Updates on the persecuted Church – 30 August 2023

Islamists attack Christian community in eastern Kenya; Islamist slogans painted on church as anti-Christian feeling persists in Pakistan; Pastor shot and killed in Kaduna State, Nigeria

• More than 30 heavily armed Islamists set fire to a church building and at least ten houses in Lamu West, Kenya, on 21 August. Members of al-Shabaab struck Salama village between 8.30pm and 11pm, looting homes and stealing goats. The gang went on to ambush and kill a lorry driver and his co-driver nearby. Salama village was attacked in June by suspected militants who killed five people and razed six homes. Pray for comfort for villagers who lost their church and homes in the attack, and ask that they receive the strength to rebuild. Pray that attacks by al-Shabaab will cease.

• Anti-Christian feeling in Pakistan remains high, as Islamist slogans were discovered painted on the walls of a church building in Faisalabad, Punjab, on 28 August. The graffiti also included a curse against the church’s pastor. At least 22 church buildings and dozens of Christian homes were attacked in anti-Christian riots in the nearby city of Jaranwala on 16 August. Ask the Lord to protect His people from extremists. Give thanks for the continued faith of our brothers and sisters amidst violent persecution.  

• A pastor was shot and killed by gunmen in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, on 23 August. Pastor Jeremiah Mayau, the minister of Tawaliu Baptist Church, was working on his farm when he was shot. “It is very painful that gunmen move freely in broad daylight to execute their evil act and get away with it,” said Reverend John Joseph Hayab, chair of the Kaduna branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria. Reverend Hayab called for security forces to act to protect vulnerable communities. Pray for the bereaved family, friends and congregation of Pastor Jeremiah. Ask for an end to the persistent anti-Christian violence of Middle Belt Nigeria.