When Algerian Muslims become followers of Christ, they often experience rejection from their families or job loss. Once the local Muslim community knows of their new faith, Christian converts may struggle to find replacement work. With the help of the global body of Christ, one convert who has had difficulty providing for his family since becoming a Christian is now starting a dairy business, hoping to sell cheeses to provide for his family. Another Christian, who formerly worked as an Islamic teacher in an area where many radical Islamists live, is struggling to provide for his family since losing his job.
Read MoreOn April 16, 2025, prison authorities in India’s Odisha state released one of the men who had murdered Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons, Philip and Timothy, in January 1999. Mahendra Hembram, who set fire to the car in which the family was sleeping, was sentenced to life in prison in 2003 but was granted early release for good behavior. Hembram’s release was celebrated publicly by Hindu nationalist organizations such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad, who called it “a good day for us.” The convicted murderer was greeted at the gate of the prison by crowds chanting Hindu slogans and welcoming him as a hero.
Read MoreSix Christians, including a pastor, were killed in an Islamist attack. On May 23, 2025, shortly after noon, a large group of Islamists riding on motorbikes invaded a village and began searching for the local pastor. They rode to his house while he was meeting in his courtyard with several other Christians. Hearing the roar of the motorbikes, the Christians fled on foot. The Islamists chased them and captured six, including the pastor, and shot them to death.
Read MoreAfter a church in West Java province held a celebration to break ground for a new building, hundreds of Muslims came to protest the construction on July 5, 2025. They complained that church leaders did not properly communicate their plans, even though there had been public meetings with district, village and neighborhood leaders during the permitting process. Among other stipulations in the agreements for the church construction were provisions for the church to serve the public good, including road improvements and community use of the building.
Read MoreKhaled Mezher, a pastor, and at least 12 members of his family were murdered during fighting between Druze militias and Islamic extremists battling for control of the city of Suwayda. The victims include his wife, children, his elderly parents, some of his siblings and their children. More than 250 people in the community have been killed in the fighting, and the number could be much higher. Pastor Mezher had been active in distributing aid in the city, and front-line workers report that his church will continue to receive VOM Action Packs. They are also helping the surviving family members.
Read MoreA newly Christian woman is facing expulsion from her village because of her faith. ThaoSeng, 51, became a follower of Christ in 2024 through the witness of a cousin she was visiting in another city. When she returned to her hometown a few months later, she remained faithful and worshiped at a church in a nearby village. Her family and the village elders became aware of her new Christian faith and began to persecute her, threatening to kick her out of the village if she would not renounce Jesus Christ.
Read MoreMilitants with the radical Islamist group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked a group of Christians in far northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Sunday, July 27, killing more than 40 people. The attack occurred in the middle of the night while a group was gathered for an all-night prayer meeting. One week earlier, militants attacked another church in the area, killing three people. “The two attacks directly targeting [these] churches raise serious questions about the safety of Christians in Ituri province and eastern DRC in general,” said a front-line worker.
Read MoreFront-line workers say that three families who left Islam and became followers of Christ have been forced from their homes. “It is common for young families to live with or near their parents or other family members as they save up funds to someday build their own place to live,” said a front-line worker. “But Christians who have been forced [out] usually can’t afford to pay rent and to save money so they can build or purchase their own home in the future.”
Read MoreTwo Christians are struggling with health problems as they wait for their court cases to be resolved. Soon after Murad became a follower of Christ, he was active in telling others the Good News and eventually became a pastor. The Algerian government took notice of his Christian activities, arresting him and charging him with numerous violations of religious laws. If he is convicted, Murad could face several years in prison. He has appealed his case to the Algerian Supreme Court, but the stress of his legal ordeal has created some serious health complications. A member of his congregation was also arrested, and his ongoing court case has also created health problems for him.
Read MoreSeveral Syrian churches have received threatening letters from anonymous Islamist groups that urge Muslims to attack Christians in a religious war. One note said, “Muslims, do not stop destroying the homes of Christians, slaughtering their children … Rush to jihad today, not tomorrow.” Another note said, “Let us make them taste torment and turn their homes into graves.” A third included the line, “Burn the bodies of the slaves of the cross.” In response to the threats, the new Syrian government has sent armed guards to protect the churches.
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