USA/Nigeria (MNN) -- The US Commission on International Religious Freedom released its annual report this week, recommending that the US government put Nigeria BACK on the list of Countries of Particular Concern.  The State Department removed Nigeria from the CPC list in 2021, much to the bafflement of persecution watchdogs.  Todd Nettleton of the Voice of the Martyrs USA says,  “When there is an attack, or when a pastor is killed or a church is destroyed, it's not news because it is just what we expected: ‘That's what happens in northern Nigeria.’ And I think that is really kind of a sad commentary on what has happened in northern Nigeria, and how common those kinds of attacks have become, that they don't even rise to the level of ‘news’ anymore.”  Yet, some estimates say every two hours, a Nigerian Christian is killed for their faith.  Christians are targeted by Boko Haram, the Islamic State in West Africa Province and Fulani militants.  Nettleton says we can be praying boldness for those who are sharing the Gospel.   “I think of so many pastors that Voice of the Martyrs is working with in northern Nigeria. Many of them send their families further south to be safe. And yet they continue to stay there. They continue to say ‘This is where God has called me. This is where I'm going to serve.’   I think of those brothers and sisters, and I hope we would pray for them as well.”

Kenya (MNN) -- A rising death toll shows this past monsoon season in Kenya has been anything but normal. Flash floods killed 66 Kenyans on Monday. This brings the flooding death toll to nearly 170 since March. Around 185,000 people have been displaced. Nehemiah with FMI says the ministry is in touch with local church partners. While the Church in Kenya grapples with flood devastation alongside their neighbors, they’re still living out the Gospel. Pray Kenyans find hope in Jesus.

Sudan (MNN) -- Famine haunts millions in Sudan as rebel forces prepare to move on the last capital in Darfur that’s not under their control. War erupted in Sudan last year between the Sudanese army and the rebel group RSF, creating the world's largest displacement crisis. God’s Word holds a glimmer of hope. With help from unfoldingWord, Sudanese Christians are translating Scripture into minority languages. In several refugee camps, believers introduce hurting people to the Prince of Peace. Read the FULL REPORT to learn how you can help.

Egypt (MNN) -- Extremists attacked a Christian village in Upper Egypt a week ago, Tuesday. They burned down dozens of homes and a new church building in Minya Governate.  Riadh Jaballah of the Voice of the Martyrs Canada says police arrested the arsonists. However, Orthodox Easter is May 5 th and the threat of violence still looms. As the body of Christ, we can be aware of what’s happening, pray about it, talk about it and encourage these believers.

Niger (MNN) -- Last week, Niger told the U-S military to pack up and leave.  The U-S was assisting in regional counterterrorism efforts.  Todd Nettleton with the Voice of the Martyrs USA says the recent coup also caused some concern in Niger that Sharia law was coming. While that hasn’t happened, there are still a lot of prayer needs.  Believers are considered apostates.  In Niger, that means you lose your family, and the Church becomes your family. Pray encouragement for the Church in Niger.