CHINA: Coordinated Arrests Against Church Leaders

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Christianity Today

Pastor Jin Mingri (second from right). Photo: ChinaAid

Under the leadership of Pastor Jin Mingri, Beijing Zion Church has grown into one of the largest unregistered churches in China. In addition to having several satellite campuses, the church draws more than 1,000 attendees to its Sunday services each weekend.

Pastor Jin, a former participant in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, came to faith in Christ shortly after the political demonstrations, and has since encountered persistent opposition from officials of the Chinese Communist Party. Although his wife eventually relocated to the United States for safety and to be with their children (who are American citizens), Pastor Jin chose to remain in China despite the risk of continued persecution.

Starting on October 9th, the Chinese authorities began a coordinated campaign against the church and its leaders. As many as 30 pastors and associates, including Pastor Jin, have been taken into custody. According to Sean Long, one of the church's pastors who had been studying abroad at the time of the arrests, the detained Christians are being charged with "illegal dissemination of religious information via the Internet."

In response, the church has mobilized legal assistance for each of the arrested believers. As of October 16th, 32 attorneys had formally joined the high-profile case. The incident has also drawn international attention, prompting advocacy efforts aimed at pressuring authorities to drop the charges.

Despite the arrests, the church continues to meet in groups of five to 50 people, as has been its custom. Together they watch a sermon via Zoom, followed by in-person discussions. Pastor Sean emphasized the church's resilience, stating, "We are willing to pay the price to bear the cost of discipleship."
For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, go to our country profile.

• Please pray for Pastor Jin and the other detained church leaders, asking God to fill them with His perfect peace, shield them with His divine protection, and uphold them with His mighty strength, as they await justice and vindication.
• May the Lord also strengthen and comfort those who were otherwise affected by the recent crackdown – including the church leaders' concerned families and fellow congregation members.
• In addition, prayerfully remember the detained believers' representatives who are providing legal assistance and advocacy, asking that they be empowered to speak with wisdom, clarity and courage under the guidance of God's Holy Spirit (Luke 12:11-12).

INDIA: Christian Couple Forced from Their Home

Source: VOMC
Source: International Christian Concern

A village in India. Photo: Wikimedia / Nikhil More (CC)

Three years ago, "Sameer" (whose name has been changed for security reasons) came to faith in Jesus after witnessing his wife's miraculous healing from a life-threatening health condition. "That day, we knew the love and power of God," he recounts, "and we gave our lives to Christ." Following their decisions, however, the new believers began to experience opposition from unapproving members of their community.

On September 27th, Sameer's mother came to the couple trembling. She had overheard other villagers plotting to kill the converted believers in an effort to make the village "Christian-free." The concerned mother urged the endangered couple to leave the area immediately. A few minutes later, Sameer's brother warned him to do the same. That evening, the Christian man quietly left the village, while his wife remained at home.

The next morning, Sameer received a call from his brother with devastating news. A mob had gathered at the couple's home, demanding: "Will you deny Jesus or let your house be destroyed?" When Sameer's wife refused, the militants mocked her and ordered that she leave the village. With little choice, the Christian woman fled the area, and their house was subsequently destroyed along with everything they owned.

The couple is now living with fellow Christians in a town located nearly 80 kilometres from their home village. Despite the ordeal, Sameer remains firm in his faith. "I will continue to follow Jesus, no matter what," he proclaims. "It may be difficult to return to my village because the people there have vowed to make the entire village Christian-free, but I know God is with me. I need to start my life from scratch.... God will help me as I trust in Him for love and care."

This incident reflects the experience of many Christian converts in India, particularly those in rural villages.
To read previously published reports addressing similar acts of persecution, visit our country profile.

• Please intercede for Sameer and his wife as they consider their next steps, praying that they will receive peace of mind, divine guidance and the necessary provisions to rebuild their lives in a new village.
• Praise God for sustaining this couple's faith in the midst of persecution and the resulting consequences by providing them strength and courage – in keeping with His promises to all who call upon Him.
• Pray for the couple's family members, along with the opposing villagers who destroyed their home, asking that all those who have yet to surrender their lives to Jesus would be drawn to Him through the testimony of these two faithful believers.

PAKISTAN: Christian Man Beaten to Death in Targeted Attack

Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS-UK, Pakistan Christian Post, Bitter Winter

Photo: PickPic

On the evening of September 24th, Asif Raza was returning home from work in the Vehari district of Punjab when he was suddenly ambushed by a group of seven assailants. The men brutally assaulted Asif, deliberately targeting his head while striking him repeatedly with bricks.

Eyewitnesses attest that the police were called 15 times but failed to respond. Emergency services also did not arrive in a timely manner. By the time the 28-year-old Christian was finally rushed to hospital, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

According to the police report, Asif was specifically targeted because of his faith in Christ. One of the suspects, identified as Wahab, has since been arrested. While it's believed that the arrested assailant was the main instigator of the violent attack, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the other six individuals involved – all of whom are reportedly members of a militant Islamic faction.

Human rights groups and Christian organizations have condemned the attack as a "targeted act of hatred rooted in religious intolerance." Advocates are calling for justice on behalf of this slain young man and his grieving family. Although unmarried, Asif was engaged, and thus also leaves behind his grieving fiancée.
Additional reports concerning the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters in this South Asian nation are available at our country profile.

• Pray that justice will be served, and that all those responsible for this senseless attack would be located and held accountable.
• In the meantime, as Asif's fiancée, family and friends endeavour to recover from their heartbreaking loss, may they receive greatly needed comfort through the Lord's abiding presence and His many reassuring promises.
• Ask God to work mightily in the hearts of the assailants, bringing each one of them to a place of true repentance and transformation through the redeeming power of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Risen Saviour and Lord.

Vikram's Story | Christian Persecution in India

Nigeria — ‘Baby Ruth’ Continues to Inspire Nigerian Christians Years after Fulani Attack

Source: ICC

• Background: Ruth was just two months old when her village in Maiyanga, Plateau State, Nigeria, was attacked by armed Fulani militants in 2021. Her mother, Hannatu, was killed while trying to protect her, and most of her family was gunned down. Ruth and her grandmother were the only survivors.

  

   Years after she lived through unspeakable
  violence, Ruth’s smile emerges free from trauma. 

  
  

• Rescue and Adoption: Ruth was found alive the next morning, cold and covered in mud. She was adopted by her aunt Talatu and uncle Danjuma, who raised her as their own despite facing their own losses and hardships.

• Faith and Resilience: The Danjuma family, deeply rooted in Christian faith, sees Ruth’s survival as a sign of God’s grace. They continue to pray for peace and forgiveness, even for the attackers.

• Current Life: Ruth is now 5 years old, attending ECWA Primary School in Jos. Though she struggles academically due to early trauma, she’s described as gentle and curious. She loves singing hymns in Sunday school.

• Ongoing Challenges: The Middle Belt region remains volatile, with frequent attacks on Christian communities. Ruth’s family lives in fear but remains hopeful. They ask for support with Ruth’s education and urge the world to pray for persecuted Christians in Nigeria.

• Message to the World: Ruth’s story is one of survival, faith, and the enduring hope of a community under siege. Her family’s plea is simple: pray for peace, help educate the next generation, and remember those who suffer in silence.

Nigerian Persecution Surges as God Supernaturally Moves Amid Mayhem, Horror

Start video at 4:00, end at 6:51

IRAN: Christian Tortured During Pre-Trial Detention

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Middle East Concern

Morteza Faghanpour-Saasi Photo: Article18

In June 2024, five Christian converts in Iran were arrested because of their faith. More than a year later, on July 16th, these believers were convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison for allegedly promoting "propaganda." Little information is available about the five detained Christians, and only three of them have been identified thus far. The charges stem from their attendance at Biblical training courses in Türkiye, as well as their involvement with house churches and online Christian events in Iran.

One of the convicted believers, Morteza Faghanpour-Saasi, received an additional 17-month sentence for allegedly insulting Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Disturbingly, it has been revealed that Morteza was subjected to torture by prison officials prior to his trial. The physical abuse took place when officers attempted to pressure the believer to sign a statement renouncing his Christian faith in exchange for a reduced sentence.

On September 17th, after reviewing the cases of all five imprisoned followers of Jesus, authorities presiding over the court of appeal ruled to uphold the original sentences.
To access previously published reports concerning Christian persecution in this highly restrictive Persian nation, visit our country profile.

• Pray that these five imprisoned believers – along with the many other Christians who are presently suffering for their faith in Iran – will receive divine protection and the strength to endure, while awaiting vindication from the country's judicial authorities.
• In the meantime, may God's love, peace and grace be powerfully reflected in the lives of these detained believers, so that their prison guards, court officials and fellow inmates would also discover the blessed hope that is available through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Pray for the continual growth and impact of ministries that are reaching into Iran, asking the Lord to equip their facilitators with wisdom, courage and the resources needed to further spread the Gospel message.

PAKISTAN: Fake Facebook Account Sparks Blasphemy Allegations

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Pakistan Christian Post, Agenzia Fides

Photo: Pixabay / umarseehar

"No Christian in Pakistan, fully aware of the devastating consequences, would intentionally publish or write anything that could be perceived as blasphemous against Islam." This statement by Father Lazar Aslam was made in response to recent allegations against a young Christian man, Asher Bhatti, whose case has sparked widespread concerns among religious freedom advocates.

On September 16th, a Muslim bookstore owner named Muhammad Umair discovered a Facebook account containing statements that were perceived as being derogatory towards the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The Facebook posts also featured inflammatory comments from Asher's uncle who lives in Thailand, further exacerbating the situation.

At around the same time, Asher also discovered the account, which had been falsely created in his name without his knowledge or consent. The young Christian man promptly reported the impersonation to Pakistan's national cyber-crime agency, informing them that the account was created by his uncle, Samuel Paul. According to Asher, Samuel had been threatening and accusing him – alluding that his faith was causing serious trouble for their family. Allegedly affiliated with a militant Islamic group, the opposing uncle has also made attempts to extort money from Asher's parents who are presently living in the United Kingdom.

Despite Asher's efforts to clear his name, Muhammad Umair filed a police complaint against the believer, accusing him of blasphemy. Since police investigations are continuing, Asher has not been arrested. In the meanwhile, public demonstrations have called for his immediate detention. Due to these threats, the young man has been forced to go into hiding.

Sadly, Asher's case is not an isolated incident. According to Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-UK, "This is yet another tragic example of how Pakistan's blasphemy laws are being grossly misused." Such accusations have resulted in the imprisonment of hundreds of individuals, many of whom are innocent.
Other reports addressing the persecution of Christians in Pakistan are available at our country profile.

• Pray that truth and justice will prevail in Asher's case, and that those responsible for the threats and false accusations will be held accountable.
• Ask our Heavenly Father to protect Asher and the members of his immediate family from danger, providing each of them peace, courage and comfort in the midst of this difficult situation.
• Pray that Pakistan's blasphemy laws will be repealed, so they can no longer be misused to target innocent individuals – including those who represent religious minorities.

INDONESIA: Blasphemy Legislation to be Updated in January

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, The Christian Post, Global Pluralism Monitor, USCIRF

A church in Indonesia. Photo: Wikipedia / Christian Advs Sltg (CC)

Indonesia's blasphemy law has been enforced since 1965, despite multiple unsuccessful attempts to remove the legislation. Although the country is home to the world's largest Muslim-majority population, the national government has long sought to maintain a religiously diverse society. Even so, incidents of religious intolerance and persecution have often occurred on a local level.

While the most recently made revisions to the nation's criminal code had been passed in 2022, they are scheduled to take effect in January 2026 when the newly elected president assumes office. These newly added regulations were intended to reflect the current digital environment. However, the wording of amendments pertaining to the country's "apostasy" and "blasphemy" laws remains unclear. According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, "the language included is intentionally vague, allowing for broad interpretation and application." Human rights advocates have expressed concerns that this ambiguity could enable local authorities and militant groups to misuse the law against religious minorities.

An Indonesian Christian named Andreas acknowledges the importance of regulating hate speech, but he points out that certain aspects of the law disproportionately favour Islam as the majority religion of the country. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that the new regulations won't lead to rampant abuse, as witnessed in countries like Pakistan. "The situation [here] is very different," Andreas reasons.
To review further information on the challenges facing Indonesia's Christians, go to our country profile.

• Pray that all levels of the Indonesian government will uphold religious tolerance by resisting pressure from militant groups and promoting policies that honour the rights of all citizens.
• As a result, may the country's local authorities act justly and courageously to ensure religious minorities are protected from discrimination and persecution.
• Please continue to remember Christians throughout Indonesia, praying that they will be filled with the love of Christ and empowered to live out their faith boldly and compassionately.

INDIA: Pastor Acquitted of Anti-Conversion Charges

Source: VOMC
Source: Morning Star News

Believers in India. Photo: VOMC

In October 2021, Pastor Nandan Singh was gathered with 25 other Christians for an all-night prayer meeting when militant Hindus, primarily from nearby villages, stormed into his home. Accused of converting people to Christianity, Pastor Nandan became the first individual to be charged under Uttarakhand's anti-conversion legislation.

After a four-year legal battle, relating to the accusations against him, the church leader was finally acquitted of all charges on September 17th. However, the prolonged court proceedings placed a significant strain on Pastor Nandan and his family. Financial hardships had often made it difficult for him to travel to court for the hearings. Additionally, the pastor's wife, who was pregnant when the charges were initially laid, suffered the tragic loss of their unborn child due to the stress of the case. Despite these trials, Pastor Nandan has remained steadfast in his faith. "[God] was always faithful and sustained my family's needs," he shares. "This is the result of answered prayers."

Anti-conversion laws continue to be used as tools of oppression against religious minorities in several Indian states, including Uttarakhand.
For previously published reports addressing similar cases of persecution, go to our country profile.

• Praise God for Pastor Nandan's acquittal after four long years of legal struggle.
• Thank the Lord for His sustaining grace which upheld this church leader and his family during times of deep emotional, financial and spiritual hardship.
• May these believers continue to experience God's healing and restoration, especially in light of the loss they endured.
• Pray for ongoing ministry opportunities to be made available in Uttarakhand, and that Pastor Nandan’s testimony of courage and persevering faith will continue to inspire the lives of many others throughout the region and beyond.

INDONESIA: Protests Forcibly Delay "Holyland" Construction

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Radar Solo, Solobalapan.com, Morning Star News

Pray that Christians in Indonesia will remain faithful. Photo: VOMC

Construction has been ordered to cease on the building of a Christian complex in Karangturi village, despite the fact that all necessary permits had previously been obtained. The order, which was issued on September 2nd by the Regency of Karanganyar, followed formal complaints from Islamic groups that were opposed to the construction project. The letter from the regency cited concerns that the development could lead to "social conflict," and then stated that construction may resume once tensions within the local community are resolved.

The site for the complex is owned by the Surakarta Anugerah Family Foundation. Plans for the project, known as "Holyland," included the building of a church, prayer area and theological school. Opposing officials representing the local government argue that the building plans do not comply with the original permit, which they claim was only granted for a church facility, and not a "religious tourism site."
Additional reports on the various difficulties facing our Christian brothers and sisters in Indonesia are available at our country profile.

• Pray for wisdom and perseverance on behalf of Indonesia's church leaders and their congregations as they navigate the obstacles standing before them due to opposition from local governing officials and other members of the community.
• May those opposing the construction of the Christian complex realize the importance of granting religious freedom to all citizens and, as a result, demonstrate mutual respect through peaceful dialogue and a fair resolution.
• Intercede for the members of Karangturi village, and those of other communities who are likewise encountering religious tensions, praying that the message of Christ would be a source of harmony and reconciliation.

PAKISTAN: Zafar Bhatti Dies Shortly After Acquittal

Source: VOMC
Sources: Pakistan Christian Post, Release International, British Asian Christian Association, Church in Chains

Zafar Bhatti Photo: Release International

Zafar Bhatti was imprisoned in July 2012, following accusations that he had sent blasphemous text messages from his cell phone. Over the years, at least 47 separate appeal hearings were held on behalf of the Christian believer. Despite repeated recommendations from prison authorities for his release on medical grounds, Zafar remained in custody. In 2019, he suffered two minor heart attacks, and doctors warned that a third could be fatal.
(View previous reports on Zafar's case.)

On October 2nd, Zafar and his supporters were overjoyed when the Lahore High Court finally overturned his blasphemy conviction after more than a decade of imprisonment. Reunited with his wife, Nawab, the released Christian man was reportedly filled with hope for the future and appeared to be in good spirits and reasonable health. However, only two days later, Zafar's family announced that he died suddenly of a heart attack. His unexpected passing – at a time that was meant for rejoicing – has sent shockwaves of grief throughout the Christian community in Pakistan.

• Please remember Zafar's grieving family, friends and fellow believers as they cope with this sudden and heartbreaking loss, praying that the comforting presence of Christ will provide them greatly needed consolation in the midst of their sorrow.
• As Nawab now faces life without her husband after years of separation and suffering, may she continue to experience God's provision – spiritually, emotionally and practically – through the support of the church.
• Prayerfully uphold all Christians in Pakistan who are currently imprisoned for their faith, asking the Lord to protect them and their loved ones, sustain their hope, and ultimately render justice in each of their legal cases.

Prayer for the Persecuted - October 6, 2025 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer: Pray for Christian Iranians being deported back to Iran from the USA.

2. Scripture: Romans 15:30
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”

🔹 Paul’s plea reminds us that prayer is a form of partnership in suffering and mission.

3. Worship Video: CityAlight - All to Honor Jesus
                                In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church

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

5.   DR CONGO: Multitudes Killed While Attending Funeral Wake

6.   North Korea -12 years since Kim Jung-wook, a South Korean Christian missionary, was arrested for his faith

7.   INDIA: Supreme Court to Review Anti-Conversion Laws

8. Recent news:

• Christian Acquitted in Landmark Case in Uttarakhand, India
• Muslims Attempt to Seize Christian School in Sudan
• Attacks follow New Anti-Conversion Bill in Rajasthan, India
• Muslims Demand Christians Halt Worship at Site in Indonesia
• Christian in Uganda Slain Day after Converting

INDIA: Supreme Court to Review Anti-Conversion Laws

Source: Morning Star News

Pastor Nandan Singh Bisht, the first Christian charged under Uttarakhand’s 2018 Religious Freedom Act, was acquitted after a four-year legal battle.  He was arrested in 2021 following a prayer gathering at his home, accused of attempting to convert poor and marginalized villagers through “allurement.”
Despite no concrete evidence or named victims, Pastor Bisht endured eight days in custody, four

Christians in India are praying while
participating in a protest against the
government's persecution of Christians. 

years of trial, and severe social stigma. Through four long years of trial, Pastor Bisht cannot recount all that he lost. “My wife was four months pregnant when I was arrested,” he told Morning Star News. “I couldn’t give her proper care, and because of all the stress and tension of my arrest and case, we lost our baby.” His friend Rajesh Kumar, who stood by him throughout his legal struggle, said the case took a heavy toll on the pastor.

The court ruled that the complainant lacked legal standing and failed to identify any aggrieved person, undermining the prosecution’s case. The 16-page judgment emphasized constitutional protections for religious practice and clarified that prayer gatherings do not equate to illegal conversion.
Witnesses admitted under cross-examination that no inducement or conversion attempts occurred, and the investigating officer revealed procedural lapses.
The acquittal sets a legal precedent for future cases under India’s controversial anti-conversion laws, reinforcing the need for evidence and protecting religious freedom.

This case not only vindicates Pastor Bisht but also signals a critical moment for religious rights in India, especially for minority communities facing legal and social pressure. 

In related news:
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.

• 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.
• Thank God for Pastor Nandan Singh Bisht's acquittal.  Pray for peace and comfort as they try to get on with their lives after this long ordeal.

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North Korea -12 years since Kim Jung-wook, a South Korean Christian missionary, was arrested for his faith

Source: International Christian Concern

It’s been nearly 12 years since Kim Jung-wook, a South Korean Christian missionary, was arrested for his faith while in North Korea. His family hasn’t been allowed to contact him since his arrest, and his current condition and whereabouts are unknown. 

On Oct. 8, 2013, North Korean authorities took Jung-wook into custody after the missionary allegedly brought religious items into the country. Officials have been less than forthcoming about the missionary, as well as two others who were detained. 

According to an NK News report from March 2025, “authorities have refused to provide even minimal information about the detainees, including confirmation they are still alive.”  

Open Doors reported in January that before his arrest, Jung-wook worked as a Christian missionary in Dandong, China, serving refugees from North Korea. He reportedly shared the gospel of Jesus with them and provided them with shelter and food, the report explained. It goes on to say that Jung-wook aided others under the radar until his inner circle was unknowingly endangered by North Korean spies who reportedly talked him into traveling to North Korea. 

According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), in February 2014, Jung-wook “was forced to confess his alleged crimes at a press conference, including working to establish underground churches.” 

Three months later, in May 2014, Jung-wook was given a sentence of life imprisonment for crimes including “conspiracy to subvert the State, … anti-State propaganda and agitation, … [and] espionage.” 

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) called for prayer in September for Jung-wook and the other missionaries being held in North Korea. 

“We continue to remember three South Korean missionaries who are serving life sentences in North Korea: Pastor Kim Jung-wook, Pastor Kim Kook-kie, Pastor Choi Chun-gil. All three were charged with spying for South Korea and have been held incommunicado for more than a decade. 

• Pray that their whereabouts would be made known, and lead to justice.
  
  
• Pray for their physical, spiritual, mental health.
  
  
• Pray for their release, but until they are released, that God would use them mightily for His kingdom.

Eritrea - Arrests of Christians Increasing

Source: iCommitToPray

Front-line workers report that arrests of Christians in Eritrea have increased in 2025 with very few releases of current prisoners. Since Jan. 1, 2025, there have been over 200 new arrests, putting the total number of Christian prisoners in the country around 550. This is the highest it has been in over five years. 

Christian prisoners in Eritrea are sometimes 
held in shipping containers for years.

The conditions inside these “prisons” are some of the harshest in the world as Christian prisoners are provided meager rations and held in shipping containers in extreme desert conditions for years. Some prisoners, like Dr. Tecleab Menghisteab and Dr. Kiflu Gebremeskel, have been imprisoned in Eritrea for more than 20 years. 

Pray for God’s peace to be with Christian prisoners in Eritrea and with their families, and pray for their release.

INDONESIA: Christians Blocked from Worshipping

Source: VOMC
Source: International Christian Concern

A church in Indonesia. Photo: VOMC

For two consecutive Sundays, approximately 20 opposing Muslim residents in the village of Gerendeng Pulo have prevented a church congregation from gathering for worship. The opposition stems from concerns that the believers began meeting in a new location without the approval of local Muslim leaders.

The GBI Gerendeng congregation had been operating for 18 years before deciding to relocate to the second floor of a commercial building. The church leaders insist that their activities at the new venue do not interfere with the daily lives of nearby residents. Nevertheless, the believers' worship services were disrupted by protests on September 14th, and again the following Sunday, with demonstrators expressing frustration that local religious leaders had not been consulted.

The church's pastor, Karundeng Gerung, admits to being shocked by the opposition. The congregation is now requesting the government to uphold its responsibility to protect the religious freedoms of all citizens. While the Indonesian government does not typically engage in the direct persecution of Christians, it has been criticized for inconsistently enforcing religious protections.
For more reports about the persecution of believers in this Southeast Asian country, go to our country report.

• Pray for wisdom and guidance on behalf of Pastor Karundeng as he and his congregants seek to amicably resolve this dispute with their opposing Muslim community members.
• Pray that followers of Jesus in Indonesia will reflect His love and grace to those around them, even in the face of opposition.
• Intercede for the country's local and national authorities, praying that they would justly defend the rights of all citizens – thus enabling followers of Christ to worship freely and without fear of retribution.

AZERBAIJAN: Churches Continue to Await Registration

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Christian Daily

Sumgait, Azerbaijan. Photo: Pexels / Smart World

In April, the leadership representing Peace Church in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, submitted a formal application for registration with the government, a legal requirement for conducting worship and other religious activities within the country. However, more than five months later, the church remains in legal limbo. The state committee responsible for processing such registrations is refusing to process the application. Instead, the church has been warned that any unregistered religious activity is forbidden and will consequently result in punishment.

The congregation belonging to Peace Church is not alone in facing this dilemma. At least four other Protestant churches are currently encountering similar delays, and some have already been waiting for more than two years. The issue of governmental registration extends beyond Christian communities, for many other religious groups in Azerbaijan are experiencing the same bureaucratic obstacles. In fact, only one non-Muslim community has successfully registered during the past five years.

This challenging registration process is not a new problem. In 2020, for instance, a Baptist church in Aliabad had been waiting 25 years for legal status. Its congregation members finally received a letter granting them permission to meet for two hours each Saturday morning. Despite that permission, these believers have never received official registration.
(Read more details on this case.) Additional reports addressing persecution in this Central Asian nation are available at our country profile.

• Pray for the members of Peace Church and other congregations in Azerbaijan as they seek peaceful interactions with governing officials in the midst of opposition.
• Pray that the officials will respond justly and promptly to the outstanding registration requests, granting our long-suffering Christian brothers and sisters legal permission to meet for worship and fellowship.
• May God grant wisdom, strength and courage to all Azerbaijani believers as they faithfully reach out to others in their communities with the Gospel message of peace.