recent court decision which has resulted in the long-awaited freedom of these young Christian brothers.
• Pray that there will not be any resulting backlash perpetrated against these young men nor the members of their families; rather may they experience the Lord's divine protection, wisdom and peace as they deal with the aftermath of the accusations.
• Continue to pray for the many other followers of Jesus who are similarly facing false accusations in Pakistan, asking that the harmful blasphemy laws would be repealed or amended to recognize the constitutional rights of citizens belonging to the country's vulnerable minority groups.

Ukraine - Persecution Of Christians You Haven't Heard About

Nigeria: Pastor Gideon's Story of Unspeakable Tragedy and Extraordinary Forgiveness

INDIA: Ministry Couple Sentenced for Alleged Conversions

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, International Christian Concern, The Times of India, UCA News

A church in India. Photo: Flickr / Nevil Zaver (cc)

On July 30th, 2024, an amendment to Uttar Pradesh's anti-conversion legislation was passed in an effort to strengthen the state's existing laws. In particular, major changes were made to the severity of punishments imposed on convicted individuals. Since the amended law was brought into effect, a pastor and his wife were found guilty on January 22nd and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. They were also fined 25,000 rupees (about $420 CAD) each.

Pastor Jose Pappachan and his wife Sheeja were accused of attempting to convert "vulnerable people." The complainant in the case added that the pastor and his wife had allegedly conducted "mass conversions" during a gathering on December 25th, 2022. However, the ministering couple argued that they were simply providing education and encouraging sobriety among members of the impoverished Dalit community.

Both Pastor Jose and Sheeja served eight months in prison during 2023 before being released on bail. At the bail hearing, the High Court ruled that distributing Bibles, encouraging education and acts of public charity do not constitute attempts to conduct forced religious conversions. Despite this positive former ruling, the original charges against the Christians were upheld, leading to their recent conviction on January 22nd. The couple intends to appeal the local court's decision.

Christian leaders and lawyers in India have expressed concerns that this judgement may serve as a precedent for the hundreds of other believers who have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh under anti-conversion laws.

For additional reports on Christian persecution in India, including a video interview about a similar bill that was recently introduced in the Rajasthan state assembly, go to our country profile.

• May God work powerfully within the lives of this recently convicted couple, granting them the strength to serve as vibrant witnesses of His love, hope and peace while commencing with their prison sentences.
• Pray that these believers’ request for an appeal will be approved and that court officials will rule in their favour, leading to the acquittal and release of Pastor Jose and Sheeja.
• Also prayerfully remember the many other Christians throughout India who must contend with the country’s harmful anti-conversion laws, asking that they would receive divine wisdom as they seek to faithfully share the Gospel message.

NIGERIA: Numerous Recent Atrocities in Chibok Area

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Open Doors

Boko Haram terrorists.

In the latest onslaught of violence by Boko Haram terrorists, Christian communities near Chibok, Borno State, were recently targeted by a string of coordinated attacks. The devastating raids resulted in several deaths, the destruction of dozens of homes, and the forced displacement of more than 4,000 followers of Jesus.

Since December 22nd, seven villages have reportedly been assaulted, with at least ten believers losing their lives. After attacks on the villages of Shikarkir and Yirmirmug during the early morning hours of January 20th, more than 1,500 residents were forced to flee for safety. In Shikarkir, eight people had been killed and a total of 57 homes were destroyed. Only three villages in the Chibok LGA (local government area) were left unscathed.

According to witnesses, the militants particularly targeted Christians, sometimes demanding that the believers convert to Islam or face death. As a result, churches and homes belonging to followers of Jesus were destroyed, while properties owned by Muslims had been completely untouched. Christian leaders have expressed concerns that new believers – including those from Muslim backgrounds – are also being enticed by the assailants to convert to Islam with promises of safety if they complied.

Those who have fled the villages are mostly women and children. Some of the displaced villagers have travelled as far as the border near neighbouring Cameroon in search of shelter. Many other believers sought refuge in the town of Chibok after their homes were destroyed.

The violence against Christians has been intense in Nigeria. In 2024 alone, over 3,000 believers lost their lives – meaning that more Christians were killed in this West African nation than everywhere else in the world combined. Late last year, VOMC’s Closer to the Fire podcast host, Greg Musselman, interviewed Pastor Gideon, a Nigerian church leader whose family was tragically killed during a devastating attack in December 2023.

To hear this believer's incredible testimony of forgiveness and hope, go to VOMCanada.com/video/ng-gideon.

• Pray that the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit will surround all those who have recently lost loved ones, homes and/or communities due to these violent attacks.
• May God graciously guide, encourage and strengthen the hearts of our persecuted Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ, helping them to overcome the dire conditions they face and live resilient lives of hope and forgiveness.
• Specifically pray that those who sustained injuries during the attacks will experience God’s healing – both physically and emotionally – and that the thousands of displaced believers who have lost their homes and possessions will receive needed practical provisions, shelter and safety.

KYRGYZSTAN: New Religion Law Takes Effect

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Barnabas Aid, Mission Network News

Parliament building in Kyrgyzstan. Photo: Flickr / Katie Putz (cc)

On December 12th, 2024, a draft bill was introduced to the parliament of Kyrgyzstan which proposed significantly tighter restrictions on the country's existing religion law. Referred to as a "very dangerous law," the draft legislation sought to enact stricter registration requirements, prohibit the public sharing of one's faith, and mandated that religious communities possess a minimum of 500 adult members in order to gain legal status. 

For more information, see our previous report.

Regrettably, the law passed through parliament and came into force on February 1st. When asked about the consequences of the new legislation, Floyd Brobbel, CEO for for Voice of the Martyrs Canada, explained that the intensified restrictions were implemented by officials in their attempts to further stifle Christian activities within the nation. "We will see these restrictions [curtailing] the church from doing the work of the church – restricting the freedom of Christians on how they can worship, where they can worship, how they can share their faith, [as well as] how they can be witnesses to their neighbours and do good."

• Pray that the Lord would swiftly intervene in this situation, urging the parliamentary officials to mitigate their stance on freedom of religion and thus revoke the recently passed restrictions.
• May God give His church the strength to endure, reminding our Kyrgyz brothers and sisters in Christ that – despite the increased pressures – they can confidently fix their eyes on the One who has “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).
• In general, pray that the country’s believers will be encouraged in their faith and that they will find new initiatives for effective outreach so the saving message of Jesus can continue being proclaimed in their communities and beyond.

Prayer for the Persecuted - December 2, 2024 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer

2. Scripture:  Hebrews 13:3 (NIV): "Remember those in prison as if you were together
with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

3. Worship: Yet not I but Christ in me

4. Video: David Livingstone - God answers prayers!

5. COLOMBIA: Pastoring Family Assassinated

6. VIETNAM: Christians Face Opposition and Violence

7. ERITREA: 44 Christians Imprisoned, Including 27 Students

8. PAKISTAN: Young Teen Kidnapped

PAKISTAN: Young Teen Kidnapped

Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS-UK, Morning Star News, Release International

On January 9th, a 14-year-old Christian girl was kidnapped just outside her home. The abducted teen's family is concerned that those responsible are planning to forcibly convert her to Islam and then make the young girl marry one of her attackers.

Saneha Sharif was lured from her home in the Korpur area of Sialkot city by a Muslim girl who had recently moved into the neighbourhood. As soon as Saneha stepped out of the house, she was ambushed by five men who forced her into a van that had been waiting nearby. Two women were also involved in the kidnapping, including the mother of the girl who deceived Saneha.

Police were notified of Saneha's abduction, and two of the perpetrators have since been arrested. However, the main culprits presently remain at large. One of Saneha's captors, a Muslim man named Muhammad Dildar, had previously made unwanted advances towards the young teen. Saneha's parents feel that police are not taking adequate action to recover their daughter.

In the aftermath of the incident, Saneha's mother has fallen ill, requiring hospitalization twice for treatment. The girl's father, Sharif Masih, has pled for assistance. "We are very weak and can only plead for the higher authorities to save our daughter from these criminals." Legal assistance has been provided to the family by concerned representatives of Christian organizations.

Under current laws, the minimum marriageable age for Christians in Pakistan is 18. However, girls who have been forcibly converted to Islam are considered Muslim, and thereby can be legally married at a younger age. In order to help prevent this type of crime, a proposed law that would raise the minimum legal age of marriage to 18 years for both Christians and Muslims is presently being deliberated by officials within the Punjab Assembly.

For more reports on the persecution of followers of Jesus in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

• Pray for the safe recovery of this precious teenage girl, also asking that those responsible for her kidnapping would be soon located and apprehended.
• As Saneha's parents try to cope during this time of uncertainty and concern, pray that God's supernatural peace, comfort and support will sustain them as they await the hopeful return of their daughter.
• May necessary laws be passed within Pakistan's legal system that will better protect the country's vulnerable minorities and prevent further cases of abduction from taking place.