(Photo courtesy of VOM USA)

Earlier this month, a Mozambican bishop was shot and killed at his home. Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of the Diocese of Quelimane had been growing more vocal about Islamist violence in the region before he was murdered on June 6th. Christian leaders across Africa are calling for a full investigation.

Meanwhile, Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia’s Oromia region are mourning deadly attacks on churches. At least 37 Christians have been killed in the violence, and over 2,500 displaced. One church destroyed was the 101-year-old Telata St. Gabriel Church.

Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs USA says the situations are part of a larger pattern of unrest in East Africa.

“I think part of what has happened that has sort of raised the profile of these attacks is you have a number of people being killed in the attacks, but you also have a church being destroyed that was 101 years old. So this is not a church building that somebody put up on their property a year ago or five years ago.”

Believers in the Oromia region, a predominantly Muslim zone, have been the primary victims of these attacks.

(Photo courtesy of VOM USA)

“It does appear that Orthodox Christians are being targeted based on their religious identity,” says Nettleton. “In these attacks, they’re not attacking mosques; they are attacking churches. So it does seem to have a religious element or a religious motivation to the attacks.

“You have different facets of the population fighting against each other, looking for control, looking to gain influence, to gain power, and so this is one part of that sort of broader picture.”

As believers learn about the challenges facing Christians in Ethiopia and Mozambique, Nettleton encourages prayer.

“I would especially pray that there would be revival and that people would come to faith in Christ, even amidst the conflict and amidst the upheaval that’s going on.”

Pray for comfort and protection for affected believers, and ask God to draw many people in East Africa to Himself.

Header photo courtesy of VOM USA.

“It’s really chilling, that’s for sure,” says Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations. “The Congo, despite all of its challenges and difficulties for now decades, has largely been known as the most Christian country in the entire continent of Africa. More Christians living there than almost anywhere in the world, and so you’ve got a very Christian country that is being targeted.”

(Photo courtesy of Wendyfleury/Pixabay)

The assaults have been linked to Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), a militant Muslim group originating in Uganda.

Kelley explains, “They recognize that [in] eastern Congo…it’s so remote, there’s very little security to protect these areas, so they target this area.”

The militant group has a dire message for “worshipers of the cross” – convert, be subjugated, or die.

“They are coming in as a jihadist force, forcing people to convert. If they don’t convert, they destroy everything, they run them out, they’re killing people savagely. It’s just a complete intimidation tactic.”

Kelley also says there seem to be ulterior motives to ISCAP’s interest in the eastern DRC region.

“Congo is considered one of the wealthiest countries in the world from a natural resource standpoint, yet the people live in abject poverty. So you get these bad actors who are coming from neighboring countries like Uganda [and] Rwanda that are dominating and illegally exploiting the land of the most valuable resource they have, [and] taking it illegally. It’s just a tragedy.”

Treasure audio Bible distribution in DRC. (Photo courtesy of Unknown Nations, formerly World Mission)

You can encourage our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in the DRC.

“We just need to be praying and lifting up these people, but also keep our eyes open for opportunities to stand with them in a practical way.”

Pray for displaced Christian families to find safety and shelter. Ask God to strengthen persecuted believers in the DRC. Pray also that Muslim extremists would ultimately meet Jesus Christ and surrender their lives to Him.

Header photo: Representative photo of Congolese village. (Photo courtesy of Kudra_Abdulaziz via Pixabay)

Nehemiah with FMI says Pakistan’s disturbing terrorism trends are only getting worse.

(Photo courtesy of FMI)

“This is one terrorist activity recently, but we see in the last five months in 2026, Pakistan is highly impacted by terrorist activities – not only in the border areas in Afghanistan or with Iran, but in the capital of Pakistan as well, Islamabad.”

According to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, Pakistan surpassed Burkina Faso to take first place for worst terrorism impact.

“For many ordinary Pakistanis, especially believers and minority communities, this growing instability creates fear, uncertainty, and isolation. Ministry work becomes increasingly difficult in these conditions. Local Christian workers often travel carefully, avoid public gatherings, and minister quietly through trusted relationships.”

Despite the dangers in Pakistan, the Lord is moving and FMI is seeing people come to Jesus.

“Much of the ministry now focuses on strengthening indigenous believers who already live within these communities,” says Nehemiah. “Instead of relying on large public events, ministry outreach often happens through personal discipleship, small house fellowship, audio Bibles, storytelling devices, and humanitarian care.”

Baptism in Pakistan. (Photo courtesy of FMI)

Nehemiah asks, “Please pray for protection over indigenous ministry leaders serving in dangerous areas. Pray for wisdom as they navigate increasing security and political instability. Pray that those trapped in fear and violence would encounter the peace of Christ.

“Finally, please pray for FMI partners, that Pakistani partners would remain steadfast, compassionate, and bold even during this rising wave of terrorism in Pakistan.”

Header photo of Pakistan flag. (Photo courtesy of Abuzar Xheikh/Unsplash)

Mali Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga is encouraging citizens “not to give in to panic.”

The attackers were al-Qaeda-linked Islamists and Tuareg separatists – two distinct groups united in their goal to destabilize the government.

Flag of Mali (Stock photo courtesy of Aboodi Vesakaran via Pexels)

Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs USA (VOM) says, “That’s what we saw over the weekend was coordinated attacks between these two groups in four different parts of Mali all at the same time, including an assassination of the defense minister. So a very significant, very coordinated effort that really shows the level of cooperation between these two groups has grown significantly.”

Mali is roughly 95% Muslim, and extremist factions there want to set up an Islamic caliphate.

Meanwhile, Tuareg separatists have a different objective.

“The Tuareg is a nomadic tribal group, [and] there are many Tuareg in the country of Mali,” Nettleton explains. “They want a separate area. They want a…Tuareg nation, so they are fighting to carve out part of Mali to be independent.”

Though their end goals differ, the two groups have joined forces – proof that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Together, they are driving a wave of chaos and fear across Mali.

Although Mali’s national military is responding, civilians and minorities will likely be caught in the crosshairs.

Pray for Mali. (Photo courtesy of VOM USA)

According to the 2026 World Watch List, Mali ranks 15th among the worst countries for Christian persecution. Primary persecution threats come from Islamic oppression, organized corruption, and crime.

“Christians are only 3% of the population in Mali, so they are a small minority. They face pressure. Often, the first line of persecution is your own family members if you are a follower of Christ, if you leave Islam to follow Jesus,” says Nettleton.

“So [be] praying for them to stand strong in faith, praying for God’s protection over them. I think we also want to pray for some stability in Mali not only because it’s affecting Christians in Mali. It’s affecting Christians in Burkina Faso and Niger as well. [Pray] for some pathway to a stable government and a stable nation that would certainly be a blessing to Christians there, as well as to Muslims who would like to live in safety as well.”

Find more ways to support Christians in Mali at persecution.com.

Header image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay.

“There is a lot more from the Allied Democratic Forces coming into Uganda and attacking.” 

In the East, it’s a different story. There, Muslim-majority communities team up against their Christian counterparts. Wesley says while the attacks were initially more verbal than physical, the intensity of violence is increasing. Reports indicate that attacks are especially ramping up against evangelists and recent converts. 

“Because that is the evidence of Christianity’s expression in those places,” Wesley says. “If the church was silent and was not evangelistic, then they would feel no threat.” 

Despite this, some Muslims are beginning to see the cracks in their cultural fortress; and those who do are stepping outside it. Choosing Christ over Islam means ostracization, threats, and sometimes even death. But Wesley says even this reality can serve as a confirmation for new believers. 

“They see that almost as a weakness of their faith and a strength of Christianity, and therefore they oppose it,” he explains. 

On the political front, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to uphold religious freedom in the country, and Wesley says that position is backed by policy. 

“Where there have been attacks, there are actual police reports that are written, and people have been arrested. So they are trying to prevent these things from taking place,” he says. 

Still, the situation is complex. According to a report from Open Doors International:

 “The Ugandan government’s increased surveillance and monitoring, in response to national security concerns, have added another layer of pressure on Christians. While the government’s actions are aimed at curbing Islamic extremism, they place Christians under further scrutiny, particularly in regions already fraught with religious tensions.”

Regardless of human leadership, Wesley says Christians will remain Kingdom-focused, as persecution is neither new nor unexpected for followers of Christ. The history of Uganda itself is peppered with martyrdom, Wesley says, and it’s a backdrop that fortifies believers. 

“In the understanding there, they recognize that they are going to suffer some persecution, but they’re not willing to let that prevent them from continuing their faith,” he says. 

As the church in Uganda continues to lift up the name of the Lord, would you lift up these brothers and sisters in prayer? 

Pray for the light to shine in the darkness and for the Holy Spirit to strengthen believers in love, faith, and endurance. Pray for a spirit of resilience, courage, and boldness amongst the Ugandan church, and pray that lost people would respond to the glorious hope and salvation of Jesus Christ.

Above: Ugandan community, courtesy of illustrate Digital UG via Pexels. Featured image: Ugandan church, courtesy of Fame of God Studios via Unsplash.

The attacks spanned through the last week of September. Militants hit multiple villages in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, leaving burned-out churches and homes in their wake.

Arimba, a coastal town in the northern Mozambique province Cabo Delgado. (Photo courtesy of dimitry/Unsplash)

The Islamic State Mozambique Province (ISMP) later released a gruesome 20-image photoset showing executions, shootings, and arson — a chilling display meant to sow fear.

“These militants would often separate Christians from other villagers and begin persecuting them,” says Floyd Brobbel with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada. “So this seems to be the case here, and they’re not shy about reporting what they’ve done. They’re claiming responsibility for these attacks.”

Mozambique’s northern regions have faced an Islamist insurgency for years. Despite military intervention from Rwanda and neighboring countries, the violence continues.

“They can blend in, and they can suddenly rise up and cause problems and attack communities, and then they’re gone again,” Brobbel explains. “So they’re hard to locate. They’re hard to pinpoint.”

Even amid devastation, the Church continues to stand. “There are churches that continue to minister in those hot zones. They need our prayers,” Brobbel says.

“We rely on the verses in Scripture and the promises in Scripture that tell us that the gates of Hell cannot prevail against the Church. So we need to be praying and remembering those [who] are in those regions and continuing to serve as salt and light. Pray that they would get a foothold for the Gospel and that we would see many of those who are militants against the Church would become followers of Christ.”

Brobbel adds, “For ministries, pray that the leaders would have wisdom and understanding in how to reach back into their communities…and finding ways to be able to target these groups with the Gospel.”

Ask God to strengthen believers in Mozambique’s war-torn north — and for their persecutors to become disciples of Jesus.

Learn more about how VOM Canada supports persecuted Christians at vomcanada.com.

Header photo courtesy of VOM USA.

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.”

Why now? Houssney says a lot of the tension comes in the wake of the latest government transition after former President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. In the chaos, extremist groups see an opportunity for power through violence.

A gathering of the people and residents of Daraa city in Al-Karama and Al-Hurriya Square after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. (Caption, photo courtesy of Mahmoud Sulaiman/Unsplash)

Houssney shares from Druze Christians, “They are not confident that this new leader of Syria is actually walking the walk that he’s talking. So he’s saying that Syria is for everyone [and] Syrian Christians should be protected and all of that, and all the minority groups will be just fine. But at the same time, he’s not protecting them.”

The Druze militia has taken a defensive stance against their attackers, and there are even talks of seeking independence.

Houssney says, “The Druze are currently arming themselves, organizing themselves, and bracing to repel any attack or encroachment. One Druze leader that I’m in touch with actually said that there’s no way that the Druze community is going to accept being part of the new Syria that emerges after all this.”

Please pray for an end to the violence, and for Druze and Syrian Christians to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel amidst unrest. Pray for believers to point the Druze people ultimately to spiritual freedom in Christ.

“My hope is to share those personal connections and what I’m hearing from Druze people on the ground, especially the believers, and just pass that on to the world, because news that you can trust these days is very difficult to find.” Houssney adds, “That’s part of why I appreciate Mission Network News.”

Header photo: Ein Al-Asad, a Druze locality on a hillside. (Photo courtesy of Levi Meir Clancy/Unsplash)

“We’re hearing stories of people who were farming 100 acres, but now they’re only farming five acres, because [of] the Fulani. Their objective is to run these farmers out,” said Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations. 

Clashes between herdsmen and farmers have been happening in Nigeria since 2011. According to the World Food Programme, today nearly 5 million people in northeast Nigeria face acute food insecurity due to conflict. 

“The big issue that’s happening right now is the movement. For so much of the conflict, whether it was Boko Haram or the Fulani herdsmen, it was really concentrated in the northern part of Nigeria, north of the capital, Abuja,” said Kelley.

But the attacks have spread from the north into Central Nigeria’s breadbasket. Benue State and Plateau State have been hard hit.

Listening to audio Bible (Photo courtesy of Unknown Nations)

“The Fulani herdsmen, they have the cows, and they’ll run them through these areas and trash the farmers’ lands, which ultimately disrupts the food [harvest],” Kelley said.  

“It’s not only the people that are dying immediately in the short term from the attacks, but the long-term instability is just threatening the entirety of this country.”

A Fulani attack on July 14th killed at least 32 people in a predominantly Christian farming village in Plateau State. 

“We’re moving into the second decade of these atrocities happening, and they’re really being overlooked [by the] authorities,” said Kelley. “No one is being held accountable.” 

Please pray for discipleship efforts that will reach northern Nigeria for Christ. 

“We need to continue to multiply leaders. We need to continue to get resources [there] like our solar-powered audio Bible. There’s obviously a humanitarian crisis that is underlying this whole situation [too],” said Kelley.

“But ultimately, when we’re praying, we need to pray for disciple-making movements to take place.”

Header photo of herdsman courtesy of Unknown Nations. 

UN officials urge global involvement as fighting spreads into previously safe areas, and neither side shows signs of backing down.

“The warring parties appear unrelenting in their resolve to pursue military objectives,” warned Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, in a June 27 address to the UN Security Council.

She noted that advanced weapons like long-range drones are spreading violence into previously stable regions. Earlier, UN official Virginia Gamba warned that resistance forces and their allies are increasingly targeting minority ethnic groups — a potential path to war crimes.

Darrell Templeton with MegaVoice highlights the gravity of the situation: “A lot of the genocide, a lot of the killing that the RSF is doing is very tribal in nature.”

Image courtesy of MegaVoice.

MegaVoice offers both spiritual and practical hope. First, solar-powered audio Bibles provide perspective from God’s Word. “There’s an audio series called ‘Am I My Brother’s Keeper?‘ which is all about reconciliation between the tribes in Sudan and South Sudan,” Templeton says.

“This audio has been used and is continuing to be used to provide a biblical reason for reconciliation among the people groups.”

These devices also have a tangible purpose. The most popular audio Bible model has a built-in light.

“It’s called the Ember because it has a little flashlight on it that’s brighter than a cell phone flashlight. Most of these areas have very limited electricity, and so to have a light that they can use for finishing cooking, to walk around in the dark, this has been a big benefit to our pastors and the leaders there,” Templeton says.

“To have a solar-powered audio Bible that provides not only spiritual light for their lives, but physical light is a big blessing.”

Help send more audio Bibles to Sudan by giving through MegaVoice International.

“Mission Network News has been a big help in making sure people are aware that this crisis has not gone away. The crisis is still very real, and we need to uphold our brothers and sisters in prayer,” Templeton says.

Header image is a stock photo of fighters in South Sudan (Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash)

Vulnerable groups are coming under fire. “It’s soft targets; these are not military bases,” Darrell Templeton with MegaVoice says.

“Less than 10 percent of the hospitals and clinics in the country are even operational, and so the humanitarian crisis just continues to rise.”

Despite the scale of the crisis, few outside Sudan are aware. “The situation has gone from bad to worse,” Templeton says.

“It’s the largest displacement of people anywhere in the world, and, unfortunately, because Israel and Iran are getting all the headline news, this has dropped off the radar of most people.”

Yet the Lord hears their cries. In the midst of chaos, believers are holding fast.

“If I could get out of there, I would. And yet, we hear stories of pastors and lay leaders that choose to stay and shepherd the few believers they have and be that beacon of hope in their communities,” Templeton says.

Through partners like Samaritan’s Purse, MegaVoice audio Bibles bring both hope and help.

“They not only carry the Bible and Scripture, but they also carry different content that some of our partners will put on it,” Templeton says.

“They can add local content, be it medical information for the family on how to do wound care, or even Bible stories in the local language.”

Pray for strength and resources for medical workers, and ask God to meet urgent needs.

“The whole cholera situation is a growing epidemic this year,” Templeton says. “They think it’s going to be worse than what it was in 2023.”

Header image depicts a family in Sudan. Photo courtesy of Sudan Envoy/Wikimedia Commons.