Yet More Earthquakes and Other News

VENEZUELA: The death toll in Wednesday’s simultaneous earthquakes is now past 1,400, with more than 3,200 injuries, as rescuers continue to search for survivors among some 50,000 still missing. Since Wednesday’s four, earthquakes have also rocked PAPUA NEW GUINEA (M5.5) Thursday; JAPAN (M6.1), PHILIPPINES (M6.7) and NICARAGUA (M5.2) on Friday; and AFGHANISTAN (M6.1) and PAKISTANContinue reading “Yet More Earthquakes and Other News”

Afghans of North America

Join us tomorrow for the National Day of Prayer. An estimated 400,000 Afghans reside in North America, mainly in these cities: (Click on each, and then head down to the map at the bottom of the page to take a virtual prayer walk of their communities.) Many of these are refugees fleeing oppression in their homeContinue reading “Afghans of North America”

Afghanistan: Dennis Coyle Released!

Dennis Coyle, 64, a Christian researcher we have been praying for here at the Prayer Wall, has now been released! Dennis was abducted by the Taliban just six days after the release of another Christian from the US, Ryan Corbett of New York, who was detained in 2022 for 900 days, until his release in January ofContinue reading “Afghanistan: Dennis Coyle Released!”

Dennis Coyle Detained in Afghanistan

Dennis Coyle, 64, an academic researcher of Afghan languages from Colorado, USA, was wrongfully detained by the Taliban over a year ago, and has been held in “near-solitary conditions, requiring permission even to use the bathroom, and without access to adequate medical care.” After spending two decades in Afghanistan, surveying their many languages and helpingContinue reading “Dennis Coyle Detained in Afghanistan”

Day 20: Central Asia

30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening Several Christian families in this region are at “extreme risk of persecution and detention right now. Due to their public profession of faith in Christ, they are now forced to flee for their lives and the lives of their children. We are doing what we can. Due toContinue reading “Day 20: Central Asia”

Deadly Winter in Afghanistan

Join us February 18-March 19 for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening. At least 61 died and 110 have been injured in heavy snow and rain over the past few days in Afghanistan. More than 450 homes have been destroyed and hundreds of animals have died in at least 15 provinces. An estimated 4-12Continue reading “Deadly Winter in Afghanistan”

Floods in Indonesia & Sri Lanka, Conflict in Afghanistan, Sudan, South Africa

ASIA: Continued rain has complicated rescues, as the death toll from floods and storms rose past 1,750, with hundreds still missing. In INDONESIA, 908 have died and 410 are missing, with 800,000 displaced. Rescue teams wade through waste-high mud to find survivors, and starvation has become a real threat. Many communities have been wiped outContinue reading “Floods in Indonesia & Sri Lanka, Conflict in Afghanistan, Sudan, South Africa”

Afghanistan Earthquake, Philippines Typhoon, Melissa Aftermath, Avalanches

AFGHANISTAN: Just two months after September’s devastating earthquake that killed more than 2,200 and injured thousands more, a 6.3 magnitude quake rocked Kohlm in northern Samangan province this Monday, killing at least 27 and injuring almost 1,000.  PHILIPPINES: The death toll from Monday’s landfall of Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of this season’s most powerful storms, hasContinue reading “Afghanistan Earthquake, Philippines Typhoon, Melissa Aftermath, Avalanches”

A World in Need: Headlines for Prayer

Due to ongoing violence in HAITI, Doctors Without Borders has permanently closed its emergency care center in the capital of Port-au-Prince, now 90% gang-controlled. Lord, please provide for those in need of medical care and bring an end to the violence in Haiti. Protect innocent civilians and children from harm, and meet every gang memberContinue reading “A World in Need: Headlines for Prayer”

9-19 Earthquakes in Russia, Indonesia, Chile, as Mexico Remembers and Afghanistan Recovers

On Friday, September 19, MEXICO commemorated 40 years since the devastating 8.1 earthquake in 1985 that killed somewhere between 12,000 and 35,000 in Mexico City. On the same day in 2017, just two hours after an annual earthquake drill, a 7.1 quake hit, killing close to 400. Once again, on the very same day inContinue reading “9-19 Earthquakes in Russia, Indonesia, Chile, as Mexico Remembers and Afghanistan Recovers”

Earthquakes, Protests, Terrorists and a Hippo

AFGHANISTAN: A dangerous 5.2 magnitude aftershock hit the southeast Friday within 12 hours of another powerful aftershock Thursday. Both came just days after earthquakes Sunday and Tuesday killed more than 2,205 and injured some 3,640. NEPAL: At least 19 have died, hundreds have been injured and the prime minister has resigned during violent youth-led protestsContinue reading “Earthquakes, Protests, Terrorists and a Hippo”

Afghan Quake Update, Sudan Landslide and Other Prayers

AFGHANISTAN: The death toll from Sunday’s midnight earthquake and a subsequent 5.2 aftershock Tuesday has risen to over 1,411, with more than 3,124 injured in the mountainous eastern region. Dozens of commandos have been airlifted to rescue survivors where planes cannot land. SUDAN: A landslide leveled the village of Tarasin in Central Darfur Sunday, leavingContinue reading “Afghan Quake Update, Sudan Landslide and Other Prayers”

Earthquake in Afghanistan

At least 800 people have died, about 2,800 have been injured, and hundreds more could be buried beneath rubble, after a shallow 6.0 magnitude earthquake shook buildings from Kabul, Afghanistan to Islamabad, Pakistan early yesterday morning. (See September 4 update.) The epicenter was about 27 km (17 miles) from the city of Jalalabad, Nangarhar province,Continue reading “Earthquake in Afghanistan”

Millions of Afghans Forced to Return

Pakistan and Iran continue to expel millions of Afghan refugees who fled their homeland to escape war, poverty and Taliban rule. The more than 2.4 million who have already crossed the border back into Afghanistan now face hunger, persecution and other life-threatening hardships, even torture by the Taliban. Many Afghans reported being beaten by IranianContinue reading “Millions of Afghans Forced to Return”

Headline News: Clashes, Floods, Fire and Refugees

In southwestern CHINA, more than 25 rivers have overflowed and about 10,000 people have been evacuated from cities in Sichuan and Yunnan. Heavy rains have also pelted Beijing. About 37 people have died and over 100 have been injured in clashes between the Druze religious minority and Sunni Bedouin clans in Sweida province, SYRIA, followingContinue reading “Headline News: Clashes, Floods, Fire and Refugees”

Floods Around the World

SOUTH AFRICA: The death toll from June floods and snow in Eastern Cape province has risen to 101, with two children still missing and more than 4,000 people displaced. CHINA: Tens of thousands fled their homes during heavy rain in Hunan province. Last week in neighboring Guizhou province, six died from Tuesday’s floods in CongjiangContinue reading “Floods Around the World”

Persecution Sunday

Today, a week after Pentecost, is set apart as Persecution Sunday. Pray together with us for millions of believers around the world who face violence, arrests and even death for their faith in Jesus. In 2024, Open Doors’ World Watchlist reports 4,476 Christian martyrs, 3,100 of whom died in Nigeria at the hands of FulaniContinue reading “Persecution Sunday”

Afghans of North America

Join us tomorrow for the National Day of Prayer. An estimated 400,000 Afghans reside in North America, mainly in these cities: (Click on each, and then head down to the map at the bottom of the page to take a virtual prayer walk of their communities.) Many of these are refugees fleeing oppression in their homeContinue reading “Afghans of North America”

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”

Worldwide Persecution Trends

Join us for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, March 1-30. Order the war room prayer book for screen-free quiet times, or join the Prayer Wall by entering your email below, and receive the daily posts in your inbox each morning. Open Doors’ World Watchlist reports 4,476 Christian martyrs, 3,100 of whom died inContinue reading “Worldwide Persecution Trends”

How the World Spent Christmas

Thousands of people died this Christmas without knowing the Savior of the world. Today we pray for grieving families who also do not know Him. As you make New Year’s resolutions, will you consider joining the Prayer Wall and praying daily together with us to push back the enemy’s purposes and pray forth God’s inContinue reading “How the World Spent Christmas”

Cuba, Greece, Georgia, Afghanistan Headlines

CUBA: The energy grid crashed once again, leaving millions in darkness early Wednesday morning in the Communist island still reeling from several hurricanes, an earthquake, water scarcity, and multiple power failures. The power grid has now been restored, but with planned blackouts of five hours a day. GREECE: Storm Bora brought strong winds and floodingContinue reading “Cuba, Greece, Georgia, Afghanistan Headlines”

Headline Prayers for the World Today

Baloch rebels have claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a railway station in Quetta, PAKISTAN, which killed at least 25 people and injured 53 Saturday. RUSSIA and NORTH KOREA have agreed to mutual military assistance. Over the past two days, GPS interference by North Korea affected flights and other vessels in SOUTH KOREA. SomeContinue reading “Headline Prayers for the World Today”

Afghanistan: Taliban Bans Women’s Faces, Voices

The Taliban issued new laws last week banning women’s voices and bare faces in public. (Fox News, August 22) Under the new vice and virtue laws, a woman’s body must be completely covered at all times in public, including her face. Her clothing must be loose, long and in thick. They must cover themselves inContinue reading “Afghanistan: Taliban Bans Women’s Faces, Voices”

Pray for Athletes from Oppressive Regimes

As athletes gather from throughout the world to compete in the Olympic games these next two weeks, let’s pray for those from nations that have been closed off to the gospel of Christ and for their families and others who will be watching on TV: In this list below of the top ten most dangerousContinue reading “Pray for Athletes from Oppressive Regimes”

Deadly Floods in Afghanistan, and the Persecuted Hazara

Flash floods and mudslides killed more than 300 people and destroyed thousands of houses, mostly in Baghlan, northern Afghanistan last weekend. Let’s pray those in need will find Jesus. Afghanistan is 99.8% Muslim with 68 distinct people groups cut off from the gospel message. Today, we will pray for one of those. The Shi’ite MuslimContinue reading “Deadly Floods in Afghanistan, and the Persecuted Hazara”

Afghans of North America

Join us now through May 2 for the National Day of Prayer. An estimated 400,000 Afghans reside in North America, mainly in these cities: (Click on each, and then head down to the map at the bottom of the page to take a virtual prayer walk of their communities.) Many of these are refugees fleeing oppressionContinue reading “Afghans of North America”

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”

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”

Refugees in the News This Week

Pakistan is forcing 1.5 million undocumented Afghan refugees and migrants out of their country. So far, more than 250,000 have returned homeless to impoverished Afghanistan just as winter comes. Refugees fleeing fighting in Sudan have reported mass killings of perhaps 800 people, most from the Masalit ethnic group in a camp for internally displaced people.Continue reading “Refugees in the News This Week”

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”

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”

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”

Where the Floods Rise

In Pakistan more than 55 people died recently due to heavy rains, including eight children caught in a landslide. Neighboring Afghanistan saw more than 31 deaths, 74 injuries and 41 missing. Typhoon Doksuri left at least 39 dead and caused extensive flooding on many islands in the Philippines, with tens of thousands evacuated. On Friday,Continue reading “Where the Floods Rise”

Afghans of North America

Come join us on May 4 for the National Day of Prayer. An estimated 400,000 Afghans reside in North America, mainly in these cities: (Click on each, and then head down to the map at the bottom of the page to take a virtual prayer walk of their communities.) Many of these are refugees fleeing oppressionContinue reading “Afghans of North America”

Pray for Refugees in Danger

At least 63 migrants seeking to reach Europe from Afghanistan, Iran and other countries in distress died in a shipwreck near the coast of southern Italy Sunday. About 81 survived, 20 of whom are hospitalized, but dozens may still be missing. Accidents like this have become all too common as those fleeing war, violence, humanContinue reading “Pray for Refugees in Danger”

Afghanistan: A Deadly Winter

More than 150 people have died in Afghanistan, many of those just in the last few days, due to sub-zero temperatures and limited humanitarian aid (worsened by the Taliban’s ban on female NGO workers). An estimated 70,000 livestock have also died. Nearly 30 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance to survive, andContinue reading “Afghanistan: A Deadly Winter”

Pray for Afghanistan’s Future

Since the Taliban gained control in August of 2021, about 90% of Afghanistan’s population has plunged into poverty and hunger. Oppressive restrictions against women have also increased, including forbidding girls from attending high school. Most have been helping their families with planting vegetables and other meager means of staying alive. This week, Afghan authorities allowedContinue reading “Pray for Afghanistan’s Future”

Explosion in Afghanistan

An estimated 19 are dead and at least 24 injured, after a blast ripped through the Al Jihad madrasa (religious school) in Aybak, northern Afghanistan, Wednesday. Among the victims were children and other innocents. Ruled by an oppressive regime, the 99.8% Muslim country is home to 68 people groups still unreached with the gospel, andContinue reading “Explosion in Afghanistan”

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”

Earthquake in Afghanistan

At least 1,000 people have died and an estimated 1,500 are injured after a devastating earthquake in Paktika Province, eastern Afghanistan, near the border of Pakistan. The 5.9 magnitude quake occurred at night about 27 miles from Khost. Recent monsoon rains made villagers’ mud homes particularly susceptible to damage. Lord, please have mercy on theContinue reading “Earthquake in Afghanistan”

Floods in Afghanistan

At least 22 people have been killed and 40 injured due to heavy rainfall and flooding in Afghanistan. At least 500 houses have been destroyed, 2,000 homes damaged, 300 head of livestock killed and about 3,000 acres of crops damaged. All this comes after years of drought, war, terrorism and starvation. Let’s pray. Lord, onceContinue reading “Floods in Afghanistan”

Afghans of North America

An estimated 400,000 Afghans reside in North America, mainly in these cities: (Click on each, and then head down to the map at the bottom of the page to take a virtual prayer walk of their communities.) Toronto Vancouver Montreal Sacramento San Francisco Los Angeles Northern Virginia Seattle Houston New York Many are of these areContinue reading “Afghans of North America”

Prayers for Those Grieving in Pakistan

As we continue praying for Ukraine, let’s also spread our hearts out toward grieving families in Peshawar, Pakistan, near the border of Afghanistan, where a bomb during Friday prayers killed 63 people and wounded almost 200 at a Shiite mosque. Father God, in 1 John 4:8 Your Word says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”Continue reading “Prayers for Those Grieving in Pakistan”

Join Us April 2-May 1, 2022

As we continue our prayers for Ukraine and the world during this time in history, please join us in blocking off April 2-May 1, 2022, for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening. Invite your church, life group, or other praying friends to join in, as well. Let’s build a mighty army of prayer warriorsContinue reading “Join Us April 2-May 1, 2022”

Starvation in Afghanistan

The UN has estimated a nearly 23 million Afghans are facing extreme levels of hunger and as many as one million children could die this winter from starvation. Let’s pray. Lord, we ask You, please, to have mercy on the people of Afghanistan. Be a Shield around every Christian. Hide them from those who seekContinue reading “Starvation in Afghanistan”

Lives Saved in Afghanistan

As we thank God this week for His blessings, let’s also thank Him for answered prayers for Afghanistan, for those who have been rescued from danger and for the courageous people who have been involved in those rescues. Most of these stories cannot be told publicly for security reasons, but here is one beautifully re-writtenContinue reading “Lives Saved in Afghanistan”

The Hazara of Afghanistan

The Shi’ite Muslim Hazara have already lost more than half their population due to ethnic cleansing by Pashtun rulers and the Sunni Muslim Taliban over the years, but now that international troops have withdrawn, violence has increased all the more against this ancient people group native to central Afghanistan. Lord of Heaven and Earth, pleaseContinue reading “The Hazara of Afghanistan”