The Hidden Church of Somalia - Faith in the Shadows:

Source: ICC

In the heart of Somalia, where the mere whisper of Christianity can mean exile—or worse—there exists a quiet, resilient community of believers. They are the hidden church, scattered across cities and villages, practicing their faith in secrecy, often at great personal cost.

In Mogadishu, the capital, believers gather in silence. Many are converts from Islam, viewed by their communities as traitors. Their decision to follow Christ has forced them to abandon homes, families, and identities. Yet, they continue—clinging to the gospel in the face of danger.

To support these courageous souls, International Christian Concern (ICC) has built a network of safe houses. These sanctuaries, run by underground church leaders who have themselves survived persecution, offer shelter, food, and spiritual care. One such home has already protected more than 20 believers—each with a story of escape, loss, and unwavering faith.

In northern Somalia, a lone missionary nurse quietly serves in local hospitals. Her medical work opens doors to share the gospel with women and children. Despite threats, language barriers, and limited resources, she presses on. Her efforts have sparked secret conversions and the birth of underground networks in places once untouched by the message of Christ.

The danger is real. In 2023, militants burned down the farm of a Somali church leader. He and his family fled through the wilderness for a week before reaching safety in Mogadishu. ICC stepped in with emergency aid, helping them rebuild their lives and continue serving the underground church.

Even beyond Somalia’s borders, the struggle continues. In Mombasa, Kenya, Somali Christian families face discrimination and poverty. ICC recently paid school fees for their children, restoring hope and stability to families who feared their futures had been lost.

Every effort, every story, remains confidential. Publishing names or locations could mean imprisonment—or execution. But even in silence, the impact is profound. The hidden church of Somalia is growing, sustained by courage, compassion, and the quiet work of those who refuse to let the light of Christ be extinguished.

🙏 Prayer Requests for Somalia

• Pray for protection over underground believers and safe house leaders.

• Ask God to strengthen the faith of converts who have lost everything to follow Christ.

• Intercede for the missionary nurse serving in hostile territory—that her work would bear fruit and remain hidden from harm.

• Pray for families displaced by violence, that they may find healing and restoration.

• Lift up Somali children in exile, that they may receive education and hope for the future.

• Pray for ICC and other ministries working in secrecy, that their efforts would continue to reach and rescue those in need.

• Ask for divine courage and unity among the hidden church, that they may stand firm in their calling.

India - State of Maharashtra - Christians Fear Additional Attacks, Scrutiny

Source: ICC

A Rising Storm in the State of Maharashtra

In the quiet corners of Maharashtra, India, a storm is brewing—not of weather, but of fear.

Fourteen Christian families in a remote village were recently attacked, their homes invaded, their bodies beaten, and their spirits shaken. The violence was swift and brutal. Women and children were dragged into the streets and assaulted. Their livestock was stolen, their farmland destroyed. And when the survivors returned with police assistance, their pastor was banned from visiting them. No arrests were made. No justice was served.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Just days later, another mob surrounded the home of a village’s only Christian family during a prayer gathering. Armed with rods and sharpened stones, they threatened violence. The family locked their doors in terror as the mob destroyed their motorbike and left a message of intimidation.

Behind these attacks lies a chilling political backdrop. A legislator from the ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) publicly offered a cash reward for anyone who kills a Christian attempting to convert Hindus. On the same day, the state’s chief minister threatened legal action against members of scheduled castes who convert to Christianity and announced plans for an anti-conversion law.

Local pastors speak of growing anxiety. Rumors swirl that Christians will be summoned on August 15 to be interrogated about their faith and religious status. Congregations are shrinking as families abandon their churches out of fear. The Christian community in Maharashtra is on high alert, bracing for what may come next.

A local Christian leader, speaking anonymously, described the situation as part of a “well-designed plan” to justify the anti-conversion law. The attacks, he said, are not random—they are calculated.

🙏 Prayer Requests for Maharashtra, India

• Pray for protection over Christian families facing threats and violence.

• Ask God to strengthen pastors and leaders who are shepherding fearful congregations.

• Intercede for justice—that authorities would act swiftly and fairly against the perpetrators.

• Pray for peace in villages torn apart by hatred and division.

• Lift up those who are reconsidering their faith out of fear, that they may find courage and comfort.

• Pray for wisdom and boldness for Indian believers navigating persecution.

• Ask for international awareness and advocacy to support religious freedom in India.

Nigeria - Christians Endure Sustained Attacks as Fears of Terrorist Takeover Grow

Source: ICC 

In the heart of Nigeria’s Plateau State lies the county of Bokkos—a once-thriving region of Christian farming communities now gripped by fear and devastation. Over the past few months, this peaceful land has become a battleground. Armed militants, emerging from forested camps along the Plateau–Nasarawa border, have launched a relentless campaign of terror. Their goal appears chillingly clear: to drive out the local population and claim the fertile land for themselves.

It began with whispers—rumors of raids in nearby villages. Then came the bloodshed. In April, the village of Hurti in Manguna district witnessed one of the deadliest massacres in recent memory: over 50 lives lost in a single day. Since then, the violence has only escalated. More than 100 Christians have been killed in four months. Homes and churches lie in ruins. Crops, just days from harvest, have been torched or stolen. Entire villages—Dimar, Hokk, Margif, Kopmur, Nina, Ikgngwaghap, and Fokholdep—now stand abandoned.

The attackers strike swiftly and vanish before security forces arrive. Civilian defense groups, made up of local volunteers, are stretched beyond their limits. Despite the presence of military personnel, protection remains elusive. The people of Bokkos are not just fighting for survival—they’re fighting for their homeland, their faith, and their future.

The Bokkos Cultural Development Forum has sounded the alarm. They warn that if Bokkos falls, militants will gain a strategic corridor between Nigeria’s northwest and northeast, bypassing military operations and spreading deeper into Plateau State. The Forum has called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang and federal authorities to dismantle militant camps, support displaced families, and establish a joint civilian task force to bolster security.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Families are sheltering in schools and churches. Children are out of school. Food and medical supplies are scarce. The trauma of displacement and loss weighs heavily on every soul.

And yet, amid the ashes, hope flickers. The people of Bokkos remain determined to defend their homes. Their resilience is a quiet defiance against the darkness.

🙏 Prayer Requests for Bokkos, Nigeria

• Pray for protection over the remaining villagers and civilian defense groups.

• Ask God to comfort grieving families and heal the wounded—physically and emotionally.

• Intercede for displaced families, that they may find shelter, food, and restoration.

• Pray for wisdom and courage for Nigerian leaders to take decisive action.

• Lift up the children who have lost homes and schools, that they may find safety and peace.

• Pray for the dismantling of militant camps and the restoration of stolen lands.

• Ask for international awareness and support to bring lasting peace to Plateau State.

INDIA: Severe Restrictions Accompany Anti-Conversion Legislation

Source: VOMC
Sources: India Today, The Times of India, Mission Network News, International Christian Concern, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Agenzia Fides

A church in India. Photo: World Watch Monitor

In early July, the Maharashtra state government announced plans to introduce stringent anti-conversion legislation. The new laws, which are expected to be the most severe of their kind in the country, are particularly aimed at preventing religious conversions within tribal communities. While the stated intent is to prevent incidents of coercion, legislators have used language demonstrating a broader aim to restrict religious conversions of any sort. During the announcement, the state's revenue minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, declared that the law would be so strict "no one will dare to undertake religious conversion."

In addition to the new anti-conversion measures, the government also revealed plans to demolish church buildings that are deemed "unauthorized." Although state officials did not specify how many worship facilities would be affected, sources estimate that the number could reach into the hundreds.

In a separate announcement, the state's chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, stated on July 17th that "scheduled caste" certificates would be issued only to Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs – specifically excluding Christians and Muslims. For those belonging to castes that are generally marginalized within Indian society, these certificates provide access to government benefits such as subsidized education, scholarships and certain public sector jobs. By restricting eligibility based on one's religious affiliation, many deserving individuals will be denied these essential support systems.

Such restrictions have already been applied in various other states throughout India. In April 2025, the Andhra Pradesh Supreme Court ruled that caste-based benefits should not be given to Christians from marginalized groups because "the caste system is alien to the Christian faith." The National Council of Dalit Christians has since filed appeals in several states, advocating for "religion-neutral" policies based on the constitutional principle of equality.
For other reports on the various challenges facing India's Christians, go to our country profile.

• Pray that the proposed legislation in Maharashtra state will be rejected, and that Christians would be free to practise their faith without fear and the threat of repercussion.
• May God intervene in judicial and legislative decisions throughout India, convicting the country's leaders of the injustice caused by such restrictions and empowering them to protect vulnerable religious minorities.
• Prayerfully remember our impoverished Christian brothers and sisters in India, especially those within tribal regions, asking the Lord to provide for their daily needs and strengthen their trust in Him (Matthew 6:11).

AZERBAIJAN: Fines for Unapproved Religious Meetings

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum 18

Pray that Christians in Azerbaijan will continue to meet. Photo: VOMC Source

A court in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan recently fined two local Christians and three visitors from the capital city of Baku for participating in a worship gathering without state permission. The ruling was announced on June 19th, two months after authorities raided the home of a Korean family where the believers had assembled for worship. The court also fined and deported members of the Korean family for hosting Christian meetings in their residence.

The visitors from Baku chose to pay the fine, which amounted to approximately the average wage for a citizen's three-month term of employment. However, the two local believers have not yet complied with the substantial penalty and are now being pursued by court bailiffs.

While state authorization is compulsory for worship gatherings throughout Azerbaijan, non-Muslim religious communities are routinely denied registration, rendering their activities illegal and subject to punishment. This policy continues to severely restrict freedom of worship for Christians and other religious minorities.
To review further reports on the persecution of believers in Azerbaijan, go to this country profile.

• Pray for wisdom, strength and encouragement on behalf of our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters in Christ who are presently facing fines and other penalties for practising their faith.
• Ask God to guide and equip all followers of Jesus residing within Azerbaijan as they seek ways to faithfully continue serving Him in the midst of opposition.
• May Christian families who open their homes for the purpose of ministry be divinely protected and hidden from the eyes of authorities, so they can continue to gather for meaningful times of worship, prayer and fellowship.

CHINA: Christian Lawyer Remains Missing After Eight Years

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Gao Zhisheng Photo: ChinaAid

For many years, Gao Zhisheng was a bold advocate for persecuted religious communities in China. While serving as a lawyer representing various faith groups, he himself was frequently harassed and arrested. In 2005, Gao's law practice was shut down by the government after he publicly condemned the human rights violations that were being committed against practitioners of a religious movement known as Falun Gong.

About a year after his legal practice was forcibly barred, the advocating lawyer was arrested for the first time – leading to a long cycle of repeated disappearances, detentions and house arrests. During his imprisonments, Gao endured beatings, electrical shocks and other forms of torture. In the midst of his suffering, however, he came to understand the truth of God's Word and eventually placed his faith in Christ.

Gao was last seen on August 13th, 2017. For the past eight years, there has been no information about the Christian man's whereabouts. His wife, Geng He, along with their two children, initially fled to Thailand and were later (in 2009) brought by ChinaAid to the United States, where they continue to reside today. Geng He has repeatedly appealed to the Chinese government for news about her husband, but her pleas remain unanswered. "I just want to know if he is alive," she cried.
For previously published information concerning the disappearance of this Christian lawyer, go to our country profile.

• Continue to lift up this courageous human rights lawyer before God's throne of grace, praying that news of his condition and whereabouts would soon come to light.
• With hopes that Gao has been kept safe throughout the years, pray that he would receive ongoing protection, strength and peace as he endures captivity.
• Also pray that Geng He and her children will be wonderfully comforted and sustained as they continue to await the hopeful return of their loved one.

CHINA: John Cao Unable to Return to the United States

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Pastor John Cao Photo: John Cao via ChinaAid

In March 2017, Pastor John Cao was arrested by Chinese authorities for allegedly "organizing illegal border crossings" while conducting ministry work along the border between China and Myanmar. Sentenced to seven years in prison, he was finally released in March 2024.
(For more information on the church leader's arrest, see this list.)

Following his release from prison, Pastor John hoped to return to his wife in the United States, where he holds permanent residency. However, Chinese authorities have consistently refused to grant the Christian leader a passport, preventing him from leaving the country. Now, more than one year after his release, the pastor remains unable to reunite with his wife and family, including his newborn grandson.

Reflecting on his situation, Pastor John remarked that it feels as though he left a "small prison" only to enter a "large prison." He is not alone in this experience, for many other former prisoners in China have been "exit-banned" for decades as an additional form of punishment. Despite the personal hardships he continues to endure, Pastor John expressed that he has no regrets over his ministry involvement in China. "Being able to return to China to serve the Lord is God's greatest blessing for me," he states. "Everyone, please share in my joy and continue to pray for me."

• Pray that Pastor John will be able to return to the United States and finally reunite with his long-suffering wife and family.
• In the meantime, ask the Lord to bless this church leader's continued ministry work in China, granting him and his separated family renewed patience, joy and strength each new day.
• Continue to pray for peace, endurance and courage on behalf of the many believers throughout this Communist nation who are likewise encountering difficulties and harassment because of their faith.

DR CONGO: Dozens Killed in Church Attack

Source: VOMC
Sources: Open Doors, CNN, BBC, AP

A church in the DR Congo Photo: Pixnio / Brian W.J. Mahy

During the early hours of Sunday, July 27th, more than 40 Christians were killed when Islamic militants attacked a church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The worshippers had gathered for a late-night prayer meeting at their church in Komanda, a town located in the province of Ituri, when members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) suddenly entered the building and began to shoot those who were present. In addition to attacking the church, the militants set fire to several houses and shops in the community. Reports also indicate that at least 20 children were taken hostage during the raid.

Associated with the Islamic State terrorist group, the ADF rebels specifically operate along the border between Uganda and the DR Congo. They are known for their frequent raids of villages, as well as the horrific destruction and loss of life usually left in their wake. Although the militaries of Uganda and the DRC have been working together to dismantle this violent militant group, further threats of attack persist as the rebels seek to establish an Islamic caliphate in the region.
For more reports concerning this situation, go to our country profile.

• In the aftermath of these senseless acts of violence, prayerfully uphold all those in need of God's comfort as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.
• Please also remember the recently abducted children, praying that they will receive urgently needed angelic protection and care while awaiting their hopeful soon release.
• Continue to pray that those in authority will receive Godly wisdom and discernment as they endeavour to rescue these young hostages, bring the rebel forces under control, and encourage unity and peace among the different faith groups in the area.
• Pray that our Christian brothers and sisters throughout this region will be equipped with compassion, courage and greatly needed resources as they minister to those affected by the rebel group's attacks, offering hope and comfort in the name of Jesus.

EGYPT: Christian Convert Charged with Terrorism

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Christian Post, Christians in Crisis

Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq Photo: CSW

On July 22nd, Egyptian authorities formally charged Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq (a convert from Islam to Christianity) with joining a terrorist organization, stirring unrest and spreading false information. Since converting to the Christian faith in 2016 and joining the Russian Orthodox Church, Saeid experienced persistent rejection from his family and community, as well as intimidation from local police. Despite these challenges, he regularly shared his newfound faith with those around him.

In 2018, due to increasing hostility, Saeid travelled to Russia where he applied for asylum. However, when the former Muslim's outspoken stance against Islam sparked tensions within some of Russia's Muslim communities, he was arrested and imprisoned by Russian officials. Eventually, Saeid was deported to Egypt in 2024. Upon his return, Egyptian authorities interrogated the accused Christian man and warned him against proselytizing.

In recent weeks, Saeid sought legal assistance to obtain updated identification documents so that his government-registered religion would reflect his conversion to Christianity. However, on July 15th, the believer was suddenly arrested and, one week later, charges were officially filed against him.

According to Saeid Fayaz, a Christian lawyer based in Cairo, this incident reflects the experiences of many other Christian converts in Egypt: "Thousands of Christian converts in Egypt have no rights and they receive little support. They live in isolation and constant fear. [Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq] believed in the Egyptian constitution, which provides for religious freedom, not realizing that it is a one-way freedom."
To view other published reports concerning the challenges facing believers in Egypt, go to our country profile.

• Pray that God will mightily sustain Saeid as he endures imprisonment, asking that this detained believer would experience divine peace, strength and encouragement in powerful ways.
• May God grant greatly needed wisdom, courage and direction as Saeid and his legal counsel endeavour to have these charges dropped.
• Pray that the Gospel message will continue to spread throughout Egypt, leading many more people to encounter the love, truth and hope of Jesus Christ.

KYRGYZSTAN: Pastor Sentenced to Serve at a Labour Camp

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Release International

Pastor Pavel Shreider Photo: USCIRF

In November 2024, national security police in Kyrgyzstan arrested Pastor Pavel Shreider and placed him in detention. At the time of the church leader's arrest, authorities also raided his home, along with the residences of several other Christians. In the process, thousands of books and Bibles were confiscated, along with cash and cell phones.

The indictment against Pastor Pavel alleges that he, along with other unidentified accomplices, had "conceived of inciting religious hatred in order to undermine the integrity and security of the state." It went on to claim that he had "illegally organized a religious cell, based on the principles of Protestant Christianity, in which he exerted a manipulative influence on church members, as well as through religious literature that is negatively aggressive in nature towards other religions."

After a three-month trial, the 65-year-old pastor was sentenced to serve for three years in a labour camp. Upon the completion of his sentence, the Christian leader is scheduled to be deported to Russia. Although Pastor Pavel was born in Kyrgyzstan during the time it was part of the Soviet Union, he had lived in Russia for many years before returning to his homeland with his family in 2013. Denying all the charges against him, he and his lawyer are presently preparing to appeal the verdict.

Kyrgyzstan enforces strict laws governing all forms of religious activity within the country. In March 2025, Pastor Pavel's church was banned after being labelled as "extremist." This action followed the introduction of newly revised legislation in February 2025, which significantly tightened the requirements for religious organizations.
More information about Christian persecution in this Central Asian nation is available at our country profile.

• Pray on behalf of Pastor Pavel and his family, asking the Lord to provide them peace, strength and protection, as well as the ability to maintain an unwavering trust in Him.
• Pray that the court decision will ultimately be overturned, and that all the charges against the accused pastor would subsequently be dropped.
• Remember to pray for the many other faithful believers in Kyrgyzstan who, like Pastor Pavel, are resiliently sharing the "Good News" of the Gospel amid a politically hostile environment.