Stories from Syria: Tortured Like Jesus

Altair (not his real name) endured excruciating torture at the hands of Syrian forces for many months as they sought information on his brother fighting in the resistance army — information Altair did not have. At some point in his life, he had seen the Jesus Film, and as they stretched his arms out likeContinue reading “Stories from Syria: Tortured Like Jesus”

Stories from Syria: “Jesus Saved My Life”

This update on Syria is from Open Doors’ 2022 World Watchlist: “Violence against Christians decreased in Syria, which is news worth celebrating. And yet … even though the public threat of ISIS has largely subsided, Christians in Syria still grapple with daily persecution that may become violent. … Where extremists control territory, any public expressionContinue reading “Stories from Syria: “Jesus Saved My Life””

Pray for Aid to Reach War-Torn Tigray

It has already been over a week since Tigrayan and Ethiopian forces agreed to peace and promised to allow much needed humanitarian aid deliveries to the more than six million people suffering from acute hunger in war-torn northern Ethiopia. But so far, entry is still closed. Let’s continue praying for this country listed among theContinue reading “Pray for Aid to Reach War-Torn Tigray”

Nepal Shaken by Earthquakes, Persecution

Two earthquakes five hours apart shook western Nepal yesterday, killing four children and two adults. People as far away as New Delhi, India, also felt the tremors. The Himalayan country of more than 30 million people is still rebuilding after two earthquakes in 2015 killed almost 9,000 people and destroyed more 824,000 homes. With 258Continue reading “Nepal Shaken by Earthquakes, Persecution”

Letters Smuggled Out of North Korea

Yesterday, we prayed for North Korea, where between 300,000 and 500,000 Christians follow Jesus secretly. “Any North Korean caught following Jesus is at immediate risk of imprisonment, brutal torture, and/or death,” states Open Doors. An estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians are imprisoned in labor camps and prisons. In addition, North Koreans have been facing death byContinue reading “Letters Smuggled Out of North Korea”

North Korea’s Need for Christ

Yesterday, North Korea marked its 28th missile launch this year by firing two short-range ballistic missiles just off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula. Let’s pray for this Communist country counted as the second most dangerous in the world (next to Afghanistan). Lord, please bring an end to the reign of terror in NorthContinue reading “North Korea’s Need for Christ”

Kurds of Iran

Nearly 8 million Kurds live in Iran, one of the top ten most dangerous countries in the world. They have long been oppressed by the government, but these past few weeks, as protests triggered by the death of a Kurdish Iranian woman have erupted throughout Iran, the north and northwestern Kurdish-majority towns have especially comeContinue reading “Kurds of Iran”

China’s 20th Party Congress

Most of China’s 20th Communist Party Congress this week will be held behind closed doors, but Leader Xi JinPing’s opening speech has been summarized in a recent article by CNN. Let’s pray for this vast Asian nation of almost 1.5 billion people, suffering through severe zero-Covid restrictions, seeking reunification with Taiwan and influencing so manyContinue reading “China’s 20th Party Congress”

Unrest in Iran

After the death of a woman convicted of not wearing proper attire, protests have erupted all throughout Iran these past two weeks. An unknown number of people have been arrested and dozens have died. Unrest has also occurred along the border with northern Iraq, where Iran targeted Kurds, and killed at least nine, including civilians.Continue reading “Unrest in Iran”

Hazara Students Killed in Afghanistan

As about 600 students prepared to take a practice exam for college entry, a suicide bomber killed at least 19 and injured more than 27 on Friday. The school is located in the mostly Hazara Shia Muslim minority neighborhood of Dasht-e-Barchi, Kabul, and many of the victims were girls. The Taliban has forbidden girls toContinue reading “Hazara Students Killed in Afghanistan”