Prayer for the Persecuted - October 6, 2025 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer: Pray for Christian Iranians being deported back to Iran from the USA.

2. Scripture: Romans 15:30
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”

🔹 Paul’s plea reminds us that prayer is a form of partnership in suffering and mission.

3. Worship Video: CityAlight - All to Honor Jesus
                                In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church

    Prayer
4.  NIGERIA: Over 7,000 Christians Killed Thus Far in 2025

5.   DR CONGO: Multitudes Killed While Attending Funeral Wake

6.   North Korea -12 years since Kim Jung-wook, a South Korean Christian missionary, was arrested for his faith

7.   INDIA: Supreme Court to Review Anti-Conversion Laws

8. Recent news:

• Christian Acquitted in Landmark Case in Uttarakhand, India
• Muslims Attempt to Seize Christian School in Sudan
• Attacks follow New Anti-Conversion Bill in Rajasthan, India
• Muslims Demand Christians Halt Worship at Site in Indonesia
• Christian in Uganda Slain Day after Converting

INDIA: Supreme Court to Review Anti-Conversion Laws

Source: Morning Star News

Pastor Nandan Singh Bisht, the first Christian charged under Uttarakhand’s 2018 Religious Freedom Act, was acquitted after a four-year legal battle.  He was arrested in 2021 following a prayer gathering at his home, accused of attempting to convert poor and marginalized villagers through “allurement.”
Despite no concrete evidence or named victims, Pastor Bisht endured eight days in custody, four

Christians in India are praying while
participating in a protest against the
government's persecution of Christians. 

years of trial, and severe social stigma. Through four long years of trial, Pastor Bisht cannot recount all that he lost. “My wife was four months pregnant when I was arrested,” he told Morning Star News. “I couldn’t give her proper care, and because of all the stress and tension of my arrest and case, we lost our baby.” His friend Rajesh Kumar, who stood by him throughout his legal struggle, said the case took a heavy toll on the pastor.

The court ruled that the complainant lacked legal standing and failed to identify any aggrieved person, undermining the prosecution’s case. The 16-page judgment emphasized constitutional protections for religious practice and clarified that prayer gatherings do not equate to illegal conversion.
Witnesses admitted under cross-examination that no inducement or conversion attempts occurred, and the investigating officer revealed procedural lapses.
The acquittal sets a legal precedent for future cases under India’s controversial anti-conversion laws, reinforcing the need for evidence and protecting religious freedom.

This case not only vindicates Pastor Bisht but also signals a critical moment for religious rights in India, especially for minority communities facing legal and social pressure. 

In related news:
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a series of petitions challenging the constitutionality of anti-conversion laws enacted by several of the country's states. On September 16th, the court issued notices to the respective state governments, requesting their formal responses within four weeks. The case is scheduled to be heard in six weeks, and the judges have indicated that they may consider ordering the states to pause the enforcement of their existing laws until a decision is made.

• Pray for wisdom, clarity and courage on behalf of the petitioners and their legal teams as they present their arguments before India's Supreme Court in the coming weeks.
• Prayerfully ask the Lord to grant the judges discernment as they consider the constitutional implications of these harmful anti-conversion laws, so that truth and justice will prevail both in and out of the court room.
• May the ongoing legal process not incite any hostility or violence from those who are opposed to the petitions and, ultimately, may peace and tolerance reign throughout this South Asian nation.
• Thank God for Pastor Nandan Singh Bisht's acquittal.  Pray for peace and comfort as they try to get on with their lives after this long ordeal.

Bill Maher Slams Gaza vs Nigerian Genocide Hypocrisy

North Korea -12 years since Kim Jung-wook, a South Korean Christian missionary, was arrested for his faith

Source: International Christian Concern

It’s been nearly 12 years since Kim Jung-wook, a South Korean Christian missionary, was arrested for his faith while in North Korea. His family hasn’t been allowed to contact him since his arrest, and his current condition and whereabouts are unknown. 

On Oct. 8, 2013, North Korean authorities took Jung-wook into custody after the missionary allegedly brought religious items into the country. Officials have been less than forthcoming about the missionary, as well as two others who were detained. 

According to an NK News report from March 2025, “authorities have refused to provide even minimal information about the detainees, including confirmation they are still alive.”  

Open Doors reported in January that before his arrest, Jung-wook worked as a Christian missionary in Dandong, China, serving refugees from North Korea. He reportedly shared the gospel of Jesus with them and provided them with shelter and food, the report explained. It goes on to say that Jung-wook aided others under the radar until his inner circle was unknowingly endangered by North Korean spies who reportedly talked him into traveling to North Korea. 

According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), in February 2014, Jung-wook “was forced to confess his alleged crimes at a press conference, including working to establish underground churches.” 

Three months later, in May 2014, Jung-wook was given a sentence of life imprisonment for crimes including “conspiracy to subvert the State, … anti-State propaganda and agitation, … [and] espionage.” 

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) called for prayer in September for Jung-wook and the other missionaries being held in North Korea. 

“We continue to remember three South Korean missionaries who are serving life sentences in North Korea: Pastor Kim Jung-wook, Pastor Kim Kook-kie, Pastor Choi Chun-gil. All three were charged with spying for South Korea and have been held incommunicado for more than a decade. 

• Pray that their whereabouts would be made known, and lead to justice.
  
  
• Pray for their physical, spiritual, mental health.
  
  
• Pray for their release, but until they are released, that God would use them mightily for His kingdom.

Eritrea - Arrests of Christians Increasing

Source: iCommitToPray

Front-line workers report that arrests of Christians in Eritrea have increased in 2025 with very few releases of current prisoners. Since Jan. 1, 2025, there have been over 200 new arrests, putting the total number of Christian prisoners in the country around 550. This is the highest it has been in over five years. 

Christian prisoners in Eritrea are sometimes 
held in shipping containers for years.

The conditions inside these “prisons” are some of the harshest in the world as Christian prisoners are provided meager rations and held in shipping containers in extreme desert conditions for years. Some prisoners, like Dr. Tecleab Menghisteab and Dr. Kiflu Gebremeskel, have been imprisoned in Eritrea for more than 20 years. 

Pray for God’s peace to be with Christian prisoners in Eritrea and with their families, and pray for their release.

INDONESIA: Christians Blocked from Worshipping

Source: VOMC
Source: International Christian Concern

A church in Indonesia. Photo: VOMC

For two consecutive Sundays, approximately 20 opposing Muslim residents in the village of Gerendeng Pulo have prevented a church congregation from gathering for worship. The opposition stems from concerns that the believers began meeting in a new location without the approval of local Muslim leaders.

The GBI Gerendeng congregation had been operating for 18 years before deciding to relocate to the second floor of a commercial building. The church leaders insist that their activities at the new venue do not interfere with the daily lives of nearby residents. Nevertheless, the believers' worship services were disrupted by protests on September 14th, and again the following Sunday, with demonstrators expressing frustration that local religious leaders had not been consulted.

The church's pastor, Karundeng Gerung, admits to being shocked by the opposition. The congregation is now requesting the government to uphold its responsibility to protect the religious freedoms of all citizens. While the Indonesian government does not typically engage in the direct persecution of Christians, it has been criticized for inconsistently enforcing religious protections.
For more reports about the persecution of believers in this Southeast Asian country, go to our country report.

• Pray for wisdom and guidance on behalf of Pastor Karundeng as he and his congregants seek to amicably resolve this dispute with their opposing Muslim community members.
• Pray that followers of Jesus in Indonesia will reflect His love and grace to those around them, even in the face of opposition.
• Intercede for the country's local and national authorities, praying that they would justly defend the rights of all citizens – thus enabling followers of Christ to worship freely and without fear of retribution.

AZERBAIJAN: Churches Continue to Await Registration

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Christian Daily

Sumgait, Azerbaijan. Photo: Pexels / Smart World

In April, the leadership representing Peace Church in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, submitted a formal application for registration with the government, a legal requirement for conducting worship and other religious activities within the country. However, more than five months later, the church remains in legal limbo. The state committee responsible for processing such registrations is refusing to process the application. Instead, the church has been warned that any unregistered religious activity is forbidden and will consequently result in punishment.

The congregation belonging to Peace Church is not alone in facing this dilemma. At least four other Protestant churches are currently encountering similar delays, and some have already been waiting for more than two years. The issue of governmental registration extends beyond Christian communities, for many other religious groups in Azerbaijan are experiencing the same bureaucratic obstacles. In fact, only one non-Muslim community has successfully registered during the past five years.

This challenging registration process is not a new problem. In 2020, for instance, a Baptist church in Aliabad had been waiting 25 years for legal status. Its congregation members finally received a letter granting them permission to meet for two hours each Saturday morning. Despite that permission, these believers have never received official registration.
(Read more details on this case.) Additional reports addressing persecution in this Central Asian nation are available at our country profile.

• Pray for the members of Peace Church and other congregations in Azerbaijan as they seek peaceful interactions with governing officials in the midst of opposition.
• Pray that the officials will respond justly and promptly to the outstanding registration requests, granting our long-suffering Christian brothers and sisters legal permission to meet for worship and fellowship.
• May God grant wisdom, strength and courage to all Azerbaijani believers as they faithfully reach out to others in their communities with the Gospel message of peace.

CHINA: Suspended Sentences Revoked for Two Believers

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Elder Xue Shaoqiang and Sister Wan Chunqin with some friends. Photo: ChinaAid

In 2023, Elder Xue Shaoqiang and Sister Wan Chunqin of the Bengbu Living Stone Reformed Church were arrested on accusations of "fraud" – a charge frequently used by Chinese authorities to target members of unapproved churches. The believers were sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by a four-year suspended sentence. After their release on January 8th, 2025, both Christians were subjected to strict conditions. However, upon allegedly failing to comply with what they described as "excessively harsh and unreasonable" measures, their suspended sentences were revoked.

As part of their conditional release, the accused church members were required to carry cell phones with the 'tracking of their locations' enabled at all times. Additionally, they were ordered to complete facial-recognition check-ins three times each day. However, the two Christians viewed these measures as violations of their fundamental rights. As a result, the court extended Elder Xue's sentence by ten months and Sister Wan's by four months. Both of these believers were subsequently ordered to return to prison on September 5th so they could serve the remainder of their sentences.

The ruling Chinese Communist Party continues to exert strict controls over religious expression in China, even within state-approved churches. Not only are the congregations subjected to video monitoring, but their leaders must also preach sermons that align with the government's socialistic ideologies. Unregistered church communities that refuse to submit to the enforced requirements often face fabricated charges, such as fraud and "illegal business operations," as a means of intimidation and punishment.
To view previously published reports and/or online video interviews concerning the oppression of our Christian brothers and sisters in China, visit our country profile.

• As they resume their sentences in the ensuing months, pray that Elder Xue and Sister Wan will receive divine strength from the Lord, as well as open doors of opportunity to provide meaningful ministry to their prison wardens and fellow prisoners.
• Please also prayerfully uphold other followers of Jesus throughout China who are encountering similar threats and restrictions, asking our Heavenly Father to sustain them with renewed faith and courage.
• May God grant church leaders wisdom and discernment as they navigate the increasing pressures imposed upon them by Chinese authorities, so they can continue ministering in their communities with His grace and empowerment.

I Know a Man (Jesus)

NIGER: Baptismal Service Attacked by Gunmen

Source: VOMC
Sources: BBC, Vatican News, Human Rights Watch

Militants in Niger. Photo: Wikimedia / aharan_kotogo (cc)

On September 15th, a baptismal ceremony in Takoubatt, a village located within the Tillabéri region of Niger, was violently disrupted when gunmen on motorcycles suddenly stormed the gathering. According to a local source, 15 people were killed during that initial attack. The assailants then moved to the outskirts of the village, where they claimed the lives of seven more villagers. One local media outlet described the incident as a "gruesome death toll of 22 innocent people [who were] cowardly killed without reason or justification."

The Tillabéri region, which borders Mali and Burkina Faso, has been plagued by persistent attacks from jihadist groups linked to the al-Qaeda and self-proclaimed Islamic State militant organizations. Despite ongoing efforts to curb the violence, the military has struggled to maintain control over the area. A recent report from Human Rights Watch highlighted the various difficulties encountered by authorities in their attempts to protect the region's civilians. 
View a list of previously published reports concerning Christian persecution in Niger.

• On behalf of the families and community members now left mourning the tragic loss of their loved ones as a result of this recent attack, pray that they will receive God's great comfort, peace and healing.
• Also prayerfully uphold Niger's governing authorities as they try to restore order and security in the midst of the ongoing violence, asking the Lord to help them find effective and lasting solutions.
• Last, but not least, please intercede for the eternal salvation of the perpetrators responsible for the attacks, in hopes that they will be receptive to the transformative work of God's Holy Spirit in their lives. As a result, may they no longer be used as the enemy's agents of evil, but rather serve as dedicated disciples of Christ – demonstrating His tremendous compassion, mercy and saving grace.

DR CONGO: Multitudes Killed While Attending Funeral Wake

Source: VOMC
Sources: Reuters, International Christian Concern, Actualite.cd, Open Doors

Mourners gather for a mass burial. Photo: Open Doors USA

On the night of September 8th, Christians who had gathered at a funeral home in Ntoyo, a village in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), were brutally attacked by militants armed with guns and machetes. The assault resulted in the fatalities of numerous believers, the kidnapping of many surviving victims, and the burning of 16 homes.

A parish priest from the nearby city of Manguredjipa described seeing the bodies of "more than 70 people" in the funeral home and along the nearby road. Another local resident who had participated in search efforts following the attack claimed that further discoveries eventually led to a death toll that exceeded 100 fatalities.

The massacre has been attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant Islamic organization seeking to establish an Islamic State. Such attacks have become tragically common in the DRC, including a devastating church raid in late July that resulted in the deaths of more than 40 followers of Jesus (read more).
To learn how you can prayerfully support our suffering Christian brothers and sisters in this beleaguered nation, visit our country profile.

• On behalf of the families who have been left heartbroken, pray that they will not feel alone in their sorrow; instead, may they experience our Heavenly Father's consoling presence, loving kindness and perfect peace.
• Also pray for the emotional, spiritual and physical healing of the many others who have been affected by the senseless acts of violence, asking the Lord to ultimately provide all the members of this shattered community greatly needed restoration.
• Pray that Christians throughout this region will be divinely protected from any additional harm and further strengthened in their resolve to proclaim the Gospel message amid difficult circumstances.

PAKISTAN: Justice Delayed in Jaranwala

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, The Friday Times, IANS Live

The riots in 2023. Photo: Morning Star News

Incensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control.
(Video footage of the attack is available here.)

The two accused brothers were eventually acquitted by the courts, affirming that the allegations against them were false. However, more than two years following the devastating riots, residents of the targeted community continue to await justice and the fulfillment of government promises. Additionally, although more than 300 arrests were made in connection with the incident, none of the perpetrators who participated in the destruction have ever been sentenced.

In a show of solidarity, Christians from various organizations and denominations held a 17-day non-violent "sit in" protest, which ended on September 2nd. Lala Robin Daniel, one of the organizers of the demonstration, criticized governing officials who were "clad in suits and robes" for holding ceremonial meetings without making any endeavour to meaningfully engage with the victimized survivors of the August 2023 attacks. One resident of Jaranwala remarked: "This is not the story of just my family. This is [the] story of every Christian living in Pakistan." The protest concluded after governing authorities offered assurances of justice, though organizers warned that the demonstration would resume if no proper action is taken.

Earlier this year, VOMC's Minister-at-Large, Greg Musselman, travelled to Jaranwala to personally meet with local Christians whose homes were destroyed during the riots. These interviews can be viewed here. For additional reports addressing the many challenges experienced by followers of Jesus in Pakistan, visit our country profile.

• In the aftermath of the devastating August 2023 attacks, pray that Jaranwala's Christian residents will receive ongoing strength, encouragement and provision as they continue with the rebuilding of their homes, businesses and lives.
• In the meantime, may Pakistan's governing officials fulfill their promises to provide needed assistance to the recovering victims, while also taking necessary steps to ensure they receive justice and protection.
• Overall, please pray that the Gospel message of peace, love and hope will continue to spread throughout the country, transforming the hearts of Muslim militants and so many others who are in desperate need of God's eternal salvation through Christ.

INDIA: Supreme Court to Review Anti-Conversion Laws

Source: VOMC
Sources: India Today, Deccan Herald, Supreme Court Observer, The New Indian Express

The Supreme Court of India. Photo: Wikimedia / Subhashish Panigrahi (cc)

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a series of petitions challenging the constitutionality of anti-conversion laws enacted by several of the country's states. On September 16th, the court issued notices to the respective state governments, requesting their formal responses within four weeks. The case is scheduled to be heard in six weeks, and the judges have indicated that they may consider ordering the states to pause the enforcement of their existing laws until a decision is made.

The petitions, which have been filed by various organizations, argue that the anti-conversion laws are being weaponized against religious minorities in India. Petitioners further assert that the legislation enables false accusations – often without supporting evidence – under the guise of preventing forced religious conversions. There is a total of 13 applicants associated with the submitted petitions.

During the initial hearing, a lawyer representing Citizens for Justice and Peace urged the court to expedite the matter, citing recent amendments in at least two states that have made the laws more stringent. Legislators in these states have openly stated that the amendments aim to prevent all religious conversions, not just those deemed coercive or fraudulent.
More information on these legislative changes may be reviewed at our country report.

• Pray for wisdom, clarity and courage on behalf of the petitioners and their legal teams as they present their arguments before India's Supreme Court in the coming weeks.
• Prayerfully ask the Lord to grant the judges discernment as they consider the constitutional implications of these harmful anti-conversion laws, so that truth and justice will prevail both in and out of the court room.
• May the ongoing legal process not incite any hostility or violence from those who are opposed to the petitions and, ultimately, may peace and tolerance reign throughout this South Asian nation.

RUSSIA: Church Congregations Banned

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Christian Network Europe

Police raid of a Council of Churches Baptist congregation. Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum 18

Courts in Russia have prohibited the activities of several Council of Churches Baptist congregations due to their refusal to register with the state. As a result, at least five church buildings were forcibly closed, and three more are presently under investigation. A court order issued in September 2024 applies to all the congregations of this denomination, which comprise of an estimated 2,500 churches.

In Kurganinsk, one congregation has been gathering outdoors since this May, after bailiffs sealed the doors of their church building. "Last Sunday, I witnessed church members old and young praying on their knees, right on the pavement," recounts a member of this congregation. "The [believers] have one heart and one spirit. The church defends its independence from the state."

Although prosecutors claim that the forced closures are necessary to maintain public order and state security, these Christian communities are reputed for their long history of peaceful worship gatherings. In fact, the churches' opposition to state registration, which has been shaped by past persecution under the former Soviet Union, happens to be a key element of their identity. Since the collapse of the USSR, these congregations have continued to meet openly, often in private homes and prayer houses.

While the current crackdown is particularly targeting the Council of Churches Baptist congregations, Christian leaders of other denominations are concerned that more unregistered churches in Russia may soon face similar opposition.
(Additional reports addressing Christian persecution in this country are available here.)

Severe restrictions are also being imposed on congregations in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, where courts have penalized individuals and churches for worshipping or sharing their faith without official permission.

• Please prayerfully uphold our Christian brothers and sisters in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, asking the Lord to provide them wisdom and guidance as they seek to worship peacefully amid the increased pressures.
• May divinely appointed opportunities be made available to Christians within these restricted regions, enabling them to continue sharing their faith with others in their communities.
• Pray for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine; and that, throughout the process, the Lord will grant protection, peace and various other means of provision to believers living within the occupied territories.

ETHIOPIA: Attacked Church Seeks New Meeting Location

Source: VOMC
Source: Steadfast Global

The remains of the church building. Photo: VOMC Ministry Partner

On July 29th, a small congregation in Ethiopia was attacked by hostile community members who were opposed to the church's presence in their village. During the incident, the attackers dismantled the simple shelter where the Christians had been meeting, and then they proceeded to steal its structural materials.
(For more details about this incident, see this report.)

Since the attack, the church's pastor and his wife have been seeking a new meeting place for their congregation. However, they continue to face strong opposition from the local community. This ministering couple had initially arranged to lease a venue, but the owner later withdrew from the agreement due to pressure from militant Muslim activists. Despite the setbacks, these faithful church leaders remain committed to finding a suitable new location where they can continue meeting with local converts who have become part of their congregation.

• Praise God for the courageous and steadfast witness of this pastor and his wife as they continue to navigate these difficult circumstances – all the while, prayerfully seeking the Lord's will for their congregation.
• May a suitable and safe location be found soon, enabling these believers to resume their worship gatherings without the threat of further destruction and harassment.
• Pray that each church member will experience spiritual growth and encouragement, so they can remain strong in their faith and pursue their calling as resilient witnesses of God's love and saving grace.

IRAN: Retrial Denied for Imprisoned Believer

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Church in Chains

Mehran Shamloui Photo: Article 18

Iran's Supreme Court has recently rejected the application for a retrial that was submitted on behalf of Mehran Shamloui, a Christian believer who is currently serving a ten-year prison sentence for his participation in house church activities. Recipients of previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert reports may recall that Mehran had fled to Türkiye in search of refuge. While there, the accused Iranian was apprehended and forced to return to Iran, where he had subsequently been arrested. (The initially posted report regarding Mehran's arrest may be reviewed here.)

Since his return to Iran, Mehran has remained in custody. Although initially detained at Mashhad Airport, in August, he was transferred to the notorious Evin Prison, where he remains incarcerated alongside several other Christians.
To learn more about the challenges facing followers of Jesus in Iran, visit our country report.

• Pray for strength, encouragement and protection on behalf of Mehran, as well as the many other believers currently being held in Iranian prisons because of their Christian faith.
• May the message of the Gospel, which "is not chained," continue reaching the Iranian people – even those who may be confined within prison walls (2 Timothy 2:9).
• Lift up the country's political authorities before God's throne of grace, praying that they would realize the importance of making religious freedom available to all who reside within the nation.

PAKISTAN: Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack

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

Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones. Photo: Morning Star News

In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.

One eyewitness, who was a member of the travelling group, reports that the men began shouting disparaging remarks to the women on board. When a passenger in the front seat by the name of Afzal Masih told the unruly youth to stop harassing the female passengers, they became aggressively hostile.

After causing the van to stop, the assailants forcibly removed Afzal from the front seat and began to physically beat him. Other passengers attempted to intervene; however, in the process, they were also assaulted. During the attack, the perpetrators referred to the passengers as Chuhra (a derogatory term used by Muslim militants in reference to Christians). At this point, despite their injuries, the pilgrims were eventually able to resume their journey.

Further down the road, though, the van experienced a tire issue. When the driver stopped at a repair shop to check the tire pressure, the same assailants reappeared – this time armed with an automatic weapon. One of the attackers, who has since been identified as Muhammad Waqas, fatally shot Afzal in the neck. The slain victim's cousin, Harris, was shot in the arm and later treated in hospital. Afzal, who was only 44 years old, leaves behind a traumatized wife and four sons.

A police case has been registered against Muhammad Waqas and his two unidentified accomplices. Despite the attackers' clear use of anti-Christian rhetoric, the authorities have attempted to frame the incident as a case of gang violence, portraying Afzal as an innocent bystander.

This tragic event follows a pattern of anti-Christian violence during the annual pilgrimage to Mariamabad, which has subsequently led to an increase of security measures along the route. Last year, a similar incident occurred in which another vehicle was attacked, although thankfully no injuries were reported.
For further reports addressing the difficulties facing Christians in Pakistan, visit our country profile.

• Pray that God's comfort, peace and strength will sustain Afzal's grieving wife and sons, along with their other family members and friends, as they mourn over this tragic loss.
• May the Lord ensure this widow and her children receive adequate provisions for their daily needs.
• Also prayerfully uphold Afzal's cousin, Harris, interceding for his complete physical recovery, as well as his emotional healing – and that of all the other passengers who were forced to witness this deeply traumatic incident.
• May the Holy Spirit work powerfully in the hearts of Muhammad and his accomplices, leading them to a point of true repentance and the surrender of their lives to our Lord Jesus Christ.

NIGERIA: Over 7,000 Christians Killed Thus Far in 2025

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, The Christian Post, The Catholic World Report, Morning Star News

Persecuted believers in Nigeria are familiar with grief.  Photo: Evangelical Church Winning All

Bill Maher Slams Gaza vs Nigerian Genocide Hypocrisy

Reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria continue to multiply, with attacks from multiple sources surging in both frequency and intensity. According to a report released on August 10th, more than 7,000 Nigerian Christians had been killed within the first 220 days of 2025 – an average of 32 deaths per day. Additionally, at least 7,800 followers of Jesus were abducted for their faith, more than 19,000 churches have been destroyed, and over 1,100 Christian communities are now dealing with displacement in the aftermath of these attacks.

While the danger stems from various sources, the majority of attacks were perpetrated by Boko Haram jihadists and radical Fulani herdsmen. On August 24th, for instance, two Christians were killed when Fulani militants ambushed a group of farmers in Benue State. A similar incident took place on August 27th in Bauchi State. When five Christians went to check on their farms, they encountered a group of Fulani herdsmen who were using their land to graze cattle. The Christian farmers were attacked, resulting in one of them being killed and three others injured.

Three days later, on August 30th, five believers who had been working on their farms in Borno State were killed by Boko Haram militants. The next day, members of Boko Haram attacked the village of Mussa during the night, killing three Christians who were asleep at the time of the invasion.

While such incidents of violence continue to be reported daily, the relentless stream of devastating attacks against Nigerian Christians can regrettably lead to a sense of complacency among those personally unaffected by religious persecution. Yet, may the touching stories of believers whose lives are being directly affected – including the many faithful followers of Christ who are responding to their attackers with the hope of the Gospel – be used by God to reignite a renewed fervency for greatly needed prayerful support.

To learn how the Lord is powerfully working through His faithful followers in Nigeria, you may view our recently recorded video interview with the founders of Christian Faith Ministries: Nigeria: Attacks on Christians in Benue State. For additional reports and videos, please go to our country profile.

• Pray that God will continue to guide and bless the efforts of Nigerian believers who are faithfully demonstrating His love, hope and peace to others in need of eternal salvation by sharing the Gospel message, even in the midst of ongoing persecution and hardship.
• May believers around the world be moved to support our Nigerian family in Christ through unceasing prayer, advocacy and practical humanitarian aid.
• Ask the Lord to comfort all those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, minister healing to survivors recovering from physical injuries and trauma, mightily intervene on behalf of Christians held in captivity by Islamic militants, and provide greatly needed help and restoration to displaced believers who have lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the violence.