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Joan, a young Christian woman, was among those who suffered as a result of flooding caused by a dam collapse in Borno State, Nigeria. “It has affected so many things,” she said. “Our home was severely damaged. We had no food items.” Barnabas Aid provided food parcels containing rice, beans, corn, sugar and cooking oil to more than 100 Christian families displaced by the flooding. “We are so grateful,” said a pastor from one of the displaced communities. “Thank you, thank you, thank you very much.” Praise God for His provision to His children in a time of crisis.
O Lord God, please hear our prayer on behalf of our brothers and sisters around the world who suffer due to natural disasters. We ask that You protect them and stay close to them, so that their hearts will remain hopeful and full of love for You even when everything else is lost. We know that You – the One who created the world – can command the oceans and move the mountains, and we cry out to You to provide for Your people and maintain the hope of those who would otherwise be hopeless. We ask this in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Southern Africa should be experiencing a rainy season between October and April, but at the time of writing is instead enduring what one expert has described as “a historic drought”. As of October 2024 as many as 21 million children in the region were suffering from malnutrition – and that number could rise if the rains do not come and the April harvest fails. Pray that the Lord, who performs wonders and sends the rain (Job 5:9-10), will bring an end to the ongoing drought and hunger crisis.
Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces) slaughtered dozens of Christians in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the second half of 2024. In just one incident in the province of Ituri, the Islamists captured and beheaded 15 people in a Christian village. Cry out to the Lord for an end to this relentless killing – but also pray that if the onslaught continues He will strengthen His people to endure their hardship and remain faithful, even to the point of death.
ISCAP fighters have claimed responsibility for the killing of an intelligence officer and two Christian civilians in eastern Uganda, near to the border with Kenya. It is rare for ISCAP to conduct an attack so far from their stronghold in north-eastern DRC. Pray for the families of the three victims of this attack that they will be comforted in their grief. Pray for wisdom for security forces to prevent any further killings and that those who seek to spread terror against Christians and others will be thwarted.
Terrorists from Islamic State’s Mozambique Province announced the capture and killing of a Christian in the troubled province of Cabo Delgado. The Mozambique branch of Islamic State has killed thousands of Christians in the country’s north since 2017 and works in close collaboration with the DRC-based Central Africa Province. Ask that the Lord will comfort the bereaved and frightened. Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict these men of violence, and that they will turn to the Lord Jesus whom they are persecuting (Acts 9:4).
“From deep in my heart I thank Barnabas Aid for helping me and my family,” wrote Alganyira, one of the survivors of a massacre at a Christian boarding school in western Uganda. He was 21 and a senior student when Islamist terrorists attacked in June 2023, killing 42 believers, mostly pupils. Alganyira, who suffered severe injuries as he escaped the burning school buildings, says medical treatment funded by Barnabas saved his left arm from permanent paralysis. Give thanks for Alganyira’s recovery and pray that he will go on to achieve his ambition of becoming an engineer, and serving the Christian community. Pray that terrorists will cease their attacks on Christian schools, churches and villages in the region.
Fourteen people attending a prayer service were killed in a lightning strike in a church at a refugee camp in Lamwo, northern Uganda, in early November. A further 34 people were injured at the Palabek settlement camp, whose residents are mainly refugees from South Sudan. The lightning struck the makeshift metallic building at 5.30pm during the service. Fatal lightning strikes are common in Uganda during the rainy seasons. Pray that the Lord will comfort the bereaved and help those Christian refugees, already in straitened circumstances, to rebuild their lives.
Sovereign Lord, we pray for those whom You have called into leadership roles in Your Church at a young age. Please support and guide these young leaders in lands where Christians face intense persecution, especially those called to replace others who have been killed. Fill them with wisdom and discernment beyond their years and enable them to set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. We pray that they will grow strong in their faith and inspire all generations of followers of Jesus, in whose mighty Name we pray. (1 Timothy 4:12)
Pray that the light of the knowledge of God’s glory will shine in the darkness of North Korea (2 Corinthians 4:6). Christians are ranked in the lowest “hostile” class, according to the songbun system of identifying citizens’ loyalty to the state. They are considered worthy of punishment and execution if their faith is discovered. Pray that our God, for whom nothing is impossible, will send revival to this beleaguered nation and communicate His Word powerfully even in a land where owning a Bible can cost Christians their lives.
Research by the UK-based United Bible Societies shows that there are more than 80 complete or partial Bible translations in Chinese. This means that there are more translations into Chinese than any other language, expect for English (which has the most) and Spanish. Praise God for the availability of His Word in China and for Chinese-speakers around the world. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to use these Bible translations to strengthen and guide the Lord’s people.
Praise the Lord that two sisters, both Christians, were acquitted two months after being charged with “blasphemy” in Toba Tek Singh District, Punjab, Pakistan. Saima and Sonia were cleared by the local Sessions Court after consideration of evidence supplied by the district police officer. In 7 August the sisters were accused of throwing a bag containing wastepaper with pages of the Quran on abandoned land. Pray that their release will serve as an example that will deter those who abuse Pakistan’s “blasphemy” laws to accuse Christians and other vulnerable people without cause. Pray for protection for the sisters, their family and other Christians from any retaliation following this verdict.
Rejoice with us that Barnabas Aid has freed another 100 Christian families from the yoke of debt and bonded labour in Pakistan’s brick kilns. This is the 23rd phase of our ongoing project freeing impoverished brick kiln families whose loans – taken out at times of crisis – have led to them being trapped almost as slaves. “They are so grateful,” said a Barnabas aid project officer in Pakistan. Pray that, with the Lord’s provision, we can release many more families.
Barnabas has funded four very successful leadership training days organised by a church in Uzbekistan. “Thank God He gave us this opportunity through you dear ones. We were able to come together and serve each other,” enthused the grateful pastor. The sessions, held every three months, were attended by 20 church members whose ages ranged from 15 to 65 and who are involved in various ministries. Teachers, worship leaders, prayer group and house group leaders, children’s and youth workers and evangelists all participated. Pray that each participant will apply the teaching received reflectively and effectively for the building up of the Body of Christ in their community (Ephesians 4:12-13).
Thank you, wrote a pastor in Kazakhstan, after Barnabas funded urgent repairs to his church building, which had remained largely unchanged since it was constructed in the late 1890s. The work made the building safer, more comfortable and “more conducive to the communion with our Lord”, he added. The pastor’s church – like many in Kazakhstan – has little or no money to spend on repairs. Kazakh congregants, especially those who are converts from Islam, are mostly poor and are often denied employment because of their faith. Yet their love for Jesus means they are rich in the treasures of heaven (Matthew 6: 19-21). Pray that their steadfast faith is a lamp to us all.
Dear Lord Jesus, be with our brothers and sisters across Central Asia, where there are many restrictions on churches as well as hostility towards Christian converts from Islam from extremists within the Muslim majority. We praise and thank You for the great joy of the Christians, for their burning desire for Your Word and their deep longing to grow in faith. Comfort those who have been rejected by their family or lost their job because they decided to follow You, and guide them by Your Holy Spirit.
“I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support,” said 15-year-old Ademola Moses. He was badly injured when the building of his Christian school collapsed in July 2024, killing 22 pupils in Plateau State, Nigeria. Ademola has limited use of his hands, which were broken in the school collapse. He also broke his shoulder. Many of his classmates were killed. Barnabas has paid the fees for Ademola to continue his education at another Christian school, and for a new school bag and stationery. Pray for Ademola and others affected by this tragedy, for physical, emotional and spiritual strength as they adjust to life and education.
“The church has sadly never got any electricity or light to work. We can’t have our Bible studies,” said Pastor Raymond, who ministers in a remote part of Plateau State, Nigeria. Many congregations cannot hold evening services. Children aren’t able do their schoolwork without light. Computers cannot be used or phones charged. Sometimes even the pumping of clean water from boreholes cannot continue. Barnabas Aid is providing solar panels as a source of electricity. Please pray that this project will improve the lives of our Nigerian brothers and sisters.
A church building in Niger State, Nigeria, has been burned down by unidentified arsonists, leaving the congregation without anywhere to meet for worship. The church was built just ten years ago as a replacement for a previous church building that was also burned down. Intercede for our brothers and sisters, who are disappointed yet determined to continue worshipping the Lord. Pray that despite the loss of their building they will indeed be enabled to worship Him “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, ESV).
Praise God that two church ministers, Emmanuel Azubuike and Thomas Oyode, have been released after separate kidnapping incidents in the Nigerian states of Imo and Edo. A third minister, David Ajaefobi, was abducted around the same time in Anambra State – at the time of writing he is still being held. “Cases of kidnapping are very rampant, they are happening almost every day,” said a Nigerian human rights expert, while a senior church leader described the situation as “an epidemic of kidnappings”. Thanks the Lord for the release of Emmanuel and David. Intercede for David and others still in the hands of terrorists.
Parts of Mali are now at the highest alert level of food insecurity, meaning that famine has become a possibility in some parts of the country. The situation is largely driven by conflict caused by Islamist terrorists who are also active in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, along with other countries in the region. Almost 1.4 million people in Mali are on course to suffer “acute food insecurity”, with more than 120,000 at risk of “emergency levels” of food shortages. Ask that the Lord will provide for the hungry and bring peace to this troubled land. Pray that He will sustain the faith of Mali’s small Christian community.
Churches in Burkina Faso have observed a month of prayer and fasting after an increase in Islamist violence and “barbaric” attacks on Christian communities. Between them, jihadists affiliated to Al Qaeda and Islamic State control nearly half of the territory in Burkina Faso. Join our brothers and sisters in crying out to the Lord for an end to the violence. Pray that the terrorists themselves will turn from their evil ways in repentance and faith.
Heavenly Father, we thank You that Your law is perfect, reviving the soul; Your statutes are trustworthy, making wise the simple. We call on You to guide Christians in the legal profession to be faithful to Your laws as they pursue justice. We pray that they will know great wisdom and discernment in preparing their cases on behalf of those who are accused or imprisoned for their loyalty to You. Grant them sound judgment in selecting their words so that their speech may be gracious, seasoned with salt, and carry conviction that leads to righteous outcomes, for we ask in the Name of the Righteous One, our Lord Jesus Christ. (Psalm 19:7: Colossians 4:6)
The authorities in Algeria have been guilty of “unlawful church closures and unjustified arrests and imprisonments of pastors”, according to human rights experts. “Despite their small numbers, Algeria has systematically been working to prevent the evangelical community from being able to simply worship together.” Since 2017 more than 40 church buildings have been closed, and there are also restrictions on holding church meetings or services in private homes. Ask that the Lord will give wisdom to His people in navigating these difficulties for as long as they continue.
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and contains the cities considered most holy to the religion: Mecca and Medina. Sharia (Islamic law) is strictly enforced and leaving Islam is punishable by death. With very few exceptions, Christians are banned from publicly practising their religion. Only the Lord knows how many of Saudi Arabia’s inhabitants are secret Christians. Pray that these believers will remain strong in their faith, and that our Lord and Saviour will watch over them, keeping them safe from harm.
Hundreds of churches have been closed down in Nicaragua, having been caught up in a government crackdown on non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Churches and Christian ministries were among 1,650 NGOs forced to close in August 2024. Pray that the Holy Spirit will draw near to Christians in Nicaragua, giving them the grace and the wisdom to continue being witnesses of Christ despite the difficulties they face.
The political and humanitarian crisis that has gripped Haiti is continuing, with no sign yet that stability can be restored. At the time of writing, the nine-member transitional council running the country has voted to remove Prime Minister Garry Conille after just five months in office, though it is unclear whether the council has the authority to enforce its decision. Criminal gangs continue to control 80% of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, and more than 700,000 people have been displaced by persistent violence. The situation has led to “crisis” levels of food shortage and the possibility of famine. Cry out on behalf of our Christian family and all those suffering in Haiti.
“We thank God for having put in your hearts to donate food for us,” said a Barnabas project partner in Cuba. “This has been like manna from heaven in the midst of the deep crisis in which our country is immersed.” Join us in rejoicing that the contents of a 40ft container of food from the United States have been distributed to impoverished Cuban Christians. Ask the Lord to bless our efforts to help our hungry brothers and sisters in every part of the world.
