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."
Friday, January 31, 2025
Prayer for the Persecuted - December 2, 2024 @ 7 PM
Thursday, January 30, 2025
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.
INDIA: Attack Leads to Miscarriage
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, The Voice of the Martyrs Australia, ThePrint
Kunika Kashyap was more than six months pregnant when she went to visit another Christian in her village who had been ill. While Kunika was sitting at the ailing believer's bedside, a relative of hers named Ganga Ram Kashyap began recording the pregnant Christian woman on his mobile phone, hoping to obtain video evidence of her praying.
When Kunika objected and swatted at his hand, Ganga Ram – who serves as the local village chief – suddenly began to physically attack her. Ganga's wife and daughter then joined in the assault, which included strangling, kicking and beating the pregnant woman. According to Kunika's husband, Mandu, "It was only God's doing that enabled her to escape from three people [who were] continuously beating her from all sides."
As a result of the attack, the young woman was taken to the hospital, where it was determined that she had lost her unborn child. Police have filed a report against Ganga Ram and his wife, but no arrests have been made. "Ganga Ram has big contacts," Kunika's husband explains. "Nobody will be able to harm him." The assaulted Christian woman believes the attack was committed in reprisal for her alleged conversion activities within the community. "We are often told we are trying to convert Hindus to Christianity, and [that] we don't want to live peacefully with them. This is not true," states Kunika.
Allegations of forced religious conversions are a major reason for the opposition that Christians face in India. In part, this is because the church is growing in many areas of the country.
To access previously published information on the many challenges being encountered by our Christian family in India, go to our country report.
- In the aftermath of their lost unborn child, please prayerfully remember the grieving parents, Kunika and Mandu, asking the Lord to provide them greatly needed comfort, healing and peace.
- Also pray for Kunika's physical recovery as this young Christian woman recuperates from her various injuries.
- In the midst of increasing intolerance towards Christians in India, may God provide many opportunities for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ to extend His love, mercy and grace to those around them.
VIETNAM: Pastor Arrested for Alleged Anti-State Propaganda
Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Radio Free Asia
Police in Ho Chi Minh City arrested a 71-year-old pastor named Nguyen Manh Hung on January 16th after he was accused of spreading anti-state propaganda through social media. If convicted, the Christian leader could face up to 20 years in prison.
The pastor's home was also raided by police officers, who seized documents, two phones and a laptop. Additionally, the pastor's son, Tran Hien, was interrogated for several hours before being released. Tran Hien was told that his father would be "temporarily detained for four months."
The apprehended Christian elder has served as a pastor since 2011; and, most recently, as a leader of the Chuong Bo Protestant Church – a place of worship that is not officially registered with the government. As Pastor Nguyen is a frequent advocate for religious freedom, he has faced repeated harassment by Vietnamese authorities.
While most Christians who have been arrested and charged in Vietnam are part of the country's minority ethnic groups, it is significant that Pastor Nguyen belongs to the Kinh people – the ethnicity that makes up the majority of the country's population.
To review further information on the persecution of Christians in Vietnam, see our country report.
- As Pastor Nguyen is presently being held in custody, please pray that this faithful Christian leader will tangibly sense God's strengthening presence with him.
- May all charges against this pastor be dropped, allowing him to be released soon and reunited with his family.
- Also prayerfully uphold all who are concerned for the well-being of this faithful church leader – his family, friends and congregation/community members – asking our Heavenly Father to also sustain them daily with needed strength, encouragement and hope.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
ERITREA: 44 Christians Imprisoned, Including 27 Students
Source: VOMC
Sources: Release Eritrea, Church in Chains
In early December, Eritrean security forces raided a house where 27 secondary school students had gathered together for prayer and worship. The Christian students – most of whom ranged in age from 14 to 16 years old – were taken to a police station and held in custody for a few days before being transferred to the Mai Serwa prison which is located along the outskirts of Asmara.
In a separate case, another 17 Christians were also recently arrested and sent to the Mai Serwa prison. At the time of publishing this report, no further information on this case was available. The Mai Serwa prison is the same facility where several members of a Christian musical group, known as the Mahalians, continue to be detained.
(For more information about the imprisonment of these young musicians, see this report.)
Dr. Berhane Asmelash from Release Eritrea believes that the recently occurring large-scale arrests of believers – and particularly Christian young people – reflect the Eritrean government's "desperate attempt to control the growth of the evangelical population in the country." Based on exponential increases in incidents of Christian persecution over the past 20 years, Dr. Berhane is concerned about the possibility that higher levels of opposition may take place in the coming year – including more arrests and harsher treatment towards believers.
For additional reports addressing the imprisonment of Christians in Eritrea, and/or to view video interviews with Dr. Berhane, go to our country profile.
- Please pray for the strength and endurance of these recently arrested Christians.
- May all of our Christian brothers and sisters who are presently being detained in prisons throughout Eritrea receive peace, comfort, courage and hope from the reassuring presence of the Holy Spirit.
- In spite of ongoing opposition from the government, pray for the continued growth of God's church in this nation, resulting in multitudes accepting Jesus as their personal Saviour and Lord.
PAKISTAN: Christian Woman Killed, Daughter Wounded
Source: VOMC
Sources: ECSPE, Pak Christian News, Pakistan Christian Post, Barnabas Aid
On January 6th, two Christian women had been returning home from work in Gujranwala when they were approached and shot by two men on a motorcycle. During the attack, Shabana and her 18-year-old daughter Misbah were both struck by bullets. The mother was instantly killed at the scene, while Misbah received a serious bullet wound to her back – requiring urgently needed hospitalization for treatment. At last report, the Christian teen remains in critical condition.
The attack sent shockwaves throughout the Christian community of Gujranwala, where residents continue to demand justice on behalf of Shabana and Misbah. While the motivation behind the attack is uncertain at this point, many fear that it could be yet another incident motivated by religious hatred. Police are investigating all angles, including the possibility of targeted violence against the Christian family.
This most recently reported incident highlights the vulnerability of Christian communities in Pakistan.
Information concerning other followers of Christ who have been targeted for their faith within this South Asian nation may be reviewed at VOMC's country profile.
- Pray for Shabana's husband, Karamat Masih, as he mourns the devastating loss of his wife – as well as the serious wounding of their daughter – in the aftermath of this senseless attack.
- Ask the Lord to bestow His healing touch upon Misbah, resulting in the complete physical and emotional recovery of this traumatized young woman.
- May God guide the police as they continue to investigate the incident and work to bring the perpetrators to justice.
- Pray for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Pakistan, many of whom encounter discrimination, pressure and unwarranted violence because of their faith in Jesus.
IRAN: Large Increase in Christian Prison Sentences Last Year
Source: VOMC
Source: Article18
According to a recently published report by Article18, at least 96 Christians were sentenced to prison in Iran during 2024 for a combined total of 263 years' imprisonment. This statistic indicates a sixfold increase from the previous year, in which 22 Christians were arrested for a combined total of 43.5 years.
While the report demonstrates a significant increase in the total number of Christians arrested annually, it also reveals a notable increase in the length of their prison terms. This informative report can be downloaded from Article Eighteen.
As the new year commences, the situation facing Iranian Christians has not improved. More than 40 followers of Jesus were arrested just this past December for participating in Christmas celebrations. Since the detained Christians have not yet received their prison sentences, this latest number of arrested believers was not included when calculating the statistics for 2024.
The recently occurring arrests took place while the members of Iran's judiciary were boasting that Christian prisoners had been given a five-day leave from prison over the Christmas season. However, this brief furlough was not permitted for those whose convictions related to "acting against national security" – a charge commonly imposed on the country's Christians.
For more reports on the persecution of believers in Iran, go to our country profile.
- Prayerfully remember the recently arrested believers, along with the many other Iranian Christians who are currently serving prison sentences because of their faith in Christ.
- Pray that international leaders would call attention to the persecution of Christian converts in Iran and thus put pressure on the country's governing officials to enact positive changes.
- In the midst of the government's attempts to suppress the Christian faith, praise God for the resilient advancements made by His church in Iran. May this continued growth in numbers also reflect the greater spiritual depth that's taking place within the lives of all those who have chosen to faithfully follow in the ways of Christ.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
VIETNAM: Christians Face Opposition and Violence
Source: VOMC
Source: Voice of the Martyrs Australia Contacts
Christian workers in Vietnam are requesting urgent prayer on behalf of believers who have recently experienced situations of severe persecution. In response to the ongoing concern, VOMC's partnering ministry office in Australia has been providing the affected Christians with greatly needed financial assistance.
In one village, a group of believers were forced to leave their homes due to the pressures they encountered in the community. Even though these displaced followers of Jesus have thankfully been able to find temporary accommodations with fellow believers, they presently remain without permanent residences of their own. Another Christian known as Mr. Bah was also forced to leave his house after refusing to renounce his faith. He is temporarily staying in the kitchen of his pastor's home.
Pastor Dan is an elderly Christian leader who uses his home for church gatherings. On December 23rd, when a group of believers had gathered at the pastor's residence for worship, local authorities – accompanied by other hostile community members described as "thugs" – broke into the pastor's home. The convening church members were physically attacked during the invasion. When Pastor Dan attempted to intervene, the authorities proceeded to severely beat him, consequently breaking his arm and leg.
Brother Ting and his family members regularly held church gatherings in their home as well. When local authorities requested that these believers stop meeting for worship, Ting refused. Soon after, the Christian leader was found beaten to death along the side of a road. In addition, the authorities had ordered Ting's wife, Mar, to do community work. After explaining that she was too busy and unable to help, Pastor Ting's wife was found dead in her home about a week after Ting was murdered.
Christians in Vietnam, particularly those who live within tribal areas, frequently face opposition from local authorities.
To learn more about the suffering of our Vietnamese family in Christ, visit VOMC's country profile.
- Prayerfully uphold each one of the Vietnamese believers who have been personally affected by these recently occurring acts of opposition.
- For those who were forced to leave their homes, pray for God's intervention, provision and protection to take place in their lives.
- Ask the Lord to also provide necessary physical and emotional healing to all who sustained injuries as a result of the devastating attacks.
- On behalf of the grieving family and friends of Brother Ting and his wife Mar, pray that they will tangibly sense God's unfailing love, comfort, as well as His "peace that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
- In general, pray that all believers in Vietnam will continue to entrust their lives to the One who holds the future in His hands.
COLOMBIA: Pastoring Family Assassinated
Source: VOMC
Sources: El Tiempo, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, VOMC Contact, DefensorÃa del Pueblo
Police are currently investigating the drive-by assassination of Pastor Marlon Lora and his family, which took place on December 29th. Pastor Marlon, his wife Yurlay Rincon – along with their two children, Angela and Santiago – had been finishing lunch when they were suddenly gunned down by men on a motorcycle. The violent attack occurred just metres away from the police station in Aguachica, northern Colombia.
In addition to providing leadership to 36 churches across the region, Pastor Marlon personally pastored the Prince of Peace Villaparaguay Church in Aguachica. According to the couple's supervisor, Pastor Giovanni Bermúdez, "Marlon was like many of us pastors; we keep quiet about many things so that everything runs smoothly, even while we carry heavy burdens inside."
The motive behind the attack is not yet clear. However, there has been speculation that one of the perpetrators may have previously attended a service at Pastor Marlon's church. Authorities are investigating whether there may have been extortion threats in an attempt to obtain offering money that was collected by the church.
The office of the ombudsman in Colombia has warned that incidents violating religious freedom increased by 31 percent within the first nine months of 2024. In particular, the report noted a concerning increase in cases involving death threats against religious leaders.
For further information on Christian persecution in Colombia, and/or to view informative video interviews, visit our country report.
- May the comfort of the Holy Spirit rest on all those who are now mourning the heartbreaking loss of this dear family of believers.
- Pray that God will mightily protect Colombia's church leaders and their families from those opposed to the Gospel message.
- In fact, ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage all believers throughout Colombia, empowering them to stand firm in the face of opposition and faithfully serve as testimonies of God's love and grace to those around them.
PAKISTAN: Three Christians Shot on Christmas Day
Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, The Friday Times
Three Christians were injured in a violent attack on Christmas Day outside the home of a pastor in Lahore. The incident happened just one day after a confrontation between Pastor Shahzad Siddique and a group of militant Muslim youth who had been harassing guests at a church event. Speaking of the incident, Pastor Shahzad stated, "I had returned home from church on Christmas Day and was resting when gunmen opened fire on a gathering outside my house in Maryam Colony."
Witnesses attest that though more than a dozen gunmen were involved in the initial attack, no one was wounded at that time. However, after police arrived at the scene 25 minutes later and began investigating the initial incident, several youths on motorcycles suddenly appeared and opened fire. During this second attack, three people were injured – including Akash Patras, a believer who suffered a serious abdominal wound.
Although one suspect was caught immediately, the others fled on foot, leaving five abandoned motorcycles behind. Since the shooting, at least four other perpetrators have been arrested. While police officials continue their investigations, additional security measures have been deployed in the area.
Violence against Christians in Pakistan, which is often instigated by false accusations against them, appears to have escalated over recent years.
More information, as well as previously published reports of concern, may be viewed at our country profile.
- Pray that the Lord will minister His healing touch upon all the injured church members, including Akash who is recovering from the severe abdominal wound.
- Also prayerfully uphold Pakistan's governing authorities as they work to bring about justice on behalf of this targeted group of believers.
- May Pastor Shahzad and the members of his church be filled with courage, peace and greater determination as they seek to serve God despite the opposition they encounter.
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Thursday, January 9, 2025
NIGERIA: Dozens Killed in Christmas Week Attacks
Source: VOMC
Sources: Release International, International Christian Concern, Morning Star News
Nearly 50 Nigerian Christians were killed in a series of attacks that took place during the week of Christmas. On Sunday, December 22nd, believers in a village located within Nigeria's Plateau State had gathered to celebrate the season by singing carols. As they were leaving, a group of armed Fulani militants opened fire, killing 14 of the attending Christians, including a pregnant woman and a one-year-old child.
In a series of separate attacks, Christmas Day became a nightmare for five other Christian communities in the state of Benue. Invaders entered the villages of Anwase, Ubutu, Tse Azege, Nyiev-ya and Ityuluv, setting fire to homes and killing approximately 33 people. In the wake of the devastating raids, which resulted in several deaths and the destruction of many properties, the members of these communities have been left reeling. One resident from Anwase stated that the assault "left the community in shock and mourning."
These attacks are reminiscent of the violence that took place in Plateau State during the 2023 Christmas season, resulting in the fatalities of more than 140 citizens.
For further reports concerning the suffering of our Christian family in Nigeria, visit VOMC's country profile.
- Pray for greatly needed peace, comfort and encouragement on behalf of all those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones as a result of these brutal attacks.
- Ask the Lord to also minister to believers otherwise affected by the violent raids – meeting the spiritual, practical, physical and emotional needs of those who were injured, or have lost their homes, properties and/or livelihoods.
- May Nigeria's governmental forces take increased action against the horrific destruction caused by militant groups, bringing an end to the reign of indiscriminate terror across large areas of the nation.
INDIA: Hindu Nationalists Disrupt Christmas Celebrations
Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Evangelical Fellowship of India, Morning Star News
A wave of violent incidents marred Christmas celebrations across India, even as Prime Minister Modi extolled the virtues of "love" and "harmony" in his Christmas speech and social media posts. The recently occurring acts of violence against followers of Jesus, which took place in at least ten states across India, were particularly instigated by Hindu nationalist groups in their determination to rid the nation of Christian influence.
While the southern state of Kerala is generally known for its communal harmony, right-wing activists attacked a government-operated school in Palakkad during the Christmas celebrations, leading to widespread protests. Elsewhere in Kerala, a manger scene was destroyed.
In Punjab, a Pentecostal pastor had been attacked for allegedly attempting to convert Hindus. In Rajasthan, teachers and students in schools celebrating Christmas were also assaulted. Additionally, in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, protestors barged into a house where Christians had gathered for worship and demanded that the believers stop the service.
Other recent incidents perpetrated by Hindu militants around the country include: harassing a food delivery employee who was dressed as Santa Claus, destroying a statue of Mary (the mother of Jesus), and chanting loudly to drown out the sounds associated with Christmas festivities. In multiple cases across the nation, worship gatherings were also disrupted by protestors.
One of the most violent incidents that occurred during the Christmas season involved two women and a man who were severely beaten in Odisha for alleged conversion activities. The women were then tied to a tree and forced to chant the names of Hindu gods.
In the aftermath of this sudden surge in attacks, more than 400 Christian leaders and 30 church groups submitted an urgent appeal to India's president and prime minister calling for "immediate and decisive action" to curb this type of mob violence and deal with systemic concerns, including anti-conversion laws and escalating anti-Christian hate speech. The December 31st letter stated that "rising hate speech, especially from elected officials, has emboldened acts of violence against Christians."
In 2024, the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India recorded more than 720 incidents of violence targeting Indian Christians.
For more details on the concerning challenges experienced by followers of Jesus in this South Asian country, and/or to access previously posted written and video reports, visit our country profile.
- Pray that appropriate action will be taken by India's governing leaders to quell the divisive demands of violent nationalist groups and establish lasting sectarian harmony.
- Prayerfully uphold the many believers throughout the nation who are continuing to faithfully gather together for worship despite the opposition and threatening risks, asking the Lord to provide them His divine protection and peace.
- Ask for God's wisdom to be granted to Christian leaders and advocates in their endeavours to raise a voice on behalf of Indian believers who have suffered terrible injustices and abuses for their faith in Jesus.
IRAN: Christian Leader Released from Prison
Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
In 2012, Matthias Haghnejad was among three Christian leaders who were charged with "spreading corruption on earth" and "action against national security." As a result, he was sentenced to six years in prison. In December 2014, the Christian man was thankfully acquitted of all charges.
For more information on this earlier situation, visit this page.
Despite the positive news of Matthias' acquittal, unfortunately it was not the end of his ordeal. In January 2022 – three weeks after being re-released from prison (where he served an additional three years on a separate charge) – the Christian leader's acquittal relating to the 2014 charges was overturned, and he consequently had been forced to serve his former sentence. In the summer of 2023, the believer was then transferred to a prison located 1,600 kilometres away from his family.
We are thankful to report that Matthias was recently released on December 14th after completing his sentence. Regrettably, another court case against him remains pending, dating back to December 2022 when the Christian leader had been arrested – along with several other church members – during his short furlough from prison.
- Praise God that Matthias was recently released from prison.
- Pray that the Lord will grant this Christian leader peace, guidance and the provisions he now needs to integrate back into Iranian society.
- Please remember to prayerfully uphold the numerous other followers of Jesus who are continuing to serve time in Iranian prisons because of their faith.
- In general, pray for renewed courage, strength and perseverance on behalf of Iranian Christians across the country, so that they will remain steadfastly committed to following Christ in all circumstances.
Thursday, January 2, 2025
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