|
9 October 2026
Somalia
A community of underground Christians in southern Somalia have asked for prayer for a 20-year-old recent convert called Mariam, who has been beaten and confined to her home after her uncle discovered she had become a Christian. Sources report that Mariam, who has lived with her uncle since the separation of her parents many years ago, has been deprived of adequate food and water since her confinement late in September.
Russia
Korean missionary, Park Tae-Yeon (70), who was arrested on 15 January, one week before she had planned to leave Russia to begin her retirement, was given a five-year and eight-month prison sentenced after being convicted on immigration charges in Khabarovsk. VOM Korea, who have advocated on her behalf since her arrest, report that Missionary Park’s sentence will be appealed in a higher court.
China
A recent update from China Aid has reported that Wang Yi (53), who is the senior pastor of the Early Rain Covenant Church, is believed to be suffering from advanced liver-cancer. Because of the restrictions under which Pastor Wang is being held, China Aid has been unable to independently verify the report. Following his arrest during a crackdown on the church in December 2018, Pastor Wang was sentenced to nine years in prison for “inciting subversion of state power” and “illegal business operations.”
2 October 2026
Nigeria
Attacks by suspected Fulani militia on predominantly Christian communities south of Jos, plateau state, over 19 and 20 September left at least seven Christians dead and a number of other seriously injured. On Saturday 19 September, five Christians were killed when their vehicle was ambushed in Barkin Ladi country. The following morning, a pastor and another church worker died in an attack in nearby Dorowa Babuje, and the pastor’s son was critically injured.
Ethiopia
We are saddened to report the death of Muhedin, one of our micro-loan participants, who passed away recently in hospital at the age of 37 following a period of illness. He is survived by his wife Medina and their four children.
Following his conversion from Islam, Muhedin and his family faced significant persecution. Despite this, he faithfully evangelised the Muslim community until his illness prevented him from doing so. We are discussing with our partners how best to support Medina and the children.
China
Two members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Sichuan Province, who were arrested along with nine others as they met together in a Chengdu teahouse on 11 Sept, have been released after spending 10 days in administrative detention. Elder Wu Wuquing and church member, Shen Xiaoquing, were given the punishment for allegedly “illegally organising proselytising activities”. The men were also fined 500 yuan and 300 yuan, respectively.
|