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Lord, we lift up before You our brothers and sisters who have become refugees and internally displaced people because of persecution, conflict or disaster. We ask that Your sheltering presence enfold them, bringing comfort in uncertainty and hope in despair. Provide them with safe refuge, daily provision, and strength for each new day. Bless those who serve them – aid workers, volunteers and communities – that their hands may be instruments of compassion and wisdom. May the displaced find connection, dignity and a renewed sense of purpose, and may Your peace settle over them like a gentle, unshakeable light. Let Your love be their anchor, guiding them through every storm – we ask in our Saviour’s Name. (Psalm 91:1–2; Matthew 6:11; Isaiah 40:31; Galatians 6:9–10; Philippians 4:7; Hebrews 6:19)
At the time of writing, Islamist political parties in Bangladesh are working towards forming a coalition to contest national elections, scheduled to be held in February. The elections will be the first since the previous government was ousted in August 2024. Eight Islamist parties – including Jamaat-e-Islami, a major party that was formerly banned – have already come together to act as a coordinated opposition to the current transitional government. Pray for the minority religious communities of Muslim-majority Bangladesh, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Ask that whoever takes power after the elections will oppose extremism and uphold religious freedom.
“We are blessed beyond words,” said a pastor in India as water emerged from two Barnabas-funded borewells in Manipur, a state wracked by anti-Christian violence in recent years. The new wells provide around 1,000 Christians in two villages with a safe and reliable source of water. Repeated appeals to the government for help to end their water shortage went unanswered, until Barnabas stepped in. “We feel heard and seen by our Heavenly Father, and by our brothers and sisters around the world,” said our church partners. Praise God that Christ, the Good Shepherd, provides not only for the earthy needs of His flock, but also gives eternal life to whoever drinks from His water (John 4:14).
“Many young people are turning to Christ – and even dedicating their lives to serve Him. But they often have no access to God’s Word.” These words from a Barnabas project partner in India underline the need to make the Bible available to many seeking Him in that vast country. Praise God for the hunger for the Word of God and the growth of the Church despite opposition and harassment in India. Our partners aim to provide 2,000 Bibles in a local language to persecuted Christians across rural districts in eastern India. Pray that the Scriptures will be distributed to our brothers and sisters, and that the Church will continue to grow.
Pray for the family of Pakistani pastor Zafar Bhatti, who died just two days after being released from jail. Zafar had been imprisoned since July 2012, accused of sending “blasphemous” text messages. He remained in prison even when it was discovered that the phone used to send the text messages was registered to someone else, and despite professing his innocence even under torture. While in prison he was pressured to convert to Islam and was beaten several times, and even poisoned. Zafar was diabetic with a weak heart, and his health in prison deteriorated. Give thanks for the courage and faith shown by Zafar throughout his life, even when he was being tortured, beaten and threatened. Pray for comfort for his widow and other family members, that they will remember that he is now enjoying his eternal reward with Jesus in Heaven.
The government of Pakistan has banned the Islamist political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) for its involvement in “terrorist and violent activities”. It is the second time in four years that the TLP has been outlawed. The party campaigns for stricter enforcement of Pakistan’s “blasphemy” laws, which have been used to harass Christians, as well as other minorities and vulnerable people. Pray that this move will lead to an improved climate of religious freedom, and that our brothers and sisters will be safer from extremists.
Lift up in prayer our brothers and sisters in Nepal, after protests and the resulting crackdown led to widespread violence and the collapse of the government. Christians now represent an estimated 5% of the Nepali population, and this growth in numbers has led to increased suspicion and hostility from some within the Hindu majority. Pray for a political settlement that respects the rights of all Nepali citizens, and that believers will be protected from extremists.
Lord God, we pray for Christians in Saudi Arabia, who face so much persecution living in the birthplace of Islam. Though the government claims there are no native Saudi Christians, we know that there are a growing number of converts. Thank you for their newfound faith, Lord; protect them from the persecution they face if their faith is discovered. We pray especially for Christian women, who endure violence, restricted freedom, forced marriages and loss of child custody. We pray that secret believers will be encouraged, and find ways to meet and praise You, even though public Christian worship is completely banned. Watch over Saudi Christians and keep them safe through the difficulties they face, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“There are Christians in prisons in every city. They won’t stop talking about Christ. The love of Christ flows from them.” This report from a Barnabas contact shows the lengths to which Christians in Iran are prepared to go to share the Gospel. Despite frequent arrests and imprisonment for involvement in house churches and “propaganda activities” aimed at “disrupting the security of the country” the Church is continuing to grow in the heartland of Shia Islam. Praise God for the boldness, courage and faith of our Iranian brothers and sisters and pray that the Word of God will continue to spread rapidly and be glorified in Iran (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Five Iranian Christian converts from Islam need our prayers after a Tehran appeal court rejected their appeals against prison sentences for “propaganda” charges concerning church activities. The five – Hessamuddin Mohammad Junaidi, Abolfazl Ahmadzadeh-Khajani, Morteza Faghanpour-Saasi and two others who were not identified – were arrested in June 2024 and sentenced just over a year later. Pray that all five Christians will know strong encouragement and faith in God’s purposes as they begin their harsh sentences. Ask the Lord to reveal the reality of His ultimate victory in the darkness they encounter.
Intercede for congregations in Turkey (Türkiye), where more than 200 church workers and their families have been deported since 2020. Foreign pastors, church leaders and other workers are regularly removed from the country on spurious national security grounds, and barred from re-entry. Pray that the Lord through His Spirit will guide those churches left without leaders. Ask that He will bless ongoing efforts to train and equip Turkish-born believers to lead and to serve His Church.
The government of Azerbaijan is routinely refusing to consider registration applications submitted by churches and other religious organisations. A report from a religious freedom advocacy group notes several churches currently prevented from worship owing to this practice. The constitution of Azerbaijan upholds religious freedom, but the law requires religious “associations” to register in order to operate legally, and unregistered places of worship are barred from conducting any activities. Individuals found guilty can be punished with fines or imprisonment. Pray that churches will be able to register, and Christians will be able to meet legally to worship together.
Seventy children and teenagers from impoverished Christian families in Armenia enjoyed spiritual, emotional and physical enrichment at a five-day residential camp, thanks to Barnabas funding. Many participants had suffered previous trauma. They included children who fled the Christian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, following the Azerbaijani invasion. The camp, called Good Seeds, provided Bible teaching, mentoring, sports and crafts. Karolina, nine, explained what she had learned, “We sow seeds in our hearts, which is God’s Word that should grow.” Pray that the children will continue to fix their eyes on Jesus and grow in the knowledge of His grace, so that they can joyfully serve and strengthen their Christian communities (Hebrews 12:2).
A Barnabas Aid contact in Afghanistan reports that the Church is continuing to grow, despite fierce opposition. In 2025, he says, “more than 50 people have been baptised in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Remarkably, every one of them is under 30 years old, and more than 70% are in their early 20s or younger. This rising generation is desperate for truth, for hope, for a God who is living and real.” Believers in Afghanistan are risking their lives by sharing the Gospel and following Christ. “Please continue to pray for us,” asks our contact, “for courage, for protection, for wisdom and for endurance.”
Lord Jesus, protect Your followers in Eritrea, where Christian persecution is among the worst in the world. Give strength to the believers who are arrested and imprisoned in inhumane and torturous conditions, held without charge or trial, never knowing when, or if, they will be freed. Grant them the courage and strength of faith to withstand this brutal treatment. Thank You for the steadfastness of their trust in You, as so many of them cling to their faith through their suffering. Protect those who resist the compulsory and indefinite military conscription, as they risk so much by refusing to fight. We ask all this in Your precious Name.
Pray for the grieving families of thirteen Christians killed in an Islamist attack in Plateau State, Nigeria. Fulani militants struck the villages of Rachas and Rawuru in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in mid-October. Among the victims were five children, one of whom was just six years old. A mass burial was held the next day. Lift up to the Lord our brothers and sisters who lost loved ones in this attack, and all those who were traumatised. Pray for healing for injuries, both physical and mental. Ask for comfort for the victims’ families, that they know they will see their loved ones again in Heaven.
Give thanks that Barnabas Aid’s project partner in Nigeria is working to upgrade and expand an Early Warning System that will alert both Christian communities and security forces of impending attacks. “The launch of [this system] will enable life-saving alerts to reach vulnerable communities in real time, giving families the chance to escape attacks,” our partner explained. Praise the Lord for this technology. Pray that it will work as intended, saving our brothers and sisters from the Islamist extremists that are terrorising the area.
Praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve Christians in the Central African Republic who have been displaced by Islamist violence. More than 4,500 people each received food aid – rice, beans, flour and cooking oil – as well as a blanket and a sheet to provide basic shelter funded by Barnabas Aid’s supporters. “May God bless you,” said one of the recipients. “This shows that our brothers and sisters around the world have not forgotten us.”
Support has been given by Barnabas to 16 missionary couples working in impoverished northern Togo, a region that is suffering a rise in attacks by Islamist terrorists crossing from neighbouring Burkina Faso. Each couple received training in disciple-making. They were also given four goats, maize seeds and fertiliser to help them become self-sufficient. The couples say they are now better able to support their families, and that congregation numbers are increasing. “The Word of God is growing!” declared a pastor. Ask the Lord to draw close to these couples and guide their steps in the face of rising Islamism. Pray for their physical and spiritual protection as they serve.
At the time of writing the capital of Mali, Bamako, remains under siege by Islamists affiliated to Al Qaeda. Terrorist group JNIM has prevented supplies of fuel being delivered to Bamako, bringing the city almost to a complete standstill. Analysts believe that JNIM’s aim is to cause the collapse of Mali’s military government, a situation that may lead to Islamist rule in parts of the country. Pray for an effective solution to the situation in Mali that will prevent Islamists from taking power. Intercede especially for Mali’s small Christian community, who are at risk of being subjugated under sharia (Islamic law).
Islamic State Mozambique Province (IS-M) have claimed the killing of at least 39 Christians in several attacks over the course of a two-month period. The deaths were all recorded in the northern province of Cabo Delgado between mid-September and mid-November 2025, while IS-M also reported the burning of two churches and 125 homes in an armed assault in the neighbouring province of Nampula. Pray for swift action to end the insurgency in northern Mozambique and bring about peace and stability for all people, particularly our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Your resistance to temptation by emphasising the supreme authority of Scripture. We pray that suffering and persecuted Christians around the world will gain great strength in remembering that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”. We ask that our brothers and sisters will be especially fortified by reading, listening to and meditating on the Word of God today, and draw on You to overcome every temptation in any spiritual wilderness they encounter, for we ask in Your precious Name. (Matthew 4:4: Deuteronomy 8:3)
Praise God that the government of Egypt has approved the licensing of another 160 churches and church-affiliated buildings. This marks the 29th batch of approvals since the 2016 law repealed Ottoman-era restrictions, allowing churches to register legally. While this progress is a testament to God’s faithfulness, many congregations still await official recognition. Pray for the continued protection and encouragement of believers, particularly converts from Islam, who often face heightened risks. Ask God to remove any remaining obstacles to full religious freedom, so that His people may worship openly and without fear. May the Egyptian Church continue to grow in strength and spirit, bearing witness to God’s enduring presence and love (Matthew 16:18).
Sudanese militia group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is accused of killing at least 1,500 people in the city of el-Fasher in mid-October. The massacres took place during the capture of el-Fasher by the RSF from its opponents in an ongoing civil war, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Nearly 12 million people have been displaced by the crisis, with humanitarian workers describing it as the “largest displacement crisis in the world”. Pray that the Lord will bring an end to conflict in Sudan. Intercede for Sudanese believers, hated and persecuted for their faith by both parties in this conflict.
Please pray for the Christian-majority Irigwe people of Middle Belt Nigeria following attacks on two Irigwe communities that left 17 dead. In one of these armed assaults, in Plateau State, a mother and two children were among the victims. The attackers are believed to be from the Islamist militia made up of extremists from the Muslim-majority Fulani ethnic group. Ask the Lord to strengthen the faith of His people. Pray that concerns about repeated attacks against Irigwe communities will be heard and acted upon.
The targeting of Christians in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno State, the stronghold of both Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is continuing. In one attack in the state ISWAP boasted that “the soldiers of the Caliphate” killed four Christians, “thanks be to God”. “Can I consider what has been happening as genocide against Christians?”, asked John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria. “My straightforward answer is – yes.” Ask the Lord, a strong tower for those who are righteous in His sight (Proverbs 18:10), to protect the Christian communities of northern and Middle Belt Nigeria from harm.
Pray for the continuing work of rebuilding in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica following the hurricane that struck the Caribbean in October 2025. The Category 5 storm, one of the most powerful ever recorded in the region, caused widespread flooding, loss of life, and severe destruction to homes and infrastructure. Give thanks that Barnabas Aid has been able to help Christians affected by the disaster, including the reconstruction of church buildings.
Praise God for the distribution of pasta and dried apples to 56 orphanages in Guatemala through Barnabas Aid’s food.gives project. Both items were valuable in helping orphanage directors stretch their limited budgets, and around 2,300 children benefited from this welcome addition to the monthly food provision. Give thanks for the provision of this nutritious food for the children and encouragement for the staff in the orphanages. Pray that the health, strength and faith of them all will continue to grow as the Lord provides.
