China – Pew Research Center released a survey last year on international perceptions in 19 key countries. The found 66% of those surveyed see China’s global influence growing, while only 32% thought the same of the United States. Kurt Rovenstine, President of Bibles for China says, “Whether we like it or not, China has an incredible amount of influence in the world. They’re leading the world in trade. When you import and export around the world, there are initiatives that they have instituted that are giving them influence in places [where] other nations are losing influence.” This also makes China a key nation where biblical impact has lasting echoes worldwide. Unfortunately, China is increasing restrictions on Gospel outreach, so Bibles for China has refined its ministry focus.
Rovenstine says, “Westerners are much less prevalent in the work that we do. We’ve put our faith in
and tried to empower and equip and supply local partnerships. We’re still distributing Bibles at a very good clip through the partnerships that we have through the registered Church.” We pray for China to become a platform for Christ’s message of salvation to the world + for the Chinese believers to make a Godly difference around them & pray for the Lord to raise–up wise and Godly leaders in China. We pray for China to become a platform of Christ's message of salvation to the world + pray for more Chinese people to begin relationships with Jesus. (Reported by Lyndsey Koh, 25th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/reaching-china-for-jesus-in-the-chinese-century/)
Philippines – Over 66 years ago, a Wycliffe missionary began translation of God’s Word in the northern Philippines. This year, the Isnag community celebrated the completed translation in their own language. Indeed, it was after the Bible dedication ceremony that Stephanie de Oliveira, Wycliffe USA Director of Church Relations, attended along with American pastors, where 34 Isnag believers were baptized. And, “we were able to celebrate that full Bible dedication together,” said de Oliveira. “So finally, this being the first generation to receive the Old Testament and the New Testament, the fully completed Bible.” Truly, “the Isnag community is a testament along with the church here in the US of working together,” said de Oliveira, “that God’s word would be accessible to even the most remote places in the world.” Through partnerships like this, Wycliffe USA plans to initiate translations by 2025 in the remaining language groups without the Bible.
“Today, we estimate close to 1300 language communities that have zero scripture at all,” de Oliveira said. We praise the Lord for the completed Isnag Bible and every translation of God’s Word currently in progress. We pray for God to provide the partners and resources for translation to begin in every language remaining without the Word. (Reported by Emily Roth, 22nd September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/people-group-in-philippines-celebrates-complete-bible-in-their-language/)
Libya – Libya has been a failed state for over a decade, with no government exercising nationwide authority since 2011. There are very few evangelical Christians in Libya, and it is extremely difficult for believers to practice their faith openly. “Tragedies like this have people asking tough questions. They will ask their religious leaders, but also people will ask, ‘Well, what does the Christian Bible say about this?’” Joe Wiley (with SAT–7) says. “It’s difficult [to answer those questions] in a country without many Christians.” That’s where SAT-7 comes in. “SAT-7 provides Bible-based programming that gives hope to people searching for it,” Wiley says. We pray for Libya alongside SAT-7 using this short video.
We pray for God to show mercy upon Libya. We pray for organizations working alongside Libyans to help them process the tragedy and grief they’re experiencing & for people “to understand that God loves them and He has provided a way in Jesus Christ that will bring comfort and eternal hope that can never be taken away in the midst of devastation in Libya” Wiley requests (Revised text). We pray for Libyans who lost everything will find the hope only Christ can offer. (Reported by Katey Hearth, 20th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/grief-turns-to-anger-in-flooded-libya/)
Algeria – The Church is thriving in Algeria, but it’s thriving underground. Algeria’s government recognizes an official organization called the Association of the Protestant Church of Algeria (APCA), but getting certified as part of that organization is next to impossible. And for churches that don’t register? According to Riadh Jaballah of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, they become targets. To date, Jaballah’s contacts have counted 46 closed churches without any newly opened ones. Churches that are not a part of the APCA are not formally allowed to open, and any attempt to do so would be met with automatic government shutdowns. This essentially shuts down any opportunity for smaller churches to grow or remote plants to start. The churches that do fall under the APCA umbrella are so big – some reaching 2,000 congregants – that there is little space for personal connections or discipleship.
Christians in Algeria are trying to turn crisis into opportunity. Amazingly, Jaballah says, “We are happy that the church buildings are closed because God opened many opportunities for the underground Church.” Christians are careful to exercise caution. “If more than 10 or 15 people [meet], they suspect; why are you together?” Jaballah says. “If the number is more than that, they suspect them, and right away they can stop them.” Instead, Christians enter churches one by one so they don’t draw too much attention. We pray for unity among the believers + for them to have them humility, courage, and faith as they serve God in the ministry. We pray for Algerians forced into hidden churches. We also thank God for the continued courage of the persecuted Church & for Him to bring the Algerian Church together in unity. (Reported by Alex Anhalt, 20th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/algerias-church-is-driven-underground/)
Nigeria – Church growth has been massive and remains so. A large majority of West Africa’s evangelicals live in Nigeria. Nigeria has the world's 4th, and possibly 3rd, highest number of evangelicals in the world. Catholics, Anglicans, traditional Protestant groups, and newer Pentecostal and charismatic groups all grow. Much growth comes from among Muslims and those who follow tribal religions. This growth often happened quietly, in less obvious ways. Praise God for the millions who have come to know Him in Nigeria! (Reported by
https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/09-20/ to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 20th Sept 2023)
India – India’s security agencies warn that dormant terrorist groups are now active in Manipur’s ongoing conflict. Militant groups mingle with mobs during protests to stoke further tensions. Meanwhile, state police recovered “a large quantity of explosives” on Monday. Since the ethnic war began on May 3, thousands of weapons have been stolen from police stations and academies. Authorities report that widespread violence has mostly subsided in Manipur, but flare–up continue. “Our hospital has been running from day one. We’ve been treating the victims of the violence and those from the displacement camps,” John Pudaite of Bibles For The World says. Manipur’s ethnic conflict hasn’t stopped despite international condemnation. More than 70,000 people have been displaced, and over 200 have died. Christians from both ethnic groups are disproportionately targeted, and the conditions in displacement camps are subpar. We praise God for sustaining Bibles For The World’s critical ministry in Manipur + pray for an immediate end to the violence in Manipur. (Reported by Katey Hearth, 13th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/militants-mingle-with-mobs-in-manipur/)
Morocco – Friday’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake near Marrakech, Morocco – the deadliest since 1960 and most potent tremor since 1900 – has killed more than 2,500 people and destroyed scores of historical sites. Aftershocks and damaged roads block efforts to find survivors and deliver aid. The death toll from Friday’s historic earthquake soars as aid workers reach new territory in the epicenter. Rasheed*, a Moroccan pastor, says, “The statistic today is over 2,500 died, but I’m sure [it’s] more; I think more than 3,000 [or] 4,000 [people died.]” Since then, over 20 Muslim–background believers living in or near Marrakech lost their homes and livelihoods.
[On] Wednesday, [a team from Casablanca will] move to the Marrakech area [to start] working with that team and with the people affected, [bringing] food, blankets, medicine,” Pastor Rasheed says. We pray for local believers as they deliver help for today and hope for tomorrow. The Moroccan government says the areas affected by the quake are hard to access in the mountains. For now, NGOs are reaching quake zones with aid and hope. Trans World Radio (TWR) is one ministry going to be Jesus’ hands and feet. “Our teams on the ground are going in a few days to the zone where people are affected and giving these SD cards, spending time with people, showing them how to tune in, showing them how to install in their mobile phones, and helping them to listen.” The SD cards have biblical encouragement. “We have content we just have developed recently in reaction to the situation in Syria and Turkiye – a program called, ‘When your whole word changes,'” says Brother N. “This is mostly a devotional program, like five to seven minutes, just sharing the Word of God in a timely manner to people going through tough situations.”
We pray for open Gospel doors as Islam is the official state religion of Morocco, and 99% of Moroccans don’t know Jesus and for the messages to be tailored that communicates to people in their current situation, bringing the message of hope to them. We pray for necessary aid to reach the quake zones & ask the Lord to open Moroccans’ hearts to the Gospel with these SD cards. (Reported by Katey Hearth, 12th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/morocco-quake-leaves-20-christian-families-homeless/ / Additional Reported by Lyndsey Koh, 15th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/twr-reaching-moroccos-quake-zone-with-biblical-hope/)
Lesotho – Ancestor worship is saturated in the culture of Lesotho, a small land-bound country within South Africa. For pastors, reaching isolated villages in the Lesotho mountains is a challenge — both physically reaching them, and penetrating generations of ancestor worship with biblical truth. Sefiri Seepheephe with Mission Aviation Fellowship Lesotho says syncretism is even a problem. “Some of them in growing up, they have been going to church, but they mixed things.” “They know there are some ancestors. They know there was Jesus who died for some people or who died a long time ago. So they know the name Jesus, but really what is happening with Him, they don’t have any idea…. So you want to be in their shoes when you evangelize.”
Through the Lesotho Flying Pastors ministry, MAF flies local pastors to minister in the Lesotho mountains. But they still often have quite a trek to reach remote villages. We pray for spiritual encouragement for Lesotho Flying Pastors + for God to soften hearts across Lesotho villages to the Gospel. (Reported by Lyndsey Koh, 12th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/ancestor-worship-mixes-with-biblical-understanding-in-lesotho-mountains/)
India – India rejects the latest United Nations report voicing concern about violence in Manipur state, calling it “misleading.” Authorities also dismissed a report from the Editors Guild of India that describes government efforts to hide Manipur violence from the outside world and since unrest began in India’s Manipur state in May, at least 160 people have been killed, hundreds injured, and thousands displaced. “It’s a very complex situation,” John Pudaite of Bibles for the World says. In the meantime, India’s central government describes a “peaceful and stable” Manipur while aid workers decry government inaction. “The central government sent 45,000 more troops into the state, but they’re doing nothing because they haven’t been given orders to intervene in any significant way” Pudaite says. “Since the BJP came to power in 2014, we’ve seen aggression against Christians and other minorities on the [rise,]” and “there are hundreds of acts of persecution and oppression against Christians every year now; more than one per day” citing the persecution in Manipur as the latest example of a nationwide trend.
We pray for an immediate end to the violence in Manipur. We pray for believers to endure persecution and hardship as 360 church properties across many denominations attacked, looted, burned, and destroyed, and for God to meet believers’ practical needs through Bibles for the World. (Reported by Katey Hearth, 6th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/india-denies-manipur-problems/)
Bangladesh – In Bangladesh, it is estimated that around 400 women and children are trafficked every month; 20,000 per year; 200,000 every 10 years; one million over the last 30 year. There are many root causes that create numbers this high including poverty, the unemployment rate, and the high inflation rates in Bangladesh. Because of this, people in Bangladesh often try to find opportunities for a better life. Human traffickers exploit this desire and offer opportunities that instead become realities of sexual exploitation or child marriage. “Human trafficking is basically child marriage, which is, I should say, Bangladesh (has) the highest rate of child marriage in the South Asian countries,” Glorious says. We pray for God to transform Bangladesh from its social norms where every child is dignified and treated with respect as an image bearer of God. We pray for safety for children in Bangladesh and for God to help World Concern to protect a child. (Reported by Ellie Tiemens, 5th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/world-concern-fights-human-trafficking-in-bangladesh/)
Myanmar – Myanmar exists on the constant edge of conflict. Violence is commonplace, as is the fallout that stems from bloodshed. Distrust, lack of resources, and legitimate fears that violence could break out at any moment are all daily realities for the people of Myanmar. We thank God for the continued faithfulness of the Church in Myanmar. We pray for locals in Myanmar who face daily threats of violence + for Him to guide the hearts and hands of believers distributing Scripture in Myanmar. (Reported by Alex Anhalt, 5th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/myanmar-christians-contend-with-bombings-landmines-and-conflict/)
Libya – At least 11,300 people are confirmed dead, but that number could be as high as 20,000 with many still missing. Now there is also a fear of disease with contaminated water in the streets. There is still no electricity in Derna and communication is severely hampered. Local media calls it catastrophic. The situation is making it difficult for family and friends to contact missing loved ones if they are still alive. Riadh Jaballah, Vice President of International Ministry and Operations with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, says they are working to connect with their Libyan Christian contacts in the area through social media channels. “Most of our friends live far from the affected area in Derna. One of our sisters who lives abroad, all her family lives in Derna. She lost one of her relatives’ families and the rest of the family members lost their homes.” Even under normal circumstances, communication between Christians in Libya is difficult. Jaballah says, “It’s not easy at all to connect between each other for the security reasons. Christians in Libya, they are an underground church.”
We pray for our brothers and sisters in Libya who are suffering from fear and trauma due to these devastating disasters. We pray for wisdom and strength to the believers to be light and salt during these very difficult times. We pray for improved communications and for Libyan flood survivors to soon get in touch with family and friends searching for them + for communication to be restored. Ask God to encourage isolated believers affected by the flood and use them to spread His comfort. (Reported by Lyndsey Koh, 15th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/libya-flood-death-toll-over-11300-power-outages-hampering-communication/)
Libya – In Libya, persecution is an inherent risk of becoming a Christian. According to Riadh Jaballah, friend of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, the Libyan Church is primarily an underground church, he says that “the believers still don’t connect to each other because they’re afraid because the persecution” and he says, “They have this fear to connect and to share and to witness.” As such, the persecution largely stems from a lack of stability in Libya’s government and leadership. Some countries face eras of violence or conflict over specific issues; Libya faces these obstacles constantly. “Libya has plunged into chaos and divisions with government[s] competent for the power,” Jaballah says. “The government is like two states in one.” We thank God for the courage of Libyan Christians & pray for God to protect the Libyan Church. We also pray for believers potentially facing execution for their conversion. (Reported by Alex Anhalt, 4th September 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/libyan-christians-could-face-execution-for-conversion-from-islam/)
Syria – For over a week now, hundreds of protestors have taken over the streets in a southern Syrian province. Recently, they even shut down the government building of President Bashar al–Assad’s ruling party. Syria’s already–staggering economy has been crippled by international sanctions and recent fuel shortages, prompting the latest protests. Samuel with Redemptive Stories explains, “The economic situation just even since the earthquake has worsened. The crisis has almost doubled on basic needs for the people and that’s why you’re seeing these protests. They continue to subsist by the generosity of their family and friends outside the country who send money back for them.”
“Even in the midst of all this suffering, God’s Church is still moving, it is still growing, people are coming to faith, and mostly because of the fact that they don’t see any hope anywhere else,” says Samuel. “Their hope is now being found in Jesus Christ – not in the day to day economics, not in the revolution, not in politics, but in Jesus Christ…and we are seeing people turn to Him.” We pray for Syrians to be bolstered by eternal hope today + for Syrians to know the deep hope of Christ. We pray for God to spur the Syrian Church in doing good and sharing the Gospel. (Reported by Lyndsey Koh, 29th August 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/protestors-in-syria-shut-down-ruling-political-partys-building/)
Pakistan – Pakistani police blame an unnamed “enemy” country for recent violence against Christians but offer no further details. On August 16, violent mobs attacked dozens of churches and more than a hundred Christian homes in Pakistan’s third–largest city. Believers were falsely accused of desecrating the Quran, sparking the unrest.According to a report from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s (HRCP) fact-finding mission – “The attack on the minority community cannot be entirely deemed as random or spontaneous, with a suspicion that it was orchestrated as part of a larger hate campaign against the local Christians while the role of police and its ability to effectively mitigate and control the situation is questionable.” We pray for MENA Leadership Center receives the funding it needs to offer this training. We pray for God to strengthen believers’ faith in the face of persecution. (Reported by Katey Hearth, 29th August 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pakistani-police-blame-enemy-for-august-16-violence/)
International – E3 Partners launched a new three-year campaign this year to raise $50 million. The funds will be used to mobilize 1,000 new full-time missionaries, adopt 12,500 people groups and places that need the Gospel, and train over 4 million people to share their faith, make disciples, and plant churches. The campaign is called Greater Together. Don Waybright, e3’s new Executive Vice President of Partnerships, says, “This premise is that together – and that’s field staff, that’s our national indigenous co-workers, that’s Great Commission ministries and partners around the world, that’s Kingdom investors and donors and friends of e3 – we can be a thriving family all being driven together by this audacious vision of really getting the Gospel to every people, every village, every place.” Waybright says, “You look at Scripture and the age that we’re in and there’s one sign that the end is coming. That was, ‘…this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed to all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.’ [Matt. 24:14] We’re in the age of movements – this exponential increase of Gospel activity around the world.”
We thank God for the stewardship of what God has given to E3 Partners and for their lives to be aligned to God’s Word, praying, abiding, surrendering, & yielding themselves to God, as they pursue these targets with great passion. We pray for the advancement of the Great Commission. (Reported by Lyndsey Koh, 24th August 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/e3-partners-campaign-greater-together-tangibly-pursues-the-great-commission/)
USA – Hawaii’s governor warns that identifying Maui wildfire victims will likely take weeks as the death toll exceeds 100. Surviving family members are asked to provide DNA samples to help identify remains. The deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century began August 8 in western Maui and is two-thirds contained. The Hawaii National Guard activated about 258 soldiers and airmen for support duty in disaster zones. Nearly 200 search and rescue workers and 20 cadaver dogs have processed less than half of the scorched structures in Lahaina. As such, the fire destroyed roughly 2,000 homes and businesses.
We pray for God to comfort those grieving in Maui and across Hawaii + for the peace of Christ will prevail over a spirit of anger. We pray for the Holy Spirit to help us to recognize Gospel opportunities and turn current events into a Christ–centered conversation. (Reported by Katey Hearth, 17th August 2023 –
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-to-turn-maui-wildfires-into-a-gospel-conversation/)
Türkiye in Crisis – The Russia–Ukraine war is creating a new crisis for Christian refugees in Türkiye and that “no one wants Iranian Christian refugees as a tenant; if they can find someone else, that’s better for them,” Lana Silk with Transform Iran says. Türkiye hosts nearly four million refugees and asylum-seekers, the world’s largest refugee population. Plus, historic earthquakes levelled hundreds of thousands of buildings in February, making it even tougher to find a home. “Whether church buildings or residential apartments, we’re finding that Christian refugees are the first to be pushed out, with landlords increasing rent quickly with no notice,” Silk says. Transform Iran partners with two Iranian Christian churches in Ankara. “The landlord just told us we have to either vacate the premises or take an immediate tripling of the rent,” Silk says. “These are church buildings we have decorated, equipped, and repaired; it’s a huge loss.” Deportation poses another imminent threat. Police frequently stop Iranian Christian refugees on the street to check their paperwork.
We pray for the Christian refugees in Türkiye especially those at risk of deportation who are in imminent danger of being sent back to Iran, Silk says. We pray for the Lord to block efforts to deport Iranian Christian refugees, and for Transform Iran to receive the financial support it needs to continue assisting believers with legal representation.
(Reported by Katey Hearth/27th July 2023,
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/two-threats-to-iranian-christians-in-turkiye/)
Israel – We pray for the Messianic Jews to have boldness in witnessing the gospel to others, and perseverance in faith despite the opposition by ultra–Orthodox Hared Jews Messianic Jews; for growth brings persecution, even the though ultra–Orthodox Haredi are only 10% of the population yet they have strong political influence in Israel. We thank God for 12,000 Jews who recognize Jesus as their Messiah within Israel becoming Messianic Jews that have been an undeniable part of Israeli society, though fewer than 2,000 (out of 120,000) are Messianic believers.
