The coordinated attacks targeted churches and luxury hotels, carried out by Islamist extremists during Easter services. The bombings deeply traumatized the nation and exposed security failures, leaving lasting concerns for the country’s Christian minority.

Kandy, Sri Lanka (Photo courtesy of Antonio Cogo/Unsplash)

Although it was seven years ago, Rajeeve Sathianathan, Sri Lanka director of Christian World Outreach (CWO), says the government is taking steps to help restore Christians’ confidence and protect their freedom to worship this Easter.

“In big cities, they are sending security forces to guard the big churches so that incidents like what happened a few years ago won’t happen again,” says Sathianathan. “But that protection is there only in big cities. In remote villages, that’s a challenge.”

Christians make up a small minority in Sri Lanka, where the majority of people are Buddhist, along with significant Hindu and Muslim populations. This can lead to persecution, especially in rural areas.

A woman in Sri Lanka. (Photo courtesy of Gemmmm/Unsplash)

On top of less security in Sri Lanka’s villages, rural Christians often face opposition from their neighbors.

Sathianathan says, “Most of them are like house churches. So the landlords tell them, ‘Hey, we need to kick them out of this place because we don’t want them to use this property to invite people in.’”

Easter is just around the corner this coming Sunday. Pray for Sri Lankan Christians and CWO partners.

“Pray for them, for strength, because sometimes the fear comes when you experience this kind of restriction,” Sathianathan asks. “That’s what I continue [to pray] for protection and also pray for wisdom.”

Learn more about CWO’s Sri Lanka ministry at cwomissions.org/srilanka/.

Header photo courtesy of Vinnath Satharasinghe/Unsplash.

Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs USA (VOM) says, “People came in on bikes and motorcycles, opened fire. The initial reports were at least 30 people killed. I think that number is going to rise as some were badly injured.”

This coordinated attack targeted believers, as the affected community in northern Jos is almost entirely Christian.

“The gunmen were yelling, ‘Allahu akbar,’ or ‘Allah is great,’ as they were conducting this attack,” Nettleton says. “So there clearly was an Islamist ideology that was driving this – and the fact that it was on Palm Sunday, I don’t think that is insignificant in this story as well.”

(Photo courtesy Voice of the Martyrs USA)

Northern Nigeria remains a hotspot for Christian persecution. That reality makes it difficult for believers to discern between empty threats and imminent danger.

Nettleton says, “Our Nigerian contact said there had been threats in Jos. Even in the last two or three weeks, there had been threats made against Christians, against churches…. The threat level is always elevated. So [it means] differentiating between, ‘Is this sort of a regular threat? Or is this really serious? Do we need to pay extra attention to this?'”

Boko Haram and Fulani militants frequently carry out attacks on Christians in Nigeria’s Muslim-majority north. While neither group has officially claimed the attack in Jos, Christian holidays often become opportunities for Islamist violence.

“One of the things that we…at The Voice of the Martyrs try to do is bang the drum for us to remember Christians are at extra risk on these holy days – on Christmas, on Easter. During times when there are a lot of Christians gathering, the gatherings are obviously known. They’re very public, and so the risk is greater in these holidays.”

(Photo courtesy of VOM USA)

With Easter quickly approaching, the Church in Nigeria needs your prayers.

Nettleton urges, “Think about brothers and sisters who are worshiping and celebrating the same resurrection we are, but they’re doing it in a place where they are in danger, where the threat is very real to them – to pray for them, to remember them as Hebrews 13:3 tells us to do. I think, honestly, that adds a depth to our celebration of the resurrection.”

Header photo courtesy of VOM USA.

Samuel* with Redemptive Stories says multiple reports are circulating, but the basic outline is this: Muslim men were allegedly harassing a young woman in the predominantly Christian town of Suqaylabiyah on Friday. When men in the community came to her defense, it quickly escalated. 

“There were reprisal attacks on the people who were harassing her,” says Samuel. “Then the group that was harassing the young lady attacked a Christian village.”

A girl in Syria (Photo courtesy of Ahmed Akacha via Pexels)

The National reports that on Saturday, gunmen entered Suqaylabiyah and damaged businesses, cars, and a statue of the Virgin Mary. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. 

In response to the attack, Syria’s Greek Orthodox and Catholic patriarchs have issued a joint statement: Easter this year will be celebrated “only with prayer inside the churches.” Maronite Archbishop Joseph Tobji was careful to say that it was not a decision made out of fear. 

Samuel puts it this way: “Not the whole of Syria, but a lot of Christian communities are standing with this one community that was attacked. In solidarity, they’re limiting their celebrations external to the church over Holy Week.”

Samuel says that especially in Syria, Easter is normally a time of great celebration, with marching bands and songs of lament and joy.  That makes this restrained observance of Easter “a sad realization of the pressures that Syrian Christians face these days,” he says.

Please pray for believers in Syria. Ask God to bless them in unexpected ways this Easter, even though it won’t look like what they had hoped. 

“As the government becomes more restrictive in Syria, [pray] that the Church will just continue to be a bright light in the midst of that,” says Samuel. “[Pray] that Christians would not leave the region, because the more Christians leave, the less the voice of the Church can be powerful to communicate hope.” 

Header photo: Syria (Stock photo courtesy of Abd Alrhman Al Darra)

“When you go to Easter morning, you see at that empty tomb three life changers,” Hutchcraft says. “One is the proof. Some people think Easter is just a historical event, but it’s much more than that.”

Resurrection Sunday holds deep personal meaning for those who follow Christ. Thomas, one of Christ’s disciples, was forever changed by the proof Jesus offered Him in John 20.

(Photo courtesy of Sixteen Miles Out/Unsplash)

“The ultimate significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is that it’s a deeply personal event. It was only after Jesus rose from the dead that Thomas said, ‘My Lord and my God,’” Hutchcraft says.

“He’d heard every sermon, he’d seen every miracle, but it was only after the resurrection that Thomas said, ‘He’s my Lord now. He’s my God now.’”

Christ’s resurrection also proved His divinity and His authorship of salvation.

“The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof that there’s only one way to get to heaven. To give eternal life, you have to have it, and the only one who ever proved He had it is the Man who conquered death,” Hutchcraft says.

“Out of the billions of people who lived on this planet, one man walked out of his grave under His own power, and that’s Jesus.”

Historical evidence and personal conviction of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection lead to transformation. “The second life changer is the hope. The hope that that tomb represents is one of the most powerful forces on the planet,” Hutchcraft says.

“This is not hope, the sentiment; this is a death-crushing Person who is a living hope.”

With the hope of a risen Savior, Christ-followers have a new life mission. “If you’ve come and seen and have a hope like this, go and tell. It’s all there in Matthew 28,” Hutchcraft says.

One look at our broken world provides the reason for the season. “People are starved for peace and hope. We have it. They need it. It’s time to deliver it.”

Request your rescue resource for Resurrection Sunday.

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash.

This Easter, believers have a chance to give in a way that reflects the very meaning of the season: hope, new life, and redemption. Through World Concern’s One Village Transformed project around the globe, practical gifts become powerful tools to meet needs and build up communities in the name of Jesus.

Whether it’s a Bible in South Sudan, medicine in Myanmar, or a beehive in Kenya, each gift supports long-term ministry efforts led by local partners — not just charity, but transformation.

Allison Farstad with World Concern says this type of giving aligns closely with the Easter message.

“The idea of redemption and resurrection goes along with giving other people the opportunity for a new life and sharing with those in need.”

(Photo by Bernd Dittrich/Unsplash)

These aren’t one-time handouts. Each gift is intentionally chosen to serve a broader purpose — helping families generate income, equipping churches to serve, and giving children a future through education and health. And they all come through ongoing ministry relationships in places like Kenya, Laos, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“A bee farm isn’t the first thing you would think of when you want to help someone in need,” Farstad says. “But we think long-term — how can this provide food, income, and a way to contribute to the community?”

The impact is deeply personal. A bicycle becomes a way for an evangelist to reach distant villages. A small bundle of ducklings can start a family business. Clean water, parasite treatment, or school supplies can mean the difference between survival and thriving.

And while the gifts vary in size — from just $5 to several thousand dollars — they each represent an opportunity to share God’s love in practical, life-giving ways.

This Easter, consider a gift that brings lasting hope. Join the story of transformation by supporting World Concern ministry efforts in hard-to-reach places — and pray that more communities will experience the light of the Gospel and its redeeming power.

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Ganta Srinivas/Pexels.

“In the countries we serve, Easter has greater prominence among the churches even than Christmas,” says Erick Mock with Slavic Gospel Association. “Easter becomes a profound time of worship.”

The victory concept carries a particular poignancy in countries like Ukraine, Israel, Russia and many others where SGA partners with local churches. Destruction and discord have loud voices. Yet Mock tells the story of one woman who discovered God’s voice even in mayhem.

While in Ukraine, he met an older woman who had lost her family and home. She often didn’t know where her next meal would come from. But she wore a beautiful smile.

“Please tell me why you’re smiling,” he said after hearing her story.

In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary and SGA-supported Compassion Ministry.
(Photo, caption courtesy of Slavic Gospel Association)

“Because everything tragic that happened in my life led me to this place where I found the grace of God,” she replied. “God has filled my heart with peace and joy, independent of my circumstances, and I know heaven is before me. Whatever happens to me, heaven is there.” 

That same hope in Jesus’ resurrection is yours today, if you know Christ. 

”Even as you watch the chaos in this world, or even some of the chaos in our own country, [I encourage you] to see Easter as a point of victory, a point of celebration that our lives are not determined by our circumstances — both positive and negative — but it’s the hope we have in Jesus Christ, by His grace, through faith,” says Mock. 

This Easter, SGA is boosting support to missionary pastors so they can deliver more aid to their neighbors in the name of Christ. It opens the way to invite people to church and hear the gospel — like it did for Sergei in Belarus. Pray for many people to be drawn to Jesus this Holy Week.

Learn more about SGA here. 

Header photo: In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA-supported pastors, churches, a seminary and SGA-supported Compassion Ministry. (Photo, caption courtesy of Slavic Gospel Association)

Then Samrina’s parents heard about a 10-Day Children’s Bible Club from a Christian relative. Although they themselves were not believers, her parents figured it would be an enjoyable distraction for their young daughter.

From Samrina’s first day, Raina Miller with Mission India says, “She loved it! There were tons of fun activities. There were songs that she got to sing about Jesus that had fun dances and motions to them, and then she memorized Scripture verses too. All this is just kind of new to her.”

Samrina (Photo courtesy of Mission India)

But most of all, “The message of Jesus really spoke to her,” Miller says. “She was just amazed that God loved her. After her life had been pretty much dominated by pain and desire for healing [from] medical issues, she was amazed to discover that her life really had purpose — no matter what she might be going through.”

With childlike faith, Samrina decided to bring her greatest need before Jesus. She prayed for healing.

“One of the incredible things about our 10-Day Bible Clubs is that the children learn how to pray to Jesus,” said Raina Miller with Mission India. “They understand that Jesus can answer their prayers and that he can do miracles.”

By the end of the 10 days, Samrina experienced what no doctor had been able to provide — complete healing. The pain that had tormented her for years was gone, and her family could not deny the miracle they witnessed.

Overcome with gratitude, her parents began attending church, eager to learn more about the God who had healed their daughter. “Now we’re just praying that her parents come to salvation,” says Miller.

“We’re so excited about what’s to come this summer as more children like Samrina find hope and even healing and eternal life in Christ through this 10-Day Children’s Bible Club!”

Across India, thousands of children will step into these clubs — some battling struggles of their own, and all seeking joy, love, and hope. You can help introduce them to the love of Christ!

Just $1 typically allows one child to attend a 10-Day Children’s Bible Club. But right now, Mission India is running an Easter matching challenge that doubles every dollar given until April 21.

See your gift expanded to reach more kids in India with the Gospel! Give to Mission India’s matching challenge here.

Then, pray for these kids attending 10-Day Children’s Bible Clubs to become lights for Jesus in their generation.

Header photo courtesy of Mission India.

The difference in date comes from two calendars systems. The Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar created by Julius Caesar in the first century BC. However, most Western countries follow the Gregorian calendar, which was introduced more than 400 years ago as a reform of the Julian Calendar. 

(Photo is a representative stock photo courtesy of Mateusz Butkiewicz via Unsplash.)

Regardless of the historical details behind this difference in Easter dates, this week is another moment the global Church can stand together.

“It’s such an important time to be praying for our brothers and sisters in parts of the world where the celebrations are still going on,” says Denise Godwin with International Media Ministries (IMM). 

The West has celebrated Easter already, but Godwin encourages you to “continue to remember our brothers and sisters who are either in a country that’s Muslim, and they’re trying to live out their faith in great distress, or the Orthodox countries. You think of Russia, Armenia, Greece, (places) that are having a lot of stress, culturally.” 

Godwin says that even among cultures that don’t widely honor Easter, it’s still a time where many people think twice as the holy day comes. 

Another spiritually significant fact in 2024 was that Easter in most Western countries (March 31) and Ramadan for Muslims (March 10-April 9) overlapped. They don’t always do so.

Now that you know, would you take this moment to pray? 

“Whatever differences we can have amongst the different traditions inside Christianity, it’s important to encourage one another, build one another up and stand together for the cross of Jesus Christ and the truth of that,” Godwin says. 

IMM uses media to bring the hope of Christ to Europe, Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East. You can learn more about them and their cross-cultural, multi-lingual resources here. 

Header photo is a stock image courtesy of Ch P/Unsplash.

But Lebanese Christians still look forward to Easter this weekend, says Hunter Williamson of Thimar-LSESD. He says, “Whether it’s in southern Lebanon or somewhere else, the war is not going to stop Easter celebrations.”

Children received gifts at Christmas events in December 2024. Photo courtesy of Thimar-LSESD.

Thimar has hosted special Christmas events for a decade, but for the first time, the Lebanese organization has planned something similar for Easter. The organization will partner with local churches in both Lebanon and Syria to reach families in their communities.

“Thimar is going to help host Easter events at 20 churches in Lebanon, and 13 churches in Syria,” says Williamson.

The events will host over 4,000 local children in total. The children will receive chocolate and a traditional Arab dessert called maamoul. They will also receive the story of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.

Williamson says, “These Christian resources are going to be booklets which will emphasize the resurrection story, to help children remember what Christ did for them and all of us.”

About one-third of the total population in Lebanon identifies as Christian, while in Syria, Christians are roughly six percent of the population. Thimar invites believers to pray for the churches reaching their communities this weekend, “praying that this will be an incredible opportunity for children to hear about what Christ did for them, that they’ll hear the real story of Easter,” says Williamson.

You can support future outreaches in Lebanon and Syria by donating to Thimar-LSESD.

Photos courtesy of Thimar-LSESD.

The inciting incident

(Photo courtesy of Dan Kiefer via Unsplash)

In October, the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) published a discussion paper on religious intolerance which named Christmas and Easter as examples of “systematic religious discrimination.” 

Don Hutchinson, a board member with Voice of the Martyrs Canada, says, “The discussion paper caught the attention of some people who were startled that the Canadian Human Rights Commission could be discussing the idea of potentially doing away with statutory holidays for Christmas and Easter — in the opinion of those who were startled. So that was brought to the attention of the House of Commons.”

In November, the House of Commons unanimously denounced the paper. A few days later, the CHRC’s Interim Chief Commissioner Charlotte-Anne Malischewski offered this opinion piece about the discussion paper — it merits reading for further clarity into the controversy. 

A different perspective

Canada is a diverse country, home to a large number of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and ethnic religions.
(Photo courtesy of Mihai Surdu via Unsplash)

Hutchinson thinks that people made a bigger deal about the matter than it warranted.

He explains that while Canada has a strong influence of Christianity in its history, it is not a Christian nation in its constitution. It’s reasonable that it would raise questions like this.

“We also need to be mindful that other religious communities are going to have concerns about our Christian heritage in terms of the statutory holidays, when they have dates that they consider to be prominent and important — particularly some communities where people are using their vacation time to celebrate their holy days,” Hutchinson says.

He adds that Christmas and Easter have been long-held, even largely secularized holidays in Canada. There is room for differences of religions even within that. Certain 24/7 industries (such as hospitals) have collective agreements that allow employees to exchange their days off for other preferred ones. In short, Canadians of many different backgrounds are used to these holidays and how to function with them. The House of Commons saw no need to alter the nation’s statutory holidays.

The response for next time

Hutchinson recognizes that this won’t be the last time government agencies discuss topics that stir up concern among Christians. He encourages believers to respond to these types of events with prayer first, remembering 2 Timothy 1:7 and Ephesians 6:12-18.

“We’re seeing this increasingly, I think, in the church in Canada that there are parts of the Christian church that are fearful that we’re going to lose our religious freedom — either because religious freedom is granted to another religious community or because the government is taking action that that we find contradictory to our religious beliefs,” Hutchinson says.

In a democracy, there is indeed the risk that things will change due to political behavior, but Hutchinson says “it’s not something that tends to happen instantaneously. So there’s a place for us in the church to pray, and then to engage where we have concerns.” 

He adds, “I think that the best thing for us to do is be the Church. Instead of becoming the political activists who are going to stand up for the Church, be the Church. The political activism will flow from being the Church when we’re focused on Christ first.”

Join Hutchinson in praying “that we search the Scriptures together, that we pray together — that rather than just reacting when we see something in the media or some rumor about what’s happening with government, that we pray, we confirm the details of what we’re praying about, and then, from our place of prayer, we determine what action might or might not be beneficial.”

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Ben White via Unsplash.