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“Your compassion reflects the love of Christ.” This was the message from Barnabas Aid project partners in Manipur, north-eastern India, after your gifts and prayers ensured that more than 1,500 flood-affected Christians were reached with supplies including rice, dahl (lentils), tinned fish, potatoes and clean drinking water. “We lost everything in the flood,” said one mother, “but your help reminded us that we are not forgotten. Thank you.” Praise the Lord for providing for our brothers and sisters “according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Believers forced to flee their homes in north-eastern India following a surge in anti-Christian violence are being helped to rebuild their lives through sewing and tailoring classes funded by Barnabas. The training offered by our church partners is equipping traumatized and impoverished survivors from Manipur with skills that enable them to earn a living. The classes also provide a safe environment for discipleship. “Your partnership is helping us clothe both bodies and souls with the love of Christ,” said our partner. Give thanks to the Lord for the success of the project and pray that we can expand the classes to empower even more families. Pray for an end to hostility against Christians in Manipur.
Praise the Lord that the Church in Nepal continues to grow. The country’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but a 2018 law forbids any attempt to convert a follower of a religion “being practiced since ancient times.” This protects Hindus and Buddhists but not Nepali Christians, who are first- or second-generation believers. Christians have been arrested in recent years for allegedly attempting to convert people. Pray that unfounded charges of forced conversions will be dismissed by the courts. Ask for a growing awareness in Nepali society that conversion to Christ is a matter of the heart, not of coercion.
The student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party, has won landslide victories in elections at two of the country’s main public universities. Jamaat-e-Islami had been banned by the previous government of Bangladesh, but this ban was reversed by the new interim government. There are concerns that Islamists could gain power in national elections (currently scheduled for February 2026) and implement elements of sharia (Islamic law), including a “blasphemy” law similar to that of Pakistan. Pray that these plans will come to nothing, that moderates and religious minorities will be able to live in peace, and especially for the protection of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sri Lanka’s minority Christian community experiences harassment and hostility from extremists in other faith groups, despite constitutional promises of religious freedom. Many struggle to find work because of discrimination and are very poor. Attacks against Christians typically involve verbal abuse, threats against pastors, or demands that churches be closed. Protests are often led by monks from the majority Buddhist community, supported by police and local officials. Pray for courage and strength for Sri Lankan Christians and ask that they stand firm knowing the Lord is with them wherever they go (Joshua 1:9). Pray that Sri Lanka’s leaders will work to uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
Praise God that Barnabas Aid has been able to supply study Bibles in the local languages of Sinhala and Tamil for 250 pastors in rural areas of Sri Lanka. The Bibles will be “a strategic tool to help these pastors better interpret, teach, and preach the Word of God,” says our project partner in Sri Lanka. Barnabas Aid’s Projects Manager for South Asia added, “With your help, these pastors are now better prepared to disciple new believers and strengthen the emerging Church in some of Sri Lanka’s most spiritually needy communities.” Pray that the Church in Sri Lanka will continue to be strengthened through the Word of God, a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (Psalm 119:105).
Lord Jesus, Light of the World, we thank You that the unfolding of Your words gives light. We thank You for the spread of the truth throughout the world, but we realize that there are still many who do not have access to the Scriptures in their own tongue. We pray that obstacles of poverty, access or persecution will be overcome to present the Word of God in the hands of those who seek You. Please enable the safe transport and delivery of Your inspired Word to build up Your Church with Your life-giving truth, for we ask in Your most holy Name. (Psalm 119:130; 2 Timothy 3:16)
Barnabas Aid is partnering with a Christian ministry in Ethiopia to provide 4,500 Bibles in the local languages of Amharic, Oromo and Tigrigna. Bibles in these languages are hard to find, and even when they are available, in war-torn and desperately impoverished Ethiopia many of your brothers and sisters simply cannot afford them. The Bibles will “equip believers for maturity in Christ and strengthen the evangelistic and discipleship efforts of local churches,” says Barnabas Aid’s project partner. Pray that the Holy Spirit, who guides the Lord’s people in truth (John 16:13), will apply the Word of God to the followers of Christ.
“In Tanzania, converts from Islam to Christianity face significant challenges, including family and community rejection that often leads to homelessness and loss of social safety nets,” says a Barnabas Aid project partner, who works to share the Gospel. Converts in this country often struggle to find stable employment. Barnabas is funding a six-month program to train Muslim-background believers as welders. The group will also receive discipleship training and take part in Bible studies and prayer meetings, ensuring that they also grow in their new-found faith. Thank the Lord that these new believers have the opportunity to gain practical skills and spiritual strength. Praise God for the successful efforts of our project partner in spreading the Gospel. Pray that converts will live peacefully and joyfully knowing that whatever they face in this life, they have been saved by Christ and will spend eternity with Him.
Only the Lord knows how many Christians are in Somalia, but it is likely that they are very few in number and almost all converts from Islam. These Muslim-background believers (MBBs) are at risk of being killed by their neighbors, former friends or families as retribution for leaving Islam; apostasy is also forbidden by the Somali constitution. Intercede for the Lord’s people in Somalia, asking that He will strengthen and uphold them (Isaiah 41:10).
Islamists affiliated to either Al Qaeda or Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) control large parts of the West African Sahel, including 60% of Burkina Faso, where around a third of the population are Christians. Analysts and anti-terrorism experts have raised the possibility that Islamists could become the de facto government of some or all of this region. Pray that the Lord will beat back His enemies (Psalm 78:66) and keep His people across the Sahel in His care.
Suspected Islamist gunmen forced thousands of residents to flee their homes in an attack on the Aye-Twar community in mid-August in predominantly Christian Benue State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. A church building was ruined, and the community remained deserted for fear of repeated attacks. Pray for peace to be restored in the Aye-Twar community and the church building to be rebuilt. Pray that faith in the Lord’s sovereign purposes will enable Christians to return to their homes and that they will be protected from any further attacks. Continue to pray for improved security throughout the Middle Belt.
Sewing and tailoring classes funded by Barnabas Aid have helped to empower disadvantaged young Christian women in Uganda. Training was given to women living in a Muslim-majority area, where Christian households experience higher levels of poverty and discrimination. At the end of the training, each of the 22 participants received a sewing machine to enable them to use their new skills to earn a living. During the classes they also received spiritual nourishment to help them grow in their love of the Lord. Praise God that the classes have had a positive impact on the lives of these young Christian women. Pray that they will use their new skills to serve others and strengthen their Christian community for Christ’s glory (1 Peter 4:10-11).
O Lord, we pray for Your children in Eritrea, who suffer arbitrary arrest and imprisonment for their faith. Thank You that these believers – who are arrested without charge or trial, and are beaten, starved, tortured and forced into labour – still have not forgotten You. Please stay with them, giving them strength and comfort in these horrible conditions. Change the hearts of the authorities, God, so that these brothers and sisters of ours will be released and live without fear. We ask this in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Sudan’s small Christian community, persecuted for decades under Islamist rule, continues to suffer as civil war engulfs the country, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. Our brothers and sisters are among the millions driven from their homes during more than two years of conflict that has created widespread hunger. Believers have been attacked, churches burned, looted or occupied as military bases, and congregations scattered. Survivors say that the persecution of Christians is worse now than under the previous brutal Islamist government of Omar al-Bashir. Pray for the Lord’s protection over Christians in Sudan, asking that they are neither crushed nor destroyed, despite being hard pressed on every side (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Pray that the needs of the hungry and displaced will be met.
Soriah, a Christian woman from Sudan, fled to Egypt when her home was destroyed by a bomb. Her husband, a pastor, stayed behind, refusing to leave the church where he was called to minister. Persecution in the Republic of Sudan is worsening, Soriah explained. “They’re taking advantage of the civil war … and attacking Christians,” she said. Soriah’s situation is similar to that of many Sudanese Christians; many of the country’s believers have fled the ongoing civil war and now face the challenge of setting up lives in new lands. Ask God to protect those believers who still remain in the war-torn country, and to guide those who have chosen to leave. Pray for healing of physical and mental wounds, that families separated by the conflict will be reunited, and ultimately for peace.
Christianity in Egypt is among the world’s oldest traditions, with Coptic Christians forming around 10% of the population, alongside other Christian communities. Although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, many Christians experience social and legal discrimination, face restrictions on church construction, and suffer occasional violence. Migrant and ethnic minority Christians, particularly sub-Saharan Africans, are especially vulnerable. Yet the Church continues to witness faithfully through discipleship, evangelism, education, healthcare and social ministries. Please pray for protection, unity and spiritual strength for Egyptian Christians; for courage and perseverance in the face of pressure; and for peaceful relations with Muslim neighbours.
A Barnabas-funded literacy project in Egypt helps adults and children who have recently learned to read and write maintain and develop their skills, using the Bible as a textbook. It strengthens children’s education where schools often fall short, encourages independent learning and spiritual growth, builds confidence and communication skills, and encourages church involvement. The program serves 4,000-5,000 Christians, mostly women and children in underserved communities, supported by 250–350 volunteer facilitators and 21 supervisors. Ask the Lord to bless every learner, teacher and their families. Pray for the growth of literacy and faith, as well as the transformation of communities.
Earlier this year a court in Tripoli sentenced 11 Christians – ten Libyans and one Pakistani – to prison terms of three to 15 years for allegedly “insulting Islam.” They had been arrested in 2023 on charges of apostasy and evangelism and reportedly subjected to torture. Human rights experts state that no evidence was presented during the trial, raising serious concerns about justice and due process. Please pray for these believers, that they will experience God’s protection, strength and comfort in prison, that their families will be sustained, and that wisdom and justice will prevail in Libya.
Among the countries of the North African Maghreb, Algeria has the largest indigenous Christian community. Many of these are Muslim-background believers (MBBs). Christians face significant legal and social obstacles, including harassment and state intimidation. While the constitution guarantees freedom of worship and conversion, the government balances projecting a tolerant image internationally with pressure from conservative and extremist Muslims, who view the growth of an indigenous church as shameful. Despite official recognition, several churches have been forcibly closed in recent years. Please pray for protection, wisdom for leaders, courage for believers, and that the Church may bring hope and practical support in a hostile environment.
Heavenly Father, we pray for Christians around the world who face severe legal restrictions in practicing their faith. We ask for those deprived of a building to find ways to meet for fellowship, worship and teaching from Your Word. We ask You to give wisdom to church leaders to respond to severe demands that make formal expression of their faith harder to achieve. Please direct them to obey governing authorities wherever possible, but to have the discernment to know when to obey God rather than man. We ask in the Name of the One in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 13:1; Acts 5:29; Colossians 2:3)
Churches in communist China are kept under close watch. “House churches” (that is, unregistered churches) may be forcibly closed and their members arrested. China’s official Protestant church, the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), is closely monitored and regulated. There are laws prohibiting foreign Christians from evangelizing or preaching, and forcing religious groups to abide by the affirmation that “the state is greater than religion, and the state law is greater than religious rules.” Church leaders must be those who “love the motherland, support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, [and] practice the core values of socialism.” Pray that Chinese Christians will have the wisdom to navigate this difficult environment, and that the Lord will continue to guide them in their faith.
“Unbelievers in this city are more resistant to the Gospel than before,” says a pastor in Wenzhou, in China’s eastern Zhejiang Province. “The younger generation is very resistant to the Gospel. If you evangelise them, they might immediately call the police, saying you are illegally proselytizing.” The pastor adds that Christians in the city can come under pressure to downplay or hide their faith in the workplace. Pray that our brothers and sisters in Wenzhou and across China will be helped by the Holy Spirit to continue sharing the Good News despite opposition, knowing that Christ is with them until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
The Church in Nicaragua has been enduring an increasing crackdown on religious freedom. The government of President Daniel Ortega has arbitrarily arrested, imprisoned and exiled religious leaders and adherents, cancelled the legal status of religious organizations, and harassed and intimidated worshipers. All activities in churches are monitored, and some church ministers are placed under “precautionary measures,” meaning they must regularly inform the police of all plans for services. Ministers have also had their bank accounts frozen or emptied. At the time of writing, there are concerns that restrictions on religious celebrations that occurred in recent years over Christmas and Easter may be reinstated this Christmas. Pray that Christians in Nicaragua will be free to worship this Christmas. Pray that church ministers will not be penalized for holding Christmas celebrations and that all believers will be unafraid to profess their faith in the incarnate God, our Saviour Jesus Christ (John 1:14).
As we give thanks for our Saviour’s birth, pray that His presence will be known to His people at worship services throughout the world, including in countries where Christians are a persecuted minority. Pray that the reality of the incarnation will shine forth brilliantly wherever the wondrous story is told and that many will be drawn to faith today. Pray for the Lord’s protection in countries where Christmas is seen as a time to attack a “foreign” faith. Pray that any with malevolent intentions will be thwarted and that the light of Christ will shine especially brightly this day and cause His Kingdom to advance.
Today we lift up the Middle East and the Holy Land before the Lord, a land sacred to many, yet scarred by generations of conflict, division and pain. Pray for God’s peace to break through where hostility and mistrust prevail, softening hearts and opening paths of reconciliation, justice and true understanding. Ask the Lord to shelter and sustain those living under threat, oppression or deep uncertainty, and to grant hope, courage and daily provision to the most vulnerable. Pray that the Church will shine as a living witness of Christ’s love, wisdom and faith, bringing light into darkness and healing into brokenness. Intercede for leaders, that they may be guided by integrity, compassion and vision, working not for power but for the flourishing of all.
Myanmar’s military government has announced plans to hold a general election on December 28. The election would be the first since the 2021 military coup, which overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government. The military has repeatedly delayed the election amid the ongoing civil war. Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy Party will not be allowed to contest this election, the legitimacy of which has been widely questioned by foreign observers. Pray for the security of Myanmar at this tense moment and that God will use this process, however flawed, to place people of integrity in positions of influence.
Sovereign Lord, we bring before You the multitude of refugees who have fled their country and those displaced within their own lands. We pray that You will comfort them and lead them to places of safety, whether they be fleeing war, persecution, famine or natural disasters. We ask that those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus, who was Himself a refugee in Egypt, will especially know Your guidance and provision as they adjust to these circumstances. We ask You to mobilize Your people to support those in need in imitation of our Saviour, in whose Name we pray. (Matthew 2:13-15)
Christians in North Korea endure terrible persecution by the state. Believers must keep their faith secret, even from their own children who are encouraged at school to report on parents who pray or read the Bible. Owning a Bible can result in execution. Believers who gather for worship risk being sent to a labour camp, where they would be starved, tortured or worked to death. Christians often suffer the worst forms of treatment. Suspected Christians are interrogated or tortured for longer periods, to try to force them to name other Christians. Pray that the Lord will be with the secret believers of North Korea. Ask that they will be protected from the authorities. Pray that those in labour camps will find their strength in the Lord and be comforted by His loving presence.
In some parts of the world, Western New Year is sometimes wrongly considered by non-Christians to be a Christian festival, much like Christmas or Easter. As such this period of the year can be dangerous for believers, who face the increased risk of attack associated with both of those days in the Church calendar. Lift up in prayer our brothers and sisters, asking the Lord to restrain the hand of any who plan to do them harm in the days ahead. Pray that believers everywhere will have the opportunity of reflecting upon the Lord’s faithfulness as another year draws to an end.
As 2025 draws to a close, it is a time for reflection on all the wonderful things God has done this year. Thank Him for the global Church, living in Christ’s footsteps and serving as an example to the rest of the world. Praise Him for the new converts, who have given their lives to Christ despite the challenges this brings them. Give thanks for Barnabas Aid’s supporters, who have enabled us to help so many persecuted Christians; and for our project partners, who ensure that aid gets to suffering believers, even at great risk to themselves. Praise God for all that He has done in each of 0ur lives: for our families, for our safety and our faith – for every good gift comes from our unchanging Father in heaven (James 1:17).
