Contents
Food aid supplied by Barnabas Aid supporters to hungry Christians in Zimbabwe was described as “a lifesaver” by one local pastor. More than 30,000 people have been helped since the beginning of 2025. In one instance, an elderly believer had her strength and health restored to such an extent that she was able to walk to church for the first time in a year. Praise the Lord for meeting the needs of His Zimbabwean people.
Praise God for the difference a solar-powered borehole has made to a farming community in Zimbabwe. Barnabas Aid has funded the drilling of the borehole, providing at least 300 Christian orphans and widows with access to clean water. The water source also enabled the planting of 24 acres of maize. Children’s health has improved significantly as the risks of waterborne disease have receded. “Prior to your donation, our seedlings were dying before germination but as it stands now, our fields are green and happy and highly promising of great yields!” declared our partner. Pray for regular abundant harvests and that the community’s physical and spiritual health will continue to grow.
“I have lived many years, but I have never seen a day like this. For weeks, I survived by eating wild leaves and prayer. When I received this food, I sat on the bag and wept because I knew God had not forgotten me.” These words from an elderly widow typify the gratitude felt by vulnerable Christian families in famine-stricken South Sudan at receiving essential food aid. Barnabas Aid’s donations of maize flour, sorghum, lentils and cooking oil supported 250 households. Give thanks for the delivery of this aid and pray that God will meet the needs of South Sudanese Christians as they struggle with acute poverty.
A church in the Sudanese capital Khartoum was demolished in early July without any warning by the authorities. The Republic of Sudan has been mired in civil war since April 2023, and the ongoing conflict has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. The Sudanese Council of Churches has reported numerous attacks on church leaders and church buildings since the conflict began. Intercede for our brothers and sisters in Sudan. Pray that even in the midst of conflict they will be enabled to dwell in the shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1).
Father God, we pray for Your children across Africa. Many suffer persecution, poverty and hunger. These challenges appear likely to increase as the population of Africa grows, with predictions that from 1.2 billion today the continent will be home to 2.5 billion people by 2050. Yet simultaneously the Church here is growing, and if this continues nearly half of all Christians on earth will live in Africa. Thank You in the Name of Your Son that His Kingdom is increasing, and for the hope that “a people not yet born will praise the Lord.” (Psalm 102:18, NLT)
At least 200 people were killed and 6,500 displaced in less than 24 hours of violence in June as Islamists attacked Christian communities in Nigeria’s Benue State. “It was like a war,” said village elder Amos, who lost his wife and all but one of his children to the terrorists. “In my 57 years on earth, I’ve never witnessed this.” Pray that the Lord will strike His enemies and break the power of the wicked in Nigeria (Psalm 3:7).
“Pastor Na’allah stood between them and us. They killed him without mercy.” This witness describes the attack on a church in Yaribori, Katsina State, northern Nigeria in early July. Pastor Emmanuel Na’allah and Mallam Samaila Gidan Taro, a convert from Islam, were both shot dead, and one woman was abducted. Ask the Lord to comfort His people in Yaribori after the loss of Pastor Emmanuel and Mallam. Pray that even as they mourn, bereaved families will draw strength in knowing that their loved ones are safe in His hands. Pray that our sister will be released unharmed from captivity. Ask that this attack will not lead to further violence against Christians in Katsina.
At least 27 Christians were killed by suspected Fulani Islamists in an attack on a village in Plateau State, Nigeria, in mid-July. More than 30 armed men stormed the village in the early hours of the morning, shooting and setting several houses ablaze. Those killed included a three-year-old girl and nine members of a local pastor’s family burned alive in their home. Pray that those mourning the loss of loved ones in this horrific attack will be comforted and draw strength and a peace that surpasses understanding from their faith in the Lord. Pray that the shock and outrage at the killings lead to greater urgency among the authorities to take decisive action.
Islamists affiliated with Al Qaeda launched more than a dozen attacks on military targets in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger throughout May, June and July. These were part of a surge in attacks across the West African Sahel that regional experts describe as “unheard of.” “The recent attacks point to a concrete effort to encircle Sahelian capitals, aiming for a parallel state stretching from western Mali to southern Niger and northern Benin,” said one senior analyst. Predictions of a vast Islamist state across West Africa grow increasingly likely – already it is estimated that Islamists control 60% of Burkina Faso. Cry out to the Lord, who “thwarts the cravings of the wicked” (Proverbs 10:3). Ask especially that He will protect Christian communities in the Sahel and across West Africa.
Pray for Mauritania, where Islam is the state religion and citizenship is limited to Muslims. Intercede for the small Christian minority, especially the tiny group of believers from Muslim backgrounds meeting in secret. Pray for their protection, courage, and faith to grow despite strict laws and risks. Ask God to bless Christian charities, especially women’s ministries, serving vulnerable communities. Ask that God’s love will shine through their witness, bringing hope and transformation in this challenging environment.
Pray for Morocco’s small but growing Christian community, including 2,000-6,000 indigenous believers from Muslim backgrounds who face legal and social restrictions. Lift up to the Lord expatriate Christians as they navigate a complex environment where sharing the Gospel is forbidden and religious freedom is limited. Pray for protection, courage and boldness for all believers, and for the government to uphold tolerance. Ask God to strengthen the local Church, enabling believers to be witnesses of Christ’s love across Morocco.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the promise that those who give up everything to follow You will receive blessings in this life and, in the age to come, eternal life. We pray for Christians in cultures where family and national ties are so strong that leaving the majority religion to follow Christ is seen as treachery. Please enable our brothers and sisters to remain true to their calling and to be filled with the sure conviction that they are forever part of the worldwide family of God and His holy nation. We ask this in Your Name and for Your glory. (Mark 10:29-30; 1 Peter 2:9-10)
“The situation in Afghanistan remains dire for those who do not share the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islam, including Christians, Shi’a Hazara, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and Sikhs.” These were the words of a US-based religious freedom expert earlier this year. Christians in Afghanistan must keep their faith private or risk being executed as apostates from Islam. Many Afghan refugees are being deported from countries including Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates – it is possible that among them are Christians who fled the incoming Taliban government. Pray that the Lord will be a hiding place for His people who are surrounded by mortal enemies (Psalm 17:8-9).
Amir Masih, a 56-year-old Christian man from Lahore, Pakistan, was arrested in July on charges of “blasphemy.” A local Muslim resident named Sanoor Ali told police that Amir made derogatory remarks about Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, while in Sanoor’s convenience store and refused to stop. Barnabas Aid contacts confirm that these accusations are baseless. Pray that the authorities’ investigations into the incident will discover the truth, and that justice will be served. Ask God to sustain our brother Amir during this trying time, and grant wisdom to the police and to judges who oversee this case. Pray that He will protect the Christian communities of Lahore from mob reprisals.
Thank the Lord that Anwar Kenneth, a 72-year-old Christian, has been released after spending 23 years on death row for alleged “blasphemy” against Muhammad, the prophet of Islam. Anwar was convicted by a court in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2002. He was acquitted by Pakistan’s Supreme Court in June on the grounds of mental illness. Pray that God will preserve the safety of Anwar, his family and other believers from the threat of mob violence following the court’s decision.
At the time of writing, devastating floods in Pakistan have led to more than 250 deaths and left hundreds more homeless. Among those affected are 30 Christian families from a village near the city of Faisalabad whose homes of brick and mud were washed away by the raging flood waters. The families sought shelter in a church building that survived the flooding, but which was left dangerously overcrowded. Pray for the success of the humanitarian response to this latest natural disaster. Ask particularly that Barnabas Aid project partners will be enabled to supply our brothers and sisters with food, medical supplies and safe drinking water.
The interim government of Bangladesh has announced that national elections will be held in the first half of April 2026. These will be the first elections since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024. Since then, Bangladesh has seen a rise in Islamist sentiment, with Islamist parties hoping to gain a share of power in the new elections. Pray that Christians, along with other religious minorities such as Hindus, will be protected from religious extremism.
Pastor “Abir” and his family have suffered greatly at the hands of Islamists in their region of Bangladesh. Extremists have waged a campaign of threats and intimidation to try to force Abir, his family and the local church to convert to Islam. Worst of all, Pastor Abir’s daughter was abducted and abused for three months. “They did not renounce their faith,” says a Barnabas Aid contact. “Their courageous stand for Christ in the face of such profound suffering is a stunning display of the Holy Spirit’s power at work.” Praise God for the steadfast faith of His people. Pray for His protection over them and ask that their witness will glorify Christ in Bangladesh.
Almighty God, we bring before You those of Your children suffering amid humanitarian disasters, whether caused by extreme weather events or human conflict. We ask You to direct essential aid to those in need and provide places of safety for the displaced. We pray that Your presence will be felt by those in trouble and that You will reveal Yourself as their refuge and strength so that fear will be driven away. We thank You that we can have confidence that You understand our distress, as You took on the ugliness of suffering and defeated it on the cross through our Lord Jesus, in whose Name we pray. (Psalm 46:1-2)
Pray for the safety and dignity of Palestinian Christian families amid hardship and displacement, who are facing increasing restrictions. Ask God to bring hope to young people grappling with unemployment and fear. Pray for wisdom and courage for Christian leaders working tirelessly for peace. Remember those who are grieving loss; may God bring healing and comfort to their hearts. Ask the Lord to strengthen the Church’s witness, that it may shine with grace, love and steadfast hope, offering light in the darkness and pointing to Christ’s peace.
People across Israel were left facing the heavy burden of deciding whether to stay in their homes or seek safety elsewhere during the recent conflict with Iran. Pray for God’s protection over every person, in particular the vulnerable, asking Him to grant wisdom and courage to leaders tasked with guiding the nation toward peace. Pray especially for our brothers and sisters in Christ, asking that the Lord will enable them to stand strong as sources of hope and compassion amid the unrest.
Ask the Lord to grant wisdom and integrity to the leaders of Jordan, that they may guide the country toward justice and lasting harmony amid regional challenges. Pray that churches and individual believers will be bold witnesses of Christ’s love, bringing healing and reconciliation. Remember especially converts from Islam, who face the risk of violent persecution at the hands of extremists within the Muslim-majority population. Pray that these dear brothers and sisters will find the Name of the Lord to be their strong tower (Proverbs 18:10).
Among the thousands of Christian refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan is a small community of Iranian converts from Islam. Muslim-background believers suffer severe repression in Iran, but the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq is a far safer environment for all Christians, including converts. Ask the Lord to provide for the needs of this community, including financial support and legal recognition of their status as refugees. Pray that religious freedom will continue to be upheld in Kurdistan.
Pray for relief for the people of Lebanon from the country’s deep and long-lasting economic crisis, and for comfort to those in poverty and despair. Ask God to move political leaders towards honesty, unity and wise governance. Pray for Syrian refugees in Lebanon to experience safety, provision and dignity. Lift up the Christian community, asking God to strengthen and encourage them as they serve others. May the Lord bring healing, peace and hope to Lebanon, renewing its weary people and restoring harmony in its divided and hurting society.
“Christian communities often experience systemic discrimination in education and employment,” says Barnabas Aid’s project partner in Upper Egypt. This leads to illiteracy – and to a vicious circle of poverty and marginalisation – as our partner explains, “Illiteracy makes individuals more vulnerable to economic hardships and social exploitation.” Pray for the success of a Barnabas-funded program that teaches literacy through Bible study. Ask that our Egyptian brothers and sisters will grow in both their abilities and in their faith.
Lord Jesus, we praise You that we can exalt You in the darkest of circumstances, in isolation, persecution, amid the fiercest of enemies, as David testified when alone in the cave. We thank You that You have taken on every enemy, including death, and defeated them all. Thank You that You are exalted above the heavens, and Your glory extends across the earth. Create in us a steadfast heart as we contemplate Your glory and strength in all situations of life, for we ask in Your wonderful Name. (Psalm 57: 5,7)
Pray for Tunisia’s growing Christian community, including many indigenous believers from Muslim backgrounds and immigrant Christians who are active in sharing their faith despite legal and social challenges. Lift up the churches meeting in homes and other spaces, asking for protection, unity and spiritual growth. Pray that God will strengthen their witness, soften hearts across the nation, and bring a deeper understanding of His love and truth in this predominantly Sunni Muslim country.
Christianity in Libya, once vibrant in the early centuries, now comprises about 0.7% of the population, mostly immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia working in sectors such as healthcare. Although Libya’s constitution grants freedom of religion, in practice Christians face severe restrictions. The hostile environment has worsened since Gaddafi’s fall, especially due to rising Islamist influences. Despite this, some immigrant Christians continue to worship and quietly share their faith, though tragic events such as the 2015 massacre highlight the dangers they face.
A Christian retreat for 36 students in West Java, Indonesia was broken up by a mob of Muslims on June 27. Seven suspects were arrested after extensive damage was caused to the house hosting the event, including the vandalizing of a cross. In condemning the attack, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi called on all citizens to “respect religious freedom in every aspect of our lives.” Pray that these words will be heeded, justice will be served, and lawful assembly of Christians will be unhindered. Pray for peaceful relations to be maintained between all groups in Indonesia, and for the protection of Christians, especially in areas where extremists are active.
A Christian retreat for 36 students in West Java, Indonesia was broken up by a mob of Muslims on June 27. Seven suspects were arrested after extensive damage was caused to the house hosting the event, including the vandalizing of a cross. In condemning the attack, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi called on all citizens to “respect religious freedom in every aspect of our lives.” Pray that these words will be heeded, justice will be served, and lawful assembly of Christians will be unhindered. Pray for peaceful relations to be maintained between all groups in Indonesia, and for the protection of Christians, especially in areas where extremists are active.
Praise the Lord that an Indian man who served a nine-and-a-half-year prison sentence for taking part in the murder of an Australian missionary has become a Christian. Sudarshan Hansda, also known as Chanchu, was 13 years old when in 1999 he was part of a gang of religious extremists who burned to death missionary Graham Stewart Staines and Staines’ two young sons in their car in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Chanchu’s search for peace following his release from prison led him to Christ. “I turned to the church seeking forgiveness,” he explained, and he was baptized as a believer in April 2025. Give thanks to God, “full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy” (Psalm 86:15, NKJV), for our brother Chanchu, and pray that he will grow in his faith and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
