The Weekly Persecution and Prayer Alert

By Dale Morgan

NIGERIA: Believers Killed as Villages RaidedSource: Release International
Pray for the safety of Nigerian villages.


On May 27th, suspected Fulani militants raided a number of Christian villages in central Nigeria. Sources report that the assailants attacked 20 villages in the Agatu local government area of Benue State, killing more than 30 people. Many others fled to displacement camps in neighbouring Kogi State. Meanwhile, militants also attacked several villages in Dorowa, Plateau State. The Nigerian military reportedly responded to the attack but made no search or arrests.

Partners of VOMC's sister mission in the United Kingdom have stated that Fulani terror activities are on the rise in central Nigeria as Boko Haram attacks gradually build up around the north-eastern states.

As Christians face increased attacks from Boko Haram and Fulani militants alike, pray that God's peace will reign in their hearts. May those in mourning from these latest assaults rest in the assurance that the Lord is ultimately in control and, therefore, He most surely will work all things together for good to those who love Him...and for His glory. In the meantime, let us also pray that the believers in Nigeria will be used by God to lovingly extend the Good News of Jesus to those currently walking in spiritual darkness.

SYRIA: Christ-Followers Living in a Battle Zone
Source: VOM USA


Intense fighting between Islamic State (IS) militants and government forces erupted on May 4th in Damascus, prompting media outlets to warn Christians living in the area to evacuate immediately.

Government forces have since employed air assaults and armoured tanks to fight the militants, making it extremely dangerous for those living in the immediate area. Last month, it was reported that IS had moved into a part of Damascus that is less than a mile from several Christian neighbourhoods.

A VOM contact, whose family lives in the area, has requested prayer for the many believers residing there. "They can't go anywhere at this point," he explained. "Pray for the safety of our family and churches all over Damascus and Syria."

Please join our brother-in-Christ by praying for the persecuted church in Syria, specifically asking God to shield each believer from resulting danger or harm. May those who have recently fled from Damascus soon find safe havens in which to live. For others who must remain in the war-torn city, pray that they will entrust themselves and their loved ones entirely to our faithful Lord. Despite the present bleakness in this beleaguered area of the world, ask that the Holy Spirit will minister daily to Syria's suffering Christians, while also moving mightily in the hearts of those who do not yet know Jesus as their Saviour and Lord.

UGANDA: Christian Doctor Poisoned by Militants
Source: VOM USA

A Christian doctor has been hospitalized after Islamic militants sought to poison him. The attack was reportedly in retaliation for the doctor providing medical treatment to a pastor's daughter. The girl had been attacked because her father had ignored the militants' warnings to cease worship services.

While the victimized girl has thankfully received some medical attention, she still requires further care. The extremists also issued death threats against the entire family. VOM field workers are now requesting prayer for the doctor, as well as all the members of this persecuted pastor's family.

Please bring this difficult situation to our Lord in prayer, asking Him to grant these believers needed protection as they faithfully continue their ministry work, wisdom on how to best serve Him and His people under the circumstances, and the grace to forgive those who are persecuting them. Also ask for complete and prompt healing for both the pastor's daughter and the doctor who initially attended to her medically. Finally, pray that the militants involved in these assaults will be convicted of God's truth so they can seek repentance and ultimately give their hearts to Jesus Christ.

PHILIPPINES: Bombing Victim Gives Thanks for Healing
Source: Voice of the Martyrs Australia
Bus bombings have become increasingly common
in predominantly Christian areas of the Philippines.

Christians in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, have been targeted by terrorists and anti-government rebels in a series of bus bombings while using public transit. The attacks have resulted in serious injuries and, in some cases, even fatalities. (For more information on persecution in the Philippines, review VOMC's previously posted prayer alerts/video reports.)

VOM Australia recently spoke with Esther, a Christian resident of Mindanao and the daughter of a pastor, as she described her personal experience in a bus bombing ordeal. Ready to apply for her first nursing job, Esther had boarded an early morning bus containing seven other passengers. After a loud and abrupt explosion, the passengers ran outside. Thankfully, no one involved in this particular incident was killed, but some -- including Esther -- had to be hospitalized after sustaining severe wounds and loss of hearing.

Esther suffered from a damaged ear drum, and now has difficulty walking due to vertigo. Yet she thanks the Lord that fellow Christians have been praying for her healing. Six months after the bombing incident, a doctor told Esther that her eardrum is almost completely restored. The medical specialist then exclaimed, "It's a miracle!"

Thank the Lord for answering prayer on behalf of those still recovering from the aftermath of the bombings. Continue to pray that He will not only minister healing and freedom of fear to the injured victims, but also needed comfort to loved ones who are now grieving over loss. May He use Esther's vibrant testimony as a means to: 1) convey the plight of Christians in the Philippines; and 2) share the Gospel message with others in need of salvation. More specifically, ask the Lord to convict the hearts of the assailants so they may experience spiritual transformation and serve as catalysts of His peace, bringing an end to this violence.

EGYPT: Christian Prisoner Endures Brutality
Source: Release International

It has recently been reported that Bishoy Armia Boulous (formerly known as Mohammed Hegazy) is now enduring an overextended prison sentence with frequent assault. According to Bishoy's present lawyer, Karam Ghobriel, jailers at Tora Prison have been beating Bishoy several times a week and ruthlessly dragging him across a concrete floor. These jailers have been humiliating Bishoy in an apparent attempt to pressure him to renounce his faith.

When authorities were initially informed that Bishoy was trying to document Christian persecution, he was sentenced to imprisonment for "spreading false information" intended to "harm the public interest." While his one-year sentence for this charge had expired in December, he still remains in detention. (To view a previously taped video report on Bishoy's situation, click here.)

Bishoy is also awaiting trial for a blasphemy charge in connection with his attempt to change the religious status of his ID card to Christian. His lawyer has filed a formal complaint about Bishoy's mistreatment and ongoing detention to Egypt's attorney general, Hasham Barakat.

May the Spirit of God dwell richly in Bishoy, giving him great peace and hope throughout this brutal and humiliating ordeal, knowing that "the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace" (Romans 8:6). We pray that the jailers will see the light of Christ in Bishoy and, as a result, be responsive to God's invitation for salvation. Also intercede for the success of Bishoy's lawyer, Karam, as he contends in the courts on behalf of this young father's release.

KENYA: Al Shabaab Leaflets Warn of More Attacks
Sources: International Christian Concern, Christian Post

Members of the Somali Islamic terror group, al Shabaab, have been dropping off leaflets in various areas of Kenya warning of future attacks on Christian schools inside the country, similar to the April 2nd massacre at Garissa University College in which almost 150 people were tragically killed. Kenyan officials are presently in the process of increasing security measures and investigating the origin of the leaflets.

In the past, representatives of Al Shabaab had clearly stated that their goal is to force Kenya to cease its war on Somalia's militants. However, in the process, this group has intentionally targeted innocent Christians, waging horrific persecution that has terrorized all the residents of eastern Kenya.

Please prayerfully uphold the numerous families and community members who are still in shock over the sudden loss of dear loved ones and friends killed during the horrific massacre at Garissa University. As they embark on their grieving journey, may the reassuring presence of our Lord supernaturally sustain and comfort them, bringing to their remembrance His many promises of eternal life. May any discouragement among the Christians in Kenya be replaced with renewed devotion and spiritual fervency, increasing their resolve to persevere during these troubled times. Pray that the Lord will have mercy on the members of al Shabaab, working mightily in their hearts and minds so that they, too, will be delivered from the 'enemy of their souls.'