INDIA: Attack on Evangelistic Team

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, 8Thirty8

A small bus in India. Photo: Wikimedia / Karthikndr (CC)

A Christian evangelistic team was brutally attacked in early January near the village of Korrakudu in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Not only were several believers injured during the ambush, the minibus they had been travelling in was also destroyed.

The team, which consisted of about 15 Christians from the Gospel Hall Church in Anantapur, had travelled to Korrakudu to conduct an evangelistic event. However, when the believers arrived at the village, they were informed that a local Hindu festival was underway, and that they would not be allowed to proceed with their plans. Respecting the situation, the team decided to continue their evangelistic work elsewhere in another location.

During the evangelists' departure, as they were approaching the outskirts of Korrakudu, a group of approximately 30 young men suddenly surrounded their bus. Using a variety of weapons, the assailants smashed the windows of the vehicle, then poured fuel over the bus. Before they could set fire to it, a local Hindu leader intervened. Unfortunately, when the passengers exited the vehicle, they were physically assaulted by the attackers.

It is believed that the aggressors were youths who had been provoked by Hindu nationalist organizations. A police report was filed, but village leaders requested leniency due to the age of the perpetrators. The representing local elders assured authorities that they would work to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future. While the church leaders retained the police report for vehicle insurance purposes, the Christians willingly agreed to forgive their attackers and not pursue any further legal action.

Militant Hindu nationalist groups remain a significant source of aggression against the country's Christians, driven by the desire to make India a Hindu-only nation. As a result, the country has experienced an alarming rise in anti-Christian persecution during recent years.
In his latest video report, VOMC's podcast host, Greg Musselman, discusses this concerning trend with a Christian lawyer and human rights advocate from India. This informative interview may be viewed at this page. For other reports regarding the persecution of India's Christians, visit our country profile.

• Pray for the physical and emotional healing of all those injured in this recently occurring attack, and for the financial losses caused by the perpetrators' destructive violence to be fully recovered.
• May the Holy Spirit dramatically transform the hearts of the assailants, enabling them to understand and apply the teachings of Christ which emphasize the importance of loving Him and others (Matthew 22:37-39).
• Lift up our Christian brothers and sisters throughout India as they continue their outreach efforts which are providing greatly needed spiritual and humanitarian help to so many destitute and impoverished souls. As the message of God's love is spread across the nation, pray that multitudes more would come to faith in Christ.

SRI LANKA: Mob Attack Leads to Injuries

Source: VOMC
Source: NCEASL

A home in Sri Lanka. Photo: Wikimedia / Dinkum (CC)

On the morning of December 6th, approximately 16 members of a church in Pasyala had gathered for a time of prayer and fasting at the home of their pastor. While they were praying together, a group of opposing neighbours – along with several other unidentified individuals – arrived at the residence. The imposing community members questioned the church secretary and the pastor's son, demanding to know whether the Christians had received an official permit to conduct worship services on the premises.

Although an explanation was provided, the intruders proceeded to physically assault the church members, including the pastor's three children. The church secretary immediately contacted the local police, notifying them of the violent outbreak. Dispatched officers arrived at the scene within 30 minutes of receiving the call. Upon their arrival, the pastor informed them that she had previously notified the station about the scheduled church meeting at her home.

When an ambulance was dispatched to transport the injured Christians to the hospital, some of the opposing community members attempted to prevent the vehicle from reaching the pastor's home. Thankfully, due to police intervention, the paramedics were finally able to transport the wounded church members – including the pastor's children. Some members of the mob, who had also sustained injuries during the confrontation, were taken for medical treatment as well.

That night, stones were thrown at the Christians' church building. This additional incident was also reported to the police, who provided protection to the threatened believers. Three days later, the authorities met with both parties involved in the dispute. In response to the inquiry of the officer in charge regarding whether or not the church was officially registered, a representing lawyer clarified that government registration is not legally required in Sri Lanka to conduct worship gatherings.

Subsequently, charges were filed against eight members of the mob. However, police also laid charges against two of the pastor's children, the church secretary, and one other congregant. In an effort to reduce tensions, the church held their worship service at a different location the following week. Since the matter was referred to the courts, there have been no further incidents.

Opposition against Christian activities in Sri Lanka often stems from community members who have been influenced by opposing Buddhist clergy. While legal permits are not required for Christian worship services, this fact is not widely understood, leading to ongoing disputes and harassment.
To access further information addressing religious persecution in Sri Lanka, as well as insightful video reports, go to our country profile.

• Ask God to minister through the presence of His Holy Spirit in the community of Pasyala, bringing His peace – which transcends all understanding – into the hearts of all those residing there (Philippians 4:7).
• Pray that as the persevering church members of this community continue proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel, they will faithfully shine the light of Christ.
• Throughout the process, may the Lord's presence go before them, preparing hearts and fostering new opportunities for connection and growth.
• Ask for the Lord's divine protection to remain over these dedicated Sri Lankan believers, so they will be shielded from any future threat of attack and further encouraged to continue standing strong in their faith.

PAKISTAN: Kidnapped Girl Returned to Her Home

Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS-UK, AsiaNews, LICAS.news

Girls in Pakistan. Photo: Flickr / European Union (CC)

In a ruling being lauded as a "powerful win for justice," the Lahore High Court has ordered that a 13-year-old Christian girl be immediately returned to her parents. This decision was announced on January 12th, two weeks after she was abducted while walking along a street. The kidnapping incident took place on December 29th when Aneeqa left her home in Sheikhupura to purchase groceries for her family. Following the incident, the girl's abductor – a man identified as Aslam – falsified her age, claimed that she had converted to Islam, and then forced her to marry him.

Thankfully, the court acted quickly when presented with the facts. After reviewing official records verifying Aneeqa's true age, the judge immediately declared the marriage void. As a minor, she is considered legally incapable of consenting to marriage or changing her religious status. The court ordered that she be removed at once from the custody of her kidnapper and safely returned to her parents. A warrant was also issued for Aslam’s arrest.

Commenting on the ruling, Nasir Saeed from CLAAS-UK stressed the importance of "timely and decisive judicial intervention" in order to "prevent irreversible harm and...uphold the rule of law." Aneeqa's parents expressed heartfelt appreciation to the judge and legal advocates who ensured the safe return of their daughter.

Within various levels of Pakistan's government, efforts are underway to introduce legislation aimed at curtailing the forcible conversions and marriages of underage girls belonging to religious minorities. Despite these endeavours, however, such cases have continued to occur.
Additional reports concerning the vulnerable members of Pakistan's Christian communities can be reviewed at our country profile.

• Praise God for this timely intervention of justice, thanks to the swift actions of the Lahore High Court to recover Aneeqa and safely return the abducted young teen to her concerned family.
• Pray that this victimized girl will fully recover from the trauma she has endured throughout the kidnapping ordeal.
• May God's message of repentance, forgiveness and redemption take root and bear much good spiritual fruit in the nation of Pakistan, changing hearts and bringing many to faith in Christ.

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Continent of Light (Official) | ai Zuri Adeyemi | Africa Arise Anthem | ...

CHINA: Major Crackdown on Church Networks

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, BBC, The Christian Post, France 24

Yayang Christian Church Photo: ChinaAid

In recent months, the Chinese Communist Party has intensified its campaign against some of China's largest unregistered church networks. This crackdown follows years of pressure on congregations such as those belonging to the Early Rain Covenant Church, which has faced major oppression since December 2018. In October 2025, authorities also launched coordinated raids on multiple campuses of the Zion Church network, arresting several church leaders. More recently, similar actions have targeted the Yayang Christian Church and its affiliated congregations.

In the early morning hours of December 15th, more than 1,000 officers raided 12 congregations linked to the Yayang Christian Church. During the raids, authorities arrested hundreds of believers and detained key church workers. In the days following, police vehicles remained stationed outside the homes of several church members.

On January 5th, hundreds of police officers and members of China's special forces surrounded the Yayang Christian Church in Wenzhou with scaffolding and barricades, blocking the building from public view. In addition to strictly warning citizens to not take any photographs or videos, authorities deployed drones and signal-blocking vehicles to monitor the area. Several individuals were taken into custody merely for sharing information on social media or through private messaging apps.

While the church remains blocked from view, the silhouette of the building clearly shows that the cross has been removed from the bell tower. There have also been reports that the bell tower itself is being dismantled. It is believed that the authorities intend to eventually demolish or substantially alter the church building.

Despite these recent campaigns, church members are standing firm in their faith. Dr. Eric Foley from VOM Korea observes: "As their leaders are put in jail, new leaders are raised up from the congregation to take their place. This is real church life...an all-church commitment to Jesus Christ." As these churches continue to conduct worship services – even in the midst of dire challenges – the Gospel message is boldly being proclaimed.

At last report, 20 members of the Yayang church are presently being held in detention, and the government's oppression remains ongoing. 

To review previously published reports addressing the persecution of Christians in China, go to VOMCanada.com/china.htm.

• Pray that God's peace and strength will encourage the hearts of His oppressed people as they seek His guidance through these challenging times of persecution.
• In the midst of the present hardships, pray that the Lord will continue to work powerfully in and through China's churches, enabling them to courageously proclaim the message of His sacrificial love and forgiveness.
• May international pressure be applied in a concerted effort to overturn the Chinese government's oppressive policies, and thus bring relief to those who are suffering for their faith.

KAZAKHSTAN: Police Coerce Complaints Against Unregistered Churches

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

A previous raid at the Shu Baptist Church. Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum 18

Police in Kazakhstan continue to pressure congregations belonging to the Council of Churches Baptist in an ongoing campaign to force them to register with the government. Recent reports indicate that the authorities have coerced individuals into filing complaints against these churches, even dictating what they should say.

On September 29th, police arrived at the Shu Baptist Church after receiving a complaint alleging that the church was conducting lessons for children – an activity restricted by law. The woman who filed the complaint later admitted that it had been written "under pressure and dictation from the police."

On October 26th, a church in Balpyk-Bi was raided by police officers mandating that the congregation be registered with the government. When the officers returned on November 19th, they demanded statements from all the attendees and, throughout the ordeal, forbid them from leaving. Those who refused to comply by giving a statement were then taken to the local police station. Charges were subsequently filed against nine members for holding a worship meeting without state permission. Thankfully, on December 24th, the judge dismissed all nine cases due to lack of evidence.

Under Kazakhstan's religious laws, registration requirements are strictly enforced. For some groups, such as the Council of Churches Baptist, these requirements bring back memories of the oppression Christians faced under the former Soviet Union. Under Kazakhstan's religious laws, registration requirements are strictly enforced. For some groups, such as the Council of Churches Baptist, these requirements bring back memories of the oppression Christians faced under the former Soviet Union.
More information on the persecution of believers in this Central Asian nation is available at our country report.

• Pray on behalf of the church leaders in Kazakhstan as they navigate how to wisely respond to the ongoing demands of governing officials and appropriately deal with the legal challenges presently facing them.
• May congregations throughout the country experience God's divine protection, empowerment and provision, enabling persecuted followers of Jesus to remain steadfast in their faith despite intimidation and coercion.
• Additionally, ask the Lord to bless His people's endeavours to faithfully share the Scriptures with those in need of eternal salvation, so that many hearts will be enlightened to the truth of His Word.

INDIA: Protest Leads to Arrests

Source: VOMC
Sources: The New Indian Express, Catholic Connect, News18

A 60-year-old pastor and his son, along with seven other Christians, have been arrested on allegations of conducting coerced conversions. The arrests took place after members of the militant nationalist group, Bajrang Dal, staged a protest outside a church building in the Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

On December 28th, Pastor David Gladion was leading a prayer meeting when protestors suddenly gathered outside, accusing him and his adult son, Abhishek, of luring Hindu women to convert to the Christian faith by offering money, employment and free education. The protestors claimed that approximately 150 people were in the church building at the time – many of them women.

After learning of the protest, authorities arrived at the scene. They then transported the two accused Christian men, along with seven unidentified followers of Jesus, to the police station. A case has since been registered against the believers. Police state that "publicity vehicles" were used to invite villagers to prayer meetings. One such vehicle was seized, along with religious literature.

The protest against the believers was instigated by accusations from a local resident who claimed that he and others had been invited to the church. He alleged that the Christians also made derogatory remarks against Hindu beliefs and offered incentives to convert to Christianity.

Police state that the investigation is presently in progress, and that further action will be taken based on the resulting evidence. Many Indian states have laws against coerced conversion activities. Unfortunately, these laws are frequently abused through false accusations.
To learn more about the challenges facing our Indian family in Christ, and/or to view related video clips, go to our country profile.

• Ask God to guide the authorities' investigation so that the truth may be revealed and justice will ultimately be upheld.
• In the meanwhile, pray that Pastor David, Abhishek and the other detained believers will experience the Lord's loving comfort, peace and mighty protection.
• In spite of the frequently encountered opposition and false accusations, may the message of God's love and grace powerfully spread throughout India.

NIGER: Two Slain in Christmas Eve Attack

Source: VOMC
Sources: The Daily Star, Macau Business

A church in Niger. Photo: Wikimedia / NigerTZai (CC)

On the night of December 24th, Christians gathered for worship at a church in Mailo village, a community located in the Dosso region of Niger. At around 11 p.m., armed men stormed the church building and fired into the air, causing the worshippers to panic. As a result, all who had been attending the service fled – some escaping into the bush, while others sought refuge in neighbouring villages. Tragically, a husband and wife who hid in their home were pursued and killed by the assailants.

This violent incident reflects the ongoing unrest caused by rebels linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State terrorist group. The country's military has been fighting these insurgent groups for several years. Despite the terrorists' threats, relations between Christians and Muslims in Niger have generally remained amicable.
To learn more about the challenges facing our Christian family in Niger, visit our country profile.

• Prayerfully remember the family, friends and church parishioners who are now left mourning the tragic loss of this dear Christian couple.
• Ask the Lord to also minister healing to the survivors who are trying to cope with the resulting emotional trauma of the attack.
• Pray that the officials' efforts to curb the violent activities of militant groups will be strengthened, bringing effective and lasting security and stability to vulnerable communities throughout the country.
• In the midst of the present turmoil, may God guide and empower His people in this West African nation to live as ambassadors of His peace, forgiveness and love.

PAKISTAN: Update on Pastor's Death

Source: VOMC
Source: Morning Star News

Mourners honouring Pastor Kamran Salamat. Photo: Christian Daily International / Morning Star News

A recently released report has provided further information regarding the death of Pastor Kamran Salamat.
For other details surrounding the assassination of this Pakistani pastor, see VOMC's initial Persecution & Prayer Alert posting here.

According to the latest report, authorities have since filed charges against the church leader's wife, Salmina, along with a Muslim man named Najam Ul Saqib, for apparently conspiring together to kill Pastor Kamran. Najam has also been accused of hiring contract killers to carry out the assassination. While the motives behind this tragic incident appear to have changed, one fact remains: a devoted servant of God has been killed, and all those who knew and loved him continue to need prayer.

• Pray that investigating authorities will work diligently to uncover the full truth of this heinous act, identifying the correct perpetrators and shedding light on the motives that led to Pastor Kamran's death.
• Ask the Lord to provide comfort and care for all those who are mourning the death of this devoted church leader.
• If investigators prove that Pastor Kamran's wife, Salmina, was indeed involved in his assassination, pray for her repentance – so she may experience the forgiveness and transformation that only Jesus can bring.

IRAN: Aida Released on Bail Pending Appeal

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Church in Chains

Aida Najaflou Photo: Article18

Aida Najaflou was arrested in February 2025 for "acting against the Islamic Republic." Despite suffering from multiple health issues, including a spinal fracture she sustained after a fall in late October, the 44-year-old Christian woman received limited medical care. Adding to her adversities, she was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison this past November.
(More information on Aida's case can be accessed at VOMCanada.com/tagged-items/aida-najaflou.htm.)

In an unexpected development, Aida was released from Evin Prison on December 21st after posting bail. However, this release is temporary, pending the outcome of her appeal. During the interim, it is hoped that the injured Christian woman will be able to receive the medical care she so urgently needs. In addition to dealing with her own health concerns, one of Aida's two children has also been unwell. While the concerned mother was detained in prison, family members who were tending to her sick child encountered significant difficulties in their attempts to provide adequate care.

• While we can praise God for Aida's temporary reprieve from imprisonment, pray that this time will result in greatly needed healing, strength and restoration for the persecuted mother and her family.
• Ask the Lord to not only provide the necessary medical care, but also spiritual and emotional renewal.
• As each member of this Christian family experiences God's healing in their lives, may His Holy Spirit advocate judicially on Aida's behalf – intervening powerfully throughout the appeal process so that her conviction will be rightfully overturned.
• Please remember the many other Christians who remain imprisoned in Iran because of their faith, asking that they too will experience the Lord's comfort, courage and unwavering hope in the midst of suffering.

PAKISTAN: Haroon Shahzad Acquitted

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, Christianity Daily, The Christian Post

Haroon Shahzad and his attorney. Photo: Christian Daily International / Morning Star News

In June 2023, Haroon Shahzad posted a Bible passage on his Facebook page without any commentary. Some community members were offended by the post, which eventually led to mob riots. While the authorities were able to avert the resulting violence, hundreds of Christians – including Haroon and his family – were forced to flee their village. Based on the allegations, Haroon was initially charged with blasphemy.
(Read further details about his case.)

Despite the charge against him, the 47-year-old believer was granted bail in November 2023. Yet, due to ongoing threats against his life, he was forced to remain in hiding since that time. It was only recently revealed that Haroon had in fact been wrongfully accused. Following the Muslim complainant's official retraction of the blasphemy allegation, Haroon received acquittal by the court on September 27th of 2025. Apparently, news of the decision was withheld until now for security reasons.

Reflecting on the court decision, Christian lawyer Aneeqa Maria stated: "The verdict lays bare the profound fragility of justice itself. It reveals a system in which an individual's liberty, dignity and entire future can be held hostage by a flawed process, where an accusation alone can unleash turmoil, turn lives upside down and leave families shattered."

While the miraculous turnaround in Haroon's case brings great joy for members of Pakistan's Christian community, the threat of vigilante violence against him and other accused believers remains a serious concern.
Additional reports addressing the persecution of Christians in this South Asian nation may be reviewed at our country profile.

• Thanks be to God that the truth regarding Haroon's case has been revealed, and that justice on his behalf is finally being served.
• Please pray for this believer's continued safety and protection from opposing community members, asking that news of his acquittal will quell any further threats of violence.
• May God bring about lasting changes to Pakistan's blasphemy laws so that such unjust allegations against our Christian brothers and sisters will cease and justice will prevail.

NIGERIA: All Remaining School Students Freed!

Source: VOMC
Sources: Al Jazeera, Church in Chains

Photo: Unsplash

On November 21st, people around the world were shocked by the abduction of over 300 students from a boarding school in Niger State, Nigeria.
(Learn more about this kidnapping incident.)

About two weeks after the attack, Nigerian authorities announced that 100 of the children had been recovered. On December 21st, a spokesperson for the Nigerian president confirmed via social media that the remaining 130 pupils have since been released. This means that all the abducted schoolchildren were safely freed from captivity!

While there were some discrepancies in the reported number of captives, a United Nations spokesperson explained that some of the students had apparently escaped earlier. Those that had been released were taken to Minna, the state capital, for final processing. To date, governing officials have not publicly disclosed who was responsible for the initial attack nor how the captives were eventually freed.

Catholic Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna referred to this most recent release of the remaining schoolchildren as "a testimony to answered prayers and the power of faith in sustaining hope amidst fear and uncertainty." While the path forward for these students will be challenging, please join us in praying that each one of them will receive strength and healing as they recover from the trauma of their captivity.

• Praise God that these remaining schoolchildren have been safely released and are now able to return to their relieved families.
• Pray for each child's complete emotional and physical healing as they process the ordeal, asking God to bring comfort, peace and restoration to their hearts and minds.
• Intercede for an end to the ongoing violence in Nigeria – praying that God will transform the lives of the persecutors, bring stability to the region, and protect vulnerable communities from future attacks.

Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday January 5, 2026 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer: A NEW YEAR'S EVE PRAYER” For The Persecuted Church

2. Scripture: Psalm 34:18–19

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted… Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

3. Worship Video:   Video: Guy Penrod - Revelation Song (Live)

                                            In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church

Prayer for the Persecuted

4. Iraq Christian Convert Arrested, Status Unknown

5. IRAN: Five Christians Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences
                           

6. Pakistan: Pastor’s Wife, Muslim Arrested in Clergyman’s Killing

 
7. NICARAGUA: Imprisoned Lay Leaders Transferred to House Arrest

 

Recent News

• Pastor Wounded in Attack at Church Site in Uganda
• Drone Strike on Christmas Day Kills Christians in Sudan
• Church in Indonesia Celebrates Christmas despite Ban, Threat
• Muslim Rapes Christian Girl in Pakistan, Family Says
• Evangelist Killed after Event in Uganda

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Pakistan: Pastor’s Wife, Muslim Arrested in Clergyman’s Killing

Source: Morning Star News 

Rev. Kamran Salamat, a Presbyterian pastor in Pakistan, was shot and killed outside his home on December 5. While many initially feared it was a

The Rev. Kamran Salamat. (Christian Daily
International-Morning Star News)

religious‑motivated attack, police now allege that his wife, Salmina, and a Muslim businessman, Najam Ul Saqib, conspired to murder him. Investigators say Saqib hired two gunmen and that Salmina intended to use the killing to seek asylum abroad. Both suspects are in custody. The case has deeply shaken Pakistan’s Christian community, which already faces high levels of persecution. 
For more info: Pastor’s Wife, Muslim Arrested in Clergyman’s Killing in Pakistan - Morningstar News

Prayer Requests

Comfort for the Family
Pray for God’s comfort for Pastor Salamat’s children, extended family, and congregation.  Ask for healing from shock, grief, and betrayal.

Truth and Justice
Pray that the full truth continues to come to light. Ask for integrity and fairness in the legal process.

Protection for Christians in Pakistan
Pray for safety for pastors, evangelists, and believers in a country where Christians are less than 2% of the population. Ask God to strengthen churches facing fear and uncertainty.
 
Strength for the Local Church
Pray that the church in Gujranwala and Islamabad remains united and steadfast.
Ask for wisdom for church leaders as they guide their communities through grief.

Gospel Witness
Pray that even in tragedy, the hope of Christ shines clearly.  Ask that believers respond with grace, courage, and forgiveness.

Iraq Christian Convert Arrested, Status Unknown

Fewer than 300,000 Iraqi Christians remain in the country.
Converts from Islam face harsh treatment
from Islamic extremists.

Source: iCommitToPray

The whereabouts of a Christian convert arrested in Iraq remain unknown. Kazim became a follower of Christ while living abroad. His Iranian wife and their children eventually came to live with him, and they too became Christians. However, the family was unable to establish residency outside Iraq and feared returning to southern Iraq as converts to Christianity. They also didn’t want to move to Iran because Kazim’s in-laws had threatened them after learning of their conversion. The family eventually moved to Iraqi Kurdistan, a safer part of Iraq for Christians. However, Kazim had to return to his hometown to update his children’s identity cards and was quickly arrested there. Front-line workers are concerned about his condition. “I pray for him every night,” said a front-line worker. “And I worry that he might be tortured or may have already been killed.”

Pray that the family will hear where Kazim is and what happened to him.

Pray for Kazim, that he will be freed from detention and be able to return home.

Pray that Iraqi Kurds and other minority groups will have access to God's Word in their own language.

Pray for pastors and other church leaders who regularly face death threats for their evangelistic work.

Christian converts from Islam are sometimes killed by family members. Pray for their protection and peace.

Guy Penrod - Revelation Song (Live)