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Adan says his life “started to change beautifully” when he became a student at a Barnabas-supported school in Pakistan. “It has not only helped me in my studies but also brought me closer to God,” Adan continues. “I want to keep learning, growing in faith, and following Jesus every day.” Adan is among thousands of children from impoverished Christian families who are being given hope of breaking out of a life of poverty because of the education they receive. Pray that the strong Christian faith and values that the students learn at Barnabas-funded schools will also help to strengthen Christian communities in Pakistan.
“This school is a blessing for people like us who dream of a better future for our children,” said impoverished Pakistani Christian brick kiln worker Khalid. It is one of many Christian schools in Pakistan that charges families little or no fees, thanks to the support of Barnabas Aid. The knowledge students gain enables them to break free from the poverty and illiteracy that trapped previous generations and gives them hope of finding a decent job. Praise God that the gifts of our supporters are helping to pave the way for a better future for marginalized Christian children and ask that we will be able to help many, many more.
Thank the Lord that a Christian girl who was abducted by a Muslim neighbor in Lahore, Pakistan, has been freed after nearly two years. Shifa, who was 14 years old when she was taken by Najma Bibi in November 2023, was held by a criminal gang involved in selling Christian girls into prostitution. Her family were given forged documents showing that she had married a Muslim man and converted to Islam. A Christian law firm partnered with Barnabas Aid worked to secure Shifa’s release, and she has now been reunited with her parents. “I just want a safe, happy and peaceful life with my family,” she said. “I want to forget the past two years of my life like a bad dream.” Ask that the Lord, who “heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3), will heal Shifa of her trauma. Pray for the safety of Shifa, her family and the wider Christian community.
Barnabas Aid project partners are employing four Christian doctors to conduct clinics in north-eastern Punjab, Pakistan. Many Christians suffer from health issues because they work in dangerous or unsanitary environments such as sewers or brick kilns. At the same time, they often cannot afford medical treatment. Pray that the Lord will bless this Barnabas-funded project. Ask that it will bring both physical health and spiritual help to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The building of an extension to a Christian elementary school in Bangladesh, part-funded by Barnabas, has been completed. Previously the school had to turn many children away because of limited classroom space. Supporters’ gifts funded an extension to the main building, making it possible for 30 more children to receive a Christian education. The school has now been able to purchase furniture, electrical wiring, robust windows, doors and blackboards. Give thanks for the completion of this vital work and pray that the school will go on from strength to strength, providing a foundation for the future for Christian children for years to come.
“Ishrat,” a Bangladeshi Muslim-background believer, suffered hardship and abuse at the hands of her own family after converting to Christianity. “The more they tried to stop me from following Jesus,” she says, “the more love for Jesus was poured in my heart by the grace of God.” Eventually Ishrat was expelled from the family home and cut off from material support – yet her faith remains undimmed. “I thank God that Jesus is all sufficient,” Ishrat adds. “He cares for me and loves me, even when my parents and own family and friends hate me.” Join our young sister in praising the Lord for the blessings that He has given to us in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
Heavenly Father, we intercede for those who have trusted in You for their salvation from different belief systems. We give thanks for revealing Yourself to them and pray that You will bless them as they put down roots in their faith in the Lord Jesus. Please protect them from hostility from the majority community and give them grace to be pure witnesses for You amid environments of spiritual darkness. Assure them that they have truly been born again through an imperishable seed that will enable them to bear fruit that will last, for we ask in the Name of the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:23)
A Muslim-background believer is, at the time of writing, being held by the authorities in Saudi Arabia. The family of “Sam” moved to Saudi Arabia from another Arabic country when he was a baby, and he became a Christian around 10 years ago. Sam was first detained and questioned for two months in 2024. Since then, he has not been allowed to renew his residency permit, but his exit visa has also been blocked. Sam had been due to attend a deportation center in Riyadh, but on his way to the center in May 2025 he was stopped by police and detained. Please pray for our brother in Christ, asking that the Lord will keep him safe from harm and direct his path (Proverbs 3:6).
Christians in Syria were left grieving after a suicide bombing at a church service in Damascus left at least 25 worshippers dead and more than 60 injured. The attack was carried out by Islamists with possible links to Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh). These killings were condemned by the government of Syria; however, the government has recent links with Al Qaeda, and there are ongoing concerns about its willingness to protect Christians and other religious minorities such as Druze and Alawites from Sunni Islamists. Pray that the Lord will spread His protection over His people in Syria (Psalm 5:11).
Praise the Lord that Laleh Saati, an Iranian Christian convert from Islam, has been released from prison after serving 15 months of a two-year sentence. Laleh lived in Malysia for several years, where she was baptized, before returning to Iran in 2017. She was arrested in 2024 and charged with national security offenses for her involvement in a “house church”; a video of her baptism was used as evidence against her. She must now serve a two-year ban on traveling abroad, and will return to prison if she communicates with the media or any contacts outside the country. Pray for Laleh’s spiritual, physical and mental rehabilitation as she adjusts to freedom from prison.
A pastor and several members of his family were among at least 12 Christians killed in southern Syria by Islamists loyal to the government in July. Khaled Mazher, pastor of a church in Sweida, was a convert to Christianity from the Druze community. The violence in Sweida first broke out between the Sunni-majority Bedouin tribal group and the Druze, an Islamic sect regarded as heretical by many Sunnis. Ask God to comfort all those who lost loved ones in Sweida. Pray that He will strengthen and protect His scattered church in Syria and provide for their basic needs. Pray that there will be peace in this troubled land.
Two inmates were among 71 people who died in an Israeli airstrike on Evin Prison in Tehran, the Iranian capital. Evin is home to many political prisoners, including at least 11 Christians – it is not yet known whether any of these 11 were among the casualties. Busloads of prisoners were moved from Evin to other unsanitary and overcrowded prisons in Tehran. Pray for the protection and welfare of these prisoners, especially our brothers and sisters. Ask that the authorities will be moved by these circumstances to review the sentences of Christians held on spurious grounds.
Iranian Christian Mehran Shamloui has been deported from Turkey, having fled there to escape a 10-year prison sentence for involvement in a “house church.” The 37-year-old convert from Islam fled Iran earlier this year after he and two other Christian converts were sentenced in March to prison terms totaling more than 40 years on charges concerning their beliefs and participation in worship meetings. However, Turkish authorities arrested Mehran and flew him back to Iran, where he was detained by police. Pray that Mehran will be greatly comforted by the Holy Spirit and fortified by the Scriptures as he begins this long prison term.
Heavenly Father, we lift up China to You today. We ask for Your grace and mercy to cover every person in this vast nation. May Your peace reign and may Your truth shine brightly even in challenging circumstances. Lord, protect the believers who follow You quietly and faithfully. We pray for church leaders, that You will guide them with wisdom and justice. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in China as it is in heaven. Father, we ask in Jesus’ Name that the Gospel will spread throughout the land, touching lives, transforming hearts, and bringing hope where there is despair.
China’s official Protestant church, the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, has announced the creation of a Sacred Music Ministry Blueprint for 2025. This blueprint has the core aim of “advancing the Sinicization of sacred music,” including the development of hymns and worship songs with “Chinese characteristics.” This kind of Sinicization (making Chinese) can be helpful in presenting the Gospel in a particular cultural context; however, there is also the risk that theology and the Gospel can be compromised, distorted or even abandoned. Ask the Lord, who gives wisdom and understanding to those who ask (Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5), to grant discernment to Chinese church leaders as they navigate these challenges.
Church leaders in China believe that church growth has not ceased or stagnated, and that people are still coming to faith. “Of course, many elderly believers have passed away – but new people are also joining the church,” says one pastor in eastern China. “These new believers aren’t necessarily young; some are middle-aged or even elderly, but they are still becoming part of the church community.” Pray for new converts in China, asking that the Lord will help them to grow in faith and understanding, as well as guiding pastors, ministers and other more mature believers to support their new brothers and sisters in Christ.
Between 30,000 and 70,000 Christians are believed to be held in North Korea’s prisons. Any form of religious belief is outlawed in North Korea, and entire families may be imprisoned. Those detained suffer horrendous abuse and torture, and are often worked or starved to death. Pray earnestly for those enduring such unimaginable hardship. Ask the Lord to comfort them with His presence, for He has promised never to leave or forsake His people (Hebrews 13:5).
Nine people were killed and 20 injured in yet another airstrike on a camp for displaced people in Kayah State, Myanmar. Kayah State has a large Christian population. Along with the Christian-majority states of Chin, Kachin and Karen it has suffered repeated attacks by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) since the coup of February 2021. Pray for an end to this campaign of violence. Ask the Lord to strengthen His people in their “Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10, ESV).
“Due to the significant impact of the Myanmar civil war, violence continues to grow and spread across the nation, alongside the loss of access to healthcare,” explains a Barnabas Aid project partner. In many areas hospitals have closed and medical infrastructure is severely lacking. Doctors and medics from other countries cannot reach the high-risk areas where the military government is targeting the civilian population. Many people are suffering needlessly from treatable illnesses, while women die in childbirth at an alarming rate. A Barnabas Aid project partner has committed to training two associate physicians to serve in Karen State, a Christian-majority area of the country. Pray for the success of this endeavor, and that this vital work will be expanded in the months and years ahead.
“All of my workshop was burned down. I have been living without work or income. I felt helpless,” recalls a carpenter in Myanmar. “But now, through this donation, I have hope in God. He never abandons me. I am thankful for your support.” His story is one of 1,500 Christian families (around 7,500 individuals) that received emergency food aid from Barnabas. Rice, cooking oil, beans and salt were delivered to displaced and vulnerable families. Many families had lost homes and livelihood in the ongoing conflict. Give thanks for this distribution and the hope it has brought. Pray that our brothers and sisters in Myanmar will be able to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Lord Jesus, we ask You to guide those of Your people living in countries where there are severe legal restrictions on public expressions of worship, assembly and preaching content. Please grant them wisdom to be faithful in communicating Your Word within the limitations they encounter, but also the discernment to realize when they must obey God rather than men. Empower them to demonstrate the freedom they have in representing You, for we ask in Your holy Name. (Acts 5:29)
Please pray for 40 pastors in Uganda who have received training in beekeeping, funded by Barnabas. Training was conducted by experienced beekeepers and included hive management, honey harvesting, and propolis collection. The pastors were supplied with beehives, bee suits, propolis collectors, smokers, and extraction/harvesting tools. They will work in groups of four at one of ten community apiaries. It is anticipated that income earned through honey sales will lift many households out of poverty. Pray for the success of this venture, that impoverished pastors will be able to generate much-needed income to enable them to support their ministry.
A planned Islamist attack on Uganda’s Christian Martyrs’ Day failed when two terrorists with explosives were “intercepted and neutralized” by a Ugandan army counter-terrorism unit. The pair were reported to be linked to the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), based in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. They were riding a motorcycle close to the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine, which commemorates Christians killed for their faith in the nineteenth century. Praise the Lord that the terrorists’ plans were thwarted, preventing an even greater loss of life. Pray for the protection of Christians in Uganda from further Islamist attacks.
At least nine Christians were killed in early June by fighters from Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. These killings resulted from two attacks in the Lubero District, announced by the Islamists on social media. Many armed groups operate in North Kivu – most notably the M23 militia – but ISCAP is distinguished by its specific targeting of Christians. Pray that the Lord will bring comfort to the bereaved family and friends of those killed, and peace to this troubled region.
Ten Christians were captured and killed by Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in three separate attacks in Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in mid-July. Seven of the victims were taken from Ofaye Otto Mayber, an area that has suffered greatly from ISCAP’s persistent campaign of violence against Christian communities. ISCAP has slaughtered more than 330 Christians in DRC’s restive north-east since Christmas 2024. Cry out to the Lord, praying, “Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure” (Psalm 7:9).
Terrorists from Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M) abducted six Christians and subjected them to an execution-style killing in the Ancuabe District of Cabo Delgado Province in July. IS-M has been waging an insurgency in Cabo Dalgado since 2017, slaughtering thousands of people. The insurgents have also demanded that Christians pay a jizya tax as a sign of their submission to the self-styled caliphate. Ask that the Lord will minister through the Holy Spirit to the bereaved family and friends of those killed. Pray for an end to the insurgency in northern Mozambique.
Pastor Jorge watched as the church where he ministered in northern Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, was burned down by Islamic State fighters. Jorge and his family are among more than half a million people who have fled the Islamic State insurgency in this region. Now in the safer location further south, Jorge has planted a new church. It now has 120 members, all of them displaced people. Praise God for the faithfulness of Pastor Jorge. Ask the Lord to bless the work of Barnabas in supplying animals and equipment as part of a sustainable livestock and agriculture project that will meet the needs of the church.
Lord God, we ask You to protect Your Church worldwide from acts of terrorism, whether deliberately targeted or caught in conflicts not its own. We pray that security services will receive insight and knowledge to prevent such incidents. Please comfort those who have been bereaved or injured in terrorist attacks and give Christian communities around the world the grace to continue to love even the perpetrators. Instil in Your people a trust in You whenever they are afraid, because we trust in the One who has overcome the world, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose Name we pray. (Psalm 56:3; John 16:33)
The Marxist government of Eritrea continues to target Christians for arbitrary arrest and long-term detention in overcrowded and brutal prison conditions, often without charge. In 2002, the government outlawed all places of worship except those of only three officially recognized Christian denominations – Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Lutheran – as well as Sunni Islam. Tens of thousands of Christians have fled Eritrea to escape repression. Remember those in prison in your prayers (Hebrews 13:3), as well as those meeting and ministering in secret in Eritrea, along with those who have become refugees in neighboring countries.
Praise God that the first litter has been born among 60 pigs given by Barnabas to pastors and missionaries in poverty-stricken northern Ghana. The seven piglets arrived in June, and our project partner told us that, at the time of writing, another six sows were about to give birth. The pigs are helping to provide an income to pastors and missionaries as they carry out their ministry. Pray that this project will continue to be a blessing to our brothers and sisters in Ghana, and for the success of Barnabas Aid’s commitment to provide one million pigs and one million chickens to Christians in need around the world.
