SUDAN: Church Building Destroyed While Authorities Watch

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Mission Network News, Open Doors UK, International Christian Concern

A demolished Pentecostal church building in Khartoum. Photo: CSW

On July 8th, approximately 30 individuals equipped with heavy machinery demolished a Pentecostal church in the El Haj Yousif area of Khartoum as police officers and military personnel looked on without intervening. By the time the demolition was finished, the worship hall – which had been constructed in the early 1990s – was reduced to rubble, along with the church's administrative offices, guest house, and other adjoining buildings.

While police and military forces did not directly take part in the demolition, they allowed the destruction to proceed, prevented church members from interfering, and prohibited the recording of the event. In addition, the congregation was unable to save any items from within the buildings. Officials later informed church leaders that the demolition was part of an effort to remove "unregulated" buildings from the city.

Rafat Samir, a local church leader who serves as chairman of the Evangelical Community Council for Sudan, has warned that the future of Christianity is uncertain under the current rule of the country's armed forces. He believes that churches located outside the main cities are at risk of continued direct attacks, while those within the city centres may be further targeted through the military's allegedly "lawful" measures.

Since the onset of civil unrest, Christians within the country have experienced opposition from multiple fronts, and over 100 church buildings have reportedly been damaged or destroyed. The Sudanese authorities have made it clear that reconstruction won't be permitted without official authorization, and that such permits will not be issued to churches.
For additional reports addressing the challenges facing Christians in Sudan, visit our country profile.

• Following the recent loss of their place of worship, pray that the members of this demolished church in Khartoum will be granted wisdom, guidance and unity as they determine their next steps.
• Pray for God's divine ministry to take place within the hearts and minds of the Sudanese authorities, so that they would realize the importance of upholding justice so the country's Christians can peacefully worship Him – the Creator of our vast universe and beyond....
• Lift up all believers throughout Sudan, praying for the Lord's protection over their lives and church sanctuaries amid the political unrest and increased hostility from Islamic militants on all sides of the armed conflict.

SYRIA: Pastor and Family Killed in Targeted Attack

Source: VOMC
Sources: Premier Christian News, Christian Post, Barnabas Aid, Christian Daily International, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israel 365 News

Photo: Unsplash / Sara Calado

A pastor and several members of his family were killed in Syria on July 16th during what church officials have described as a "targeted massacre." While initial reports confirmed at least 12 fatalities, other sources indicate that more than 20 people were possibly killed, including Pastor Khaled Mazher, his parents, as well as his sisters and their children.

The incident occurred just one day after governmental forces raided the city of Sweida, an area plagued by sectarian violence between government-backed Bedouin groups and Druze militias. As a matter of fact, Pastor Khaled himself had converted from the syncretic Druze religion several years prior. Some reports speculate that the attackers may have assumed that he was still a member of the Druze sect.

The broader context, however, indicates a deliberate targeting of Christians in these recent incidents. Just days before the attack, leaflets calling for violence against "cross worshippers" were found at the doors of various churches in the area. Additionally, less than a month earlier, a church in Damascus was targeted by a suicide bomber, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people (see this report).

Pastor Khaled led the Good Shepherd Evangelical Church, one of the few Christian congregations within the country's predominantly Druze region. Despite the increased danger and violence, the pastor remained committed to his ministry work, courageously sharing the Gospel message in this region.
To learn more about how the violence in Syria is affecting the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters residing there, see our country profile.

• Pray for the grieving members of the Good Shepherd Evangelical Church and all those who are mourning the tragic loss of Pastor Khaled, his family, and the many other innocent victims of this devastating attack.
• Intercede on behalf of the country's church leaders as they determine how to move forward with their ministries amid the heightened hostility and uncertainty.
• Pray for an end to the violence in the city of Sweida and other areas of Syria, asking that those who are inciting such acts of terror would experience the Holy Spirit's conviction and transformation.

AFGHANISTAN: Christian Refugees in Tajikistan Face Deportation

Source: VOMC
Sources: VOM USA, Open Doors UK, SAT-7

Afghan refugee children. Photo: Flickr / Hashoo Foundation USA (cc)

Since the Taliban gained control of Afghanistan in 2021, thousands of Afghans who refused to follow the regime's strict form of Islam have been forced to flee the country. Among them are an estimated 13,000 refugees who sought asylum in neighbouring Tajikistan. However, in a deeply troubling development, Tajik authorities have begun forcibly deporting refugees back to Afghanistan, where they could face severe persecution and possibly death.

In mid-July, more than 150 individuals were rounded up from public areas and deported. The group included men, women, children, as well as the elderly. In many cases, families have been torn apart. Among those deported were Christians; other believers managed to flee to safer regions within Tajikistan. The reason for the sudden change in policy remains unknown, though some suggest that the decision may be linked to Tajikistan's alignment with Russia, which recently had formally recognized the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.

Under Taliban rule, Afghans must adhere to strict Islamic beliefs and practices. Those who deviate are subjected to arrest, torture, and even possible execution. No information is currently available about the fate of the Christians who have already been deported; and, for those remaining in Tajikistan, the future is very uncertain.

VOMC's ministry partner, SAT-7, recently received a message from one of the affected Christians, who described the situation as "uncertain and filled with fear and hope mingled together." The believer went on to explain: "Many conflicting reports surround us – some bring fleeting comfort, while others strike terror in our hearts. Some of us face the threat of forced return – not to safety but, for many, to the very mouth of death." Christian refugees in Tajikistan are calling for urgent prayer.
To access previously published reports regarding the dire situation in Afghanistan, go to our country profile.

• Please lift up these imperiled Afghan believers in your prayers, asking the Lord to mightily intervene by softening the hearts of the Tajik authorities so further deportations will not take place.
• In the meanwhile, may our Heavenly Father divinely protect those who have already been forced to return to Afghanistan, shielding them from any risk of danger amid the volatile situation.
• May Tajikistan's political leaders value justice and compassion, honouring their commitment to protect vulnerable refugees in need of safety and humanitarian aid.
• Continue to pray for peace and stability to take place in Afghanistan, asking that the oppressive grip of the Taliban will be broken and that religious freedom would be restored.

PAKISTAN: Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman

Source: VOMC
Sources: British Asian Christian Association, Morning Star News

A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.

The assailants – Muhammad Mohsin, Zahid Gujjar and Muhammad Arslan – deceived Sheeza's husband, Intekhab Alam, by sending him to collect a courier parcel from a town located over an hour away from his home in Sangla Hill. While he was away, the three men entered the Christians' residence and took turns sexually assaulting Sheeza in front of her daughter.

Upon discovering that there was no parcel, Intekhab returned home to find his wife and daughter in tears. When the Christian man learned what had happened, he and Sheeza immediately went to the local police station to report the crime. However, instead of receiving protection and justice, the believers were met with humiliation and violence. After refusing to take the Christians' statement, the station's police officers physically assaulted the married couple and forced them to leave.

The next day, the believers returned to the police station and reattempted to file a report. This time, Sheeza was sent to the hospital for a medical examination, but no doctor was available. Police then instructed the Christians to return home and wait to be contacted. However, after more than a week passed with no response from the authorities, they returned to the station on June 21st. Despite enduring verbal abuse from the sub-inspector, Sheeza and Intekhab were finally able to submit their report, and the three perpetrators were arrested the following day.

Despite the arrests, the distraught Christians have continually received pressure to drop the case. One police constable offered the young couple money to withdraw their complaint, which they refused. For their safety, these believers have since gone into hiding. The couple's young daughter, Dua, remains traumatized by the event, crying whenever Intekhab leaves the room. Human rights advocates are presently working to provide the family with a safe location, daily necessities, trauma counselling and legal assistance.

Christian women in Pakistan face oppression on multiple fronts. Many are targeted not only for their faith but also for their gender, and they often receive little to no protection or support from the authorities nor the judicial system.
For previous reports addressing the suffering of our Pakistani sisters in Christ, and their families, visit our country profile.

• Please remember Sheeza, Intekhab and Dua in your prayers as they now recover from the emotional and physical wounds caused by the traumatic attacks, asking the Lord to minister His healing, comfort and peace in each of their lives.
• As this suffering family remains in hiding, pray that they will be surrounded by our Heavenly Father's loving presence and divinely protected from further harm.
• May justice prevail in this case – along with the many other situations in which violations have been committed against Pakistan's Christians – and may the perpetrators of such crimes be held accountable.

INDONESIA: Hundreds of Protestors Oppose Church Construction

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Terkininews.com, Tempo, Morning Star News

Bulukumba Regency Photo: Wikimedia / Midori (cc)

As the church in Indonesia continues to grow, opposition to the construction of various worship facilities remains a major challenge. One Catholic church in the Bulukumba Regency of South Sulawesi has been waiting for 45 years to receive a building permit. Although the congregation was initially granted permission in 1980, their permit was revoked following public protests. Since then, members of the church have attempted to secure approval for multiple locations, but each application has been met with rejection.

In contrast, the Batak Karo Protestant Church in Kalibaru, a village located in West Java's Depok City, was able to receive its permit on March 4th of this year. The congregation gathered to lay the first stone of the church building on July 5th, commemorating the start of construction. However, the celebration was disrupted when hundreds of local residents suddenly arrived at the building site and began demonstrating against the construction.

Opponents of the worship facility claim that there was a lack of communication, even though the church had obtained the required approval from 60 percent of the local community's members. Some opposing residents also argue that the area already has two churches and, therefore, does not require another. Despite this opposition, the Christians intend to continue the construction process in accordance with the legal approval they have already received.
For previously published reports on the challenges facing Indonesian followers of Jesus, go to our country profile.

• Pray that there will be peace – along with a willingness to accept the new Christian facility – among the residents of this village, allowing the Batak Karo Protestant Church to complete the construction project without any further opposition.
• Throughout the mediation process, may the Lord grant Christian leaders and their congregation members wisdom and grace as they engage with those who had opposed the presence of churches in their communities.
• Continue to intercede on behalf of the numerous other churches throughout Indonesia that are still working through the complex permit process, praying that each of these congregations will soon have a place in which they can peacefully gather and freely worship as well.

IRAN: Convicted Christian Deported and Arrested

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Middle East Concern, Church in Chains

Mehran Shamloui Photo: Article 18

On March 8th, Mehran Shamloui was one of three Christians convicted in Iran for "propaganda" and membership in an alleged "opposition group." He was sentenced to more than ten years in prison. (For more details, see this report.)

Following their conviction, all three believers fled the country while they were on bail. Once arriving in Türkiye, Mehran knew that the process for obtaining refugee status in this country is often very long and usually unsuccessful. Hoping for a better chance at safety, the Christian man attempted to travel westward into Europe. However, he was apprehended by Turkish authorities before reaching the border.

On July 3rd, Mehran had been forcibly returned to Iran, where he was taken into custody by the Iranian authorities. Although his exact location remains unknown, it is believed that the detained believer has since been transferred to a prison to begin serving his sentence. The notorious Evin Prison, where many Christian prisoners were previously held, was damaged in a June 23rd Israeli airstrike. As a result, all inmates have been transferred to other facilities throughout the country – many of which are already overcrowded.

Since the attacks on Iran by American and Israeli forces in June, the Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on anyone who is perceived to be collaborating with "hostile nations," such as the United States and Israel. This includes the country's Christians, who are commonly labelled as "Zionists." At least 21 believers were arrested within the first two weeks of the June 25th ceasefire agreement. However, few details about these cases have been made public.

• Pray for greatly needed strength, encouragement and protection on behalf of Mehran, as well as the many other Christians who are being held captive in prisons across Iran merely because of their faith in Christ.
• Ask the Lord to make a way for all charges against these believers to be dropped so they can be rightfully released.
• Pray that the church in Iran will continue to experience exponential growth, even at a time of intense persecution.
• Continue to prayerfully uphold our Christian brothers and sisters who are being forced to secretly worship in this Middle Eastern nation, asking God to supernaturally sustain them through His reassuring presence and peace.

NIGERIA: Expanding Dangers for Christians

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, BBC, Morning Star News, International Christian Concern, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Truth Nigeria

Video screenshot showing some of the destruction following the Benue massacre. Photo: Stefanos Foundation

In recent weeks, the Voice of the Martyrs Canada produced a special two-part video series on Nigeria, highlighting the dangers facing Christians in the northern region of the country while focussing on the urgent need for prayer.
If you have not yet taken the time to view these two brief but powerful videos, please do so at our country report.

The persecution of believers in Nigeria continues to escalate, fuelled by intensifying attacks from more than six different militant groups vying for control of the nation. As a result, hundreds of Christians have been killed, injured or kidnapped in recent months. In mid-June alone, more than 200 villagers lost their lives in the state of Benue and thousands of others were displaced. While economic and cultural factors contribute to the unrest, religion remains a major catalyst of the ongoing violence. For instance, during the recent raid in Benue, eyewitnesses reported that the attackers shouted, "Allahu Akbar," as they targeted predominantly Christian communities, leaving devastation in their wake.

The scale of violence in Nigeria has reached such a magnitude, that there are urgent calls from around the world prompting decisive action against the country's militants. Yet, despite assurances from Nigerian political leaders, the attacks have continued unabated. Less than three weeks after the Benue massacre, four more Christians were killed in the same area.
An in-depth video interview about the ongoing violence is available here.

Militant Fulani herdsmen also attacked the villages of Dogon Fili and Attang in Kaduna State on July 7th, resulting in the deaths of two Christians, as well as injuries to three others. Several individuals were also reportedly kidnapped, although the exact number remains unknown. That same evening, a pastor and another worshipper were killed in a separate attack when militants stormed a worship service at the Bege Baptist Church in Yari Bori, Kaduna. Armed assailants shouted, "Death to infidels," before fatally shooting Pastor Emmanuel Na'allah Auta and Mallam Samaila Gidan Taro. During the raid, an unidentified woman was also taken captive.

Since Yari Bori is a religiously mixed region, comprising both Muslim and Christian residents, Pastor Emmanuel served as a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and peace between its religious communities. According to one local farmer, this church leader is remembered as "a fearless voice for unity" who "worked with Muslim youth and never stopped speaking out against violence."

• Amid the escalating violence against Christians, please continue to lift up the nation of Nigeria in your prayers, especially interceding for all those who have been directly affected by the recent attacks.
• Pray specifically on behalf of Nigerians within these targeted communities who are now mourning the tragic loss of loved ones, asking the Lord to provide them greatly needed comfort and peace.
• Also ask God to minister healing – mentally, emotionally and physically – to all who are suffering in various other ways as a result of the violence.
• Pray that He will continue to raise up courageous Christian leaders, like Pastor Emmanuel, who are willing to serve as Godly advocates for peace, unity and reconciliation in the face of fear and division.

INDIA: Legislator Issues Bounties on Evangelists' Lives

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Mission Network News, The Times of India, India Today, The Indian Express

A village in Maharashtra Photo: Wikimedia / Nikhil More (cc)

A legislator in India's Maharashtra state has publicly announced the issuance of bounties on the lives of Christians who visit villages for the purpose of proselytization. In a speech that he made on June 17th, Gopichand Padalkar offered rewards ranging from 300,000 rupees (about $4,800 CAD) for assaulting a Gospel worker to over one million rupees (approximately $17,500 CAD) for killing a pastor. The legislator's remarks were made in retaliation, following the suicide of a young woman who had allegedly been pressured by her in-laws to pay a customary dowry and adhere to the family's belief in Christianity.

The official's recent announcement has sparked widespread concerns among India's Christians. Various protests have since been held throughout Maharashtra, with demonstrators demanding that Gopichand Padalkar face criminal charges for inciting violence and promoting religious hatred. The Christian community is also calling for the governing official's expulsion from state legislature. Thankfully, some dissent over the official's life-threatening stance has even taken place within his own political party. While Gopichand is a member of the Hindu-nationalist BJP – a party known for supporting anti-conversion legislation – some BJP leaders have publicly condemned his remarks which they consider "irresponsible" and unrepresentative of the party's official stance.

This incident comes amid a broader rise in hate speech and hostility towards religious minorities throughout various parts of India. Additionally, the enforcement of anti-conversion laws, which are often used to target Christians, has been gaining traction across the country. On July 9th, officials working for the Maharashtra state government announced that they will be enacting their own anti-conversion legislation, making this Indian state the 11th with related laws. Such measures have frequently been used to intimidate and oppress religious minorities.
To review previously published reports addressing the challenges encountered by Christians in India, go to our country profile.

• Pray that our Christian brothers and sisters in India will receive God's wisdom and discernment as they seek ways to appropriately deal with the hostility inflicted against them, so that they may respond to their opposers with grace and unwavering hope.
• Ask the Lord to shield the pastors and evangelists in Maharashtra state from harm by thwarting any violent schemes of the enemy and ensuring peace prevails over discord.
• May the Holy Spirit move mightily within the hearts of India's governing and judicial leaders – at the local, state and federal levels – bringing about policies that promote tolerance, justice and mutual respect for all of the country's religious communities.

PAKISTAN: Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, International Christian Concern, VOPM

Adil Babar Photo: Morning Star News

Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.

In 2023, two Christian youths, Adil Barbar and Simon Nadeem, were accused of blasphemy after a neighbour claimed to have overheard them calling a dog "Muhammad Ali" and laughing about it. Although the families of both teens denied the presence of any dog, Adil and Simon were charged for allegedly insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
(Read more details on the incident.)

On July 8th, after more than two years of legal uncertainty, the two Christian youths were acquitted and dismissed of all charges. While they are now considered free, concerns remain for their safety due to the threat of vigilante violence. Regrettably, Pakistan's blasphemy laws have been frequently misused to settle personal disputes, incite violence and persecute religious minorities.

In a separate case, 14-year-old Elishba Adnan was abducted from her home on June 11th by Baba Mukhtar, a 28-year-old man known to the family. Though members of the Christian girl's family turned to the local police for assistance, their pleas were repeatedly ignored.

Elishba's father eventually sought help from a human rights activist named Albert Patras, who discovered that the teenage girl had supposedly converted to Islam on June 12th and married her kidnapper. Albert was able to bring the case to court, arguing that – since Elishba was under the age of 16 – the marriage constituted statutory rape under Pakistani law. On July 3rd, the judge ruled in favour of the family, denying custody to Baba and placing Elishba in a women's shelter. Her parents remain hopeful that she will soon return home now that she is no longer under the influence of her captor.

In a similar ruling on July 9th, a judge in Lahore sentenced Ahmed Raza to life in prison for the rape of a 12-year-old Christian girl. The victim, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, was kidnapped in 2023 and assaulted by Ahmed and his three accomplices. The perpetrator then fabricated documentation indicating that the girl had converted to Islam and married him. Ahmed was ultimately found guilty of rape, though the judge did not rule on the legitimacy of the conversion or marriage. However, during a separate proceeding, a family court issued a decree in the girl's favour and thus declared the marriage void.

Blasphemy accusations and forced marriages remain two of the most prevalent threats against Christians in Pakistan. While the courts often succumb to pressure from militant groups, these recent rulings offer a glimmer of hope that justice and protection for minorities are still possible.
To learn more about the incidents of persecution encountered by our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan, go to our country report.

• Praise God for the courage and integrity of judges who upheld justice in these recent cases, even in the midst of opposing societal and political pressures.
• Pray for further reforms to take place within Pakistan's government and its operating legal system, asking that laws respecting the rights and dignities of all citizens – regardless of their faith – will be duly upheld.
• Lift up all those in Pakistan who have suffered from abductions, false blasphemy accusations and threats of violence, asking our Heavenly Father to minister healing, restoration and peace to these believers and their families.

SYRIA: Suicide Bomber Attacks Damascus Church

Source: VOMC
Sources: BBC, International Christian Concern, Middle East Concern, ECSPE

The Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church after the bombing. Photo: Middle East Concern

At least 20 worshippers were killed and dozens of others wounded when a lone attacker targeted the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church near Damascus on June 22nd. Approximately 350 people were inside the church building when the assailant suddenly opened fire and then detonated a suicide vest near the entrance of the church. The resulting blast not only killed those inside the building but also several people who had been standing within the immediate vicinity.

This incident marks the first major attack on a church within Syria in several years. Syrian authorities believe that the male bomber was affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist group, though it has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The interim government, which took power in December 2024, has condemned the bombing and promised to take appropriate action.

In the meantime, many church leaders have expressed frustration over what they perceive to be inadequate protection for the country's Christians. At the funeral for the victims, the Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, remarked: "We are grateful for the phone call [from Syria's interim president], but the crime that took place is a little bigger than that."

The country of Syria remains in a period of political transition after the overthrow of the authoritarian government under Bashar al-Assad.
To review more reports concerning the persecution of our persecuted Christian family in Syria, visit our country profile.

• Remember all those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones as a result of this tragic attack, praying that they would sense the nearness of God's presence, as evidenced by His abiding comfort and peace.
• Also prayerfully lift up the surviving church members who sustained injuries and trauma, asking for God's healing power to be manifested in their lives – physically, emotionally and spiritually – leading them to full recovery.
• Pray for the establishment of a stable government in Syria; one that will pursue peace, justice and protection on behalf of all citizens residing within the country, including those of vulnerable Christian communities.

CHINA: Arrests of Church Leader and Four Other Christians

Source: VOMC
Sources: Open Doors Canada, ChinaAid, Bitter Winter

Pastor Huang Yizi Photo: ChinaAid

Pastor Huang Yizi is a well-known house church leader in China's Zhejiang Province. For more than a decade, he has encountered repeated harassment and imprisonment for his Christian faith. In 2014, the pastor was arrested and sentenced to one year in prison after publicly protesting the government's campaign to remove crosses from church buildings across the province. He was arrested again in September 2015 and held for five months in a "black jail," where he had been forbidden from contacting his family and legal representatives. In 2021, Pastor Huang reported that he was being constantly monitored by the authorities and subjected to random interrogations (read more).

On June 26th, 2025, the church leader was once again taken into custody by local police and placed in detention. According to his wife, the authorities also searched the Christian couple's home and confiscated several items. At around the same time, four other believers were reportedly arrested as well. Following Pastor Huang's detention, lawyers attempted to visit the detained church leader but were denied access and told to return in 48 hours. A complaint has since been filed against the detention centre for violating the pastor's right to receive proper legal representation.

Pastor Huang has allegedly been accused of conducting "illegal business operations," a charge frequently used by Communist authorities to target religious dissidents.
For other reports addressing Christian persecution in China, go to our country profile.

• Pray that Pastor Huang's legal team will be granted wisdom, favour and full access to their detained client so they can effectively represent him.
• During this time of incarceration, may God sustain this Christian leader with supernatural strength, endurance and hope.
• In addition, prayerfully uphold this imprisoned church leader's wife, asking that she too would sense the Lord's comforting presence with her daily.
• As Pastor Huang awaits vindication, pray that he will receive divinely appointed opportunities to serve as a testimony of the Lord's love and grace to those around him.

PAKISTAN: Christian Acquitted After 23 Years

Source: VOMC
Sources: UCA News, Independent Catholic News, Barnabas Aid

Photo: Pixabay

In 2001, during the aftermath of the World Trade Centre attacks in New York, a Christian man in Pakistan named Anwar Kenneth published a letter defending Christianity and expressing his belief that Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was not a prophet of God. As a result of the letter, Anwar was charged in 2002 and ultimately convicted of blasphemy – a crime that carries an automatic death sentence under Pakistani law. The imprisoned believer has remained on death row for the past 23 years.

In 2014, Anwar's legal representatives argued that he suffered from mental illness and therefore should not have been found guilty. Despite these claims, the Lahore High Court ruled to uphold the Christian man's original sentence. In March 2024, however, the Supreme Court of Pakistan acknowledged the possibility that Anwar may not be guilty under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, noting that, as a Christian, he has the constitutional right to express his religious beliefs (read more).

Following years of repeated appeal rejections from judiciaries representing the lower courts, the country's Supreme Court finally ordered an official acquittal on June 25th, declaring Anwar to be of unsound mind and thus not criminally liable under Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Finally, after more than two decades behind bars, the 72-year-old Christian man is now scheduled to be freed from prison.

As Anwar's release date approaches, his lawyer has expressed concern for the family's safety, warning of threats from militant Islamic vigilantes who consider it their duty to kill those accused of blasphemy. The lawyer, who happens to be a Muslim, has been under police protection himself after receiving threats for publicly speaking out against the misuse of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
For more details on the difficulties facing Christians in this South Asian nation, go to our country profile.

• Praise God that Anwar has been acquitted after experiencing so many years of imprisonment.
• Uphold this believer in your prayers as he adapts to life outside the prison walls – and reenters a world that has changed significantly during his time behind bars – asking that he and his family will receive the Lord's divine peace and protection.
• May Anwar also be provided the support of a caring community of fellow believers as he begins this new chapter of his life.
• Pray that Pakistan's court officials and governing leaders would consider the harmful consequences of the country's existing blasphemy laws, and thus make necessary changes to prevent further abuses and cases of injustice from taking place.

Nigeria: The most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. - Part 2

 

SPECIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION Second of a Two-Part Series   VOMC's production team has filmed on location in Nigeria a special two-part "Persecution & Prayer Alert" video series. We now invite you to view the second part of this informative series. (To watch the previous week's video presentation, and/or to explore published written reports addressing persecution in Nigeria, visit our country report.)   The focus of this week's video presentation shifts to the vital need for unity among members of the Nigerian church, where a divide has emerged between persecuted believers in the north and the more prosperous Christian communities in the south. Encouragingly, some church leaders in the south are beginning to recognize this separation and, as a result, are calling for greater solidarity and support for fellow Nigerian believers who are suffering horrific abuses for their faith. Stephen Wesley, VOMC's Director for Global Education and Discipleship, leads us in prayer for healing, love and unity to take place among the body of Christ in what is statistically known as Africa's most populous nation. Please join us in this special time of intercession as we prayerfully uphold our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ.

Watch the Video Now

Pray that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully among members of the Nigerian church – spanning across all regions, denominations and backgrounds – so that followers of Jesus throughout the country will unite together in love, humility and purpose. Please remember the grieving families of those who have been tragically slain because of their faith in Christ, asking that they would tangibly experience the great comfort of the Lord's abiding presence with them. Continue to pray that the peace of God would reign – not only within the hearts of His people in Nigeria but also throughout the nation as a whole.