30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 42:10-35 Today, all of the countries in the Americas and Caribbean are considered majority Christian and enjoy greater religious freedom than many parts of the world. While the Catholic Church dominates Central and South America, evangelical churches have seen tremendous growth over the pastContinue reading “Day 25: America”
Tag Archives: persecuted Christians
Day 23: Southeast Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Matthew 22:25-28 Southeast Asia is home to nearly 700 unreached people groups. In addition, six of these countries (the most violent of which is Myanmar) are on Open Doors’ World Watchlist of nations persecuting Christians. Christians and seekers of Christ face extreme pressure to conformContinue reading “Day 23: Southeast Asia”
Day 22: South Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 44 Tradition says the Apostle Bartholomew took the Gospel to Pakistan, and Thomas to India, where he was martyred in AD 72. Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier, who ministered to India’s lower classes in 1542, baptized 30,000 Paravar people. William Carey, instrumental in evangelical missionsContinue reading “Day 22: South Asia”
Day 21: East Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 55 The Silk Road opened the way in AD 645 for Nestorian Christians to arrive in China, where they sought converts until suppressed 150 years later. In the 16th century, Jesuits brought the next wave of Christian influence to China, while Portuguese Catholics arrivedContinue reading “Day 21: East Asia”
Day 20: Central Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Psalm 95 Acts 2 suggests the Parthians who heard the Gospel at Pentecost would have carried it back to Southern Turkmenistan, among other areas. As Christianity spread farther in the first centuries, several cities along the Silk Road became strong centers for Christian culture andContinue reading “Day 20: Central Asia”
Day 19: North Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening As we pray for Russia today, let’s remember the families of the more than 140 who died in the massive terrorist attack at a concert in Moscow last week. Verses for contemplation: 1 John 4 Greek missionaries from the Byzantine Empire introduced Christianity to Kievan Rus in theContinue reading “Day 19: North Asia”
Day 18: Middle East
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 61:1-4 More than 3,000 years ago, the Hebrews settled in the area of today’s Israel, where King David ruled from Jerusalem, and where Jesus died and rose again. Acts 2 suggests those who heard the Gospel in their own languages at Pentecost would haveContinue reading “Day 18: Middle East”
Day 17: Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 49:1-13 More than 5 billion people live on this massive continent, among them thousands of unreached people groups. In fact, two countries in this region have populations of over a billion each: India, which also has a whopping 2,135 UPGs, and China, clocking inContinue reading “Day 17: Asia”
Day 15: East Africa
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verse for contemplation: Isaiah 51:14-16 Due to violence, drought, floods, displacement and disease, nearly 50 million people in the Horn of Africa now face acute food insecurity (up from 31 million in 2022). Somalia, Ethiopia and other parts of this region have suffered famine after more than fiveContinue reading “Day 15: East Africa”
Day 14: Central Africa
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: John 8:31-32 Many of the first missionaries to the animistic people groups of Central Africa in the 19th century died of illnesses endemic to that area. Others suffered so many hardships they gave up after a brief amount of time. But some endured, and todayContinue reading “Day 14: Central Africa”
Day 13: West Africa
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 42:1-9 Of the 4,998 Christians worldwide who died last year for their faith, 82 percent were martyred in Nigeria. That is an average of 14 believers murdered per day in that one country alone! Attacks on churches during worship have become tragically commonplace, alongContinue reading “Day 13: West Africa”
Day 12: North Africa
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Psalm 42 The Bible records several prophecies regarding North Africa, and in Matthew 2:13-20, Jesus’ family fled to Egypt to avoid persecution after His birth. (See Matthew 2:15 and Hosea 11:1). Acts 2 suggests those who heard the Gospel in their own language at PentecostContinue reading “Day 12: North Africa”
Day 4: Persecuted Church
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Matthew 10:16-42 2 Timothy 3:12 promises that all who seek to live a godly life will be persecuted. Open Doors reports that more than 365,000,000 Christians face high levels of persecution and discrimination. That’s one in seven! In fact, in many countries, even those whoContinue reading “Day 4: Persecuted Church”
Where Knowing Christ is Dangerous
Join tomorrow for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, March 11-April 9, 2024. For billions of people across the areas colored red in this map below, fear and uncertainty are a constant reality. Christians and even seekers asking questions about Jesus are severely persecuted, often by beatings, imprisonment or death. And yet, in ChristContinue reading “Where Knowing Christ is Dangerous”
Thousands of Christians Displaced, Kidnapped, Martyred in Nigeria
Join us for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, March 11-April 9, 2024. Hundreds of martyrs have fallen over the past few months in Nigeria at the hands of Fulani herdsmen and other Muslim extremists. In Kaduna state. more than 100 Christians were killed in the last four months of 2023. In the first two weeksContinue reading “Thousands of Christians Displaced, Kidnapped, Martyred in Nigeria”
Pakistan: Death Sentence Update
Join us for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, March 11-April 9, 2024, as we pray for persecuted Christians, their persecutors and the nations to awaken to Christ’s love. Last June, we prayed for 24-year-old Noman Masih, a Christian in Pakistan sentenced to death after a false conviction of blasphemy. We prayed he would be acquittedContinue reading “Pakistan: Death Sentence Update”
Thousands Come to Faith in Myanmar
While the world fixes its attention on war in Gaza and Ukraine, the peoples of Myanmar have endured genocide, rape, and endless burnings of their villages, schools and hospitals in a horrific civil war. (See our November 20 post and dedicated Pray for Myanmar page.) Today, we’re excited to share with you that God is answering our prayers.Continue reading “Thousands Come to Faith in Myanmar”
Update on Detained Missionary Pilot, Mozambique
Join us for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, March 11-April 9, 2024. Brutal persecution by Muslim extremists has ranked the Christian-majority nation of Mozambique one of the most dangerous in the world for followers of Jesus, mainly due to Islamic State Mozambique (ISM), which has vowed to murder all Christians and Jews who doContinue reading “Update on Detained Missionary Pilot, Mozambique”
Missionaries, Pastors Face Charges in Nicaragua
Although 95% Christian, Nicaragua ranks among the most dangerous countries in the world for followers of Christ. Currently, 11 Nicaraguan pastors and three missionaries from the USA face charges of “money laundering and organized crime” after their US-based non-profit, Mountain Gateway, hosted evangelistic campaigns last year that reached nearly one million people with the gospel.Continue reading “Missionaries, Pastors Face Charges in Nicaragua”
Kansas Shooting, Miracle Rescue and Other Headlines for Prayer
USA: One person died and more than 20 others, including children, were injured in a mass shooting Wednesday at a Kansas City Super Bowl victory rally attended by about 1 million people. Lord, thank You for sparing so many lives, and for the brave people who tackled a gunman. But we pray now for LisaContinue reading “Kansas Shooting, Miracle Rescue and Other Headlines for Prayer”
Lakewood, Punjab and Other Persecution Headlines
Join us for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, March 11-April 9, 2024, as we pray for persecuted Christians, their persecutors and the nations to awaken to Christ’s love. PAKISTAN: Last week, Christian teen Sunil Masih (age 14) died for his faith when six armed Muslim extremists shouted threats against Christians and open-fired on a groupContinue reading “Lakewood, Punjab and Other Persecution Headlines”
Headline Prayers This Week
Join us for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, March 11-April 9, 2024. HAITI: Violence has increased all the more in Port-au-Prince with thousands protesting the cancellation of the February 7 elections. Hundreds have been wounded and at least five died from gunfire. Out-of-control gang violence has left Haiti without a functioning government forContinue reading “Headline Prayers This Week”
Dozens of Christians, Children Arrested in Eritrea
Authorities in Asmara, Eritrea, detained 30 Christian adults and a number of children, as they gathered to celebrate a baby’s first birthday. Non-Christians attending the event were sent home. (Open Doors UK News, February 4) It is unknown what these believers and their children will now face. Normal procedure is to torture and even killContinue reading “Dozens of Christians, Children Arrested in Eritrea”
Worldwide Persecution Trends
Join us for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, March 11-April 9, 2024. Last year, Open Doors’ World Watchlist counted 4,998 Christian martyrs, 82% of whom died in Nigeria at the hands of Fulani tribesmen and Muslim extremists. In addition, some 14,766 churches and other Christian properties worldwide were attacked, a number seven timesContinue reading “Worldwide Persecution Trends”
Fires in Chile and Other Headline Prayers
CHILE: As of yesterday, 123 people have died in Valparaiso with nearly 100 fires burning more than a thousand homes in the last few days. PAKISTAN: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants killed at least ten policemen and injured several others in a heavily armed attack on a police station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Monday, as Thursday’s national electionsContinue reading “Fires in Chile and Other Headline Prayers”
Pakistan: Forced Conversions and Torture
Muslim extremists in Pakistan abducted Azam Masih, 28, and his younger brother Nadeem and tortured them into reciting the Kalima creed for conversion to Islam by beating them with metal rods. Police have arrested a Muslim cleric for conducting the conversion, as well as Naseem Shah and Sunny Shah, known criminals involved in other hatredContinue reading “Pakistan: Forced Conversions and Torture”
Headlines & Prayers for the Middle East
Join us for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, March 11-April 9, 2024. TURKEY: Islamic State extremists attacked a Catholic Church in Istanbul during Sunday mass, killing a 52-year-old Alevi man attending services. One of Turkey‘s largest religious minorities, Alevis practice a variant of Islam which is neither Sunni nor Shiite. JORDAN: A droneContinue reading “Headlines & Prayers for the Middle East”
Christ in Their Dreams
You may have noticed here at the Prayer Wall that we often ask the Lord to meet people in dreams, visions and other miraculous ways, especially in countries closed off to the Gospel, where Bibles are not available, Christians are persecuted, and missionaries are not permitted. He is answering! In fact, as Muslims fast andContinue reading “Christ in Their Dreams”
Pray Through the Headlines This Week
RUSSIA swapped 230 prisoners from UKRAINE for the return of 248 of its soldiers this week in the biggest prisoner exchange since the war began. Two ISIS suicide bombers killed at least 84 and wounded close to 234 more people gathered near Qasem Soleimani’s gravesite in Kerman, IRAN, this week on the fourth anniversary ofContinue reading “Pray Through the Headlines This Week”
Christian Village Targeted by Hezbollah Missiles
The day after Christmas, Hezbollah targeted an ancient Christian village in northern Israel. Muslim terrorist missiles from Lebanon hit Saint Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Iqrit, wounding an 80-year-old man and nine Israeli soldiers who rushed to help. Already more than 80,000 people have been displaced in that region. (CBN, Jan 2) Israeli air strikesContinue reading “Christian Village Targeted by Hezbollah Missiles”
Christians Jailed for Their Faith
UGANDA: On the third day of an evangelistic campaign in Soroti, a crowd of Muslims beat the Christian preachers for quoting the Quran. Police then arrested two of the evangelists, Joseph Omadi and Isaac Napakol, for “wounding the religious feelings” of the Muslim community. Their physical condition has worsened considerably in prison this past month.Continue reading “Christians Jailed for Their Faith”
Nigeria: More Than 160 Massacred at Christmas
At least 160 people died, more than 300 sustained injuries, and hundreds of homes burned to the ground over Christmas weekend in brutal attacks on more than 20 mostly Christian communities in the Bokkos and Barkin Ladi region of Plateau State, Nigeria. Although Nigeria is nearly 52% Christian, it is by far the deadliest countryContinue reading “Nigeria: More Than 160 Massacred at Christmas”
Prayers for Suffering Christians This Christmas
As we gather with loved ones this Christmas and worship God freely in our churches, let’s take a moment to pray together as a family for persecuted Christians throughout the world who don’t have that freedom or who are in the midst of a war they have no part in. To understand better what ourContinue reading “Prayers for Suffering Christians This Christmas”
Christians Killed in Gaza and Other Headlines
GAZA: IDF sniper fire killed Nahida Anton and her daughter Samar inside the Holy Family Parish on Saturday as they walked to the Sisters Convent. Seven more were wounded as they tried to protect others. The night before, heavy bombing resulted in three wounded inside the church. The compound is home to Missionaries of Charity,Continue reading “Christians Killed in Gaza and Other Headlines”
Praying for Yemen’s Salvation
Since Yemen’s warring sides failed to renew a truce that expired last month, fighting has continued at a standstill, giving respite to their haggard nation. In the meantime, however, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have begun attacking Israel. Although Yemen is the third most dangerous country in the world for followers of Jesus, nearly a decadeContinue reading “Praying for Yemen’s Salvation”
Three Christians Conditionally Released from Prison in Iran, One Pardoned
Three Christians imprisoned in Iran for participating in house churches, Ahmad Sarparast, Ayoob Poor-Rezazadeh and Morteza Mashoodkari, have been released to serve the remainder of their five-year sentences outside prison, as long as they return to work daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the jail’s adjacent factory. In addition, another house church memberContinue reading “Three Christians Conditionally Released from Prison in Iran, One Pardoned”
Nigeria: 74 Christians Martyred, More than 123 Abducted in Two Months
As you read this devastating report from Nigeria in September and October, BENUE STATE: Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists killed three Christians and kidnapped another, Iorhon Dam, early Sunday morning, October 29, in Tse Gamber village, Gwer West County. At the same time, three more Christians were murdered in Ngai village. On October 23, terroristsContinue reading “Nigeria: 74 Christians Martyred, More than 123 Abducted in Two Months”
Deadly Earthquake in Nepal
More than 157 people died and over 170 were injured in a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that shook northwestern Nepal Friday night and flattened many villages. People as far away as New Delhi, India, also felt the tremors. Then, today, another earthquake hit in the same area as the first, Ramidanda in Jajarkot district, followed byContinue reading “Deadly Earthquake in Nepal”
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Please go to our International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church page for today’s prayers: International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church If you haven’t subscribed to the Prayer Wall yet, please enter your email address below, so you can receive each daily prayer guide in time for your morning quiet times with God:Continue reading “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church”
Somalia: #2 Most Dangerous Nation
Join us November 5 for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church As we prepare for Sunday’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, let’s remember Christians facing extreme violence, persecution and hunger in 99.6% Muslim Somali, ranked #2 on Open Doors’ World Watchlist ofContinue reading “Somalia: #2 Most Dangerous Nation”
Yemen: #3 Most Dangerous Nation for Christians
Join us November 5 for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church As we prepare for Sunday’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, let’s lift up our brothers and sisters facing extreme violence, persecution and hunger in Yemen, ranked #3 on Open Doors’ WorldContinue reading “Yemen: #3 Most Dangerous Nation for Christians”
Libya: #5 Most Dangerous Nation for Christians
Join us November 5 for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church As we prepare for this coming Sunday’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, let’s lift up our brothers and sisters facing extreme violence, persecution and hunger in Libya, ranked #5 on OpenContinue reading “Libya: #5 Most Dangerous Nation for Christians”
Pray for Christians in Danger
Join us for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Next Sunday, November 5 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Some believers will be setting aside the entire month to fast and pray. What about you? How is God leading you to prepare? Will you invite your whole churchContinue reading “Pray for Christians in Danger”
Afghanistan’s Third Round of Earthquakes Since Christians Arrested: 6.3-6.3-6.3
Survivors of both October 7‘s 6.3 magnitude earthquake series and October 11‘s 6.3 had just begun returning to their homes in Herat when yet another 6.3 quake struck in the same region this Sunday. Nearly 2,500 people have died in the combined quakes, and hundreds of people are now buried under debris. As winter approaches,Continue reading “Afghanistan’s Third Round of Earthquakes Since Christians Arrested: 6.3-6.3-6.3”
Yet Another Earthquake Rocks Afghanistan
Yesterday, a 6.3 magnitude quake struck near western Afghanistan’s Herat City, flattening homes that withstood Saturday’s 6.3 and causing all the more damage in districts already devastated. A new landslide has now blocked the main highway, making rescue and relief efforts all the more difficult. More than 2,446 died in the combined quakes, at leastContinue reading “Yet Another Earthquake Rocks Afghanistan”
Syria: Drone Attack at Graduation Kills 100
At least 100 people died and perhaps 240 others were wounded in a drone attack at a military college graduation ceremony in Homs Province, Syria, on Thursday. Moments later, Syrian planes targeted 20 villages and towns in opposition-controlled areas of Idlib Province, killing at least six, and wounding about 40 others, including women and children.Continue reading “Syria: Drone Attack at Graduation Kills 100”
Earthquake in Afghanistan
More than 2,400 people have died and an estimated 1,500 are injured after several earthquakes, including one of 6.3 magnitude, hit western Afghanistan Saturday near the city of Herat. This comes after three previous earthquakes have already claimed the lives of more than 1,000 in the past two years: January 2022 (5.6 in Badghis, nearContinue reading “Earthquake in Afghanistan”
Missionary Pilot Detained in Mozambique Now in USA
Thank you for your prayers for Missionary Aviation Fellowship pilot Ryan Koher, who was imprisoned in Mozambique nearly a year ago. He and his family are now back in the US! Last week, a judge lifted the restrictions that prevented Ryan from providing his services as a pilot for Ambassador Aviation, MAF’s business name inContinue reading “Missionary Pilot Detained in Mozambique Now in USA”
Psalm 28 Prayer for Myanmar
Due to civil war and persecution, Myanmar ranks among the most dangerous countries in the world for those who seek to follow Christ. Read more here: Myanmar’s Displaced Once More on the Run Let’s join together to pray Psalm 28 today for our brothers and sisters facing terror and violence: When Your people in Burma areContinue reading “Psalm 28 Prayer for Myanmar”
Crimes Continue Against Ethiopia’s Women
Despite the signing of a peace accord last year, war crimes have continued in Ethiopia, especially against women and girls. A recent estimate counts more than 10,000 people have been traumatized by rape and other sexual violence. With a population of 126 million, Ethiopia is not only the most populous country in East Africa; itContinue reading “Crimes Continue Against Ethiopia’s Women”
Underground Churches Help Morocco Earthquake Victims
Hidden Christians have been stepping out into the open these last two weeks to provide aid and share Christ’s love with those wounded, grieving and displaced after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people in Morocco. In the 99% Muslim nation listed among the most dangerous countries in the worldContinue reading “Underground Churches Help Morocco Earthquake Victims”
Mozambique: 11 Christians Killed by ISM, Update on Pilot Ryan
The Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) in Mozambique has vowed to murder all Christians and Jews who do not convert to Islam. Such brutal persecution by Muslim extremists has ranked the Christian-majority nation one of the most dangerous in the world for followers of Jesus. Last week, ISM terrorists opened fire on Christians in a village inContinue reading “Mozambique: 11 Christians Killed by ISM, Update on Pilot Ryan”
Miracle in Sudan: Christian’s Life Spared
When Muslim extremists forcibly entered Baballah’s home seeking to end his life, the new convert from Islam prayed for a miracle and got one. Growing up in a small town in 92% Muslim Sudan, Baballah had never heard the good news about Jesus until he moved to Khartoum to finish high school. That’s when aContinue reading “Miracle in Sudan: Christian’s Life Spared”
Christians Detained in Afghanistan
The Taliban detained at least 18 staff members of International Assistance Mission (IAM), a Christian-based NGO which has served the 99% Muslim country since 1966. IAM said no charges have been lodged yet against their organization or any individual in custody. But other news sources say the workers are accused of “doing mission work” orContinue reading “Christians Detained in Afghanistan”
Nigeria: 42 Martyrs in a Month
PLATEAU STATE: Muslim and Fulani terrorists killed 37 Christians in several attacks within a month. On Sunday, September 10, they murdered ten believers in Kulben Village, Mangu County, and injured one. On August 14, they attacked a community high school in Kwi Village, Riyom County, while in session, killing two Christian teachers as they taught,Continue reading “Nigeria: 42 Martyrs in a Month”
Delhi, India: Church Attacked by Hindu Mob
As Pastor Satpal Bhati and other fellow believers prepared for church in his home last month, a group of about 100 Hindu extremists entered with weapons and sticks. To shouts of, “Jai Shri Ram” (Glory to Lord Rama) and “Hindu Rashtra Hamara Hai” (This Hindu nation is ours), they tore pages from Bibles, vandalized aContinue reading “Delhi, India: Church Attacked by Hindu Mob”
Pastor in Pakistan Forgives Muslim Assailant
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Jesus, Matthew 24:6 NIV This is the verse that gave a Pastor Zayn courage to face persecution, when a Muslim brutally assaulted him and incited otherContinue reading “Pastor in Pakistan Forgives Muslim Assailant”
Abducted Christian Rescued in Egypt
Throughout the Muslim world, Christian women and girls are abducted at an alarming rate of at least two per day for the purpose of forcing them to convert to Islam. But in Egypt last month, a forced conversion failed when the Christian mother tortured for her faith held fast to Christ, and then was rescuedContinue reading “Abducted Christian Rescued in Egypt”
Update on Missionary Pilot’s Detainment in Mozambique
Brutal persecution by Muslim extremists has ranked the Christian-majority nation of Mozambique one of the most dangerous in the world for followers of Jesus, mainly due to Islamic State Mozambique (ISM), which has vowed to murder all Christians and Jews who do not convert to Islam. The northern region of Cabo Delgado has been racked withContinue reading “Update on Missionary Pilot’s Detainment in Mozambique”
13 Christians Released from Prison in Eritrea
After enduring more than ten years of horrific conditions, 13 Christian prisoners were released from custody last month in Eritrea. The seven women and six men, as with other ex-prisoners in that Communist country, however, remain under constant threat of re-arrest. Their release comes after an international plea for prayer regarding two Christian leaders imprisonedContinue reading “13 Christians Released from Prison in Eritrea”
Fastest Growing Underground Church
Conversion to Christianity is punishable by death in 98% Muslim Iran. The Middle Eastern country ranks eighth in the lineup of most dangerous countries for those who seek Christ, but first as far as fastest growing underground church. Estimates put the current number of Christians anywhere from 300,000 to one million and climbing. One IranianContinue reading “Fastest Growing Underground Church”
Christians Arrested, Released in Iran
At least 69 Christian converts from Islam were arrested in 11 Iranian cities in June and July. Ten are reportedly still in custody. Release of the other 59 fell contingent on their attending Islamic re-education sessions and/or signing agreements to refrain from Christian activities. Others were summoned for further interrogation mere days after their releaseContinue reading “Christians Arrested, Released in Iran”
Churches Approved in Egypt
A special government committee formed for the purpose of licensing and legalizing church buildings in Egypt has approved nearly 3,000 applications for church buildings in the past seven years. That’s exciting news in light of the fact that before the committee was formed in 2016, Christians often waited as long as 20 years to getContinue reading “Churches Approved in Egypt”
Christian Churches, Homes Burned in Pakistan
Thousands of angry Muslims went on a rampage last Wednesday in Jaranwala, Punjab Province, Pakistan, burning 19 churches and destroying 89 Christian homes, while damaging another 400. (Release International, Aug 21) “We don’t have words to describe the terrible destruction of church buildings, Bibles and everything in them. All we could see were ashes,” saidContinue reading “Christian Churches, Homes Burned in Pakistan”
Ugandan Christian Martyred by Husband
Amina Nanfuka was killed by her Muslim husband the very same day she chose to follow Christ. A relative in Kampala, who had become a Christian just two years before, heard Amina needed to see a doctor in her city, so she invited her to stay in her home. “I shared the saving power ofContinue reading “Ugandan Christian Martyred by Husband”
Christians Run for Their Lives in Pakistan
After three blasphemy accusations in a row in Pakistan, the third of which was a poster anonymously signed “a warrior of Maryam,” Christians from that town fled their homes last month fearing retribution from local Muslims. At least 15 Christians were taken into custody merely because their identity cards listed Maryam as their hometown. “Pakistan’sContinue reading “Christians Run for Their Lives in Pakistan”
Ugandan Pastor Stoned for Sharing Christ’s Love
With both Muslims and Christians attending the funeral in Mayuge, Uganda, of a convert from Islam to Christianity, Vanisha Namukasa’s pastor Davidson Okirori saw a unique opportunity to share God’s love. He felt the Lord leading him to speak from not only the Bible, but also the Koran and Hadith of Bukhara to show “theContinue reading “Ugandan Pastor Stoned for Sharing Christ’s Love”
Protests in Manipur
Last Saturday, thousands of people gathered to protest the sexual assault of women from the mainly Christian Kuki ethnic group by mobs of Hindu Meiteis, who have continued to burn churches and run Christians from their homes since early May despite the presence of the Indian army in Manipur, India, where more than 65,000 peopleContinue reading “Protests in Manipur”
Letter from Pilot Ryan, Fast Tomorrow
Missionary pilot Ryan Koher and two South Africans were detained while preparing Koher’s plane to deliver vitamins and other needed items to orphanages in northern Mozambique. They were imprisoned several months, and have been granted a provisional release, but their case is still ongoing. Missionary Aviation Fellowship has called a fast tomorrow, July 27, forContinue reading “Letter from Pilot Ryan, Fast Tomorrow”
A Militant Muslim’s Encounter with Love
By the time Saudi-born Al Fadi turned 12, he had memorized half the Quran. By age 15, he was ready to die for Allah as a terrorist, had his mother not held him back. He hated Christians and anyone else who did not believe in Islam as the one true religion. The more he readContinue reading “A Militant Muslim’s Encounter with Love”
Uganda: Convert from Islam Martyred
After six months of learning about Christianity, 22-year-old Abudu Amisi chose Jesus as his Savior on June 22, but feared for his life because of his former ties to a Muslim missionary and the Islamic community. Christians provided a rental home for him, and he remained indoors for two weeks. But on July 8, AmisiContinue reading “Uganda: Convert from Islam Martyred”
Adolescent Wrongfully Arrested in Pakistan
Thirteen-year-old Simon laughed with his cousin Adil about which of them would win in a fight. One said he could punch like Muhammed Ali, and the other jokingly responded, “You are not Muhammed Ali. You are a dog.” A Muslim police officer inaccurately overheard the conversation as disrespect for the Islamic prophet Muhammad and beatContinue reading “Adolescent Wrongfully Arrested in Pakistan”
Seven Years a Prisoner Now Free
Held hostage by Al-Qaeda for seven years, Dr. Kenneth Elliot is at last free! Known as the “Doctor of the Poor” and “Savior of Sahel” for treating his patients without charge, the kind Christian surgeon and his wife, Jocelyn, ran a 120-patient hospital in Djibo, Burkina Faso. But in 2016, Muslim extremists abducted them bothContinue reading “Seven Years a Prisoner Now Free”
Forced Marriage or Death in Pakistan
Every year in the 98% Islamic country of Pakistan, hundreds of Christian and Hindu girls face abduction, abuse and forced marriages to Muslim men. Most of the victims fall between the ages of 14 and 18, but the second highest number are below the age of 14. Tragically, no woman is safe. Last month, overContinue reading “Forced Marriage or Death in Pakistan”
Nigerian President Replaces Leaders
Bola Tinubu, sworn in as president of Nigeria last month, has named replacements to lead the military, police and defense intelligence. In addition, he is expected to appoint new boards for all government agencies within the next few weeks, Fox News reported Monday. For years now, the mainly Christian nation has been wracked with violenceContinue reading “Nigerian President Replaces Leaders”
Video Update from Pilot Ryan
As Ryan Koher of Mission Aviation Fellowship readied his plane to take vitamins to needy orphans in tumultuous northern Mozambique at the beginning of November, he and two elderly South African volunteers, W. J. du Plessis and Eric Dry, were detained. After several months of imprisonment, they were given a provisional release from prison in mid-March. TheirContinue reading “Video Update from Pilot Ryan”
Terrorists Kill Students on Uganda-Congo Border
Terrorists set a secondary school on fire and murdered about 47 people, most of them between the ages of 13 and 18, on Friday night in Uganda. The attackers abducted at least six others and escaped across the border into Congo. Uganda is 82% Christian and borders the volatile eastern region of Democratic Republic ofContinue reading “Terrorists Kill Students on Uganda-Congo Border”
Martyred in Manipur
As an ethnic Kuki Christian woman prayed in her church last weekend in Khoken village, Manipur, India, Meitei terrorists dressed in Indian army uniforms and bearing automatic rifles killed her along with two other Kuki Christians, injuring two more. The ethnic Meitei, which make up 53% of Manipur’s population, are a mostly Hindu unreached peopleContinue reading “Martyred in Manipur”
300 Killed, 30,000 Displaced in Mangu, Nigeria
Over the past month, Fulani terrorists murdered 300 Christians, destroyed 28 church buildings and 2,000 houses, displaced 30,000 people from their homes and looted 150 trailer loads of grain in Mangu County, Plateau State, Nigeria. (See the full Morning Star News story here.) Lord, please comfort those who mourn, heal the bodies and minds ofContinue reading “300 Killed, 30,000 Displaced in Mangu, Nigeria”
China: Imprisoned Mom Boldly Shares Christ
Chinese officials arrested a mother for gathering together with other Christians to worship God after the government had forbidden their church to meet. In a jail cell with nine other women, she openly told stories of Jesus. The guards forbid her to “hold church,” but each time they moved her to another cell, she sharedContinue reading “China: Imprisoned Mom Boldly Shares Christ”
Pakistan: Christians Wrongfully Accused
A 24-year-old Christian has been sentenced to death after a false conviction of breaking Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Morning Star News reported that police broke into Noman Masih‘s home to arrest him while he slept — the same time he is accused of showing blasphemous images of Islam’s Prophet Muhammed to a group of people inContinue reading “Pakistan: Christians Wrongfully Accused”
43 More Martyrs in Nigeria
Armed Muslim extremists and Fulani tribesmen attacked two Christian villages in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, May 11, killing a pastor, his wife and 41 other people as they slept. They also burned down the church and several homes. Officials buried the 43 who were slain in a mass grave without consent from their families. Most ofContinue reading “43 More Martyrs in Nigeria”
Window Narrowing in India
Local officials recently arrested five Christians on false charges in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, India. Global Christian Relief reported that as the Christians gathered to pray about a difficulty one of them faced, a knock sounded at the door and the police pushed their way in, backed by over 100 people standing outside.Continue reading “Window Narrowing in India”
Chin Christians Ask for Prayer
Christians in Myanmar continue to face severe persecution in the midst of civil war, especially in Chin State, where hundreds of Christians have been killed and homes and villages have burned to the ground at the hand of the Burmese military. Today, we share with you a prayer request from a Chin brother for thoseContinue reading “Chin Christians Ask for Prayer”
Christians on the Run in India’s Manipur
At least 58 people have died and more than 23,000 have fled their homes in the northeastern state of Manipur, India, next to the border with Myanmar, due to ethnic clashes between the Hindu Meitei and the Christian Naga and Kuki (Myanmar’s Chin) people groups. Global Christian Relief reported at least 25 churches and manyContinue reading “Christians on the Run in India’s Manipur”
A Deadly March-April in Nigeria
Hundreds of martyrs have fallen over the past two months in Nigeria at the hands of Fulani herdsmen and other Muslim extremists. As you read these horrific accounts of killings in various states, please KADUNA: Terrorists slayed 27 Christians in attacks on March 10 and 14 in two separate villages. Around the same time, extremistsContinue reading “A Deadly March-April in Nigeria”
Yemen: #3 Most Dangerous Nation for Christians
As we prepare for Sunday’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, let’s lift up our brothers and sisters facing extreme violence, persecution and hunger in Yemen, ranked #3 on Open Doors’ World Watchlist of most dangerous countries in the world for Christians to live. Ongoing conflict between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and theContinue reading “Yemen: #3 Most Dangerous Nation for Christians”
Day 25: America
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 42:10-35 Today, all of the countries in the Americas and Caribbean are considered majority Christian and enjoy greater religious freedom than many parts of the world. While the Catholic Church dominates Central and South America, evangelical churches have seen tremendous growth over the pastContinue reading “Day 25: America”
Day 23: Southeast Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Matthew 22:25-28 Southeast Asia is home to nearly 700 unreached people groups. In addition, six of these countries (the most violent of which is Myanmar) are on Open Doors’ World Watchlist of nations persecuting Christians. Christians and seekers of Christ face extreme pressure to conformContinue reading “Day 23: Southeast Asia”
Day 22: South Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 44 Tradition says the Apostle Bartholomew took the Gospel to Pakistan, and Thomas to India, where he was martyred in AD 72. Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier, who ministered to India’s lower classes in 1542, baptized 30,000 Paravar people. William Carey, instrumental in evangelical missionsContinue reading “Day 22: South Asia”
Day 21: East Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 55 The Silk Road opened the way in AD 645 for Nestorian Christians to arrive in China, where they sought converts until suppressed 150 years later. In the 16th century, Jesuits brought the next wave of Christian influence to China, while Portuguese Catholics arrivedContinue reading “Day 21: East Asia”
Day 20: Central Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Psalm 95 Acts 2 suggests the Parthians who heard the Gospel at Pentecost would have carried it back to Southern Turkmenistan, among other areas. As Christianity spread farther in the first centuries, several cities along the Silk Road became strong centers for Christian culture andContinue reading “Day 20: Central Asia”
Day 19: North Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: 1 John 4 Greek missionaries from the Byzantine Empire introduced Christianity to Kievan Rus in the 9th century, and the Russian Orthodox Church is now the most prevalent religion of North Asia. Notable growth occurred among Protestants after World War I, when Russian prisoners cameContinue reading “Day 19: North Asia”
Day 18: Middle East
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 61:1-4 More than 3,000 years ago, the Hebrews settled in the area of today’s Israel, where King David ruled from Jerusalem, and where Jesus died and rose again. Acts 2 suggests those who heard the Gospel in their own languages at Pentecost would haveContinue reading “Day 18: Middle East”
Day 17: Asia
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 49:1-13 More than 5 billion people live on this massive continent, among them thousands of unreached people groups. In fact, two countries in this region have populations of over a billion each: India, which also has a whopping 2,135 UPGs, and China, clocking inContinue reading “Day 17: Asia”
Day 16: Southern Africa
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Ephesians 5 In 1840, the London Missionary Society sent David Livingstone to South Africa, where he became one of the first Europeans to traverse the continent. Other missionaries also brought the Gospel to the mostly animistic peoples of this area, and today, all of theContinue reading “Day 16: Southern Africa”
Day 15: East Africa
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verse for contemplation: Isaiah 51:14-16 Due to violence, drought, floods, displacement and disease, nearly 50 million people in the Horn of Africa now face acute food insecurity (up from 31 million in 2022). Somalia, Ethiopia and other parts of this region have suffered famine after more than fiveContinue reading “Day 15: East Africa”
Day 14: Central Africa
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: John 8:31-32 Many of the first missionaries to the animistic people groups of Central Africa in the 19th century died of illnesses endemic to that area. Others suffered so many hardships they gave up after a brief amount of time. But some endured, and todayContinue reading “Day 14: Central Africa”
Day 13: West Africa
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Isaiah 42:1-9 Of the 4,998 Christians worldwide who died last year for their faith, 82 percent were martyred in Nigeria. That is an average of 14 believers murdered per day in that one country alone! Attacks on churches during worship have become tragically commonplace, alongContinue reading “Day 13: West Africa”
Day 12: North Africa
30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Verses for contemplation: Psalm 42 The Bible records several prophecies regarding North Africa, and in Matthew 2:13-20, Jesus’ family fled to Egypt to avoid persecution after His birth. (See Matthew 2:15 and Hosea 11:1). Acts 2 suggests those who heard the Gospel in their own language at PentecostContinue reading “Day 12: North Africa”
