TOGO: Pastors Targeted by Militant Islamists

Source: VOMC
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs USA

Pastor Patrice Kokouvi Photo: VOM USA

Multiple pastors in northern Togo have encountered persecution from militant Islamic groups crossing over from neighbouring countries. In April 2024, assailants attacked a village where Pastor Gbendja Félidja had been serving. While the pastor and several villagers were able to flee to safety, five people were killed during the violent raid. The Christian leader eventually returned to the village that summer and resumed his ministry activities in the community. On February 7th, however, armed militants invaded the village once again; this time, they forcefully entered Pastor Gbendja's home. During the invasion, the church leader was tragically shot and then stabbed to death, leaving behind seven adult children.

Another pastor in the same region continues to minister despite receiving ongoing threats within his community. For the past three years, Pastor Patrice Kokouvi's crops have been repeatedly destroyed by opposing villagers. When asked if he had reported the damages to the police, Pastor Patrice replied, "If I go to the court system, perhaps [the villagers] will never want to know Jesus." Even though he still faithfully serves the community, this pastor is now residing on the outskirts of the village for the safety of his family.

• Pray for comfort on behalf of Pastor Gbendja's family, friends and church members as they mourn the tragic loss of this beloved Christian leader.
• Please also remember Pastor Patrice and his family in your prayers as they minister the love of Christ to those in their village, asking that these faithful believers would be divinely protected and strengthened.
• In general, pray that God would provide greatly needed protection, wisdom and guidance to Christians throughout Togo who are at threat of violent opposition from militant Islamists as well as practitioners of vodun (commonly referred to as voodoo).

PAKISTAN: Christian Man Charged for Alleged Facebook Posts

Source: VOMC
Sources: Pakistan Christian Post, Morning Star News

A sweeper in Pakistan.

On March 17th, Pakistani federal agents took 24-year-old Arsalan Gill into custody on accusations of blasphemy. The charges allege that the Christian believer was responsible for sharing blasphemous content in Facebook groups. His arrest takes place amid a rising number of cases involving entrapment, whereby organized militant groups specifically target members of the country's religious minorities.

Arsalan was arrested when he returned home from his job as a sweeper in Mughalpura, Lahore. The young man's family members were able to speak with him briefly the next day. During one of the conversations, Arsalan explained to his brother Suleman that an unknown person had added him to two Facebook groups without his knowledge, and that he had no idea what type of content was shared on those pages.

Religious rights advocates believe that the accused follower of Jesus is most likely another victim of organized groups that are deliberately deceiving Christians in order to have them charged with blasphemy.
(More information about this concerning trend is available here.)

Pastor Imran Amanat with LEAD Ministries Pakistan has issued a warning to the country's Christian youth, advising them to exercise extreme caution when using social media platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp. "These platforms have become fertile grounds for malicious individuals to exploit unsuspecting victims, particularly young Christians, and trap them in false blasphemy cases," he cautioned.
To review other reports addressing the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

• Please uphold Arsalan in your prayers as he faces these accusations, asking that this detained young man and his family would be sustained by God's peace, strength and comfort.
• May the Lord also provide Arsalan and his family with the necessary financial resources so they will be equipped to overcome the legal challenges ahead.
• Further, pray that God will work in and through members of the government commission, a political group that has been established to investigate these anti-Christian "vigilante groups," in order to bring about justice for Arsalan and our many other accused Pakistani brothers and sisters in Christ.

PAKISTAN: Guilty Verdict for Christian's Killer

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, ICR Canada

Slain victim: Farhan Ul Qamar Photo: Morning Star News

On November 9th, 2023, a follower of Jesus named Farhan Ul Qamar was killed in his family's home by a man who is well-known in the community for his hatred towards Christians and Jews. It is believed that the violence may have been instigated by a minor disagreement that took place the day before the attack.
(For more details on the incident, see this report.)

In the months following the murder, Farhan's family faced repeated threats to drop all charges against the perpetrator, Muhammad Zubair. This Muslim man is a known repeated offender who has long evaded justice due to his family's influential status.

On March 27th, more than a year after Farhan's death, a judge in Pasrur, Punjab, found the accused guilty of murder. The conviction is considered a rare occurrence, since crimes against Christians are frequently neglected in Pakistan. Muhammad was sentenced with the death penalty, along with a fine that is equivalent to about $2,500 CAD. As the convicted man was being led from the court room, he showed no remorse. Rather, he hurled threats at Farhan's family, declaring that they would never be allowed to live in peace.

It is expected that Muhammad will appeal the sentence, and that the appeal process may take several years. The lawyer for Farhan's family, Lazar Allah Rakha, anticipates that pressure will be put on the victim's family to pardon the accused. In light of these concerns, he is calling for the police to maintain added security measures.

Following the court ruling, some human rights advocates described this case as a significant milestone in the fight for justice on behalf of persecuted Christians in Pakistan. However, followers of Jesus throughout the country continue to suffer violence and injustices for their faith.
Previously published reports on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan may be reviewed at our country profile.

• Praise God for the legal advocacy that’s taken place in Farhan's case.
• In addition to ministering great peace and comfort to each of these grieving family members, may the Lord shelter them from harm and any further harassment.
• Pray that God will dramatically transform the heart and mind of Muhammad Zubair, convicting him of his need for salvation and leading him to faith to Jesus Christ.

Prayer for the Persecuted - April 7, 2025 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer

2. Scripture: See # 4, 6 & 7 

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

4. IRAN: Three Christians Facing Lengthy Prison Sentences

5. INDIA: Large Mob Attack at Pastors' Gathering

6. Arabian Peninsula - Christian Sisters Escape Family, Fear Forced Return

7. Togo - Pastors Targeted by Islamists

Somalia: Mother of Three in Loses All Relatives for Receiving Christ

Togo - Pastors Targeted by Islamists

Source: iCommitToPray
Apr. 03, 2025

Pastor Kokouvi is one of
many who serve in
dangerous parts of Togo.

Several pastors in the north of Togo have been persecuted by Islamists, who sometimes cross over from neighboring countries to attack Christians. In April 2024, Islamists attacked a village where Pastor Gbendja Félidja was serving, killing five people. He fled at that time, but he returned during the summer. On Feb. 7, 2025, armed militants came to his house and shot and stabbed him to death. He left behind seven married adult children. In the same region of Togo, Pastor Patrice Kokouvi continues to minister despite ongoing threats for sharing the gospel with Muslims. For the past three years, villagers have continuously destroyed his crops, limiting his income and source of food. When asked if he had reported the destruction to the police, he said, “If I go to the court system, perhaps they [the villagers] will never want to know Jesus.” For their safety, Patrice has moved his family to the outskirts of the village.

Overview:

Influenced by neighboring Benin, the birthplace of voodoo, persecution against Christians occurs primarily in the north of Togo, where voodooists and animists oppose the church because they see it as a threat to their power and influence. Members of the Muslim Fulani tribe who choose to follow Christ also experience opposition from their families and communities.

Matthew 5:10: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Please pray for Pastor Gbendja's family as they morn the loss of his life and pray for the safety of Pastor Patrice as he continues to minister in this dangerous region, and also for his family.  Pray that many will come to know Jesus through Pastor Patrice's ministry.

Pray for Abraham, who was beaten by people who practice sorcery because he placed his faith in Christ.

Many Togolese follow traditional religions. Pray that they will be set free from spiritual bondage.

Pray for the safety of Christians threatened by militant Fulani Muslims.

About 42% of Togolese are Christians. Pray that they will live boldly for Christ.

Pray for Togolese missionaries who are working to reach people in remote areas with the gospel.

Mother of Three in Somalia Loses All Relatives for Receiving Christ

Husband drives her from one home, parents from another. March 28, 2025 By Our East Africa Correspondent - 

Somali family in Lower Juba Region breaking daily Ramada fast in March 2025. (Morning Star News)

NAIROBI, Kenya (Morning Star News) – 
...A Christian team entered Fatuma Hussein's (age 30) house that day as her relatives were breaking the daily Ramadan fast at about 7:30 p.m.; Hussein’s husband was not present. The team found Hussein unwell and complaining of Jinn (supernatural beings from the unseen world in Islam) power menacing her; they prayed for her and left for another village, the leader said.

On March 17, Hussein phoned the team to let them know that that since the time of prayer, she had felt peace and comfort in her heart and invited them back to her house. When they arrived, she happily requested more prayer and said she would pay them $100 USD – which the team declined, telling her that salvation was a free gift of God through his Son, Issa (Jesus), the leader said.

Hussein told the team that she had heard the voice of God telling her, “Receive my power so that you can pray for others for healing as well,” he said.

“She needed some clarification on this, and we took time explaining to her that she is a vessel of God, and she was receiving salvation in Christ Jesus,” the leader told Morning Star News. “After her receiving Christ as her Savior, then we left the village to another area for mission outreach.”

On March 19, Hussein boldly shared her new faith with her husband, Ibrahim Suleiman. Angry with her for embracing a faith different from Islam, he informed her parents, and Hussein’s father told Suleiman to send her back to him so that he could “deal with the issue,” Hussein said.

On March 20, Hussein’s husband sent her back to relatives without their three children ages 7, 5 and 3, she said. Undaunted, she began sharing about the love of God with her sister, the Christian leader said.

On March 22, Hussein’s father learned about her sharing Christ with his other daughter and began mistreating her, the leader said, recalling that Hussein told him, “My father started beating me with sticks and threatening to kill me and immediately kicked me out of the family by chasing me away with a sharp sword. He even told my husband to beat and even kill me whenever I am seen around.”

Driven from both families, Hussein is lonely and praying for them to receive what she has received, the leader said. His team has connected her with a nearby underground Christian family, a stop-gap measure that he does not regard as safe in the long term.

Hussein said she was trusting God to take her to a safe place where she can have freedom to worship God.

“I have lost my children, but the peace of God will continue comforting my heart,” she told the leader. “Please tell Christian families wherever they are to continue praying for me and support me with money to buy food to sustain me wherever I will be staying, so that I do not become a burden, and more so that God will sustain and meet all my physical and spiritual needs. I am lonely, but Issa is with me.”

2 Timothy 3:12: "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Pray for Fatuma Hussein that she will be kept safe, have peace and remain strong in the Lord.

Pray for her parents, sister, husband and children that they would give their lives to Christ and that Fatuma would be able to reunite with her husband and children.

IRAN: Imprisoned Christian Beaten for Medical Request

Source:
Sources: Article18, Christian Post

Amir-Ali Minaei Photo: Article 18

Amir-Ali Minaei has been held in Tehran's Evin Prison since April 2024. The Christian man is presently serving a 43-month term for "propaganda activities against the regime through establishing a house church."

During the period of time between his arrest and sentencing, Amir-Ali was diagnosed with a heart condition which was believed to be brought on by stress. In recent months, the imprisoned believer's condition has reportedly worsened. He has repeatedly asked to meet with a cardiologist for medical treatment, but all of his requests have been rejected.

After his most recent request in early March, Amir-Ali was physically assaulted by a prison official. During the attack, the believer was struck in the chest, which further aggravated his heart condition. Despite the beating, Amir-Ali remains without medical treatment, leading to concerns that his health may continue to deteriorate.

Christians in Iran who meet together for prayer and worship are subjected to frequent harassment and arrests. While church gatherings are permitted for Armenian and Assyrian minorities, they are off-limits for most of the population. Previously published reports concerning the persecution of Christians in Iran are available at our country profile.

• On behalf of Amir-Ali, please pray for greatly needed physical strength and healing.
• Also ask our Heavenly Father to soften the hearts of the prison officials so that this detained brother in Christ can receive necessary medical treatment.
• May the many Christians throughout Iran who are currently being imprisoned or threatened because of their faith in Christ receive wisdom, peace and courage.
• Prayerfully remember the ongoing efforts of Christian ministries throughout this Persian nation that are reaching out with the Gospel message via radio and satellite television broadcasts.

PAKISTAN: Christian Man Assaulted and Humiliated

Source: VOMC
Sources: British Asian Christian Association, Pakistan Christian Post

Photo: Wikimedia / Tahsin Shah (cc)

On February 27th, an impoverished Christian man named Wasif Masih was collecting wood along the road when he was confronted by a group of six Muslim landowners. The men verbally abused the believer, referring to him as "chuhra" – a term frequently used in Pakistan to insult Christians. The perpetrators then physically beat Wasif and detained him for four hours on a poultry farm.

During the incident, the Muslim men forcibly shaved Wasif's head, along with one eyebrow and part of his moustache. The believer's face was also smeared with a black substance before he was paraded through the village streets on a donkey. When the procession reached the home of Muhammad Mushtaq, the father of one of the perpetrators, he immediately rebuked the culprits for their abusive treatment of Wasif, calling their actions "evil acts." When others began to arrive, the abusers released the injured Christian man and fled the area.

The men responsible for the incident are well known within the community for their violent actions. Two of them have since been arrested (including the son of Muhammad Mushtaq). Thus far, three others – Muhammad Junaid, Naeem and Teeter ul Haq – secured pre-arrest bail from the court. Wasif and his family are determined to seek justice for the assailants' acts of violence and humiliation.
To review other reports addressing the suffering inflicted on Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

• As Wasif recovers both physically and emotionally from this ordeal, pray that he will tangibly sense the assurance of our Heavenly Father's loving care.
• Additionally, may this dear brother in Christ receive peace and comfort, as well the ability to rejoice, knowing that he's sharing in his Saviour's sufferings (1 Peter 4:13).
• Pray that all the perpetrators who are responsible for committing these abusive incidents will be held accountable for their actions, so that justice will prevail.

CHINA: Unregistered Churches Face Increasing Oppression

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Photo: ChinaAid

Two recently received reports indicate the ongoing coordinated opposition that members of unregistered house churches are facing throughout China. Since the groups are considered illegal, the authorities have tried using fines and arrests, along with threats and intimidation tactics, in their attempts to shut down the organizations.

For the All Ranges Church, two particular cases have been highlighted. In 2023, 20 pastors and church members were arrested by Public Security Bureau officials in Suizhou, Hubei Province. In September 2024, nine of the members were formally indicted. The Christians' "crimes" include providing a meeting space to hold worship gatherings, encouraging congregants to tithe, and teaching potential lay leaders how to host ministry-related gatherings for Christian youth.

In Nyingchi City, Tibet, ten members of the All Ranges Church were charged on December 25th, 2024, due to their alleged illegal business activities and missionary work. These believers have been accused of using medical clinics and childcare services to spread so-called "heretical fallacies."

A similar crackdown has been launched against the Living Spring church and its leaders. The municipal government of Hotan, Xinjiang, imposed penalties on March 24th and banned the Christians from conducting all religious activities. The members of the church, which was established in 2020, had been meeting regularly in residential communities, parks and private homes for prayer and worship. However, since these activities were not previously approved by the government, the authorities have deemed them illegal. As a result, exorbitant fines have been issued which far exceed the ability of the church to pay.

While Christians belonging to unregistered churches throughout China face increasing pressures, those in the region of Xinjiang are subjected to particularly extreme restrictions and intense scrutiny from officials of the Chinese Communist Party.
For more details on the difficulties being encountered by Chinese Christians, go to our country report.

• Prayerfully remember the members and leaders of these oppressed churches, along with those of the many other unregistered fellowships throughout China, as they faithfully seek to spread the message of the Gospel in the midst of hostility.
• In particular, please pray for Christians residing in the region of Xinjiang, asking that these believers would not be intimidated by the government's stringent policies but rather emboldened to remain steadfast in their faith.
• Pray for radical changes to take place in the hearts of Chinese Communist Party leaders, bringing about increased freedoms throughout the country for our Christian brothers and sisters.

Arabian Peninsula - Christian Sisters Escape Family, Fear Forced Return

Source: iCommitToPray

Two sisters were imprisoned by their family for their faith and now seek safety in another country. Noor and Rana grew up in a Muslim home but did not like the way they and other women were treated. They searched the internet for information on different faiths and eventually met some Christians online. Through the Christians’ friendship and witness, the two sisters became followers of Christ. But when their family discovered their new faith, they locked the sisters inside and physically abused them for 13 months. The two women escaped and fled to a nearby country, but they do not have the paperwork necessary to stay or to move on. “They are afraid, terrified, that they might be sent home,” said a front-line worker. He asked that Christians pray for the sisters to experience God’s peace and provision for a safe home where they can grow in their faith.

2 Timothy 3:12: "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Peace: Pray that Noor and Rana feel God's peace and comfort in the midst of their fear and uncertainty.

Provision: Seek God's provision for a safe and stable home where they can live without fear and grow in their faith.

Healing: Pray for emotional and physical healing from their trauma and strength to face the challenges ahead.

Faith Growth: Ask that their faith remains strong and that they continue to grow spiritually, finding encouragement and support from a Christian community to walk alongside them in their journey.

INDIA: Call for Death Penalty for Coercive Religious Conversions

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, The Hindu, Catholic News Agency, Mission Network News

Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. Photo: India Prime Minister's Office (GODL-India)

The Chief Minister for the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has publicly announced plans to impose the death penalty on those convicted of forced or fraudulent religious conversions. In a public meeting for International Women's Day on March 8th, Mohan Yadav equated such conversions with child molestation, stating that both crimes warrant the imposition of capital punishment. Later that evening, the state government released a statement affirming the announcement made by Mohan.

The state's Religious Freedom Act, which came into effect in 2021, is intended to protect people from being forcefully or fraudulently converted from one religion to another. Similar anti-conversion laws are also presently being enforced within ten other states throughout India. Unfortunately, such laws have been widely abused. Militant groups have stirred up violent mob attacks against Christians, falsely claiming that the believers were involved in bribery and other ways of tricking people into converting.
For more information, including reports concerning the numerous incidents of persecution that have taken place against those allegedly accused of coercive conversions, see our country profile.

• Pray that this intended change to Madhya Pradesh's legislation will not be instituted, and that followers of Jesus will no longer be falsely accused under India's anti-conversion laws.
• Ask the Lord to intervene on behalf of believers who are currently facing legal challenges due to false allegations, praying that they will be cleared of all charges.
• May the country's governing leaders come to respect the constitutional rights of all India's citizens, which includes permitting religious freedom to adherents of Christianity.
• Despite the threat of opposition and false charges, may our Christian brothers and sisters throughout this South Asian nation receive guidance, courage and strength as they endeavour to continue living in ways that please the Lord.

PAKISTAN: Brutal Attack on Christian Worker

Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS-UK, Aid to the Church in Need, UCA News, Morning Star News

Waqas Masih. Photo: HARDS Pakistan via Morning Star News

A 22-year-old Christian man was brutally attacked by his supervisor at a paper mill in Sharaqpur, Punjab, when he refused to renounce his faith in Christ. Having sustained severe injuries to his throat on March 21st, Waqas Masih was hospitalized in Lahore where his condition has been reported as critical but stable.

According to the young man's father, Waqas encountered pressure to convert to Islam for over a month. Throughout this time, he repeatedly refused to give up his Christian faith and continued to quietly perform his work duties. "Muslims often invite Christians to [convert to] Islam, and we simply don't respond," stated Waqas' mother, Bushra Bibi.

On the day of the attack, a supervisor named Zohaib Iftikhar called Waqas into a room at the mill. While there, he demanded to know why the Christian believer refused to accept Islam. When Waqas stood firmly for his beliefs, Zohaib pulled out a utility knife and slashed the young man's neck before fleeing the scene.

After collapsing, Waqas was rushed to a local hospital and then transferred to Lahore for surgery. When the attacked believer later regained consciousness, he was able to write a statement explaining that he had been falsely accused of desecrating an Islamic textbook by touching it with "unclean" hands (a term often used in Pakistan to reference those belonging to other religious groups). Following the violent incident, the manager of the factory filed a police report, and Zohaib has since been arrested. The factory owner denies that there was any desecration of Islamic texts or photographs.

Regrettably, blasphemy accusations are often used to justify violence against Pakistani followers of Jesus. Recently, VOMC's Minister-at-Large, Greg Musselman, travelled to Jaranwala – a community located 90 kilometres from Sharaqpur – where mob violence in August 2023 resulted in the destruction of hundreds of homes after two Christian brothers were falsely accused of blasphemy.

View the video-recorded testimonies of those who were affected by this devastating mob attack. For other reports on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

• Pray for Waqas' complete physical healing, also asking that this faithful young man and his family would tangibly sense our Heavenly Father's peace, love and comforting presence with them.
• In the aftermath of the attack, prayerfully ask God to guide the authorities in their investigation so that justice will be upheld.
• Continue to remember Christians throughout this nation who have been falsely accused of blasphemy, praying that these traumatized believers will receive needed support, protection and emotional healing.

 

INDONESIA: Churches Encounter Community Opposition

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, International Christian Concern, Tribunnews.com, Telisik.id

A church in Indonesia.

Churches in Indonesia frequently receive opposition from hostile community members and local leaders, particularly when they are seeking to build or utilize a worship facility. Christians in at least three separate communities are presently facing opposition for these reasons.

In the village of Paccerakkang, South Sulawesi Province, the Toraja Christian Church of Lanraki had been meeting in the home of a congregation member for two years. Due to the growth of this church, the believers applied for an official permit to build a facility that would accommodate their expanding congregation. Initially, the permit process was going well. However, on February 4th, a banner was installed in the community declaring that nearby residents were strongly opposed to the construction – along with all other religious-related activities in the area. Despite the opposition, leaders of the church remain determined to continue meeting with local residents in order to obtain approval for the construction.

In Bandung, West Java, a protest was held against members of a Catholic church on March 5th, opposing the use of a particular building for worship services. When the facility was first built, the congregation did not have a church permit – a process that can take months or years to complete. Therefore, the building was designated as a multi-purpose facility that would be used not only for worship but other community activities as well. However, local protestors are now demanding that the building not be used for worship, even though it is owned by the Catholic church and the official permit application is currently in process.

Another separate incident took place on March 10th, when community leaders were meeting to discuss an application for the construction of a church building in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi Province. During the meeting, a demonstration involving community members who were opposed to the construction plans resulted in near chaos. Ultimately, the application was rejected for allegedly failing to meet Ministry of Religion regulations. Furthermore, the opposing community leaders asserted that, since the Wakatobi police occasionally provided a place for Christians to hold their worship services, the construction of the church building was unnecessary.

The registration process for churches in Indonesia can be onerous. For one church in Bogor, it took more than 15 years to receive approval from the government (read more).
For other reports on the challenges facing Christians in Indonesia, go to our country profile.

• Pray that the members of these three churches, and others throughout Indonesia who are likewise experiencing opposition, will officially be permitted to gather together for worship and fellowship.
• In each case, may God touch the hearts of the opposing community leaders so that they would realize their need to support those who are seeking ways to rightfully practise their faith.
• Pray that the Christians residing within these communities would seize every opportunity they receive to share the love and grace of Jesus with those around them, so that many more spiritually needy people will come to faith in Him.

CHINA: Non-Compliant Catholic Bishop Rearrested

Source: VOMC
Sources: AsiaNews, ChinaAid, FSSPX, International Christian Concern

Bishop Shao Photo: ChinaAid

Peter Shao Zhumin, a Catholic priest who was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as an auxiliary bishop, became the bishop of the Diocese of Wenzhou in 2016. However, over the years, Bishop Shao has stood in opposition to the dictates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Not acknowledging its authority over the church, he refused to join the state-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. In response, the official association appointed a different bishop to replace him; however, many members of the diocese do not recognize the association's appointment.

Bishop Shao has been arrested on at least two prior occasions because of his refusal to yield to the Chinese Communist Party. The most recent incident arose after he publicly celebrated mass on December 27th. Authorities of the CCP imposed a fine of 200,000 yuan (around $40,000 CAD) which the church leader challenged, insisting that no laws were violated. In response, police officials from the Public Security Bureau arrested him on March 7th, claiming that the arrest was for his own safety.

In recent years, opposition from Chinese security officials against unregistered religious groups has intensified. Plain clothes officers regularly attend unregistered churches to ban children and teenagers from entering, or to prevent services from taking place altogether. In recent social media posts, the CCP has publicly celebrated its increase in governmental persecution of religious minorities throughout 2024, referencing the party's "intensified efforts to dismantle cult organizations." The term "cult" is used to describe beliefs deemed anti-government or those that fail to comply with the principles of the CCP. Based on recent trends, this increased persecution is expected to continue during 2025.
To learn more about the various trials facing Chinese Christians, and/or to review previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert reports, see our country profile.

• Please prayerfully uphold Bishop Shao as he now deals with this most recent incident of persecution, asking the Lord to advocate on his behalf.
• In the midst of governmental opposition, may this faithful church leader – along with the many other arrested/fined Christians throughout China – remain strong in their resolve to honour God in both word and deed.
• Pray for a spiritual awakening to take place among CCP leaders and local officials who actively oppose Christianity, so that they too would yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

PAKISTAN: Resignation of Judge Implicated in Blasphemy Entrapment

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, The Nation

Lahore High Court Photo: Wikipedia / MariyamAftab (cc)

On March 6th, Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz of the Lahore High Court unexpectedly resigned from his judicial post as a court official, effective immediately. The judge cited "personal issues" as the reason for his resignation.

While highly praised by many, allegations have arisen that Chaudhry had links to a group suspected of exploiting blasphemy laws for personal gain. An anonymous Muslim lawyer believes that mounting international pressure over the blatant human rights violations may have forced him to step down.

Some defence lawyers have reportedly expressed relief over the recent news of his resignation due to the pressures he placed on individuals who were victimized during the blasphemy trials. An investigation in 2024 alleges that organized groups (including those involving lawyers) have been intentionally entrapping Christians, leading to allegations of blasphemy.
Further information addressing this concern is available here.

• Pray that Pakistan's judicial officials would uphold justice, fairness and impartiality when assessing the various cases brought before them.
• May the police and other local authorities likewise exercise wisdom, discernment and prudence as they initially evaluate situations warranting their intervention.
• As God's Holy Spirit continues to work through His followers in Pakistan, pray that the "Good News" of the Gospel will reach many who are in need of His eternal salvation and hope.

UZBEKISTAN: New Religion Law Takes Effect

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, The Times of Central Asia, World Evangelical Alliance

Uzbekistan Parliament Photo: Wikimedia / Davide Mauro (cc)

For the past several months, members of the Uzbek parliament have been deliberating over revisions to their existing religion laws. On June 26th, 2024, a draft law was published. Recently, as of February 21st, this new law officially came into effect.
For more information, see this page.

Proponents of the new law proclaimed that it would promote religious tolerance, prevent discrimination, strengthen national unity, and ensure freedom and equality for all citizens. Authorities stated that, after receiving more than 480 public submissions, "most citizens backed the initiative, recognizing its timely development and potential benefits for the country."

Major concerns have since been raised by religious groups regarding the new restrictions placed on the religious education of children. These new restrictions impose fines or jail terms for parents who allow or arrange "illegal" religious education for youth under the age of 18. Defenders of the legislation allege that the new law is designed to keep children from the influence of terrorist groups; in particular, those who promote militant Islamic viewpoints. However, the implications of the new law actually apply to parents representing all religious groups, including adherents of Christianity, who wish to teach their children about their faith.

As a result of this new legislation, police have been targeting children who attend night prayers during Ramadan. Human rights defenders have also expressed concerns that parents could even be punished for instructing their children at home, which would be a clear violation of the country's constitution.

• On behalf of parents who are endeavouring to raise their children in the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6-8), pray that they would receive His wisdom and direction.
• Intercede for Uzbekistan's governing leaders, praying that they would be willing to reevaluate the newly implemented religion law and make necessary changes to the forementioned restrictions to ensure freedom of belief and conscience for all.

IRAN: Three Christians Facing Lengthy Prison Sentences

Source: VOMC
Source: Article18

Left to right: Abbas Soori, Narges Nasri, and Mehran Shamloui. Photos: Article 18

Three Christian converts, including a woman who is pregnant with her first child, have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences on charges relating to their religious beliefs and worship meetings. The Iranian believers were sentenced by Judge Iman Afshari at a Revolutionary Court on March 8th.

Narges Nasri is 37 years old and halfway through her first pregnancy. She received the stiffest sentence among those of the three accused Christians: ten years for "propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law," five years for membership in an "opposition group," and an additional year for "propaganda against the state." The charges allegedly stem from a social media post that Narges had made.

Abbas Soori likewise received a sentence of ten years for "propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law" and an additional five years for membership in an "opposition group." Abbas had been previously accused of distributing propaganda in 2022. As a result of these former charges, rather than being sentenced to prison, the believer received ten years of "deprivation of social rights," which carries numerous restrictions relating to areas such as employment, health care and education. (For more information on this previous incident, go to this report.) The third Christian sentenced on March 8th was Mehran Shamloui who received a term of eight years for spreading propaganda and 30 months for membership in an "opposition group."

All three followers of Jesus were arrested during concurrent raids on their homes in Tehran on November 3rd. At least ten other Christians were arrested on the same day through coordinated raids across the country. 

For additional reports on the persecution experienced by our Christian brothers and sisters in Iran, go to our country profile.

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

• Remember these three believers in your prayers, along with the many other Iranian Christians who are presently being detained because of their faith in Christ, asking that all charges against them will be dropped.
• Pray that our imprisoned Christian brothers and sisters in Iran would rest in the assurance that Christ's presence is abiding with them. As a result, may they experience His sustaining peace, comfort and encouragement.
• Prayerfully ask God to also provide greatly needed comfort to these detained believers' families, friends and fellow church members.

INDIA: Large Mob Attack at Pastors' Gathering

Source: VOMC
Sources: VOM Australia, VOM Contacts

Pastors and church leaders in India. Photo: VOMC

On February 19th, a group of pastors had gathered in Kusumba Village, a town located in the Jalgaon District of Maharashtra, India. As the meeting was taking place, a mob of approximately 400 Hindu nationalists suddenly attacked, brutally assaulting many of the pastors. As a result of the violence, two of the church leaders were left in critical condition.

In addition to the physical assaults, the Hindu militants destroyed various furniture items belonging to the Christians, along with six motorcycles. Shortly thereafter, police arrived at the scene and managed to bring the situation under control. Despite having committed the violence, the attackers were all allowed to leave, while 28 pastors were detained for questioning before being released that evening. According to local reports, the violent incident has deeply affected all of the Christians in the community.

In India, mob attacks against Christians are common, particularly by those determined to make the country a Hindu nation.

For more details on the violent opposition inflicted against followers of Jesus in this South Asian country, go to our country report.

• Pray for the complete physical and emotional healing of all those who were injured in this most recently occurring assault.
• May the Lord also minister needed peace and courage to their families, as well as others in the surrounding Christian community who were indirectly affected by the incident.
• Pray that such acts of violence would not be overlooked by the authorities. Instead, may necessary measures be taken to ensure all perpetrators are held accountable.
• Despite the strong opposition against our Christian family in India, may the ongoing ministry of the Gospel continue to shine the light of God's eternal salvation and hope throughout the nation.