NIGER: Baptismal Service Attacked by Gunmen

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

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

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

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

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

DR CONGO: Multitudes Killed While Attending Funeral Wake

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAKISTAN: Justice Delayed in Jaranwala

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

The riots in 2023. Photo: Morning Star News

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

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

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

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

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

INDIA: Supreme Court to Review Anti-Conversion Laws

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

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

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

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

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

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

RUSSIA: Church Congregations Banned

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Christian Network Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ETHIOPIA: Attacked Church Seeks New Meeting Location

Source: VOMC
Source: Steadfast Global

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

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

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

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

IRAN: Retrial Denied for Imprisoned Believer

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Church in Chains

Mehran Shamloui Photo: Article 18

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

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

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

PAKISTAN: Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHINA: House Church Bible Study Gathering Raided

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

One of the church members being interrogated by police. Photo: ChinaAid

Several Christians were gathered on the morning of August 22nd for a Bible study at the Beijing Holy Love Fellowship church when multiple police officers suddenly entered the facility. After demanding to see the believers' identification cards, the authorities recorded the personal details of all those who were present. At the time of publishing this report, no official statement or charges have been issued by the Beijing police.

The Beijing Holy Love Fellowship, which happens to be one of the most prominent house churches in China's capital region, was clearly under the scrutiny of city officials prior to the raid. The recent invasion follows a series of other incidents in which several church members were previously detained and sentenced for their involvement in religious or human rights activities.

Unregistered churches in China continue to encounter surveillance, interference and legal threats. In addition, church members are frequently charged with offenses such as "disturbing social order" or conducting "illegal business operations." These accusations are often used by Communist officials to suppress religious gatherings and intimidate those who attend them.
To learn more about Christian persecution in China, go to our country profile.

• Prayerfully uphold the members of this thriving church as they face potential repercussions for their participation in Christian activities, asking the Lord to provide each one ongoing strength, encouragement and protection.
• Pray that the authorities involved in the disruption of Christian gatherings will personally encounter the profound life-changing love of Christ through the witness of His followers and, as a result, become receptive to the truth of the Gospel.
• Please also remember the many Chinese followers of Jesus who are currently being detained because of their faith, asking the Lord to give them endurance, hope and divinely appointed opportunities to share the Gospel while awaiting their release from imprisonment.

INDIA: New Policies Further Restrict Religious Freedom

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Morning Star News, The Economic Times

A church in India. Photo: Flickr / Ashish Kumar Milap (cc)

Recent developments in two Indian states have raised serious concerns for Christians, particularly in relation to the newly heightened restrictions on religious conversions. In the first incident, police in Chhattisgarh notified more than 200 house churches around the state capital city of Raipur that worship gatherings within private homes are no longer permitted.

The directive, issued by the police chief, is reportedly aimed at maintaining law and order following numerous complaints about alleged illegal conversions taking place in house churches. Consequently, Christian worship is now restricted to occur in officially registered buildings. One pastor was detained on August 24th for violating this new order. A legal petition objecting to the police directive has been filed, and court hearings are currently underway.

Meanwhile, in the northern state of Uttarakhand, amendments to the existing anti-conversion legislation were passed into law on August 20th. These changes introduced stringent penalties, along with a ban on digital "propaganda." Uttarakhand is the first state to include digital media – prohibiting activity on social media platforms, messaging apps and other online channels – when referencing its increased restrictions on religious conversions.

Furthermore, the definition of prohibited "inducements" leading to conversion was broadened to encompass not only financial or material gifts but also statements that allegedly "hurt religious faith or glorify another religion." The revised law also expanded penalties for "forced conversions" by raising the previous maximum term of incarceration from ten years to the possibility of life imprisonment. In addition, the ability to post bail has been restricted, now requiring the trial court to be convinced of the accused individual's innocence.

Several Indian states have enacted legislation to curb "forcible conversions," but unfortunately these laws are frequently being misused to target the activities of religious minorities. Recent statements from governing leaders demonstrate that the purpose of such legislation may go beyond preventing coerced proselytization, aiming instead to stop all forms of religious conversion.

In a statement to the media, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, declared: "Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi ("Land of the Gods") and a place where holy saints through the ages came and meditated.... The proposed amendment is a major step on our part to ensure that the social fabric of the Himalayan state is not changed."
For more reports on the challenges facing Christians in India, go to our country profile.

• May the Lord impart wisdom and courage to Christian leaders in Chhattisgarh as they navigate these new restrictions and seek ways to continue ministering to their congregations in the days to come.
• Pray for the protection of all followers of Jesus throughout India who are at risk of false allegations being filed against them – with the claim of "induced conversions" – and the harsh penalties that could result when sharing their faith with others.
• Also intercede for India's governing and judicial officials, asking that they will rightly uphold constitutional protections for religious freedom as they deliberate current and future legal issues.

IRAN: Over 50 Arrested Christians Accused of Espionage

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Church in Chains

A map of Iran, marking the arrests of Christians since June 24, 2025.  (Click on the image for a larger view.) Photo: Article18

Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) recently reported that over 50 Christians have been arrested since the end of the recent conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025. The country's intelligence agency labelled the detained believers as "Mossad mercenaries," claiming that they had been trained by churches abroad and were now operating "under the guise of the Zionist Christian evangelization movement."

In addition to the arrests, Iranian state media has accused the Christians of engaging in espionage and having connections to foreign entities. A video report released by the media in mid-August includes footage of some believers attending a gathering in Türkiye, along with images of Bibles and other literature which the Christians were purportedly smuggling into Iran.

In contrast to the religious traditions practised by those belonging to the country's historic Armenian and Assyrian Christian communities, who are incidentally permitted to worship in their own languages, evangelical followers of Jesus are branded as "Zionists." As the majority of Iran's Christians are not part of these two traditional groups, they consequently cannot gather for worship legally. As a result, many believers rely on the Internet to access spiritual encouragement and teaching.
More information concerning the persecution of Christians in Iran can be reviewed at our country report.

• Please prayerfully remember the recently detained Christians, along with the many other followers of Jesus in Iran who are currently being imprisoned for their faith.
• May the ministries represented by the country's underground churches continue to faithfully serve fellow believers – while also reaching out to spiritual seekers with the life-transforming message of God's love for them – despite the Iranian government's intense restrictions.
• Ask the Lord to work mightily in the lives of Iranian officials and others who oppose the "Good News" of the Gospel, praying that "the eyes of their hearts" would be enlightened (Ephesians 1:18).

NORTH KOREA: Christian Radio Broadcasts Expanded

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, Voice of the Martyrs Korea

Photo: Pexels / Anthony Shkraba Production

While the "radio" may be considered almost obsolete technology in some areas of the world, Voice of the Martyrs Korea (VOMK) acknowledges that it's an effective means of sharing the Gospel message in North Korea. Despite the significant risks involved, an estimated 20 percent of North Koreans regularly listen to foreign broadcasts using headphone radios. Although Christian broadcasting is illegal in this highly restrictive nation, the use of these radios allows individuals to listen to programs discreetly or alone in the dark, reducing the likelihood of detection by onlookers who may report them to the authorities.

"Listening to shortwave radio broadcasting – listening to any foreign radio broadcasting – is illegal and highly punishable," explains Pastor Eric Foley of VOMK. In addition to the legal implications, the North Korean government actively works to jam radio signals, in an attempt to prevent the broadcasts from being heard. Yet, the messages being sent by VOMK continue to break through the barriers. In 2024, more than half of the autumn broadcasts were received clearly without jamming; and, during winter season, 89 percent could be heard without substantial jamming.

Encouraged by these results, VOMK recently announced the expansion of its radio ministry, adding a fifth daily 30-minute program to be broadcasted into North Korea. (Details such as the time, launch date and radio frequency are withheld from this report for security reasons.) Each weekday, the new broadcast will consist of sermons that were previously prepared by early Korean Christians (prior to the Communist regime); and, on the weekends, uninterrupted readings of the Bible are to be presented. These broadcasts will not only allow listeners to hear the Scriptures but also enable them to transcribe what they receive, so they can create their own handwritten copies of the Bible.

Although reports from this highly restrictive nation are rare, it is a blessing to learn of the creative ways in which God is continuing to work within North Korea, despite the extreme measures taken by the government to prohibit the proclamation of the Gospel.
More information is available at our country profile.

• Praise God that the message of His tremendous love – as demonstrated through the life, sacrificial death and resurrection of His Son Jesus – is powerfully reaching into North Korea, despite the many efforts to suppress it.
• Pray for His continued provision towards VOMK's radio broadcasts and other forms of outreach, as well as the protection of all those who are involved in these effective ministry endeavours.
• As listeners hear the Christian radio broadcasts, may their spiritual ears be open and hearts receptive, so that the seeds of God's Word can take root and flourish in their lives. As a result, may many more North Koreans embrace His gracious gift of eternal salvation.