MISSIONARY NEWS FEATURE #30

Operation World:
Zimbabwe – This prayer news – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/12-25/#zimbabwe shows the exodus of literally countless millions from Zimbabwe to neighbouring African nations and beyond and how the “brain drain” includes much of academia, the business community, opposition politicians and spiritual leaders. (Cited from 25th Dec 2025 – Operation World)

Uganda – This prayer news – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/11-30/ highlights how Uganda works hard to recover from many years of war, violence, and heavy–handed government. The current president has been in power since 1986. Uganda has attracted attention through widespread child labour, allegations of widespread use of torture by those in power, and its incendiary approach to LGBT issues. Amidst these many points of concern, Christian NGOs and ministries provide aid, shelter, counselling, spiritual ministry, and education. Uganda has one of the world's highest proportions of evangelical Christians. (Cited from 30th Nov 2025 – Operation World)

Thailand – This prayer news – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/11-18/ highlights how Thailand was traditionally a stable country in a troubled region. From time to time, power struggles emerge between political parties. Occasionally these bring the nation to a halt, until the military steps in.

(Cited from 18th Nov 2025 – Operation World)

Somalia – This prayer news – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/10-29/ shows how stability in Africa's most failed state remains depressingly elusive, noting that alia now has a parliament and recognized national leaders after 20 years without an effective central government. (29th Oct 2025 – Operation World)

Singapore – This prayer news features how Singaporean society is built on dedicated labour, discipline and self–reliance. These engender stability, good governance and a corruption-resistant culture, but also an emphasis on performance and wealth. Materialism has noticeably increased. Much of Singapore's affluence is now dependent on imported labour from poorer countries; entire sectors of the nation's economy would collapse without it. (Do click the link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/10-25/, 25th Oct 2025 – Operation World)

Russia – This prayer news highlighted how the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) survived Communism, and remained a major symbol of Russian identity. It sees itself as the preserver of a great Christian civilization handed down from Rome and Byzantium. It endured terrible persecution (along with other Christian groups) between 1920 and 1990 when up to 200,000 Christian leaders died as martyrs. (Do click the link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/10-13/#russia, 13th Oct 2025 – Operation World)

Asian/Middle East Mission Prayer News:
Discipleship draws people to God in Lebanon:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/discipleship-draws-people-to-god-in-lebanon/ highlights how Heart For Lebanon celebrated the testimony of one woman who now has the hope of Jesus Christ. Ferial is a Palestinian–Syrian woman who lived in Lebanon as a Muslim for many years. Like other Palestinian refugees, she has lived in Lebanon without ever having any recognition from the government. Living in poor conditions and with scarce resources, Ferial received physical aid from the Heart For Lebanon team. We pray for ministries like the 3–year Discipleship Growth Program and for more testimonies like Ferial’s. We praise God for the work He is doing in Lebanon. We pray for God to breathe fresh life on His church in Lebanon. Awaken disciples who walk closely with Him who know His voice, and who live the gospel with humility and courage. Raise up men and women after His heart – rooted in love, grounded in truth, and led by His Spirit. We prophesy that hunger for God will rise across this nation and that He’ll draw heart – young and old, seekers and sceptics into encounters with His love.

(Reported source by Katie Siedenburg – 29th Dec 2025 – Mission News Network)

When simple acts of faith bring prison time:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/when-simple-acts-of-faith-bring-prison-time/ highlights how Christians celebrate the peace of Christ that takes on even deeper meaning in places marked by war or hostility. We pray for the Iranian “Christian community to be strong, to stand fast,” in their faith says Willey. We pray that God uses SAT–7 and other media ministries to soften hearts across Iran for the first time to Jesus today. We also pray for God to strengthen those who choose faith even when the cost is high; for Him to turn prison cells into places of encounter, and fear into unshakable peace. Let endurance speak louder than threats. Let love outlast oppression. Let truth rise, even when buried. We pray for every simple act done in faith, for God to release courage in people hearts beyond understanding

(Reported source by Katie O'Malley 25th December 2025)

In the Bondi Beach attack, the real battle is invisible:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/in-the-bondi-beach-attack-the-real-battle-is-invisible/ shows how Australians are grappling with hard questions about rising antisemitism for days and months to come. Last week’s terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach killed at least 15 people and wounded dozens more who were gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has since vowed to crack down on hate speech, yet legislation alone cannot change hearts. We speak peace where shock has lingered & for God’s healing power over wounded hearts, families, and a community searching for safety again. We also declare that love is stronger than terror, that truth outshines chaos and that no act of darkness has the final word. We pray for God to comfort those who grieve and restore courage where innocence was shaken. Let light rise in Bondi and not as denial of pain, but as proof that hope still stands. We ask God to give Australian people discernment, wisdom, and unity to see what was invisible and destructive would lose its power, and what is unseen and good would multiply. We also pray for Muslim people to see the truth of Jesus as well.

(Reported source by Katie O’Malley – 22nd Dec 2025 – Mission News Network)

Prayers for Syria as refugees return home:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/prayers-for-syria-as-refugees-return-home/ shows how Bashar al–Assad was ousted from Syria in December, and that many refugees of the majority Muslim Sunni background have returned to Syria. Camille Melki with Heart For Lebanon says that religious minorities like Kurds, Christians, Alawites, and Shia Muslims are still very reluctant to return to Syria. We pray for the emotional loss and healing needed in Syria as they work to rebuild. We pray for Lebanon as it recovers economically and politically from all the factors involved in hosting Syrian refugees. Let every footstep be marked by Your mercy where homes were broken, rebuild with hope; where cities were reduced to dust, breathe life again; where trauma lingers in the soil, release healing. We declare that return is not just movement, but restoration from God. Return of families, language, songs, and dreams. We pray for Syrian refuges to return home as they will take the gospel with them.

(Reported source by Katie Siedenburg – 18th Dec 2025 – Mission News Network)

Sudan crisis deepens as RSF advances trigger new displacement:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/sudan-crisis-deepens-as-rsf-advances-trigger-new-displacement/ shows there’s rising displacement in the UN reports rising displacement as paramilitary attacks ratchet up in Sudan. Indeed, more than 700 people were displaced in a single day, bringing the total to 41,000 who have been forced out over the last month. We pray for God’s hand to stretch forth over the land with power, justice, and deliverance as violence spreads and families flee for safety. We pray for God to let us speak peace in chaos over Sudan – letting the schemes of violence be overturned. Let those who thirst for domination be restrained. Let the innocent find refuge, shelter, and supernatural protection. We ask the Lord to guide and protect two church planting teams in Kordofan, the expected path of RSF advances. We pray that those in Sudan seeking answers will remain open to the Gospel & for church planters to turn to Christ for strength and hope when tempted to despair.

(Reported source by Katey Hearth– 10th Dec 2025 – Mission News Network)

Afghanistan–Pakistan conflict simmers, yet gospel crosses borders with peace –
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/afghanistan-pakistan-conflict-simmers-yet-gospel-crosses-borders-with-peace/ highlights how another round of peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan failed last week. Yet both nations claim they will maintain their shaky ceasefire. Tensions have run high since the October 9 explosions in Kabul, with disputes over cross–border–terrorist activities near the core of the conflict. Yet Greg Kelley from Unknown Nations says the gospel is crossing borders, too and that persecution is not a maybe but a guarantee for believers in the Muslim–majority culture, Kelley says, and “because usually when [the gospel] hits one person, they’re in close proximity to a lot of other people,” as Kelley explained, and that outreach reaches out to the Afghan diaspora. We pray for Afghan believers during these uncertain times with Pakistan and for more gospel workers to rise in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and beyond.

(Reported source by Katie O’Malley – 9th Dec 2025 – Mission News Network)

Rajasthan faces Supreme Court scrutiny over anti-conversion law:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/rajasthan-faces-supreme-court-scrutiny-over-anti-conversion-law/ shows how Rajasthan recently joined a growing list of Indian states under legal scrutiny for anti-conversion legislation. The state’s new law, passed in September, immediately caught the attention of India’s Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has issued several petitions for Rajasthan to justify the anti-conversion law’s constitutionality, which allows state officials to seize property and demolish homes based on allegations of forced conversion. We pray for the Supreme Court justices to act in wisdom; for God to protect Indian Christians from hostility and attacks. We pray for Christmas opens doors to share the Gospel in India; for persecutors to have their eyes opened to Christ.

(Reported source by Lyndsey Koh – 1st Dec 2025 – Mission News Network)

Modern–day tech and old–time spying confront believers in China –
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/modern-day-tech-and-old-time-spying-confront-believers-in-china/ showed how face–recognition technology in China apparently isn’t enough. Authorities in Henan Province recently promised cash rewards of 500 yuan (approximately 70 USD) to citizens who report “illegal religious activities.” Their target in Underground churches; Floyd Brobbel with Voice of the Martyrs Canada says the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has used this strategy elsewhere in China, apparently with success in locating house churches. We pray for believers to remain faithful and continue to present the gospel. Ask the Lord to use this clamp–down and continued hostility against the church for another massive explosion of growth. We pray that house church leaders would continue to be bold but also wise in how they meet. (Reported source by Katie O’Malley – 24th NOV 2025 – Mission News Network)

Believers report new hope for Syria as underground Church expands:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/believers-report-new-hope-for-syria-as-underground-church-expands/ finds out how the UN’s top envoy says conditions in Syria cannot be ignored, with more than 16 million people in need and hundreds of thousands displaced. Suspects linked to deadly sectarian violence that uprooted over 180,000 people made their first court appearance earlier this week. We pray for doors to stay open as GCM begins new work in Syria & for resources to support Global Catalytic Ministries as it helps underground Christians throughout the Middle East. (Reported source by Katey Hearth– 21st NOV 2025 – Mission News Network)

As Gaza waits for stability, the underground Church quietly grows:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/as-gaza-waits-for-stability-the-underground-church-quietly-grows/ shows how Israel welcomes the UN’s acceptance of President Trump’s plan for Gaza, which includes a multinational stabilization force. The plan assigns this force to work alongside Israel, Egypt, and newly–trained Palestinian police to secure the region and disarm Hamas. Indeed, Gaza’s underground Church is hanging on, despite two years of war taking a heavy toll on the above–ground Church. Of Gaza’s 1,000 known believers, fewer than 600 remain. We pray for open and receptive hearts as disciple makers offer the hope of Christ to Muslims in Gaza. (Reported source by Katie O'Malley – 19th NOV 2025 – Mission News Network)

Deadly Islamabad bombing reroutes Gospel work in Pakistan:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/deadly-islamabad-bombing-reroutes-gospel-work-in-pakistan/ reported a heightened security after gospel workers in Pakistan capital endured its deadliest suicide bombing since 2008. An attacker targeted a busy court building in Islamabad yesterday, killing 12 and wounding dozens. A breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban initially claimed responsibility for the Islamabad bombing, though later denied it. We pray that the Lord will surround FMI partners and their families with His divine protection as they serve in areas affected by violence, terrorism, and political unrest. We ask the Lord to hide them under His wings; for stability in Pakistan so Gospel work can flourish + for the resilience of FMI partners and the vocalists used in the Dari recording project.

(Reported source by Katey Hearth – 12th NOV 2025 – Mission News Network)

Whose voice will prevail in Lebanon? A disarming question
A mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/whose-voice-will-prevail-in-lebanon-a-disarming-question/ shows how the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has failed. Although Hezbollah is weakened, it has not been disarmed. Although the war is over, Israel continues to conduct steady airstrikes on Lebanese territory. The violations have been acknowledged but not resolved, as that may be changing. The still–armed Hezbollah urged Lebanon’s government last week not to negotiate further with Israel. Israel responded by ramping up strikes in southern Lebanon against what it says were Hezbollah targets. We pray for God to reshape Lebanon for His good purposes during this tense time of upheaval & for the entire Middle East as well, which is undergoing so much change. (Reported source by Katie O'Malley – 10th NOV 2025 – Mission News Network)

Christ offers hope, purpose to refugee moms blocked from legal work:
This mission article – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christ-offers-hope-purpose-to-refugee-moms-blocked-from-legal-work/ reported that all three–quarters of all refugees in Egypt come from Sudan, which has tripled the total refugee population in just two years. Bonita, with the Nuba Mountains Bible Institute in Cairo (NBIC), says that most of the refugees they encounter are single mothers with children. We pray for the Lord to surround refugee moms with His comfort and peace; for Sudanese refugee moms to find strength in the Lord. (Reported source by Katie O'Malley – 10th NOV 2025 – Mission News Network)

Hope remains as Sudan war escalates:
This mission article shows how Sudan’s war reaches a tipping point as Rapid Support Forces take El Fasher, the last army stronghold in Darfur. RSF forces now control all of Darfur, where they hope to establish a rival government. According to one analyst, peace talks in Washington, D.C., give the RSF militia political cover to commit atrocities. Pastor Ibrahim, a Sudanese pastor, tells MNN, “The peace negotiations [have] always been up and down, and always end negatively.”

We pray for the Lord to “enable the churches and the ministries to stand firm and to be bold, and then seek God’s guidance and protection,” Pastor Ibrahim says and also pray for unity as “we face difficulties from outside and we are divided inside, that makes it harder” he adds; for strength and endurance for Sudanese Christians too.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/kidnapping-of-missionary-underscores-insurgency-in-the-sahel-region/ by Katie O'Malley – 29th Oct 2025 – Mission News Network)

Ceasefire or not? Rumblings of peace talks dash hopes in Sudan:
This mission article showing how a rumour circulated last week that had the opposing sides of Sudan’s civil war having indirect peace talks hosted by the United States. But Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council chilled hope for peace by denying the regional media outlet reports. The two-and–half–year conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced about 12 million, and left 30 million in need of humanitarian assistance. It’s considered one of, if not the worst, humanitarian crises in the world today.

We pray for courage for believers in Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, Blue Nile State and northern Sudan & ask God to bring about peace in Sudan.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/ceasefire-or-not-rumblings-of-peace-talks-dash-hopes-in-sudan/ by Katie O'Malley – 27th Oct 2025 – Mission News Network)

Kidnapping of missionary underscores insurgency in the Sahel region:
This mission article highlights how American citizen and missionary pilot Kevin Rideout was abducted by armed men in the capital of Niger on Tuesday, October 21. According to a report from Reuters, Rideout works with the evangelical missions agency called Serving in Mission (known as SIM International). We ask God for a miraculous release but also for endurance and faithful witness for Rideout in unimaginable circumstances. We pray for Niger’s security as well as Kevin Rideout is one of at least eight foreign nationals kidnapped there this year; for strength for the Church in Niger, which is deeply affected by Islamic insurgency. We pray for events in Niger, Central Sahel, and in sub-Saharan Africa.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/kidnapping-of-missionary-underscores-insurgency-in-the-sahel-region/ by Katie O'Malley – 24th Oct 2025 – Mission News Network)

Lebanon seeking stability as Hezbollah resists change:
This mission article highlighted how Lebanon looks very different today than it did two years ago, or even last year, but the question is “What is God doing?”; and just over a year ago, former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed by an Israeli strike – an event that reshaped power dynamics. Now, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has brought temporary relief to the region. We pray for the Church to be a source of Christ’s hope and healing; for God to give Lebanon’s leaders wisdom and courage & for lasting peace and stability in Lebanon.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-far-will-escalation-at-pakistan-afghanistan-border-go/ by Lyndsey Koh – 16th Oct 2025 – Mission News Network)

Israel rejoices over freed hostages, but delays and future dangers remain:
This mission article reports how Israel–Hamas ceasefire was tested on Tuesday after Hamas returned the bodies of only four deceased hostages on Monday, and Israel responded to this delay – which it called a violation of the ceasefire agreement – by declaring it will reduce Gaza aid deliveries. The remains of an additional four hostages were transferred to Israeli Defense Force custody late Tuesday night. Indeed, the hostage’s release on Monday was deeply significant for another reason. October 13 marked the end of the Feast of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), which commemorates when God gave the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

We pray for the families of the hostages who did not come back alive, that they will find their hope and healing in God alone. We pray the same for the 20 men released from captivity on 13th Oct (Mon).

We also pray for peace of Jerusalem and peace over the other conflicts Israel faces with Hezbollah, Iran, and the Houthis. (Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/israel-rejoices-over-freed-hostages-but-delays-and-future-dangers-remain/ by Katie O'Malley – 15th Oct 2025 – Mission News Network)

Bittersweet freedom – Hostages return home as Gaza’s future hangs in the balance:
This mission article shows that all 20 surviving hostages held by Hamas and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel now walk free, yet the future of Gaza remains uncertain. In Israel, yellow ribbons are displayed – on trees, fences, car mirrors, clothing, and public landmarks – as a visible sign of support for the hostages and their families. We pray for Gospel opportunities in the interim; for the Holy Spirit to supernaturally prepare people in the region to receive the Gospel message. (Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/bittersweet-freedom-hostages-return-home-as-gazas-future-hangs-in-the-balance/ by Katey Hearth, 14th October 2025 – Mission News Network)

Christians pray for spiritual breakthrough in the Middle East as Israel–Hamas ceasefire unfolds:
This mission article highlights how hope rose on 9th October 2025, as Israel and Hamas signed the first phase of a ceasefire deal in Egypt. The agreement outlines the release of Hamas hostages and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It will also include the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Indeed, significant questions remain about Gaza’s government, Hamas’s disarmament, and Israel’s military presence in Gaza. We ask God to open the eyes of Muslims, Jews and Christians in the Middle East to see His glory; we pray for a movement of God to sweep across the Middle East. (Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-pray-for-spiritual-breakthrough-in-the-middle-east-as-israel-hamas-ceasefire-unfolds/ by Katey Hearth – 10th Oct 2025 – Mission News Network)

When the door to freedom in Iran opens, are Christians ready?
This mission article highlights that despite the recent war between Israel and Iran, combined with sanctions and inner conflicts within the Republic, that would shake Iran’s foundations & if major change is coming soon, yet one thing is clear –the Church must be strong to stand firm when the time comes.

We pray for courage and faithfulness among Iranian believers; for the Church to endure persecution and prepare for the day the door finally opens. (Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/when-the-door-to-freedom-in-iran-opens-are-christians-ready/ by Joanne Khmel– 2nd Oct 2025 – Mission News Network)

International World Mission Prayer News:
Catalysts for the Global Church – unfoldingWord empowers believers to spread God’s Word:
This mission article features how “some people had leading roles (like Jesus, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and Phoebe), others worked backstage, but all of them were catalysts who equipped the Church and empowered it to reach the world,” says Dane with unfoldingWord. And, unfoldingWord follows their example, acting as a catalyst for the global Church in today’s context, he adds. Truly, “we want to see the Church go throughout the world, and it was always God’s primary means of reaching the world in the first place – the Church of Jesus Christ,” Dane says. By this, unfoldingWord collaborates with indigenous churches and church-planting networks to establish a church in every people group and make the Bible available in every language, and it partners with the global Church to make Scripture accessible in every language through open licensing, translation, and collaboration. We pray for unfoldingWord’s work in global Bible translation and church planting efforts.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/catalysts-for-the-global-church-unfoldingword-empowers-believers-to-spread-gods-word/ by Katey Hearth – 10th Oct 2025 – Mission News Network)

America talking about Jesus, churches overflowing: Is this revival?
This mission news reports that since the assassination of political speaker and Christian, Charlie Kirk, churches across the United States have reported a significant surge in attendance – especially among young people, and according to Newman Ministry, some congregations are seeing as much as a 15% increase. Pews are overflowing. Churchgoers are parking on lawns and side streets. Bible sales are soaring, with over one million more sold than this time last year. Generation Z grew up in a culture saturated by moral relativism and the idea that “your truth” is all that matters. Now, many are realizing they want real. They want authentic. They want Truth. And people are seeking it in Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). We pray for those going to church for the first time to feel welcomed and meet Jesus. We ask the Holy Spirit to fan the flames of spiritual revival in America; for people to embrace the truth of the Gospel.

(Do click the link – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/america-talking-about-jesus-churches-overflowing-is-this-revival/ by Lyndsey Koh – 2nd Oct 2025 – Mission News Network)