BELARUS: KGB Declares Religious Freedom Group "Extremist"

Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Christian Vision for Belarus

An Orthodox Church in Belarus. Photo: Pexels

Amidst the ongoing oppression of Christians in Belarus, an organization was established in 2020, bringing together leaders from multiple churches in an effort to monitor and publicize persecution in the country. The organization was registered in neighbouring Lithuania as "Christian Vision for Belarus."

On April 1st, the Belarusian KGB secret police ruled that Christian Vision for Belarus was "extremist," and therefore banned the organization's website and social media platforms. In the process, the KGB specifically identified three of the leaders – Natallia Vasilevich, Natallia Harkovich and Dzmitry Korneyenko – all of whom are Orthodox Christians presently residing outside of Belarus. In addition, the government's Interior Ministry department added the name of the organization to its "banned list" on April 8th.

The day after the official listing, police in the town of Orsha visited Viktor Korneyenko, the father of Dzmitry. Confused about what was happening, Viktor did not ask any questions when a DNA sample was demanded of him. On April 10th, the police then visited Dzmitry's mother-in-law in Vitebsk. Later on, Dzmitry's brother, who was contacted on April 23rd, also received an order to provide a DNA sample. When the brother asked the police why, he was told that the results would make it easier for them to hunt Dzmitry.

Christian Vision for Belarus is not the only organization that's been identified as "extremist." Other organizations include The Democratic Media Institute, which supports independent media in the region; and the independent Catholic news website, katolik.life. For many years, The New Life Full Gospel Church in Minsk experienced repeated harassment from governing officials before being officially closed and receiving the same "extremist" label.
Previously published reports addressing the persecution in Belarus are available at our country profile.

• Pray for the protection of those who are seeking to promote justice and truth in Belarus, asking that their expressed concerns will not be overlooked by the authorities but rather given due consideration.
• In the meantime, may the Holy Spirit continue to guide those who are sharing the message of God's salvation through Christ, blessing and multiplying their efforts to minister to the spiritual needs of fellow citizens.
• May the Lord also work mightily in the lives of the country's political leaders by opening their spiritual eyes of understanding, as well as their hearts, to His truths.

IRAN: Detained Pastor's Wife in Solitary Confinement

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, The Christian Post

Lida Alexani Photo: Article18

In 2022, Pastor Joseph Shahbazian was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for his Christian ministry work in Iran. After an appeal, he was released a year later. For unknown reasons, however, he was suddenly rearrested on February 6th of this year, and now reportedly faces numerous charges.
For more details, see this report.

Since his rearrest, Iranian authorities have been questioning and threatening Pastor Joseph's friends. The harassment appears to be an effort to gather evidence against him. One friend was told by his interrogator, "If you don't help us, we'll have to resume our unfinished investigation against you."

On April 12th, governing officials also decided to arrest Pastor Joseph's wife Lida Alexani whom they've placed in solitary confinement. At last report, she was still being detained in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. Regrettably, neither Joseph nor Lida received permission to attend the funeral that was held on April 14th for his mother who passed away five days prior to the service. The couple's arrests were particularly challenging before his mother's passing since Joseph was her primary caregiver.
To learn more about the challenges facing Christians in Iran, visit our country profile.

• Please continue to remember Pastor Joseph in your prayers, along with his wife Lida, praying that God's comforting presence would be tangibly sensed during their imprisonment – especially as they grieve over the recent loss of his mother.
• Pray that both of these believers, along with the many others who are currently incarcerated in this Persian nation, will soon be released from prison and reunited with their concerned loved ones.
• In general, intercede for the overall populous of Iran, including the country's governing leaders, praying that each individual will receive a revelation of the Risen Christ's sacrificial love for them, respond to His gift of salvation, and experience His life-changing power.

CHINA: Young Children Detained for Participating in Bible Lesson

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, Mohabat News

Photo: PxHere

A Bible lesson for young children that had taken place at a private home in Fuyang, Anhui, was raided by police on April 29th. In total, ten children between the ages of five and six, along with five adult teachers, were taken to the police station where they were detained for several hours. Some of the youngsters appeared to suffer severe emotional distress during the detention; and, throughout that time, the police only checked on them once.

The children were eventually released, along with three of the adults. The two others – Christian women by the names of Chen Fangfang and Wang Dandan – were verbally and physically assaulted before being transported to a detention centre. At the time of publishing this report, no further information was received regarding the whereabouts of these two believers.

The religious education of children is strongly opposed by China's governing authorities, who are determined to indoctrinate the minds of youth with Communist ideologies.
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in China, go to our country report.

• Prayerfully ask our "Good Shepherd" to surround these little children with His comforting presence, peace and safety, while also shielding them from any further harassment instigated by the country's governing officials.
• As Chen and Wang await their hopeful clearance of all charges and release from custody, pray that the Lord will divinely protect them from all harm and harassment as well.
• Continue to pray that a radical shift would take place in the hearts and minds of the country's authorities, urging them to ease their repressive restrictions on religious activities so that Christians of all ages may freely learn from God's Word.
• Pray also for Pastor's Wang and his wife Pastor Yang.  They recently had their trials, charged with fraud for receiving donations from the church congregation.   They are waiting for their sentences.  Previously Yang spent 7 years in prison and Wang 3 years for disrupting public order.

CHINA: Christians Sentenced for Alleged Illegal Business Activities

Source: VOMC
Sources: ChinaAid, International Christian Concern, Bitter Winter

Wang Honglan and her coworkers. Photo: ChinaAid

During April 2021, Chinese authorities arrested ten Christians in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, for allegedly running an illegal business operation. In their efforts to get Bibles into the hands of as many people as possible, the believers had legally purchased copies of God's Word at a retail price and resold them for a fee well below the original cost.
(For more information on the charges against these church members, go to this report.)

Four years later, the trial against the accused Christians finally came to a conclusion, resulting in nine of them receiving prison sentences and hefty fines. The convictions were based upon the contention that these followers of Jesus belonged to an unregistered church, and therefore they were not legally allowed to sell any Bibles, even though they had been offering them for a nominal fee.

Wang Honglan received the longest sentence, which consists of four years and ten months, along with a fine of 1,000,000 yuan (approximately $190,000 CAD). She is scheduled to be released from custody on February 14th, 2026. Two others, Wang Jiale and Liu Minna, who are to be set free on October 14th of this year, were fined 200,000 yuan each. Another believer, Yang Zhijun, is expected to be discharged on July 19th and forced to pay a fine of 150,000 yuan. The remaining Christians, including Wang Honglan's husband Ji Heying, were found guilty but had been released earlier, after completing their sentences.

• Please intercede for each one of the church members presently remaining in custody, asking the Lord to give these believers the strength and grace they need to persevere.
• While awaiting vindication, may they continue to allow the Holy Spirit to work mightily in and through their lives, so they can serve as powerful witnesses of God's love, hope and truth among fellow prisoners – as well as the prison's wardens.
• Pray that those in China who are opposed to the "Good News" of the Gospel would come to personally know the reality of Jesus Christ and, as a result, turn to Him in repentance and saving faith.

NIGERIA: Christians Targeted in Easter Monday Attack

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Morning Star News, Vanguard, Daily Trust

A burned church from a previous attack. Photo: Flickr / Mike Blyth (cc)

In a devastating attack on April 21st, six people were killed and as many as 30 injured when a truck rammed into a crowd of believers who had been taking part in an Easter procession along the streets of Billiri in Gombe state. Though initially reported as an unfortunate accident, a government-appointed committee has since determined that the incident was a deliberate attack on the Christians participating in this year's Easter celebrations.

As has been their tradition for more than 30 years, Christians in Billiri had gathered for an early morning procession of praise and worship through music and dance. During the celebration, a truck suddenly crashed into the crowd at around 7 a.m. Police initially believed that the vehicle had suffered a brake failure. However, further investigation determined that the driver made no effort to avoid the group of believers nor give them any warning. He also had no difficulties stopping the vehicle after ploughing into the group.

The driver, a 28-year-old man named Usman Muhammed, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with "reckless driving" and "dangerous driving causing death."
For previously published reports on Christian persecution in Nigeria, including video interviews, go to our country profile.

• Prayerfully remember the families and friends of the six slain believers as they mourn their tragic loss, asking that God's peace, comfort and protection will be tangible realities in their lives.
• Pray that the Lord would also minister physical and emotional healing to those of our Nigerian Christian brothers and sisters who were injured and traumatized as a result of the Easter incident.
• May justice be served in this case, with hopes that the truck driver, Usman, will experience genuine heartfelt repentance and miraculous transformation.

Prayer for the Persecuted - May 5, 2025 @ 7 PM

1. Open in Prayer

2. Scripture: Revelation 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of
the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God
and of the Lamb.

Persecution Helps the Church Grow | Christian Persecution Stories

3. Worship Video:   Precious Lord Take My Hand

4.  MAURITANIA: Safety Concerns After Demonstration Against Christians

5. NIGERIA: More Than 100 Christians Killed in Recent Attacks

6. PAKISTAN: Christian Couple Attacked at Gunpoint

7.IRAN: Appeal Denied for Three Christian Converts

• • Recent news: 

    • Record Number of Blasphemy Cases Recorded in Pakistan
    • Christians in India Charged after Hindu Nationalist Attack
    • Truck Ramming into Easter Procession in Nigeria Ruled Intentional
    • Boko Haram Kills Seven Christians in Borno State, Nigeria 
    • Officials in Indonesia Seal Christian Worship Site before Easter

                                  
                               

Laos - Shunned Christian Widow Embraces Hope

 iCommitToPray

YeanFin led her four children to
Christ, even when she knew
it would cost her financial
support from her family.

YeanFin is persevering in faith despite total rejection from her family and community. In 2015, YeanFin became a Christian and led her four children to Christ. Already a widow at that time, she was dependent on her extended family as she raised her children alone. Her relatives and the officials of her Laotian village were at first curious about her decision but then threatened her to return to the worship of their ancestral spirits. They said they would not help her if she persisted in following what they saw as a foreign religion: “You should choose us, not choose God!” YeanFin, now 58, struggles to find work after being ostracized by the community, but she has declared that she will not leave Christ and thanks God for taking care of her and her children for the past 10 years. “I love God,” she said. “Even though in this earth my relatives rejected me and have not helped me, in God I have hope.”

Central African Republic -Christian Mother Abducted, Others Killed by Islamists

Source: iCommitToPray
Apr. 24, 2025

Radical Muslims are demanding
a huge ransom to return Emil's wife.

On Feb. 13, 2025, Islamists abducted a Christian mother of five as she worked in her family’s cropland in Bocaranga, in the northwestern region of the Central African Republic. “That day I didn’t go to the garden. I stayed at home,” said her husband, Emil. “While she was in the garden, she was caught by them and kidnapped.” 

The kidnappers have called Emil and demanded an exorbitant ransom for her return. “I don’t have any solution, so I cry out to the Lord for help in this situation. I cry out to him,” he said. 

On Feb. 27, 2025, Islamists also raided a nearby village, burning 75 homes and killing roughly a dozen people. The Islamist attacks in the area have been ongoing for several years, filling Bocaranga with displaced Christians seeking safety. Local Christian leaders request prayer that God will change the attackers’ hearts and bring peace to their land.

Pray that Emil's wife will be safely returned home.  Ask God to protect her while in captivity and keep her safe from physical, mental or emotional harm.

Pray for the displaced Christians that have lost loved ones and homes during theses raids.

Ask God to change the hearts of the Islamist's so that they would be saved and peace would come to the CAR.

INDONESIA: Easter Services Continued Amidst Protests

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Bandung Bererak, Morning Star News

A church in Indonesia.

On March 5th, local residents in Bandung City held a protest against members of the Santa Odilia church. The community members opposed the use of a multipurpose facility for worship, even though the building is owned by the Catholic church.
(For more details on the incident, see this report.)

Despite the opposition, church members were determined to continue with their plans to hold Easter weekend services. However, as worshippers attempted to gather at the facility for "Maundy Thursday" (in commemoration of the Lord's Last Supper), they were forced to find a different route to the location because of a road blockade. Additionally, near the building, protestors set up loudspeakers and broadcasted nationalist songs in an attempt to disrupt the Christian service. Undeterred by these disturbances, the believers continued to pray and worship together.

On Saturday, April 19th, the church members gathered for another time of worship, entering the building through a side door. As the service started, opposing villagers once again began loudly protesting in their efforts to interrupt the worship gathering. Thankfully, local police officers, along with civilian security personnel, surrounded the building to protect the congregants. The authorities were also able to intervene when some demonstrators attempted to break into the building. After the service, the worshippers returned home via a specified route that provided police protection. The church members were deeply thankful for the security measures afforded to them, and the assistance they received was described as a "glimmer of tolerance amidst the wave of protests."

The use of buildings for religious purposes is frequently a source of conflict for those opposed to Christian worship in Indonesia. In addition to strong resistance from local Muslim residents, the registration process for a new worship facility can take many years.
For more reports on the various challenges facing Christians in Indonesia, go to our country profile.

• Praise God that the authorities were able to assist members of the Santa Odilia church and prevent the incident from escalating to violence.
• Pray that these believers will receive divine wisdom as they seek to share the love of Jesus with opposing residents and establish amiable relationships within their community.
• Pray that this congregation, along with the many other churches facing similar situations in Indonesia, will be able to peacefully gather for worship without further harassment.

INDIA: Released Murderer Receives a Hero's Welcome

Source: VOMC
Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Morning Star News, The Hindu, Anglican Ink

Graham Staines with sons Philip and Timothy. Photo: VOM USA

On January 23rd, 1999, Australian missionary Graham Staines, along with his two young sons Philip and Timothy, were burned to death by Hindu nationalist militants. Initially, authorities denied that the assailants had any connection to the Hindu nationalist group, Bajrang Dal, though such ties were later substantiated. While 14 men had been arrested in connection with the incident, 12 of the perpetrators were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The other two men, Mahendra Hembram and Dara Singh, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.

As news of the shocking murders spread around the world, plans were made to depict the events in a film, which was eventually released as The Least of These: The Graham Staines Story. Shortly after, however, leaders of the Bajrang Dal organization announced plans to release their own movie, titled Dara: The Hero, which would celebrate the murderers' horrific actions. It is unknown if such a film was created.

While Dara Singh presently remains in prison, Mahendra Hembram was released on April 16th on the grounds of "good behaviour." This decision was authorized by the Odisha State Sentence Review Board. As he walked free from the Keonjhar jail, Mahendra was celebrated by supporters who welcomed him as a hero, placing garlands on him and shouting Hindu slogans. Mahendra also proclaimed his innocence and insisted that he had been wrongly imprisoned, even though he previously claimed sole responsibility for the incident in 2002.

The early release of this prisoner has reignited questions and concerns relating to justice, forgiveness and the treatment of religious minorities in India. Having witnessed the response of the crowd celebrating Mahendra's freedom, Father Ajay Kumar Singh, a human rights activist in Odisha, described it as "a shocking sight for anybody believing in peace and tranquility of a society."

While the initial murders brought about worldwide condemnation and calls for justice, many Hindu nationalists argued that the incident took place in response to the alleged coercive conversion activities of Christian missionaries. Following his release from prison, Mahendra even referred to the murders simply as "an incident related to religious conversion."

In the 1999 Wadhwa Commission probing the situation, Graham's wife Gladys responded to the perpetrators of the violence that tragically ended the lives of her husband and two young sons. "It is my desire and hope that they [will] repent and be reformed," she stated.
Further information about the martyrdom of Gladys' family members is available here.

• Please join Gladys in praying that a radical transformation would take place in the hearts of Mahendra and Dara, asking that these men would come to a point of sincere repentance and place their faith in Christ.
• Pray that other Hindu militants who support such horrific acts of violence and intolerance would likewise experience a life-changing encounter with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and acknowledge Him as their personal Saviour and Lord.
• May God continue to strengthen, equip and embolden believers throughout India to share the hope they have in Jesus and accomplish the tasks He has set before them.

CHINA: "Gospel Warrior" Resumes Ministry Work

Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid

Chen Wensheng and his wife. Photo: ChinaAid

As a former drug addict, Chen Wensheng understands firsthand the liberating power of Jesus Christ. Since experiencing spiritual freedom from bondage, he has become a ceaseless evangelist, sharing his faith with anyone who is willing to listen. In the past, he even expressed gratitude for his incarceration, since it gave him opportunities to testify of God's transforming love among fellow prisoners.

As a result of his desire to reach others with the Good News of the Gospel, Chen has been detained numerous times, which includes his most recent sentencing in June 2024 for "organizing and funding illegal gatherings." (To read previously posted reports about this devoted Christian evangelist, see these reports.)

On April 2nd, Chen was finally released from his most recent detainment. Despite having lost a significant amount of weight, the believer reportedly remained in good spirits and was "full of joy" following his release. Chen later announced that, during this latest imprisonment, he was able to pray with 300 fellow inmates and baptize three of them.

Upon being released, the believer reunited with his wife in Hengyang city. That same day, the married couple resumed their ministry work as street evangelists. Chen was also able to post the following message on social media: "Thanks to God, today my wife and I have...arranged to travel and evangelize for free again. Please continue to pray for us."

• Praise God for the recent release of this impassioned follower of Jesus, as well as the fruitful ministry work that took place during his incarceration.
• Pray for the Lord's continued guidance in the lives of Chen and his wife as they continue their ongoing evangelistic activities, asking that these devoted believers would have many more opportunities to share the message of God's grace with others.
• May their resilient faith serve as an inspiration to people within China and beyond, furthering the spread of the Gospel message and leading many more to salvation and deliverance through the power of Jesus Christ.

IRAN: Appeal Denied for Three Christian Converts

Source: VOMC
Source: Article18

Left to right: Abbas Soori, Narges Nasri, and Mehran Shamloui. Photos: Article 18

On March 8th, three Christian converts in Iran, including a woman pregnant with her first child, were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for participating in activities relating to their religious beliefs.
(More details about the charges against these believers are available at VOMC's previously published report.)

The ruling was appealed by all three followers of Jesus, who had each received sentences of over ten years' imprisonment. However, it was announced on April 26th that the appeals court had rejected their petitions, stating that the judicial decisions were made "in view of the scope of [the Christians'] activities, and their harmful effects."

• Prayerfully remember these detained followers of Jesus as they contend with the recent court decision to not amend the initial sentencing they each received for sharing their faith, nor the consequential lengthy prison terms.
• Pray that the Lord will provide greatly needed encouragement, strength and comfort to each one of these recently incarcerated believers, along with the many other Christians who are currently being imprisoned in Iran.
• May God's Holy Spirit work mightily in and through the country's legal system by helping political and judicial officials to realize the great need for reform, justice and tolerance on behalf of our Iranian brothers and sisters in Christ.