Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where religious persecution is prevalent
Christians form less than one percent of the population. Thank the Lord for the that 1% for the churchs courageous testimony. Thank the Lord for the protections Christians have enjoyed from their government over much of its recent history.
Pastors serve communities that face great poverty. Thank the Lord for their sacrificial service and pray that they may continue to experience His provision. Pray for wisdom and protection as they care for flocks vulnerable to increasing hostility.
Niger is 28th on Open Doors 2025 World Watch List, with Islamic oppression the strongest type of persecution. There has been a surge in jihadist attacks, especially in the west and south-east. There the situation for Christians is dire. Communal worship and meetings are dangerous, and must happen in secret. Pray for protection for believers…
In the West there has been a rise in attacks on Christian properties, incl. churches, schools and health care centers. Please pray for communities affected by these realities to be freed from the militants and that these destroyed services will be restored soon.
Christians face uncertainty over the space they will enjoy in society in the future. Pray that they will remain clear witnesses for Christ and that the Lord will continue to build His Church that will remain salt and light live in these changing circumstances
Pray that the Lord will raise up shepherds for these believers. Pray that believers from affected areas, may experience support and fellowship, whether they have stayed or fled.
Christian men are often specific targets of violence to instil fear. Pray for Gods comfort and for the grace to remain firm in the faith. Pray for courage to live out their faith and that they will find a way to encourage and minister to each other.
Women and girls in Niger are particularly vulnerable to abduction, rape and sexual abuse by extremist groups here too. Pray that the church will be a place of safety and healing for our sister who may have experienced such targeting. Pray for sufficient physical and emotion care for survivors.
Christian boys are targeted for killing or forced recruitment into labour or trafficking between militants in exchange for money, weapons, or other resources. Pray for Gods intervention and that captives will be freed.
Due to the Islamic militant attacks in the north and east 6,000+ schools have been closed. Pray for more effort by the government, churches and their international partners to provide solid education to children, especially those living in rebel-controlled areas, or in displacement