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.

Persecution Helps the Church Grow | Christian Persecution Stories

NIGERIA: More Than 100 Christians Killed in Recent Attacks

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, International Christian Concern, Vanguard, ECSPE, Channels TV

Believers in Nigeria face constant threats. Photo: VOMC

In central Nigeria, Plateau State has been a hotspot for significant violence from militant groups during recent years. Over the past month, as many as 130 Christians have died in various attacks within the state. In each case, the violence has been attributed to groups of Fulani militants.

On the night of March 23rd, three Christian men were ambushed and killed while travelling home from Kwall in Bassa County. Less than a day later, another Christian man, Dumba Yohanna, was targeted and brutally killed in the community of Nzharuvo, while an additional targeted believer from the same area narrowly escaped the attack. Then, on April 2nd, yet another Christian from Nzharuvo, Dewi Terry Nah, was tragically stabbed to death by militants.

In a separate series of attacks described by the state governor as "genocide," more than 60 Christians were killed in seven communities of Bokkos County on April 2nd and 3rd. In the village of Hurti, assailants killed over 40 people and destroyed almost 400 homes. More than 1,000 surviving villagers were displaced after fleeing from the terror and destruction. In the village of Ruwi, 11 Christians were killed while attending the wake of a deceased community member. By the following morning, another ten believers were found dead in the village.

In Bassa County, a repeat of multiple attacks led to more casualties. Three Christians from Hwrra village were attacked by militant Fulani herdsmen on April 7th. On the evening of Palm Sunday, April 13th, attackers raided the hamlet of Zike. Witnesses reported hearing sounds of sporadic gunfire from multiple locations and noted that, by morning, the bodies of at least 49 believers were found.

Attacks by gangs of Fulani herdsmen have continued to escalate in Nigeria, and Christians are frequently targeted due to the militant Islamic beliefs held by many of the aggressors. While some blame the intensifying violence on the ongoing struggle for resources between local farmers and migrant herders, the state governor, Caleb Muftwang, believes that there is more behind the attacks. Speaking to the media, the governor stated: "I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists. The question is, who are the persons behind the organizers of this terrorism?"
To access more information about the violent persecution of Nigerian followers of Jesus, including informative video interviews, go to our country profile.

• Prayerfully remember the families, friends and community members of all those who were slaughtered during this recent series of senseless attacks.
• Please pray on behalf of the many surviving Nigerians in Plateau State who are now trying to cope with the traumatic loss of their homes, possessions and loved ones, asking the Lord to ensure they receive adequate provisions and protection – as well as physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
• Pray that Nigeria's governing forces will be provided with the necessary wisdom, guidance and resources to bring an end to these devastating attacks.

PAKISTAN: Christian Couple Attacked at Gunpoint

Source: VOMC
Sources: British Asian Christian Association, Morning Star News

On the night of March 25th, Adnan Masih and his wife Shumaila were heading home from work on their motorcycle when they were suddenly intercepted by two armed gunmen. After seizing the married couple's cell phone and the small amount of cash they were carrying, the thieves physically beat the Christians and demanded more money. Adnan told the gunmen that he and his wife were poor Christians who had nothing more to give. It was then that the attack became more violent.

Whispering between themselves, the assailants phoned a third man who later arrived on a motorcycle. Pulling the drawstring from Adnan's trousers, they tied him up with it. The men then dragged Shumaila to a nearby sugarcane field where they each violently assaulted her. As they left, the men threatened to kill them both if they ever spoke of the attack.

With their motorcycle left damaged by the attack, Adnan and Shumaila walked the rest of the way home, saying nothing to family members who had been worried about them. By the next morning, after praying and talking together, the couple gained the courage to report the incident to the authorities. As a result of the police investigation, the perpetrators – Rana Sher Ali, Muhammad Faisal and Hadayat Ali – were arrested, and all three men presently remain in custody while awaiting trial. Financial and legal support has been provided to the assaulted victims.

Regarded within Pakistani society as lesser citizens, Christians frequently face discrimination and violence. As a result of this systemic bias, followers of Jesus – and other non-Muslim citizens – are often treated unfairly by the country's court system, though some recent rulings suggest that such bias may be waning.
For previously published reports that further address the many challenges facing Pakistan's Christians, see our country profile.

• Pray that our merciful Heavenly Father will provide greatly needed physical and emotional healing to this Christian couple – filling them with His abounding hope, comfort and love.
• Also pray that the three men responsible for this brutal attack will be held accountable for their horrific actions so that justice will be upheld.
• Pray for God's protecting hand upon His people in Pakistan, asking Him to draw near to each one of our Christian brothers and sisters and remind them of the fact that they are very precious in His sight.

MAURITANIA: Safety Concerns After Demonstration Against Christians

Source: VOMC
Sources: Middle East Concern, Open Doors, Christian Daily International, EU Today

Nouakchott, Mauritania Photo: Flickr / jbdodane (cc)

On April 7th, Muslim imams organized a demonstration in the southern city of Sélibaby, Mauritania, to protest against Christians within their community. The protest, which had been approved by the authorities, was instigated after a Christian convert died in a motorcycle accident a few days earlier. Some Muslim leaders were angered over the burial of the Christian's body within their community, since they regarded him as an "apostate."

During the protest, threats were made against followers of Jesus both in person and on social media. Demonstrators demanded that action be taken against the community's "infidels," including calls to burn the homes of Christian residents. At one point, the body of the buried Christian was dug up and dragged through the streets before being reburied in a village 20 kilometres away.

Although tensions had eased by that evening, hate speech and threats persisted on social media, where militant Muslim community members continued to call for the complete social ostracism of Christians. Due to the volatility of the situation, some Christian leaders have been warned by relatives to refrain from contacting them.

Unfortunately, this recent incident is not an isolated occurrence. According to the country's penal code, leaving Islam is a crime punishable by death. Although this penalty is seldom enforced, the law emboldens Muslim militants and creates an atmosphere of fear for those who are at risk of potential harm.
Additional details about Christian persecution in this extremely restrictive nation, including previously published reports, are available at our country profile.

• May the peace of God guard the hearts of believers in Mauritania, empowering them with the strength, courage and wisdom to continue ministering within a society that is strongly opposed to their existence.
• Pray that God would radically intervene in the lives of community members who have demonstrated hostility towards His Gospel message, stirring the hearts of each one so that they may be transformed by His love.
• Ask the Lord to protect our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ as they seek to practice their faith, enabling them to spread His goodness, mercy and grace throughout this northwest African nation.

NICARAGUA: Public Easter Celebrations Banned

Source: VOMC
Sources: International Christian Concern, Catholic Review, Havana Times

A church in Nicaragua.

This year, Christians across Nicaragua are celebrating Holy Week under the watchful eye of police and paramilitary forces. The heightened tensions follow the decision of the Sandinista government led by Daniel Ortega and Rosaria Murillo to ban many public celebrations, including processions that are common among Latin American churches.

In Nicaragua, the public religious celebrations have been outlawed for the past two years. Since then, harassment against Christians throughout the country has intensified, resulting in hundreds of religious leaders having been either imprisoned or exiled. In place of the traditionally church-run festivities, some municipalities have organized government-operated events.

One exiled Nicaraguan political leader, Felix Maradiaga, believes that "the model Sandinistas want to implement is very similar to that of China," with its government-operated churches promoting government propaganda under the guise of religious instruction. In February, governing officials stated that they may stop recognizing episcopal appointments from the Vatican and instead begin appointing their own church leaders.
Some Christian leaders have been required to report to the police on a weekly basis for approval of their sermons. Additionally, churches throughout the country are under surveillance from plainclothes officers as well as uniformed officials. It has been reported that around 14,000 governing agents were deployed to monitor churches this week in order to prevent Easter celebrations from taking place. One church member stated that although she enjoys the Holy Week religious activities, she is considering not attending these services for fear of being "marked" by the government.
To review other reports addressing the oppression of churches in Nicaragua, click here.

• Pray that the message of Jesus' death and glorious resurrection would be widely proclaimed throughout Nicaragua, despite the restrictions being imposed on the public celebrations of Easter.
• Intercede for the country's political leaders, Daniel Ortega and Rosaria Murillo (along with others who are serving in various levels of governance), praying that they would recognize the Lordship of Christ above all else and, as a result, come to faith in Him.
• As our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in Nicaragua reflect on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross – as well as His victorious resurrection – may they find profound peace, encouragement and joy in the blessed hope that was made possible for all humanity through His atoning blood.

INDIA: Christian Pilgrims Harassed by Hindu Nationalist Group

Source: VOMC
Sources: Catholic News Agency, International Christian Concern, The Free Press Journal

Two buses in India.

Two busloads of Christians that had embarked on a Lenten pilgrimage tour were stopped by members of a Hindu nationalist group on March 31st and subsequently handed over to police. The incident led to the physical and verbal assault of some Christian leaders.

The believers were travelling by bus to visit various churches in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh as part of a "Jubilee Year" celebration. However, several Hindu members of the Bajrang Dal group intercepted the buses and forced them to stop. The pilgrims were forcibly taken to a police station where they were soon released and permitted to continue their journey. As they were travelling to visit another church, the buses were stopped once again; this time, the believers were detained for questioning at the Jabalpur police station. When a group of Catholic leaders, including the Vicar General of the local diocese, came to assist the believers, the militants then turned on the church leaders, physically assaulting them at the police station.

The Bajrang Dal activists alleged that the individuals on the buses were Hindus from tribal communities who had been gathered for the tour with the intention of forcibly converting them to Christianity. However, the individuals in question insisted that they were followers of Jesus who had paid to be part of the bus tour. The believers were ordered by the militants to show identity cards proving that they are Christians, despite the fact that Indian identity cards do not indicate one's religious affiliation.

When the police found no evidence of illegal religious conversions, they instead registered a complaint against the attackers. In India, false accusations of coercive conversions are commonly used against Christians in many parts of the country.
For additional reports on the challenges encountered by our Indian brothers and sisters in Christ, see our country profile.

• Please pray for the complete healing of all those who were injured and traumatized in this recent attack.
• As special days on the Christian calendar are commonly used as an impetus for violence and opposition, pray that believers in India and throughout the world will be able to peacefully celebrate the death and resurrection of their Saviour this Easter season.
• May those who oppose the "Good News" of the Gospel in India be convicted of their own need for eternal salvation, come to a point of sincere repentance, and ultimately acknowledge Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.

IRAN: Imprisoned Pastor Suffers Stroke

Source: VOMC
Sources: Article18, HRANA, VOM-USA

Pastor Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh Photo: Article 18

In 2017, Pastor Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh was sentenced to ten years in prison for his Christian ministry activities. Though pardoned and released in 2022, the pastor was suddenly rearrested on February 6th of this year.
(Read more.)

Following this recent rearrest, Pastor Nasser was held without charge and denied legal representation. As a last resort, the detained believer began a hunger strike not long after his imprisonment. Regrettably, he was found unconscious in his solitary-confinement cell on March 17th. The Christian leader was subsequently rushed to hospital, where it was determined that he had suffered a stroke.

The 63-year-old convert received basic medical treatment and was provided with exercises to help regain movement on the left side of his body. Despite the physician's recommendations for physiotherapy and continued treatment, he was then returned to prison. While Pastor Nasser has since ended his hunger strike, he continues to suffer from lack of movement in his left arm and leg.

In addition to Pastor Nasser's arrest, Pastor Joseph Shahbazian and two Christian women were also taken into custody on February 6th. Concerns are presently being raised over the fate of the two women, one of whom has since been identified as "Aida." It is understood that this recently imprisoned believer is being detained in the women's ward of the notorious Evin Prison.
To review previously posted reports and/or informative video documentaries concerning the persecution of Christians in Iran, go to our country profile.

• As you pray for Pastor Nasser's physical healing and strength, ask the Lord to put it on the hearts of prison officials to ensure this long-suffering Christian leader receives the recommended medical treatment to help him during his journey to recovery.
• While prayerfully upholding Pastor Nasser, and the three mentioned believers who were recently detained, please also remember the many other Christians presently imprisoned in Iran – as well as their concerned families.
• While awaiting their hopeful soon release, may these imprisoned followers of Jesus receive opportunities to share their hope in Christ with those around them, helping to lead fellow prisoners and officials to faith in the Risen Lord.

TOGO: Pastors Targeted by Militant Islamists

Source: VOMC
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs USA

Pastor Patrice Kokouvi Photo: VOM USA

Multiple pastors in northern Togo have encountered persecution from militant Islamic groups crossing over from neighbouring countries. In April 2024, assailants attacked a village where Pastor Gbendja Félidja had been serving. While the pastor and several villagers were able to flee to safety, five people were killed during the violent raid. The Christian leader eventually returned to the village that summer and resumed his ministry activities in the community. On February 7th, however, armed militants invaded the village once again; this time, they forcefully entered Pastor Gbendja's home. During the invasion, the church leader was tragically shot and then stabbed to death, leaving behind seven adult children.

Another pastor in the same region continues to minister despite receiving ongoing threats within his community. For the past three years, Pastor Patrice Kokouvi's crops have been repeatedly destroyed by opposing villagers. When asked if he had reported the damages to the police, Pastor Patrice replied, "If I go to the court system, perhaps [the villagers] will never want to know Jesus." Even though he still faithfully serves the community, this pastor is now residing on the outskirts of the village for the safety of his family.

• Pray for comfort on behalf of Pastor Gbendja's family, friends and church members as they mourn the tragic loss of this beloved Christian leader.
• Please also remember Pastor Patrice and his family in your prayers as they minister the love of Christ to those in their village, asking that these faithful believers would be divinely protected and strengthened.
• In general, pray that God would provide greatly needed protection, wisdom and guidance to Christians throughout Togo who are at threat of violent opposition from militant Islamists as well as practitioners of vodun (commonly referred to as voodoo).

PAKISTAN: Christian Man Charged for Alleged Facebook Posts

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

A sweeper in Pakistan.

On March 17th, Pakistani federal agents took 24-year-old Arsalan Gill into custody on accusations of blasphemy. The charges allege that the Christian believer was responsible for sharing blasphemous content in Facebook groups. His arrest takes place amid a rising number of cases involving entrapment, whereby organized militant groups specifically target members of the country's religious minorities.

Arsalan was arrested when he returned home from his job as a sweeper in Mughalpura, Lahore. The young man's family members were able to speak with him briefly the next day. During one of the conversations, Arsalan explained to his brother Suleman that an unknown person had added him to two Facebook groups without his knowledge, and that he had no idea what type of content was shared on those pages.

Religious rights advocates believe that the accused follower of Jesus is most likely another victim of organized groups that are deliberately deceiving Christians in order to have them charged with blasphemy.
(More information about this concerning trend is available here.)

Pastor Imran Amanat with LEAD Ministries Pakistan has issued a warning to the country's Christian youth, advising them to exercise extreme caution when using social media platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp. "These platforms have become fertile grounds for malicious individuals to exploit unsuspecting victims, particularly young Christians, and trap them in false blasphemy cases," he cautioned.
To review other reports addressing the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

• Please uphold Arsalan in your prayers as he faces these accusations, asking that this detained young man and his family would be sustained by God's peace, strength and comfort.
• May the Lord also provide Arsalan and his family with the necessary financial resources so they will be equipped to overcome the legal challenges ahead.
• Further, pray that God will work in and through members of the government commission, a political group that has been established to investigate these anti-Christian "vigilante groups," in order to bring about justice for Arsalan and our many other accused Pakistani brothers and sisters in Christ.