MISSIONARY NEWS FEATURE #29

Operation World:
Palestine – This prayer news shows how leadership for the Palestinian people focused on advocating and caring for Palestinians, rather than genocidal hatred against Israel. Hamas (elected back in 2006) is more dedicated to harming Israel than helping Palestinians, and that the horrific Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 not only escalated murderous violence in this region but provoked deep division on the Israel – Palestine situation globally – not least among Christians.

(Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/09-29/#palestine 29th Sept 2025 – Operation World)

Myanmar – Buddhism has a strong hold on the Burmese majority, as well as over the Shan, the Rakhine, and the Mon peoples. Most children receive education in Buddhist monasteries. Burmese Buddhism mixes in occult beliefs, superstition, and fear of the spirits. The Church must learn to understand the Buddhist mindset, and must also minister in spiritual power, in order to see a breakthrough among the majority. Reportedly, thousands of Buddhist monks have quietly become believers and many study the gospel and listen to Christian radio.

(Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/09-09/#myanmar 9th Sept 2025 – Operation World)

Mexico – The 500,000–plus addicts, whose number has grown rapidly due to increasing availability of cheap drugs; Mexico is poorly positioned to cope with the number of addicts in terms of prevention, treatment and ministry to those afflicted. The wealthy, powerful cartels that control it are ruthless. Most of their violence is directed toward each other, but police, armed forces, journalists and helpless citizens also die at their hands. The government and police face great difficulties in combating the drug trade and those who run it. In formers and corruption undermine the effort, and fear of the heavily armed gangs prevents decisive action.

(Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/08-29/ 29th Aug 2025 – Operation World)

North Macedonia – Ethnic divisions dominate politics and society. The large Albanian population feels more connected with Albania and Kosovo than with other groups in North Macedonia. Nearby Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia each have plans for North Macedonia. Economic struggles lead many to leave the country, or to migrate to cities. Many of the 2,000 villages have disappeared. (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/08-18/ 18th Aug 2025 – Operation World)

Israel – The ultra–Orthodox Haredi are only 10% of the population, but they have strong political influence. They are like modern Pharisees, who strictly observe and preserve their religious laws and identity. (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/07-21/ 21st July 2025 – Operation World)

Indonesia – We pray that the Church continues to grow amidst the intense opposition and persecution; (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/07-06 6th July 2025 – Operation World)

Asian/Middle East Mission Prayer News:
Targets on their backs – Iranian Christians under increasing danger:
This mission article highlights there had been a regime’s crackdown in Iran on its own people that has gotten worse daily, due to fear says Nazanin Baghestani with Heart4Iran, since the 12–day war started with Israel. We pray for courage and protection for Christians under increasing threats in Iran. (Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/targets-on-their-backs-iranian-christians-under-increasing-danger/ by Katie O’Malley – 25th Sept 2025 – Mission News Network)

Filipino protesters call for accountability for billions of missing dollars:
This mission article shows that tens of thousands of Filipinos rallied in Manila on Sunday to protest alleged corruption in the nation. And, the Philippines experiences about 20 typhoons and storms per year. Critical flood-control projects were allocated billions of taxpayer dollars, but the Department of Finance estimates that up to two billion dollars have been lost to corruption since 2023. We pray for the Filipino Church to be a voice for justice, truth and righteousness in the current events; for peace but also for good results to come from peaceful protests & for eyes to see what God is doing in the Philippines.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/filipino-protesters-call-for-accountability-for-billions-of-mission-dollars/ by Katie O'Malley – 23rd Sept 2025 – Mission News Network)

How technology shapes digital ministry in Iran:
In this mission article, we praise God that technology is shaping digital ministry in Iran yet Iran’s widespread internet filtering and restrictions makes it difficult to receive updates about evangelization efforts within the country. And, Edwin Keshish Abnous with Heart4Iran says on top of this, many Iranians regularly face poor internet connectivity. We pray for the security of Iranians inside the country as well as ministry partners interacting with them; for anointed decision–making to bring forth fruit in places that were once desolate + for Heart 4 Iran to wisely steward its resources, for God to pave the way for more ministries to partner with Heart 4 Iran.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/217108/ by Abigail Hofland – 23rd Sept 2025 – Mission News Network)

Indonesia’s worst flooding in a decade hits Bali:
This mission article reminds us that Bali may be an island paradise, yet it grapples with a nightmare when torrential rains last week unleashed the worst flooding locals have seen in a decade – destroying homes, markets, and claiming 18 lives. Four people are still missing. The province declared a state of emergency. Indeed, Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations explains, “Bali is an area where there are a lot of mountains, and when [rain] hits the mountains and these fronts remain in a certain area for so long, it just happens to have a greater impact. The rivers all get overflooded. It is a situation that doesn’t happen very often.” We pray Christ's comfort for families who lost loved ones in the floods; we ask God to strengthen Unknown Nations’ teams. We pray for the local Church to be a faithful Gospel witness in Bali’s recovery, as we lift up Indonesia’s unreached millions to encounter Christ for the first time.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/worst-flooding-in-a-decade-hits-bali/ by Lyndsey Koh – 18th Sept 2025 – Mission News Network)

United Nations calls Israel–Hamas war in Gaza “genocide”
This mission article shows that nearly 64,900 Palestinians have died in the Israel–Hamas war, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. On Tuesday, a United Nations inquiry announced its conclusion that Israel’s war on Gaza is a genocide. Israeli leaders have declared that this is not true. We pray that the Church will be a peacemaker; for the gospel of peace in Christ to reach more people in Gaza and Israel. We pray for the MENA Leadership Center, as it plans training courses that will one day equip leaders for trauma healing and refugee ministry.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/united-nations-calls-israel-hamas-war-in-gaza-genocide/ by Katie O’Malley – 17th Sept 2025 – Mission News Network)

Curfew enforced as Nepal protesters and military start talks:
This mission article highlighted that Nepal’s Gen Z protests on Monday and Tuesday left many government buildings in the capital in shambles. At least 22 people lost their lives in the protests, with two police officers killed and hundreds injured. Some Gen Z groups claim the demonstrations were meant to be nonviolent but that opportunists “hijacked” them. Regardless, the military enforced the curfew on Wednesday, restoring some order to Kathmandu. We pray that Nepal’s young generation today will discover the true life that God offers. We pray for God to let this political crisis “bring spiritual unity among the believers in Nepal,” Pudaite said. We ask God to bring peace and stability to Nepal.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/curfew-enforced-as-nepal-protesters-and-military-start-talks/ by Katie O’Malley – 11th Sept 2025 – Mission News Network)

Deadly shooting in Jerusalem underscores turmoil:
This mission article reported that at least six people are dead and more than a dozen injured after a terrorist attack in northern Jerusalem. Monday morning, two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in a busy intersection. Civilians and local police shot and killed the attackers on the scene.

It was the deadliest attack in Israel’s capital in years. We pray for Israel to know the peace and hope of Christ. We pray that God will use this new center to grow His Kingdom. We thank the Lord for faithful believers in Israel proclaiming the Gospel.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/deadly-shooting-in-jerusalem-underscores-turmoil by Lyndsey Koh – 9th Sept 2025 – Mission News Network)

Christians may be among casualties of Sudan landslide:
This mission article shows how Sudan is calling for international help, following Sunday’s massive landslide in western Darfur. Local footage of the disaster zone shows a flattened area between mountain ranges where an entire village used to be. Days of heavy rain triggered landslides in the Marrah Mountains, reportedly leaving only one survivor. The scale of the debris and the disaster’s remote location limit information. Civil war, raging between rival militaries since 2023, further complicates recovery efforts.

We pray for wisdom and discernment as church planters determine how they will respond to this disaster. John’s organization supports frontline Sudanese church planters throughout the Islamic nation; and for Sudanese Muslims to find truth, comfort, and peace in Jesus Christ. (Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-may-be-among-casualties-of-sudan-landslide by Katey Hearth – 5th Sept 2025 – Mission News Network)

Guerilla warfare and Gospel hope in the Israel–Hamas conflict:
This mission article highlights how Israel has launched its ground incursion into Gaza City, calling up 60,000 reservists to join the fight against Hamas. Already, Palestinians are anticipating a new civil administration after the dust settles. The Center for Peace Communications and the We Want to Live movement report that Gazans – including teachers, lawyers, and activists – are leading a grassroots resistance to Hamas influence. We pray for protection and strength for Israeli soldiers and their families; for God to comfort civilians in Gaza and Israel traumatized by war; for open Gospel doors in Gaza.

We ask the Lord to bring lasting peace through Christ.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/guerilla-warfare-and-gospel-hope-in-the-israel-hamas-conflict/ by Taylor Benson – 28th Aug 2025 – Mission News Network)

Report shows thousands of Christians killed in Nigeria this year:
This mission report reveals over 7,000 Nigerian Christians have been killed by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen Islamists in the first 220 days of 2025. The report was released by The Anambra–based International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), led by Christian criminologist Emeka Umeagbalasi. It also estimated “no fewer than 7,800 others were violently seized and abducted for being Christians.” Benue State is known as the food basket of Nigeria. “It’s the most fertile state of the whole nation,” says Ruth. “A lot of food is produced in Benue every year.” We pray for Fulani Muslims to turn from violence to the forgiveness and joy of Christ. We ask God to give persecuted believers in Northern Nigeria wisdom and protection as they care for their villages and families + for the Church to be a bold witness of faith in the fire.

Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/report-shows-thousands-of-christians-killed-in-nigeria-this-year/ by Lyndsey Koh – 22nd Aug 2025 – Mission News Network)

Attacks leave Druze, Christian minorities vulnerable in Syria:
This mission article highlights the tensions in Syria that are rising, and the Druze – one of the country’s smallest minorities – are caught in the middle. The Druze are both an ethnic people group and a religious offshoot of Islam. There are also ethnically Druze Christians. Reports say about 1,000 Druze were massacred recently. But Pierre Houssney with Horizons International says, according to his local Druze sources, “It was really more like 3,000 people that were killed in clashes between the extremist factions that claim to be government and the Arab Bedouins and the Druze. There’s a lot of ethnic tension right now, and definitely minorities throughout Syria are feeling very vulnerable.”

We pray for an end to the violence, and for Druze and Syrian Christians to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel amidst unrest. We pray for believers to point the Druze people ultimately to spiritual freedom in Christ. We pray for protection and courage for Druze Christians facing persecution. We ask God to bring peace amid ethnic and religious tensions in Syria & for wisdom and strength for Druze leaders seeking security and autonomy. (Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/attacks-leave-druze-christian-minorities-vulnerable-in-syria/ by Lyndsey Koh – 21st Aug 2025 – Mission News Network)

Look for spiritual not political change in Iran:
This mission article recalls how it’s been nearly two months since the Israel-Iran ceasefire took effect. Iran’s regime is fragile but has not collapsed. Instead, crackdowns have brought mass arrests and even executions. According to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, more than 50 Christians are among those who have been arrested since the June 24 ceasefire. We praise God for sending hope to His people in Iran. We pray for protection for them, that they will not be discovered by authorities + for great spiritual awakening in Iran; (Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/look-for-spiritual-not-political-change-in-iran/ by Katie O’Malley – 20th Aug 2025 – Mission News Network)

Lebanon approves objectives to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year:
This mission article noted how the government of Lebanon has taken another step toward law and order after its cabinet approved the objectives of a US proposal on 7th Aug (Thu) that would see Hezbollah disarmed by the end of the year. The Iran–backed militant group declared it will ignore this decision. But war with Israel has largely gutted its leadership and diminished its influence. The cabinet’s decision is yet another sign of how the times have changed in Lebanon. We pray for Triumphant Mercy Lebanon to see much fruit in gospel ministry to Shia Muslims; for God to give Lebanon a time to gain stability and a chance to normalize relationships with its neighbors.

(Reported by Katie O’Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/lebanon-approves-objectives-to-disarm-hezbollah-by-the-end-of-the-year/ – 15th Aug 2025 – Mission News Network)

Gaza – Israel approves Gaza City occupation plan amid criticism:
This mission article highlights how Israel’s security council approved a plan on 8th Aug (Fri) to occupy Gaza City, noting there was swift international criticism, yet Israeli strikes in Gaza City over the weekend underscored their decision. A man we’ll call Brother Izik with Global Catalytic Ministries explains the conflict between Israel and Hamas has many background factors that made it volatile. Just one of these factors is the 1917 Balfour Declaration from Britain during World War I.

In history and the current realities, Izik says Christians must ground themselves in one fact: “God loves the Jewish people, and God loves Arabs and Palestinians. If we can keep that in our heart, then we will not isolate our hearts to feel like we have to love one and hate the other,” he says. Indeed, hunger is a rising crisis in Gaza – both physical and spiritual. On the physical side, the UN World Food Program says half a million people in Gaza are on the edge of famine. We pray for Palestinians and Israelis that  they’ll not be swept away by any propaganda on either side but be swept towards God and for them to come to salvation – believing in Jesus Christ & for God’s promises to be fulfilled in their lives and “ultimately to reconcile the world to Himself,” says Izik.

We also pray for gospel to reach and save Palestinians and Israelis caught in this conflict. (Reported by Katie O’Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/israel-approves-gaza-city-occupation-plan-amid-criticism/ – 12th Aug 2025 – Mission News Network)

The regime, the prince and freedom for Iran:
This mission article shows how more than 500 Iranian opposition activists and groups gathered in Munich, Germany for the Convention of National Cooperation to Save Iran on 26th July hosted by Iran’s crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, and this meeting outlined what a democratic transition and national rebuilding should look like in Iran. We pray for God’s mercy and hand on any political changes that come in Iran. We pray with Iranians that their country gets freedom of choice, freedom of religion and freedom of speech. (Reported by Katie O’Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-regime-the-prince-and-freedom-for-iran/– 6th Aug 2025 – Mission News Network)

Christians who chose to remain in Gaza caught in same crises:
News reported that the number of Palestinians killed during the Israel–Hamas on Tuesday (29th July) war since October 7, 2023 surpassed 60,000, according to the Hamas–run Palestinian Ministry of Health. Palestinian believers have chosen a different goal: “Some of them had a chance to leave during this war, and they chose to stay to spread the gospel,” said Doyle. “Can you imagine having a family and choosing to stay when you have young kids in the midst of the war?”

We pray for the safety and well–being of the Palestinian people, especially the children, and for the believers in Gaza to endure the difficult circumstances. We pray for the spread of the Gospel in Gaza, and for the believers who have chosen to stay and minister to their fellow Palestinians.

(Reported by Katie O’Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-who-chose-to-remain-in-gaza-caught-in-same-crises/ – 30th July 2025 – Mission News Network)

Seen as traitors by the Taliban: the unsafe return of Afghans deported from Pakistan:
This mission article shows that for the last three decades, many Afghans fled the war in their country to neighboring Pakistan. Now, many are being forcibly deported back – though their homeland is in shatters. For nearly thirty years of war, Pakistan became a refuge for fleeing Afghans. Now, it’s part of a global wave of forced deportations. Since 2023, nearly 900,000 have been sent back. There are about 3 million Afghans living in Pakistan, and this includes both registered refugees and undocumented individuals,” says Nehemiah from FMI. Many are now scraping together what little they had – homes, businesses – as deportation looms. Even those married to or related to Pakistanis are not safe. Though they were protected from the Taliban, life in Pakistan was never truly easy.

We pray for Afghan returnees as they face immense challenges, economic hardship, emotional trauma, and struggle to rebuild their lives; for mercy and compassion from fellow Afghans toward the returnees – and for a spirit of solidarity to grow among them. We pray for the vulnerable, growing Church in Afghanistan – that it will not break under persecution but keep the fire of Gospel burning.

(Reported by Joanne Khmel, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/seen-as-traitors-by-the-taliban-the-unsafe-return-of-afghans-deported-from-pakistan/ – 25th July 2025 – Mission News Network)

Syria declares truce in Suweida, but will it last?
This mission article highlights how Syria’s defense minister announces a ceasefire as government tanks roll into a key city in Suweida province, home to the Druze minority.

But a critical question remains – will the truce hold?

Samuel of Redemptive Stories says, “The government will use this as an opportunity to assert control there, which is something that they’ve not been able to do yet since the fall of Assad’s regime. Even Assad couldn’t control that area.”

Monday’s clashes between Druze and Bedouin fighters left over 90 people dead and hundreds wounded. It is the latest outbreak of deadly sectarian violence since rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al– Assad in December. We pray for the Druze community to encounter the peace of Christ no matter what happens next; for our brothers and sisters will use this chance to communicate God’s story of hope & for the church to play the role to care for their neighbors and to love them. (Reported by Katey Hearth https://www.mnnonline.org/news/syria-declares-truce-in-suweida-but-will-it-last/ – 16th July 2025 – Mission News Network)

What defines a place of worship? Attack on Christian youth retreat in Indonesia –
As Indonesian youth gathered for fellowship and teaching, an angry mob brought chaos and disruption and in Indonesia, Christianity is permitted by law, yet gatherings often face obstacles. Bruce Allen from FMI recalls the recent attack on June 27 – “About two hundred residents of a neighborhood in West Java, Indonesia, stormed a private home where Christian youth had gathered for a retreat.”

They destroyed property and terrified attendees. The attack allegedly happened because the event was held in a place not officially designated for worship. Yet Muslim meetings outside mosques rarely face such concerns. We pray for the courage of Indonesian believers, especially in West Java & that as they long to grow in fellowship, God will grant them favor in the eyes of local Muslims to provide their signatures, enabling Christians to establish churches. We pray for Indonesia’s laws to become more supportive of Christian communities.

(Reported by Joanne Khmel, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/what-defines-a-place-of-worship-attack-on-christian-youth-retreat-in-indonesia/ – 10th July 2025 – Mission News Network)

Africa – From mission field to mission force:
A deeper conviction and calling to gospel mission is stirring in Africa. According to data from 2020, this is the continent with the most Christians in the world. “They say the blood of the martyrs have so fertilized the soil of Africa that everywhere you plant the gospel, it germinates,” says Ray Mensah with OneWay Africa. With that missionary history of sacrifice comes responsibility. “The Bible says to him that much is given, much is expected or required. So now that Africa has the largest number of Christians, Africa has to play a significant role in world evangelization,” Mensah says.

We pray for Africa to take its place and play its role, together with North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Oceania, together for the Great Commission to take the gospel to the ends of the earth” as Mensah says. (Reported by Katie O’Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/africa-from-mission-field-to-mission-force/ – 23rd June 2025 – Mission News Network)