Prayer for the Persecuted - June 2, 2025 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer

2. Locked in a Metal Box, Baking in the Sun

3. Scripture / Worship Video: Joshua 1:8 9 (NKJV) "Be Strong and of Good Courage" (Esther Mui)

4.  IRAN: Detained Pastor's Wife in Solitary Confinement

5. INDIA: Villagers Forced from Their Homes

6. Ethiopia - Evangelist Martyred by Islamists

7. Pakistan - Christian Survives Knife Attack 

8. CHINA: Young Children Detained for Participating in Bible Lesson

Recent news: 

                One of Two Kidnapped Christian Workers Freed in NW Nigeria

                Bill Criminalizing Child Marriage in Pakistan Rejected as ‘Un-Islamic’    

                Ex-Addict in Somalia Driven from Home for Accepting Christ

                Christian Graves at Three Cemeteries Vandalized in Indonesia

                Herdsmen Slaughter 42 Christians in Taraba State, Nigeria

MALAYSIA: Christians Forcibly Registered as Muslims

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Mission Network News

A church in Malaysia. Photo: Public Domain

Christians constitute a minority of the population in Malaysia, where they are frequently marginalized and pressured to convert to Islam. According to recent reports from the community of Nabawan, the national identity cards of some Christians have been secretly changed, classifying them as Muslims rather than followers of Jesus. These changes were made without the believers' knowledge.

Individuals who are designated as Muslims in this predominantly Islamic country are subject to Sharia law – a requirement not imposed on those having other religious designations. As stated by VOMC's CEO, Floyd Brobbel, "So now these Christians who were immune from Islamic courts are...going to have to follow Islamic tradition [and] Islamic law. There's no recourse for them."

As pointed out by Floyd, however, "Just because these Christians now are...classified as being Muslim doesn't mean that they're Muslim in their hearts or faith levels.... Christians will continue to do the work of evangelism and live out a Biblical worldview."
Further information concerning the difficulties facing Malaysian Christians is available at our country profile.

• Pray that God will provide guidance and wisdom to those who are working to resolve this issue of concern.
• In the meantime, may Christians in Malaysia continue to rejoice in the eternal hope they have through the atoning life, death and resurrection of Christ.
• Additionally, pray for increased evangelistic efforts to take place within this Muslim-majority nation, so that the "Good News" of the Gospel can be readily received by many more spiritually needy people throughout the country.

LAOS: Christian Families Expelled

Source: VOMC
Source: Barnabas Aid

Some of the believers who were evicted. Photo: Barnabas Aid

Four Christian families were forcibly evicted from their village in northwestern Laos on May 5th and 6th. According to local sources, opposing community leaders and other residents of Huang Khan Village in Luang Namtha province specifically targeted the Christians.

Thankfully, essential aid has been provided to those who were left homeless, and efforts are now being made to find them safe accommodations. Unfortunately, the eviction of these families is not an isolated situation for believers living in rural districts of the country. While legislation passed in 2019, granting Christians throughout Laos the right to conduct worship services and practise their faith, the enforcement of this law has been inconsistent – particularly in rural areas.
For previous reports addressing persecution in this Buddhist-majority nation, go to our country profile.

• Please lift up these recently displaced believers in your prayers, asking the Lord to continue meeting their daily practical and spiritual needs while leading them to suitable housing.
• Pray that the efforts of those who are assisting these families with needed humanitarian provision and encouragement during this time of relocation and emotional recovery will be blessed and multiplied.
• Ultimately, may relational restoration and a renewed sense of harmony take place between these evicted Christians and the villagers opposing them.
• In the interim, pray that appropriate action will be taken to ensure all followers of Jesus throughout Laos are granted due consideration and fair treatment within the country's legal system.

INDIA: Christians Denied Burial Rights

Source: VOMC
Sources: UCA News, International Christian Concern, Clarion India, The Tablet

A cemetery in India. Photo: Public Domain

Since 2022, Christians in the Nabarangpur district of Odisha have faced at least eight separate instances in which they have been denied the right to bury their loved ones. In many of these cases, opposing community members refused to allow the burial of deceased Christians in a cemetery used by Hindus, forcing the families to instead bury their loved ones in the forest or other locations.

In the latest incident, which took place in mid-May, the villagers claimed that they could not allow the burial of a Christian because it would defile their gods and the land. Despite attempts from local authorities to resolve the situation, the Hindu villagers could not be convinced to permit the burial, requiring the body to be taken to another location.

Several other incidents have been documented in which deceased Christians were either posthumously "converted" to Hinduism or their grieving family members were forced to convert in order for the burial to be permitted. In some of these cases, individuals have feigned their conversions, while secretly stating that they remain Christians. For instance, on March 2nd, a 70-year-old believer named Kesab Santa passed away in a predominantly Hindu village. The Hindu villagers refused to allow the burial unless his cousin Turpu converted to Hinduism. As a result of the pressure, Turpu underwent the Hindu conversion process, along with his wife and two adult children.

Similar problems have also taken place in the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh. On January 27th, the Supreme Court ordered the Chhattisgarh state government to specify exclusive burial sites for Christians in order to prevent further disputes.
To learn more about the persecution confronted by followers of Jesus in India, go to our country profile.

• As you bring these situations before the Lord in prayer, please uphold the families that are mourning the loss of their loved ones, while also having to deal with the added toll of harassment from disapproving community members.
• Pray that God's abounding peace will rest on each one of these grieving believers, along with the comforting assurance that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).
• May peaceful resolutions be established in order to prevent further incidents of discrimination against our Indian family in Christ.

Joshua 1:8 9 (NKJV) Song "Be Strong and of Good Courage" (Esther Mui)

Pakistan - Christian Survives Knife Attack

Source: iCommitToPray 
May. 15, 2025

Waqas has had two
throat surgeries and
remains hospitalized.

Waqas, a Christian who worked at a paper factory, was attacked at work for refusing to reject Christ. When a Muslim supervisor asked him to renounce his faith and embrace Islam as the “true religion,” Waqas responded, “I do not need to change my religion. I have the living God.” Waqas was told that if he converted, his life would be easier, but his mother encouraged him to stand firm. “You have Jesus, who is the truth and the life. Therefore, do not worry and just focus on your work,” she said. On March 21, 2025, the man who tried to convert Waqas attacked him with a paper cutter, slicing his jugular vein. Waqas barely survived and is currently unable to speak. The attacker now claims that Waqas was destroying Islamic texts, and Waqas’ father, who worked at the same factory, was also fired, so the entire family has lost their income. 

They request prayer that Waqas will fully recover and for strength to stand firm in their faith.

As the entire family has lost their income, prayer for provision for them.

Many Pakistani Christians are forced to work in low-paying, undesirable jobs. Pray for new opportunities and freedoms.

Pray for the encouragement of the roughly 4 million Pakistani Christians, using Joshua 1:9 as a guide.

Ethiopia - Evangelist Martyred by Islamists

Source: iCommitToPray
May. 29, 2025 | 

Ibrahim was shot
because of his
Christian witness.
He died in the hospital.

A Christian convert from Islam was killed for sharing his faith with other Muslims. Ibrahim Mohammed became a follower of Christ in 2021 and immediately began sharing the Good News with others in his predominantly Muslim community in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. In one year, he led 80 Muslims to Christ, and he devoted himself to discipling the new believers. Because of his bold witness, Ibrahim began receiving death threats from local Islamists; still, he remained determined to share about Christ. On May 15, 2025, he was witnessing in a rural area when someone wearing Islamic dress approached him, told him it would be his last time to evangelize and shot him. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died from his injuries three days later. 

Front-line workers request prayer for Ibrahim’s wife and two young children, for their church, and for God’s kingdom to continue to advance in this area. 

Pray for Christians like Ibrahim who suffer great loss for leaving Islam to follow Christ. Pray for their joy and peace.

Pray that Christians whose churches were destroyed by Islamists will experience God's love and provision. 

Pray that every believer will have access to God's Word.

Praise God that Christians continue to plant new churches and send out missionaries despite growing Islamist pressure. 

Locked in a Metal Box, Baking in the Sun

INDIA: Villagers Forced from Their Homes

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, International Christian Concern, AsiaNews, Morning Star News

Belongings removed from the homes of Christian families. Photo: CSW

Six Christian families from Karingundam, a village located in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh state, were evicted from their homes on April 12th for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ. Opposing villagers loaded their belongings onto a truck – only to be hauled out of the village and dumped. The desolate families were forced to spend the night in the forest without any shelter. At least 25 individuals were affected by this dire situation.

The next day, members of the Central Reserve Police Force attempted to help the believers return to their homes, but other villagers prevented them from entering. Consequently, the Christians had to seek refuge in a local church. On April 14th, police officers again addressed the situation with the opposing villagers, reminding them of the constitutional rights of all citizens and threatening legal action against them if they failed to comply. As a result, the Christian families were finally allowed to return to their homes.

Several similar situations have taken place within the Sukma district over recent months. In another incident, ten Christian families, consisting of about 45 people, were reportedly assaulted and forced from their homes in Durandarbha village on April 24th. The hostile community members who forced the believers' exile from the village then warned of life-threatening consequences if they attempted to return.

These evicted families are presently receiving refuge in a church building located approximately 17 kilometres away from Durandarbha village. After reporting the incident to police, they were advised to stay away from the village for now, in hopes that the matter would eventually settle. Police have also told those who threatened the Christians of potential legal action; however, at last report, no charges have been laid. In the meantime, the displaced villagers are at least receiving a very basic means of shelter in the makeshift church, despite the building's leaky roof.

While no specific cause for this rise in violence is known, there has been increasing political pressure placed on those who allegedly participate in what some militant Hindus refer to as "illegal conversions."
For more details on the various forms of persecution being perpetrated against Christians in India, go to our country report.

• Remember these ostracized believers in your prayers, asking God to continue mediating on their behalf as they attempt to live peaceably among opposing fellow villagers.
• For those who are still displaced, please pray that the Lord will give them wisdom and guidance as they seek a permanent place in which they can safely and harmoniously reside, hopefully within the homes of their former communities.
• May villagers who are opposed to Christianity come to understand the unfathomable love of God and the wonderful plan of eternal salvation that He has made available for them through His Son, Jesus Christ.

PAKISTAN: Accused Christian Acquitted

Source: VOMC
Source: Morning Star News

Chand Shamaun (in tan) with attorneys. Photo: Christian Daily International-Morning Star News

In June 2024, Chand Shamaun was arrested and charged with insulting Islam, a charge that is commonly used in Pakistan against citizens belonging to minority religious groups. In fact, a recent report indicated that a record number of blasphemy cases had been filed during the year of 2024 – reaching a total of 344 official accusations. For the accused, imprisonment is typically dangerous and, in some cases, even deadly. And those who've been released on bail or acquitted frequently face vigilante violence from people who still perceive them to be guilty.

In Chand's particular situation, it became clear early on that there were problems with the case against him. In October, the Lahore High Court released him on bail after hearing his case. However, upon his release, he was forced into hiding because of the people's threats against him.
For more details, see this report.

On May 10th, a final verdict was reached when a judge acquitted Chand of all charges. The court noted that prosecutors had "miserably failed" to establish their case against the innocent Christian man, even suggesting that the accusers may have "spun out an imaginary story with their imagination."

• Praise God for this encouraging court ruling, and for the fact that justice has been served in Chand's case!
• Pray for his safety as he now deals with the aftermath of the initial accusations against him. May those who hold anger against this Christian man no longer threaten him nor make any attempt to harm him, but rather may they realize and acknowledge his innocence.
• Pray for the many other believers presently facing accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan, asking for the Lord's intervention to take place in each of their situations as well – so that His justice will ultimately prevail.

CHINA: Long-Awaited Trials for Pastoral Couple

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Yang Rongli (light jacket) upon her 2016 release. Photo: ChinaAid

Yang Rongli and Wang Xiaoguang are a pastoral couple who have been subjected to ongoing persecution from the Communist government for many years. In 2009, they were sentenced for allegedly disrupting public order. As a result, Yang spent seven years in prison, while Wang served three years. In August 2021, the couple had been arrested again. This time, they were accused of fraud in relation to the donations received by the church from its members. After almost four years, both cases have finally gone to court, through which the husband and wife were each tried separately.

The hearing against Yang began on April 17th. Claiming that it was a sensitive case, the court insisted that the trial be non-public. Ultimately, defense lawyers were not allowed into the courtroom to represent their clients. In protest, three lawyers formally resigned from the case while a fourth publicly demonstrated outside the courtroom as a show of resistance. At last report, no information was available about the status of Yang's trial.

Wang's trial began on the morning of April 18th. According to a report from their son, the pastor refused to admit any wrongdoing. Instead, when the time came for his defense, he stood before the court and pulled out a prepared sermon from which he preached to those present. In his homily, he explained the principles of the Christian faith, including the Bible's teachings on giving. In recounting the incident, the couple's son stated, "I couldn't help laughing, but I know in my heart that this was his style."

Christians throughout China repeatedly experience opposition and accusations from governing authorities. Numerous previously published reports concerning the challenges faced by this ministerial couple, along with reports addressing the situations encountered by other persecuted believers, have been made available at our country report.

• Continue to prayerfully uphold Pastors Yang and Wang, in addition to the fellow church members who were charged along with them.
• Pray that those in the courtroom who heard the message spoken by Pastor Wang would respond with open hearts to the presented Scriptural truths and, as a result, realize their need to turn in repentance to God and receive His gift of salvation through Christ.
• Please also remember to intercede for the many Chinese believers who are presently facing opposition on numerous fronts. May justice prevail in each of their cases as well.

NIGERIA: Ongoing Suffering of Nigerian Christians

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, ECSPE, Christianity Today

A church gathering in Nigeria. Photo: VOMC

Attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria have continued unabated over the years, resulting in even more recently reported cases involving casualties and horrific trauma. Not only were these recent attacks the cause of death for several innocent victims, they have also been the source of physical wounding and emotional trauma for many survivors whose suffering has been further compounded by the devastating loss of loved ones and the destruction of community homes.

In Barkin Ladi County of Plateau State, three Christians were shot dead on May 3rd after being ambushed by Islamic militants. The next day, three others were killed and four injured as attackers opened gunfire and proceeded to lacerate the villagers.

On May 6th, rebel members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a group of Christians who had been travelling between villages in the southern part of Kaduna state. As a result of this attack, three believers were killed and several others wounded. According to eyewitnesses, the perpetrators asked questions to identify the victims as Christians before executing them.

In yet another separate attack, which took place on May 7th in the village of Otapi-Alpa, Benue State, two Christian farmers were slain – one of them a village leader named Tony Adejoh. Both victims had been working in their fields when they were suddenly ambushed and killed. This latest occurring incident follows a similar attack that took place during the previous month within the same village. As a result of the April 13th attack, ten fatalities had taken place and homes in the community were destroyed. Agbo Kennedy, a member of Benue State's House of Assembly reported that the April attack, which included victims as young as five years old, was "appalling and gory."

Those who manage to escape the violence frequently experience added long-term suffering when they are forced to flee their homes. In cases where entire villages have been destroyed, thousands of survivors seek refuge in the country's Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. A recently released report from Christianity Today features the testimony of one such Christian by the name of Jennifer.

During 2014, Jennifer and her family were forced to flee their home in Gwoza after violent killing sprees committed by Boko Haram terrorists left hundreds of neighbouring Nigerians dead. After fleeing almost 1,000 kilometres, Jennifer, her husband Abraham, and their four children had hoped to settle in the area of Abuja. However, in August 2015, Abraham was tragically killed by a group of unidentified men in the Durumi IDP camp.

Left to raise their children on her own, Jennifer still struggles to provide basic needs such as food and medicine. However, she is determined to leave the camp some day and build a home that her husband would be proud of. "I don't know when, but soon," she says with a glimmer of hope. "God help me...."

Jennifer's story is indicative of the numerous difficulties facing thousands of displaced Nigerians who are seeking to avoid the violence that's so prevalent in various parts of the country.
To review further reports concerning the persecution of Christians in this volatile region, including information about the 2014 attacks in Gwoza, see our country report.

• Please remember to prayerfully uphold the families of those who were slain in these more recent attacks, as well as the many others who've experienced physical injuries and emotional trauma.
• Pray for the practical and spiritual needs of the thousands of displaced victims who have been forced to flee their homes, livelihoods and communities – including those who are presently trying to survive amidst the daily challenges of life within the IDP camps or other temporary shelters.
• Pray for governing officials, church leaders and humanitarian workers as they continue to seek lasting solutions to the relentless hardships facing the people of this violence-torn nation.

BELARUS: KGB Declares Religious Freedom Group "Extremist"

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Christian Vision for Belarus

An Orthodox Church in Belarus. Photo: Pexels

Amidst the ongoing oppression of Christians in Belarus, an organization was established in 2020, bringing together leaders from multiple churches in an effort to monitor and publicize persecution in the country. The organization was registered in neighbouring Lithuania as "Christian Vision for Belarus."

On April 1st, the Belarusian KGB secret police ruled that Christian Vision for Belarus was "extremist," and therefore banned the organization's website and social media platforms. In the process, the KGB specifically identified three of the leaders – Natallia Vasilevich, Natallia Harkovich and Dzmitry Korneyenko – all of whom are Orthodox Christians presently residing outside of Belarus. In addition, the government's Interior Ministry department added the name of the organization to its "banned list" on April 8th.

The day after the official listing, police in the town of Orsha visited Viktor Korneyenko, the father of Dzmitry. Confused about what was happening, Viktor did not ask any questions when a DNA sample was demanded of him. On April 10th, the police then visited Dzmitry's mother-in-law in Vitebsk. Later on, Dzmitry's brother, who was contacted on April 23rd, also received an order to provide a DNA sample. When the brother asked the police why, he was told that the results would make it easier for them to hunt Dzmitry.

Christian Vision for Belarus is not the only organization that's been identified as "extremist." Other organizations include The Democratic Media Institute, which supports independent media in the region; and the independent Catholic news website, katolik.life. For many years, The New Life Full Gospel Church in Minsk experienced repeated harassment from governing officials before being officially closed and receiving the same "extremist" label.
Previously published reports addressing the persecution in Belarus are available at our country profile.

• Pray for the protection of those who are seeking to promote justice and truth in Belarus, asking that their expressed concerns will not be overlooked by the authorities but rather given due consideration.
• In the meantime, may the Holy Spirit continue to guide those who are sharing the message of God's salvation through Christ, blessing and multiplying their efforts to minister to the spiritual needs of fellow citizens.
• May the Lord also work mightily in the lives of the country's political leaders by opening their spiritual eyes of understanding, as well as their hearts, to His truths.

IRAN: Detained Pastor's Wife in Solitary Confinement

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, The Christian Post

Lida Alexani Photo: Article18

In 2022, Pastor Joseph Shahbazian was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for his Christian ministry work in Iran. After an appeal, he was released a year later. For unknown reasons, however, he was suddenly rearrested on February 6th of this year, and now reportedly faces numerous charges.
For more details, see this report.

Since his rearrest, Iranian authorities have been questioning and threatening Pastor Joseph's friends. The harassment appears to be an effort to gather evidence against him. One friend was told by his interrogator, "If you don't help us, we'll have to resume our unfinished investigation against you."

On April 12th, governing officials also decided to arrest Pastor Joseph's wife Lida Alexani whom they've placed in solitary confinement. At last report, she was still being detained in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. Regrettably, neither Joseph nor Lida received permission to attend the funeral that was held on April 14th for his mother who passed away five days prior to the service. The couple's arrests were particularly challenging before his mother's passing since Joseph was her primary caregiver.
To learn more about the challenges facing Christians in Iran, visit our country profile.

• Please continue to remember Pastor Joseph in your prayers, along with his wife Lida, praying that God's comforting presence would be tangibly sensed during their imprisonment – especially as they grieve over the recent loss of his mother.
• Pray that both of these believers, along with the many others who are currently incarcerated in this Persian nation, will soon be released from prison and reunited with their concerned loved ones.
• In general, intercede for the overall populous of Iran, including the country's governing leaders, praying that each individual will receive a revelation of the Risen Christ's sacrificial love for them, respond to His gift of salvation, and experience His life-changing power.

CHINA: Young Children Detained for Participating in Bible Lesson

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Mohabat News

Photo: PxHere

A Bible lesson for young children that had taken place at a private home in Fuyang, Anhui, was raided by police on April 29th. In total, ten children between the ages of five and six, along with five adult teachers, were taken to the police station where they were detained for several hours. Some of the youngsters appeared to suffer severe emotional distress during the detention; and, throughout that time, the police only checked on them once.

The children were eventually released, along with three of the adults. The two others – Christian women by the names of Chen Fangfang and Wang Dandan – were verbally and physically assaulted before being transported to a detention centre. At the time of publishing this report, no further information was received regarding the whereabouts of these two believers.

The religious education of children is strongly opposed by China's governing authorities, who are determined to indoctrinate the minds of youth with Communist ideologies.
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in China, go to our country report.

• Prayerfully ask our "Good Shepherd" to surround these little children with His comforting presence, peace and safety, while also shielding them from any further harassment instigated by the country's governing officials.
• As Chen and Wang await their hopeful clearance of all charges and release from custody, pray that the Lord will divinely protect them from all harm and harassment as well.
• Continue to pray that a radical shift would take place in the hearts and minds of the country's authorities, urging them to ease their repressive restrictions on religious activities so that Christians of all ages may freely learn from God's Word.
• Pray also for Pastor's Wang and his wife Pastor Yang.  They recently had their trials, charged with fraud for receiving donations from the church congregation.   They are waiting for their sentences.  Previously Yang spent 7 years in prison and Wang 3 years for disrupting public order.

CHINA: Christians Sentenced for Alleged Illegal Business Activities

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, International Christian Concern, Bitter Winter

Wang Honglan and her coworkers. Photo: ChinaAid

During April 2021, Chinese authorities arrested ten Christians in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, for allegedly running an illegal business operation. In their efforts to get Bibles into the hands of as many people as possible, the believers had legally purchased copies of God's Word at a retail price and resold them for a fee well below the original cost.
(For more information on the charges against these church members, go to this report.)

Four years later, the trial against the accused Christians finally came to a conclusion, resulting in nine of them receiving prison sentences and hefty fines. The convictions were based upon the contention that these followers of Jesus belonged to an unregistered church, and therefore they were not legally allowed to sell any Bibles, even though they had been offering them for a nominal fee.

Wang Honglan received the longest sentence, which consists of four years and ten months, along with a fine of 1,000,000 yuan (approximately $190,000 CAD). She is scheduled to be released from custody on February 14th, 2026. Two others, Wang Jiale and Liu Minna, who are to be set free on October 14th of this year, were fined 200,000 yuan each. Another believer, Yang Zhijun, is expected to be discharged on July 19th and forced to pay a fine of 150,000 yuan. The remaining Christians, including Wang Honglan's husband Ji Heying, were found guilty but had been released earlier, after completing their sentences.

• Please intercede for each one of the church members presently remaining in custody, asking the Lord to give these believers the strength and grace they need to persevere.
• While awaiting vindication, may they continue to allow the Holy Spirit to work mightily in and through their lives, so they can serve as powerful witnesses of God's love, hope and truth among fellow prisoners – as well as the prison's wardens.
• Pray that those in China who are opposed to the "Good News" of the Gospel would come to personally know the reality of Jesus Christ and, as a result, turn to Him in repentance and saving faith.

NIGERIA: Christians Targeted in Easter Monday Attack

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Morning Star News, Vanguard, Daily Trust

A burned church from a previous attack. Photo: Flickr / Mike Blyth (cc)

In a devastating attack on April 21st, six people were killed and as many as 30 injured when a truck rammed into a crowd of believers who had been taking part in an Easter procession along the streets of Billiri in Gombe state. Though initially reported as an unfortunate accident, a government-appointed committee has since determined that the incident was a deliberate attack on the Christians participating in this year's Easter celebrations.

As has been their tradition for more than 30 years, Christians in Billiri had gathered for an early morning procession of praise and worship through music and dance. During the celebration, a truck suddenly crashed into the crowd at around 7 a.m. Police initially believed that the vehicle had suffered a brake failure. However, further investigation determined that the driver made no effort to avoid the group of believers nor give them any warning. He also had no difficulties stopping the vehicle after ploughing into the group.

The driver, a 28-year-old man named Usman Muhammed, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with "reckless driving" and "dangerous driving causing death."
For previously published reports on Christian persecution in Nigeria, including video interviews, go to our country profile.

• Prayerfully remember the families and friends of the six slain believers as they mourn their tragic loss, asking that God's peace, comfort and protection will be tangible realities in their lives.
• Pray that the Lord would also minister physical and emotional healing to those of our Nigerian Christian brothers and sisters who were injured and traumatized as a result of the Easter incident.
• May justice be served in this case, with hopes that the truck driver, Usman, will experience genuine heartfelt repentance and miraculous transformation.

Prayer for the Persecuted - May 5, 2025 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer

2. Scripture: Revelation 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of
the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God
and of the Lamb.

Persecution Helps the Church Grow | Christian Persecution Stories

3. Worship Video:   Precious Lord Take My Hand

4.  MAURITANIA: Safety Concerns After Demonstration Against Christians

5. NIGERIA: More Than 100 Christians Killed in Recent Attacks

6. PAKISTAN: Christian Couple Attacked at Gunpoint

7.IRAN: Appeal Denied for Three Christian Converts

• • Recent news: 

    • Record Number of Blasphemy Cases Recorded in Pakistan
    • Christians in India Charged after Hindu Nationalist Attack
    • Truck Ramming into Easter Procession in Nigeria Ruled Intentional
    • Boko Haram Kills Seven Christians in Borno State, Nigeria 
    • Officials in Indonesia Seal Christian Worship Site before Easter

                                  
                               

Laos - Shunned Christian Widow Embraces Hope

 iCommitToPray

YeanFin led her four children to
Christ, even when she knew
it would cost her financial
support from her family.

YeanFin is persevering in faith despite total rejection from her family and community. In 2015, YeanFin became a Christian and led her four children to Christ. Already a widow at that time, she was dependent on her extended family as she raised her children alone. Her relatives and the officials of her Laotian village were at first curious about her decision but then threatened her to return to the worship of their ancestral spirits. They said they would not help her if she persisted in following what they saw as a foreign religion: “You should choose us, not choose God!” YeanFin, now 58, struggles to find work after being ostracized by the community, but she has declared that she will not leave Christ and thanks God for taking care of her and her children for the past 10 years. “I love God,” she said. “Even though in this earth my relatives rejected me and have not helped me, in God I have hope.”

Central African Republic -Christian Mother Abducted, Others Killed by Islamists

Source: iCommitToPray
Apr. 24, 2025

Radical Muslims are demanding
a huge ransom to return Emil's wife.

On Feb. 13, 2025, Islamists abducted a Christian mother of five as she worked in her family’s cropland in Bocaranga, in the northwestern region of the Central African Republic. “That day I didn’t go to the garden. I stayed at home,” said her husband, Emil. “While she was in the garden, she was caught by them and kidnapped.” 

The kidnappers have called Emil and demanded an exorbitant ransom for her return. “I don’t have any solution, so I cry out to the Lord for help in this situation. I cry out to him,” he said. 

On Feb. 27, 2025, Islamists also raided a nearby village, burning 75 homes and killing roughly a dozen people. The Islamist attacks in the area have been ongoing for several years, filling Bocaranga with displaced Christians seeking safety. Local Christian leaders request prayer that God will change the attackers’ hearts and bring peace to their land.

Pray that Emil's wife will be safely returned home.  Ask God to protect her while in captivity and keep her safe from physical, mental or emotional harm.

Pray for the displaced Christians that have lost loved ones and homes during theses raids.

Ask God to change the hearts of the Islamist's so that they would be saved and peace would come to the CAR.

INDONESIA: Easter Services Continued Amidst Protests

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Bandung Bererak, Morning Star News

A church in Indonesia.

On March 5th, local residents in Bandung City held a protest against members of the Santa Odilia church. The community members opposed the use of a multipurpose facility for worship, even though the building is owned by the Catholic church.
(For more details on the incident, see this report.)

Despite the opposition, church members were determined to continue with their plans to hold Easter weekend services. However, as worshippers attempted to gather at the facility for "Maundy Thursday" (in commemoration of the Lord's Last Supper), they were forced to find a different route to the location because of a road blockade. Additionally, near the building, protestors set up loudspeakers and broadcasted nationalist songs in an attempt to disrupt the Christian service. Undeterred by these disturbances, the believers continued to pray and worship together.

On Saturday, April 19th, the church members gathered for another time of worship, entering the building through a side door. As the service started, opposing villagers once again began loudly protesting in their efforts to interrupt the worship gathering. Thankfully, local police officers, along with civilian security personnel, surrounded the building to protect the congregants. The authorities were also able to intervene when some demonstrators attempted to break into the building. After the service, the worshippers returned home via a specified route that provided police protection. The church members were deeply thankful for the security measures afforded to them, and the assistance they received was described as a "glimmer of tolerance amidst the wave of protests."

The use of buildings for religious purposes is frequently a source of conflict for those opposed to Christian worship in Indonesia. In addition to strong resistance from local Muslim residents, the registration process for a new worship facility can take many years.
For more reports on the various challenges facing Christians in Indonesia, go to our country profile.

• Praise God that the authorities were able to assist members of the Santa Odilia church and prevent the incident from escalating to violence.
• Pray that these believers will receive divine wisdom as they seek to share the love of Jesus with opposing residents and establish amiable relationships within their community.
• Pray that this congregation, along with the many other churches facing similar situations in Indonesia, will be able to peacefully gather for worship without further harassment.