“Practically now, on the streets, mostly – I would say 70% of women – are without their hijab,” she says. 

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has recently defended hijab laws, even as women continue to defy them. Wearing a headscarf became mandatory for the country’s women after the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Notably, Iran’s current president, Masoud Pezeshkian, takes the position that women cannot be forced to wear hijabs, but his authority is subordinate to the Supreme Leader’s. As political divisions deepen, the population continues to subvert the system. While met with pushback from law enforcement, Baghestani says clampdowns are ineffective. 

“It’s not working. They’ve tried that many times, and the women are increasingly without hijabs,” she says. 

Evidence of hypocritical officials intensifies their fervor. A recent leaked video clip from the wedding of a senior defense official’s daughter shows her flouting modesty guidelines he himself sought to enforce. 

“They’re all against it because they say that you are putting a strict law for other women, but your own household is not going by this hijab code,” Baghestani explains. 

Still, police are on the move for violators, especially targeting businesses that serve customers without hijabs. 

“The people of Iran are so imprisoned – so confined. They’re not free, so every little window that can be opened that can show some freedom in their life, they’ll take it,” Baghestani says. 

Oppression of women in Iran is comprehensive: physical, relational, organizational, and political. Baghestani says the effect is a deep-seated resentment you can hear in the voices of Iranian women.

“You know, when we talk to them and try to counsel them, they’re so bitter,” she says. “They’re so bitter, and it’s hard for them to forgive.” 

The Heart4Iran call center team confronts this daily, offering relief from oppression through the blood of Christ. Baghestani says they always try to remind women of Gospel truths: 

“You’re a child of God. You’re precious. You’re loved, and Jesus has a different plan for you. Let’s forgive and move on.” 

Please pray for breakthroughs for Iranian women. Pray that lies will disintegrate in the light of truth. Pray that hearts and minds would be changed by the Holy Spirit, and pray for Baghestani and her team as they work with hurting women. 

“Once they believe the truth, they will live the truth and live a life of freedom – live a life of forgiveness, live a life of peace and the joy that comes from the Lord.” 

Iranian Market. Courtesy of Joan M via Unsplash. Featured photo courtesy of Nada via Unsplash.

 

India (MNN) — On Friday, November 28, an estimated 3,500 Christians gathered near India’s parliament. Their goal? To peacefully protest the rise of anti-Christian violence and to call for government action. 

Organizers of the rally included the United Christian Forum. According to UCF reports, India saw a 500% increase in anti-Christian violence between 2014 and 2024. 

Duane Friesen serves as Vice President of International Ministry at Voice of the Martyrs Canada. He says Christians in India face “false accusations, mob violence, social boycott, community pressures. Disruption of worship and prayer meetings, raidings under allegations of forced conversion. Hate campaigns, both online and then in person to spread misinformation.”

(Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs Canada)

Friesen says stories of hope remain in the midst of suffering in India. Persecuted Christians are relying on the very same gospel they preach. God’s goodness, His purposes, and His mission to reach the world spur them on. (Read one pastor’s story here.)

When these believers are asked for prayer requests, “their answer usually revolves around a prayer for courage, that they would continue to be steadfast even in the midst of hurt, that they would be able to be messengers of hope,” says Friesen. “I get greatly encouraged when I hear that kind of conversation.”

There is also good news in the legal realm, despite intense opposition. Not only is the Supreme Court reviewing anti-conversion laws, but in some incidents of violence, perpetrators and accomplices aren’t getting away with it. 

One example of this happened in October, when a Hindu mob stopped a van of missionaries in Jammu and Kashmir state. The mob smashed the windows and beat the Christians. Police just watched. That police inaction is, unfortunately, all too common.

But in this case, Friesen says, authorities have held the police accountable. 

“So we are seeing where at least some aspects of the legal system does move,” he says. “It’s just unfortunate that the action happens after the event. They choose to leave it for the courts later on. Then the Christian community has to wait a long time to see vindication or validation of their concerns.”

Pray for courage and endurance for India’s Christians in these challenging times. Pray for justice to be upheld by India’s government. 

Header photo: A church in Hyderabad, India. (Stock photo courtesy of Paul Silvan via Unsplash)

After Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, Islamist factions have gained power and confidence, facing little resistance. Their growing influence leaves religious minorities increasingly vulnerable in the tense months leading up to the elections.

Tim Landis with FARMS International says that under the previous government, Christians had at least some measure of protection: “They could report those things to the police. But now it’s turning out that there’s not any government aid.”

Bangladesh: Man Standing Beside Boy (Photo courtesy by Kelly via Pexels)

As Islamist influence expands, persecution against believers is intensifying. Many Christians are anxious about the upcoming elections, recalling injustices suffered before and after past votes. With a greater threat looming this time, they are turning to God in constant prayer for protection.

“People are losing their voice. It’s not just affecting those who have recently converted, like the Muslim background believers, but now it’s affecting people who have been professing Christ for a really long time,” explains Landis.

In one case, a believer who regularly hosted Bible studies faced direct interference.

“An Islamic group came in and took their Bibles, saying they couldn’t organize the study, so they were shutting it down. And this is just an Islamic group shutting it down on their own,” shares Landis.

Another church leader’s wife was hospitalized and is still recovering from dengue fever — a reminder of how deeply the situation affects Christians in their day-to-day lives. She and her family need prayers for healing, strength, and the continued ministry of their church.

Pray that God will intervene amid the growing darkness over Bangladesh. Pray for the Bangladeshi believers to “find their peace in Christ and be able to afford the freedoms to continue doing what they’re doing without much pushback,” urges Landis.

FARMS International helps local churches establish sustainable businesses that strengthen and support Christian communities in Bangladesh. Visit their ministry page to learn how you can become part of the change!

Sonargaon, Bangladesh (Photo courtesy of Allauddin Miajee via Unsplash)

In a unique occasion, victims of the August 2023 Islamist attacks on Christians in Jaranwala ended an unprecedented 17-day protest on September 2.

Nehemiah from FMI says, “Protest wasn’t just about property damage or compensation; it was about justice, accountability, and being heard. The community felt neglected by those claiming to advocate for them.”

More than 25 churches and 85 Christian homes were damaged or burned, yet despite such massive destruction almost nothing was done. Clear clues pointed to the attackers, but the investigation stalled for two years as perpetrators were freed and victims remain helpless.

The Victims Committee Jaranwala was created to advocate for those affected.

Jaranwala railway station (courtesy of Fahads1982 via Wikimedia Commons)

“They can file complaints,” says Nehemiah, “and pursue prosecution, even though in many cases arrests or prosecutions have been inadequate. And negotiation committees, including women, are meeting with federal institutions and using local religious press to raise awareness and public pressure.”

Women joined this protest despite greater danger, playing a significant role. “They joined the protest,” he adds, “leaving daily chores, fasting, and making their voices heard.”

Unlike Western protests, these demonstrations are tightly controlled by the government. Nehemiah explains:

“They allocate you one specific spot where Christian community is allowed to sit and file their record as a protest.” Sometimes it’s only two hundred square feet that you can’t leave.

Yet, it was a significant event.

“It marked the first time Christians in their area collectively protested for their rights in such an extended and visible way,” says Nehemiah.

The Victims Committee Jaranwala led the protest saying: “Insaf, Aman, Masih Ke Naam!” meaning “Justice, Peace, in the Name of Christ!”

Restricted space kept many from joining, but another goal was achieved: “To register their protest, or simply let the international community know what is happening in Pakistan with Christians.”

Their plea has reached you!

Pray for justice for Jaranwala victims. Pray that as the protestors boldly intercede for their rights, they will be wise and protected — especially the women.

Pray for FMI Pakistan who serve in this challenging environment and bring hope to the hopeless.

Header photo courtesy of The Voice of the Martyrs USA.

Indonesia is a vast nation of striking contrasts. Some regions face significant persecution of believers, and reports have emerged of extremists — like ISIS — setting up camps and training there. Yet ministries based in the country continue to see openness and success in sharing the Gospel, even amid the protests.

John Pudaite from Bibles For The World says, “These protests are being led by students primarily across the country, who feel that this current government is becoming rather repressive and also quite corrupt, and is passing laws and bills that are benefiting them.”

Map of Indonesia (photo courtesy of Putri Nabila via Unsplash)

The main demands include economic reforms to help the middle class have financial stability, more job opportunities with fair salaries for young professionals and graduates, and freedom for opposition voices.

The protests also reveal the nation’s deeper need for hope.

“You could just feel such a poverty for Scripture there in that country, that they haven’t had access to it, and they really want to know what’s written in God’s Word,” explains Pudaite.

Christians responded to this need by going out to share the Good News with protestors.

“The most recent wave of protests and violence we had a wonderful window to provide 80,000 Gospels of John and 15,000 New Testaments for the new believers,” he says.

The Gospel is so refreshing that people often stop in their tracks!

“So often we saw them just kind of step off to the side and start reading God’s word immediately,” he shares.

Pray for lasting peace and economic breakthrough across the country. Pray also for the Gospel to fill the deep void of hope.

“We continue to pray into this situation, that the Prince of Peace may prevail, that these — especially the violent protests — may subside, and that the people will, in the process, come to know that Jesus Christ is truly the only way to everlasting peace and hope,” says Pudaite.

Visit Bibles For The World to see how Scripture transforms lives!

Header photo: 2025 Indonesian student protests in Central Jakarta (photo courtesy of David Wadie Fisher-Freberg via Wikimedia Commons).

“The thing about India is that in the constitution, you do have freedom of religion: to share your faith, live your faith, and even have people join your faith,” says Greg Musselman with Voice of the Martyrs, Canada.

But in many regions, that freedom is subject to anti-conversion laws that often open the door for mob rule.

(Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs Canada)

“It’s like they said, ‘You know, we’ve had enough of this, and it’s time to stand up together, and it’s time to band together,’” Musselman says of the Christians protesting today. Other minorities and organizations also feel the brunt of these laws and support the call for true religious freedom in India.

A report states that after the protests, a memorandum will be sent to India’s president to emphasize the issue further. 

“As the violence has increased against our brothers and sisters and minority communities, they said, ‘We want to draw attention to it and to put pressure on the BJP,’ which is a radical Hindu government that states that if you are Indian, you are Hindu,” Musselman says.

“That’s going to bring a profile, and it’s going to put pressure, we pray, on the Indian government, that they will start to do more to protect their citizens.”

If you want to find out how to help, start with prayer!

“Let’s pray that the church in India would be unified,” Musselman says, “that the persecution, the opposition that they’re facing would actually —and it does in many cases — [bring] the believers of all different denominations and styles of worship together.”

Pray for respect and peace in the protests, that onlookers will recognize the difference Jesus makes. 

“Ultimately, that is what we want to see happen, is that the gospel of Jesus Christ will go forward in India, even through something like a protest saying that ‘we have the right to be able to share the message,'” Musselman says.

Header image is a representative stock photo of a church in Hyderabad, India. (Photo courtesy of Paul Silvan via Unsplash)

“We have had an influx coming into the southern part of Malawi, and at the moment the numbers are staying above 3,000.”

Mozambique’s opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has staged widespread protests in the wake of Daniel Chapo’s election this week. The violence has caused several deaths as well as economic disruption. Since the protests began, civilian life has halted. 

“People were not able to go to work or school,” Mtali says, “Mostly people would just remain in their homes for weeks on end.”

But in the meantime, Malawi is facing its own series of crises. Since covid, the country has been hit with two years of consecutive cyclones, followed by a dry spell that affected last year’s harvest. Additionally, the unrest of neighboring countries has affected landlocked Malawi’s use of ports. 

“It [presents] a challenge in terms of the transportation system – like transportation of oil and food coming from the ports into Malawi. 

Mtali says many refugees have been housed in primary schools, but that is becoming difficult as the schools reopen after holiday. A food shortage is ongoing too, as local people themselves struggle to find nourishment. 

“I think for the people that are fleeing from Mozambique,” Mtali says, “they find that even though the food might not be enough: just because of the peace that’s here, they find that it’s much better to come to Malawi.”

TWR broadcasts Christian radio programs across Malawi and even as far as some parts of Mozambique. Mtali says the messaging affects both hosts and refugees. 

Courtesy of Tim Donahue via Pixabay.

“As they listen to God’s word on the radio, that is part of the spiritual nourishment and encouragement that they get during this time,” Mtali says. 

Please pray for Malawi as the country hosts its Mozambican neighbors. Pray for a return of economic recovery and food security, and pray that the church of Malawi would continue to be a beacon of hope during this time. 

Looking forward, Mtali says Malawi faces elections in September. People are not impressed with the current government because of the struggling financial situation and high cost of living. She asks for prayers regarding this matter too: that people would have hope during the election period, “and that people would embrace peace even during their political differences.”

Featured photo courtesy of Tim Donahue via Pixabay

The unrest hinges on a former quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for descendants of veterans. Paul, a gospel worker with A3 in Bangladesh, says when students first protested the quota, the government responded positively.

Photo of 2024 quota reform movement courtesy of Rayhan9d/Wikimedia Commons

“They said they will listen and talk about it. But later because of some misunderstanding, the situation got [much] worse,” he explains.

Eventually, “[the] government deployed [the] army and other forces because many of our national properties like train station, bus station, municipalities, corporation, so many things were attacked. To protect all those kinds of national resources, they introduced [a] curfew.”

Paul says that the situation is now more under control than it was last week. However, tensions remain between the government and protesters. 

“There [is] still [some] communication going on between the two sides,” he says. “Please pray for the general people of Bangladesh — especially for the students, because we have some traumatized situation[s] because of last week, as many people died on the street.” 

On Sunday July 21, the Supreme Court cut the job quotas from 30% to 5%. Since then, the government curfew has begun to ease. Pray for normal life to return soon so that A3’s gospel work can continue. 

“We are not able to organize different types of ministry activities, because of this situation,” Paul says. “So we have been postponing or canceling different programs.”

Paul says the people of Bangladesh need courage and peace from God amid fear and trauma. “Pray for our leaders, so that they can also [make] decision[s] wisely.” 

Learn more about A3’s ministry at a3leaders.org. 

Header photo of 2024 quota reform movement courtesy of Rayhan9d/Wikimedia Commons.

Open Doors affirmed in its 2024 advocacy report that Nigeria continues to be the nation where Christians are most likely to be killed or kidnapped because of their faith.

Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs says, “Unfortunately, as as the pace of attacks has picked up, they have become less newsworthy, because it’s another day, another attack in Nigeria. Even the attacks over Christmas didn’t get the media attention that they should have.”

Fulani militants attacked at least 20 Christian communities in Plateau State on Christmas Eve, leaving more than 160 dead and hundreds wounded.

Christians make up 46 percent of Nigeria’s population, no small number. But the violence against them has been intense.

(Graphic courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs USA)

In response to the December attacks, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led a peace march January 8 in Plateau State, Nigeria, calling for an end to the killings.

The governor of Plateau State received their letter of protest and promised to forward it to President Bola Tinubu.

“Every new leader of Nigeria promises that they’re the one. They’re going to conquer the terrorists, provide protection and provide religious freedom,” says Nettleton.

“We need to pray that that there will be a government leader in Nigeria that will actually succeed in those goals.”

A second call to action is, “It’s worthwhile to contact our government authorities and say, ‘Hey, what are you doing about the religious freedom issues in Nigeria?’ to let our government leaders know that we’re paying attention, that this is something we care about.”

Reach out to your national leaders today to press for justice for Nigerian Christians.

(U.S. citizens, visit congress.gov to find your representatives.)

Header image courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs.

The response from officials has been vicious. “The government really are brutal in how they’re retaliating to what the people are doing,” Silk says. “They are killing, raping, torturing, and detaining. They’re intimidating and threatening the young people of Iran and their families.

But even in death, the voices of the oppressed demand to be heard. Silk recently learned about a young woman who was arrested during a protest against mandatory hijab laws. Because of her defiant behavior, she was tortured and abused. 

“So she recorded a video that was essentially saying, ‘I don’t think they’re going to let me go, I don’t think their response to my actions is finished. If I was to disappear if I was to be arrested, tortured, martyred […] please remember this, remember us.’ And she specifically says, ‘Be our voice. We need you to be our voice. We need you to empower this movement.’”

After releasing the video, the young woman disappeared. Officials arrested and beat her parents. The abuse she predicted became a reality.

So what happens now? Right now, young people who are fighting for their freedom are experiencing immense trauma and pain because of their resilience. Transform Iran hopes to step into those challenges and provide the tools for standing strong. “[Through digital media], we offer a whole lot of teaching on identity, on healing, on how to have victory over addiction, on overcoming the pain and struggle from trauma,” Silk says. “Then through that process, we invite people to connect with us [via audio or video calls] and have one-to-one counseling, particularly in relation to trauma that they’ve experienced.”

Transform Iran is asking for support for those branches of their ministry, especially as they look to add a new cohort of specialist counselors. 

They’re also asking that you continue watching and listening. Pay attention to the stories of Iranian young people. Pay attention to the way young people seek freedom, both physically and spiritually. And pay attention to the ways God is working even amidst the violence of Iran.

Header photo courtesy of Transform Iran