CHINA: Church Members Charged for Hosting Sunday School

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Bitter Winter

Photo: Unsplash / Wei Chen

In early May, six Christians were arrested in Kaili, a city located within China's Guizhou province. Authorities accused the believers of fraud and "organizing minors to engage in activities undermining public order." The alleged "crime" leading to these charges was hosting a children's Sunday school program and allowing families to worship together as a church.

The six church leaders – five men and one woman – have now been formally charged. Yet, legal experts raised concerns about the nature of these accusations, noting that such charges are typically associated with inciting youth to engage in criminal behaviours, such as theft or violence. The detained Christians remain in custody as their family members arrange legal representation on their behalf.

Although Chinese regulations restrict minors from entering churches, informal religious activities involving children and their parents are generally considered outside the scope of these laws.
For further information on the persecution of our Christian family in China, visit our country profile.

• Please uphold these believers in prayer, asking the Lord to surround them and their children with His peace, strength and comfort during this time of difficulty and uncertainty.

• Pray that God will provide wise and capable legal counsel for the accused church leaders, and that all the charges against them would be dismissed.

• In general, prayerfully remember our other Christian brothers and sisters throughout China who are likewise endeavouring to faithfully disciple the next generation amid ongoing restrictions, asking that they too would be encouraged, protected and unwavering in their devotion to Christ.

EGYPT: New Appeal Filed for Imprisoned Christian

Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Coptic Solidarity, ADF International

Dr. Augustin Sam'an Photo: ADF International

In October 2025, Dr. Augustin Sam'an was arrested and charged with "contempt of Islam" due to the content he shared on his YouTube channel. (More details about his situation are available here.) As a result of the subsequent trial, this Christian scholar/apologist was sentenced on January 3rd to five years of hard labour. Not only were the court proceedings conducted in secret, without due notification given to his family or lawyers, but he was also denied access to legal defence. Finally, Dr. Augustin's lawyers were granted access to the file relating to his case on February 11th.

On April 24th, Dr. Augustin filed an appeal against his conviction, citing "significant procedural issues." A spokesperson for Coptic Solidarity, an advocacy group dedicated to defending the rights of Coptic Christians in Egypt, stated that "this is not a legitimate judicial proceeding." Tragically, Dr. Augustin's case is not unique. Since August 2025, dozens of other individuals affiliated with various religious minority groups have been arrested due to their online religious content.

While Egypt's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the country's blasphemy laws have been disproportionately used to target Christians. These laws are described by critics as "a sword used solely to protect Islam and Muslims."
To access other reports addressing the challenges encountered by believers in Egypt, go to our country profile.

• Pray that God will providentially guide and strengthen the defence attorneys representing Dr. Augustin, granting them wisdom, clarity and favour as they advocate on his behalf.

• Ask the Lord to work within Egypt's governmental and judicial systems, leading officials to uphold laws that truly honour the country's constitution regarding religious freedom, and thus ensure all citizens are treated with fairness, respect and equality.

• May believers in Egypt be further encouraged to continue boldly and compassionately sharing the message of the Gospel with others, knowing that the Holy Spirit can minister in meaningful ways through their divinely inspired words and witness.

IRAN: Believer Released Despite Ongoing Arrests of Church Leaders

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, Steadfast Global, SNN

Amir-Ali Minaei Photo: Article18

In April 2024, Amir-Ali Minaei was arrested by Iranian authorities and sentenced to 43 months in prison for alleged "propaganda activities against the regime through establishing a house church." The Christian man's sentence was later reduced to 30 months. During his imprisonment, however, he endured physical abuse and suffered from serious heart-related health issues.
 (View our previously published report.)

In January 2025, Amir-Ali applied for a conditional release because of his declining health. His request was denied, reportedly due to a perceived lack of "cooperation" with intelligence agents. It was recently announced that the believer was thankfully granted early release on April 29th as part of an annual prisoner amnesty.

While Amir-Ali's friends and family members are rejoicing over his release, concerns remain for other followers of Jesus in Iran. On May 5th, authorities announced the arrests of three Christian leaders in the central province of Yazd. The prosecutor claimed that these believers had converted a "significant number" of people to what was described as "Zionist Christianity." The arrested Christians have also been accused of desecrating copies of the Quran, insulting Islamic individuals and holy sites, as well as praying for the victory of the "Zionist regime" amid Iran's ongoing war.
For further reports concerning the challenges facing persecuted Christians in this troubled Middle Eastern nation, visit our country profile.

• Praise God for Amir-Ali's early release! Pray that the Lord will restore this believer's health, renew his strength, and fill his heart with peace and encouragement in the days ahead.

• Also prayerfully lift up the three recently arrested Christian leaders, as well as the many others who are presently imprisoned in Iran because of their faith, asking that they would be strengthened by God's abiding presence while awaiting release; and, in the interim, greatly sustained by their unshakeable hope in Him.

• Pray for the nation of Iran as a whole, in hopes that God's peace will prevail amid the ongoing tensions, and that His people would be protected, emboldened and steadfast as they continue to bear witness to His truth.

Nigerian Church Worship During Ongoing Genocide

Source: Colby Maier

ETHIOPIA: Christian Workers Attacked While Constructing Church

Source: VOMC
Source: Voice of the Martyrs USA

This man was attacked while building a church. Photo: VOM International

On April 7th, a group of Christians were working to construct a church building when they were violently attacked by a mob of Muslim militants. Armed with machetes, the attackers attempted to stop the construction, wounding several of the workers who were present.

The believers had been constructing the building in western Ethiopia, near the border with Sudan. Despite prior warnings to abandon the project, they continued because there was no place for Christians in the region to gather for worship. Even after the attack and their resulting injuries, the workers persevered with the construction project.

To review additional reports concerning the opposition experienced by Christians in this East African country, as well as specific ways you can pray for our persecuted Ethiopian family in Christ, go to our country profile.

• Pray for the complete healing of the physically injured and/or emotionally traumatized church workers, asking that they would also tangibly experience God's comfort, strength and peace in the aftermath of this recent attack.

• As the believers of the mentioned Ethiopian congregation endeavour to meet together and courageously serve the Lord amid opposition, may they consistently extend His love and forgiveness to the neighbouring members of their community – even touching the lives of the perpetrators involved in the mob attack.

• Ask God to soften the hearts of those in Ethiopia who are resistant to the Gospel, drawing them to Himself and revealing His truth and grace in life-changing ways.

EGYPT: Almost 200 More Churches Officially Legalized!

Source: VOMC
Sources: Mission Network News, Egypt Independent, Watani

A church in Egypt. Photo: Flickr / David Hoffman (CC)

In 2016, legislation was passed to expedite the approval process for churches in Egypt. Prior to this, congregations that had applied for registration encountered significant opposition over the years, and the construction of new worship facilities was often delayed. Since 2017, however, the committee responsible for reviewing the applications approved an average of approximately 475 churches each year.

During its most recent meeting on April 16th, the committee approved 191 additional church buildings. This decision brings the total number of approvals to 3,804 out of the 5,415 submitted applications. Reflecting on this encouraging development, Duane Friesen from Voice of the Martyrs Canada referred to the approvals as a "good step." At the same time, he urged caution, noting that registration can sometimes result in increased government involvement.
For more information, including reports addressing the various challenges encountered by Egyptian Christians, see our country profile.

• Pray that God will continue to open doors for spiritual growth to take place in Egypt, nurturing a society where freedom of belief is respected and all citizens are treated with dignity and fairness.

• May the country's newly approved churches become places of peace and security, where believers will be further encouraged and strengthened in their faith.

• Continue to remember our Christian brothers and sisters in Egypt who are experiencing other forms of persecution, asking the Lord to fill them with courage, wisdom and love as they faithfully share the Gospel of Christ with those around them.

CHINA: Pastor John Cao Suffers Major Health Concerns

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Church in Chains

Pastor John Cao and his family. Photo: ChinaAid

In 2017, Pastor John Cao was arrested by Chinese authorities for allegedly "organizing illegal border crossings." Sentenced to seven years in prison, he was finally freed in March 2024. Following his release, Pastor John hoped to reunite with his wife and two children in the United States, where he holds permanent residency. However, Chinese authorities have withheld the church leader's passport, forcing him to remain in China.
(For more details, see our previously published report.)

In recent months, Pastor John has been suffering physically due to serious health concerns. After experiencing severe pain in his back and legs, he was hospitalized and diagnosed with late-stage cancer which is now affecting his prostate, spine and bone marrow. In an answer to prayer, his wife and children were recently granted permission to visit him – ending their enforced separation of nine years. April 26th also marked the 40th anniversary of the Christian leader's faithful ministry work.

On April 30th, Pastor John was discharged from hospital and returned to his mother's home in Changsha, Hunan Province. His doctor intends to continue monitoring the pastor's health condition before determining whether surgery is possible.

• Prayerfully ask the Lord to graciously minister comfort, fortitude and healing to Pastor John; all the while, granting him and his family peace in the midst of this difficult time.

• Pray that a way would be made for this church leader to travel back to the United States, so he can be permanently reunited with his wife and children – plus, receive the medical care and nurturing he needs.

• As family members – along with fellow believers across China and beyond – reflect on Pastor John's decades of faithful service, courage and compassion, may many others be inspired, raised up and equipped by God to likewise proclaim the Good News of His eternal saving grace and mercy.

ERITREA: 24 Christians Recently Released!

Source: VOMC
Source: Church in Chains

Photo: NeedPix

A report has recently surfaced, indicating that 24 Eritrean believers were released from prison in early April. While most of the freed Christians had been detained for more than two years, one of them endured imprisonment for over 18 years. As is often the case, few details have been made available, and no official explanation was given for the releases.

This latest development brings the total number of Christian prisoners who have been released during the past year to more than 400. According to Dr. Berhane Asmelash, director of Release Eritrea, an estimated 200 to 220 believers currently remain imprisoned – marking the lowest figure throughout the past 20 years.

Several theories have been proposed to explain the recent increase in releases. Some suggest that the previously noted overcrowded prison conditions may be a contributing factor. Others speculate that Eritrean officials may be questioning the value of prolonged imprisonments, or that governmental opposition towards evangelical Christianity could be waning.

Despite the encouraging outcome, followers of Jesus in Eritrea continue to suffer unprovoked raids and arrests. On March 15th, for example, 13 believers were detained by police.
To learn more about that particular incident, and/or to access other reports concerning the persecution of Christians in this highly restrictive African nation, visit our country profile.

• Pray that those who have been recently freed from prison will experience the Lord's healing and strength – spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.

• As these followers of Christ now rebuild their lives, may they also receive the faithful support and encouragement of loved ones and fellow believers.

• While we praise God for the increased numbers of released Christians, please continue to lift up those still awaiting freedom from imprisonment, asking that they too would be strengthened, encouraged and reminded that they are not forgotten.

• Ask the Lord to work mightily within the hearts and minds of Eritrea's governing authorities, guiding them so that they will serve the citizens of their country with justice, compassion, and a growing openness to the "Good News" of His salvation.

BELARUS: Supreme Court Denies Churches Legal Status

Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18

A Greek Catholic Parish. Photo: Katolik.life

Churches in Belarus continue to encounter increasing pressures under a new religion law that came into effect in July 2024. The legislation requires all churches to undergo re-registration, including those that had previously been approved by the government. As a result, three Greek Catholic parishes that were originally registered in the 1990s have had their applications rejected.

The affected parishes – all of which are located within the Brest region of Belarus – appealed the decision, but their cases were dismissed by the regional court. On April 9th, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court's ruling, leaving the congregations without legal status. Any religious activity conducted by these churches is now considered illegal and punishable under law, placing them at risk of forced liquidation.

Under Belarusian law, any expression of religious belief without official state permission is prohibited, with violators facing potential fines or imprisonment.
For more information, including access to other reports addressing the persecution of Christians in this Eastern European country, go to our country profile.

• Following the denial of their legal status, may God impart wisdom, direction and courage to the church leaders and members of these Greek congregations as they now seek ways in which to corporately gather and worship Him.

• Also prayerfully uphold congregations representing other denominations throughout the nation that are likewise at risk due to the growing restrictions on faith activities.

• Ask the Lord to strengthen all of His people in Belarus, helping them to remain steadfast in their faith and reflect the light of Christ amid opposition.

• Pray that many more Belarusians across the country – whether they work in areas of governance or otherwise oppose Christianity – will be powerfully transformed by the love of God and the truths conveyed in His Word.

PAKISTAN: Child Marriage Law Officially Approved

Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Dawn

Governor of Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan. Photo: Wikipedia (CC)

On February 11th, the governor of Punjab, Pakistan, signed the "Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026" into effect. The bill raised the minimum age for marriage, providing greater protections for the country's vulnerable youth. It is hoped that this law will now help prevent the kidnapping, forced conversion and marriage of Christian girls. (Further details about the newly implemented legislation are available in this report.)

On April 27th, following a heated debate, the provincial Assembly officially passed the bill, marking the final step in the approval process. During the session, an amendment was also adopted – emphasizing that, in matters relating to the new legislation, the best interests of each child must be the primary consideration.

• Please prayerfully uphold the many young lives in Pakistan that have been negatively impacted as a result of past forced conversions and marriages, asking the Lord to provide healing, restoration and lasting comfort to each of the young victims and their families.

• Pray that this new law would be effectively implemented and upheld by the country's authorities, truly serving as a safeguard for other vulnerable children.

• Praise God for the legislators who have willingly taken a stand for justice. May many others – including members of Pakistan's political leadership and those of society at large – acknowledge the importance of protecting the dignity and well-being of every precious child.

EGYPT: Case Against Believer Adjourned

Source: VOMC
Source: Church in Chains

Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq Photo: CSW

On April 21st, legal proceedings began in the case against Saeid Abdulraziq, a Christian convert in Egypt. Although the believer has been accused under the country's anti-terrorism laws, advocates believe his arrest is primarily linked to his conversion to Christianity and subsequent involvement in faith-related activities.
(To access a previously published report regarding Saeid's case, go to this report.)

The hearing on April 21st did not specifically address the substance of the charges against the Christian man. Instead, defence lawyers requested an adjournment to allow sufficient time to review the case and prepare their arguments, which will involve interviews with prosecution witnesses. The request was granted, and the proceedings are scheduled to resume on June 15th. In the meantime, Saeid will remain in detention.

• Please continue to intercede on Saeid's behalf, praying that he will be further strengthened by God's abiding presence during imprisonment, comforted in the midst of uncertainty, and filled with divine peace as he awaits the outcome of his upcoming hearing.

• May the court officials involved in Saeid's case receive a full understanding of his situation so they can rule with justice, wisdom and mercy.

• Also prayerfully remember the many other Christian converts in Egypt who are encountering hostility from the opposing members of their families and communities, asking that they too would receive God's protection and sustaining grace – along with opportunities to personally testify of His life-changing power in each of their lives.

Prayer for the Persecuted - Monday May 4, 2026 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer: 

2. Scripture: Matthew 10: 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.38Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

3. Worship Video: "No Turning Back" Christian Persecution Play by CORNERSTONE ASIAN CHURCH YOUTH - YouTube (I have Decided to Follow Jesus)

Video: In the Hidden Places - An Anthem for the Persecuted Church

Prayer for the Persecuted

4. China - Wu Qiuyu Held 205 days • Arrested October 2025

5. Ethiopia - Refusing to Reject Jesus

6. Sierra Leone - Muslim Woman Beaten for Visiting Church

7. Middle East - Convert's Family Faces Spiritual Attack

8. Nigeria - Gunmen Abduct Christian Schoolgirls, Kill 1

Recent News

• Bill to Curb Child Marriage Passes in Punjab, Pakistan
• Pakistan Urged to End Forced Conversions/Marriages
• Change Sought to Help Kidnapped Christian Girls in Pakistan
• Evangelist Killed after Gospel Event in Kampala, Uganda
• Police Action Lacking in Abduction of Christian Girl in Pakistan

• NIGERIA: Hundreds of Militants Convicted

• INDIA: Harsh Anti-Conversion Laws in Chhattisgarh

• CHINA: Christian Leaders Released from Prison

• 
  

Nigeria - Gunmen Abduct Christian Schoolgirls, Kill 1

Source: ICC

Armed attackers abducted several Christian school girls traveling to school in Kachia Local Government Area on Sunday, according to field reporting by TruthNigeria, which has documented a series of ambushes along the Akwando–Kachia corridor since early 2026. 

The victims were traveling from Akwando village to Kachia town on April 26 when gunmen intercepted their vehicle less than 10 minutes into the journey. The children had resumed travel after schools reopened in the area. 

Local sources said the driver attempted to flee the ambush, but the attackers opened fire, forcing the vehicle to stop. Several passengers were taken into the surrounding bush. 

Those reported abducted include:
Augustina Muntari, student at GSS Gumel
Happy Muntari, student at GSS Gumel
Favour Tanimu, student at GSS Kachia
Patience Joseph, student at GSS Kachia
Peace Irimiya, student at St. John’s School, Kachia
Bishara Irimiya, student at St. John’s School, Kachia
Irimiya Galadima, the driver
Fatu Danladi
Laraba Caleb 

One of the students, Purity Babangida, was killed while attempting to escape during the attack. Witnesses said at least 15 other students managed to flee by jumping from the vehicle and later reached nearby communities, including Awon village, after trekking for several hours through the bush. 

Residents in Kachia and surrounding communities claim the road has become a high-risk route, especially for students commuting between villages and schools in the town. Many families rely on shared transport due to long distances and limited access to boarding facilities. 

Education officials and community leaders have previously raised concerns about the impact of insecurity on school attendance, especially for girls. Local advocacy groups report that repeated attacks and kidnappings have contributed to disruptions in schooling, with some families withdrawing children from school due to safety concerns. 

In affected communities, families of the abducted students are awaiting further information as local volunteers and security actors continue search efforts. 

Please pray that these girls will be rescued unharmed!

Middle East - Convert's Family Faces Spiritual Attack

Zaynab reads her Bible
and prays for her family.

Source of: iCommitToPray

The family of a new Christian is enduring unexplained health issues believed to be a demonic attack. Zaynab and her family fled violence in Iraq in 2017, and she became a follower of Christ through the kindness of Christians. (Her story was shared in VOM’s December 2025 magazine.) But her former Sufi community has continually pressured Zaynab to revert. Members of the mystical Sufi community wanted Zaynab’s daughter to marry the son of a Sufi imam. Zaynab and her husband refused, and she believes the Sufis used witchcraft to cause several family members to become physically and emotionally incapacitated to the point of hospitalization. 

“Please pray for her and her family, as we believe they are under a demonic attack,” said a front-line worker. 

He also asked for prayer for Zaynab’s husband to become a follower of Christ and for the entire family to experience the love and power of Christ.

Sierra Leone - Muslim Woman Beaten for Visiting Church

Source: iCommitToPray

Isata had never sewn before being
enrolled in this Christian training program.

A Muslim woman was beaten for visiting a church but has now placed her faith in Christ. Isata is from a town where her father is an imam and her brother is a local muezzin (someone who calls Muslims to prayer). Despite being raised in a strict Muslim home, she began to have dreams in which Jesus Christ appeared. After having this dream three times, she decided to visit a church, which angered her husband. He felt she had brought shame upon his family and gathered some Muslim men, who tied her up and beat her. He then told Isata she could no longer enter her home and burned all her clothes. With nowhere to live, Isata fled to a pastor’s house. His family cared for her until they enrolled her in a Christian sewing center where she receives practical training and discipleship in God’s Word. The center was created to help Christian women like Isata start new lives after being rejected by their families for following Christ.

Overview:

Persecution is associated with tribal violence and the rise of radical Islam. Despite identifying publicly with a particular religion, an estimated 90 percent of Sierra Leoneans are aligned with secret societies that dominate all aspects of life in the country. These societies practice demonic rituals that include bodily mutilation of society members. Those who leave secret societies when they place their faith in Christ are persecuted and even risk being killed.

Pray for Isata and women like her as they start new lives after being rejected by their families for following Christ.

Pray that demonic secret societies will be exposed as powerless against the truth of Christ.

Ethiopia - Refusing to Reject Jesus

Source: ICC

Haroji Wado, on Ethiopia’s western border with Sudan, is now a place where choosing a new faith means risking everything.

For 18-year-old Zamzam Addaamaa, her only crime was loving Jesus. The simple act of choosing her faith has transformed her life into a struggle for survival.

“I was born into a devout Muslim family in Haroji Wado,” she said. “For 18 years, I lived within the prayers and expectations I was raised with. However, something stirred in my heart, a quite unshakable conviction that Christ is real.”

That conviction led her to make a life-altering decision — one she could never take back.

“When I surrendered my life to Jesus,” she said, “I never imagined that it would cost me the very same day.”

What followed was immediate and harsh rejection. Not just from her family, but from her entire community.

“When my family and community discovered my conversion, my house became a place of danger,” she said. “I was not only rejected but also expelled. I was thrown out and left with nothing to sustain me. In many parts of Eastern Ethiopia, leaving Islam is seen as a change of belief; it is seen as a betrayal worthy of punishment, and sometimes death.”

Being cast out was only the beginning of Addaamaa’s ordeal. Because of her conversion, she became a target.

“I now live hidden in someone else’s house,” she said. “A hiding place, not a home. I cannot freely step outside. I cannot go out without considering the risk. Every knock on the door could be from a neighbor, a relative, or someone sent to hurt me.”

Despite the dangers, Addaamaa survives through the compassion of other Christians. Even that kindness comes with risk.

“I survive on the kindness of strangers,” she said. “But they live in fear of being discovered while helping me. This hiding place is a temporary sanctuary, but the threat to my life remains continuous.”

Addaamaa’s story is not a new incident in Ethiopia. Across the Horn of Ethiopia, Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds face a brutal reality of family rejection, community violence, and state indifference. Girls are especially vulnerable without anyone to defend them; they become targets for beatings, isolation, or even death. Many flee to cities such as Addis Ababa or attempt dangerous crossings into Sudan or Kenya, only to face trafficking and exploitation. Yet despite everything she has lost, Addaamaa’s faith remains unshaken.

“I remain hidden, not because I want to, but because I have no resources to leave,” she said. “I have lost my family, home, and my safety, but I cannot renounce Christ.”

Please Pray!

China - Wu Qiuyu Held 205 days • Arrested October 2025

Source: VOM
 
Between Oct. 9 and Oct. 11, 2025, Chinese authorities arrested nearly 30 leaders of Zion Church, an urban house-church network based in Beijing with influence in more than 40 cities across China. Wu Qiuyu, the wife of Pastor Yang Jun, was among those arrested. Many of those detained were charged with "illegally using an information network" on the grounds that the church conducts online worship services. This charge carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.

The series of raids and arrests was the biggest crackdown on Chinese Christians since 2018. Besides Wu Qiuyu, nine men and eight women remain in detention: Jin Mingri, Wang Lin, Liu Jiang, Sun Cong, Gao Yingjia, Yin Huibin, Liu Zhenbin, Lin Shucheng, Wang Zhong, Wang Cong, Wei Yunfei, Zhu Mingli, Li Shengjuan, Hu Yanzi, Zhan Ge, An Mei and Mei Liming.

"Their only 'offense' is worshiping God peacefully, preaching the gospel faithfully, shepherding their flock and serving their neighbors," church leaders said in a statement on Oct. 12.

Founded in 2007, Zion Church has grown rapidly, reaching an estimated 1,500 members in Beijing by 2018 when it was shut down by authorities. During the coronavirus pandemic, the church shifted to online meetings and outdoor small group gatherings, hosting up to 10,000 participants for its regular gatherings.

Pray for encouragement and boldness for Wu Qiuyu as she waits in detention and is separated from her husband and family. 

Pray also for the other Zion Church leaders as they face prosecution and imprisonment. 

Pray, as the church's leaders have requested, that "those in chains for Christ will be completely free in Christ."