Stories From the Persecuted Church

During the month of November, we encourage you to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ across the globe who are persecuted for their faith. Below are stories from India, Nepal and Nigeria.

Please note, the names and identities of these individuals and families, as well as specific locations, have been omitted to provide additional protection and safety.

Grieving from Terrorist Attack – Nigeria

In an area of the Northeast Annual. Conference, a community noticed smoke rising nearby. As neighbors gathered to determine the cause, they saw people running and shouting, announcing that terrorists had launched an attack and were burning houses and murdering villagers.

The submitter of this testimony was able to escape with a few others. “God spared our lives,” he said. 

More than 40 lives were lost. When the terrorists fled, the survivors returned to bury and mourn the loss of friends and family. 

“We see this as the work of the devil trying to wipe away Christian community in [our region] and other neighboring communities. We need your prayers, we need your encouragement that God shall come for our rescue to heal us from the trauma of the incident.” 

Pastor and Land Dispute – India

A pastor in India is involved in a court case regarding property lines. His land has been encroached by villagers because he is a pastor involved in converting people to Christ. The pastor filed a court case and paid Rs. 25000/- to the advocate handling the case. The advocate belongs to a a fanatic Hindu group. The advocate shows willingness to solve the problem, but it is complicated. Two acres of land belongs to the pastor and the opponents have no proof to show otherwise. The pastor and the believers are of the firm belief that God will help him to get the land back. Join us in praying for this pastor, that his needs would be met and that the Lord was protect him from persecution.

Lost Home – Nepal

Residents in Nepal were recently expelled from their family home as a result of their Christian faith. They have since been living in great difficulty, without proper shelter and support. 

Their hardships have increased further due to the recent passing of a close family member, and the upcoming memorial service has left them in a very vulnerable emotional and social position. They urgently require assistance to sustain themselves and live with dignity.

Faithfulness During Loss – Nepal

A woman, a devoted follower of Christ, along with her husband and their children, have faced severe hardship due to their faith.  They were forced to leave their home and are currently living in extremely insecure conditions in a buffalo shed.

Despite extreme poverty, social discrimination, and lack of basic resources, the family continues to serve faithfully in their local church.  Two of her children are actively involved in church ministries, including children’s and youth fellowship programs, and have completed one-month Bible school training.  Another child is eager to pursue further Bible education.

Support in the form of shelter, educational opportunities, or prayerful encouragement will not only help them survive but also enable them to continue serving the Lord with hope and dignity.

Pastor Testimony – Northern Nigeria

Thousands of terrorist attacks have occurred across northern Nigeria and the North Central region, also known as the Middle Belt. Entire communities have been wiped out by terrorists, with thousands of lives lost. These attacks have primarily targeted Christian communities.

"Personally, I have survived multiple terrorist attacks, though I was never a victim myself, except for the brutal killings of my friend and my brother at the hands of these barbaric individuals," a pastor said. "I could write a documentary about many of the terrorist incidents and the communities affected in Nigeria."

Be in prayer for Nigerian Global Methodists who are living in these vulnerable communities.

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November 2 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Join us in praying for these faithful Christians as they navigate these challenging situations. Learn more about the Global Methodist Church's participation in IDOP.