News from the Frontlines – September 2026
Around the world, following Jesus can come at a tremendous cost. Believers are being threatened, displaced, imprisoned, and even killed because of their faith.
These are difficult realities, but they are not the end of the story. In the midst of persecution, the Church continues to worship. Pastors continue to lead. Believers continue to share the gospel. And, in places where following Jesus may cost everything, men and women are still choosing to follow Him.
NIGERIA
At least 31 Christians have been killed in recent attacks across central Nigeria. In Plateau State alone, armed Fulani herdsmen attacked predominantly Christian villages in August, killing men, women, and children, including an infant who was just three months old. Homes were also burned as families fled for safety. Christian communities continue to face repeated violence and tremendous loss.
PLEASE PRAY:
- For comfort for families grieving loved ones
- For protection over vulnerable Christian communities
- For authorities to act decisively to prevent further attacks
ALGERIA
Nearly all evangelical churches connected to Algeria’s Protestant Church have now been sealed by authorities, leaving believers to father quietly in homes, garages, and even under olives trees. Morning Star News reports that 46 of 47 affiliated churches have been closed. Despite isolation, legal pressure, and difficulty obtaining Bibles and Christian books, small groups continue meeting for worship, communion, baptism, and discipleship.
PLEASE PRAY:
- For churches to receive permission to reopen
- For believers isolated from regular Christian fellowship
- For pastors faithfully encouraging scattered congregations
INDONESIA
A Christian pastor in Indonesia was sentenced to two years in prison in August, another reminder of the challenges believers can face when openly practicing and sharing their faith. Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, and Christians in some regions continue to experience legal and community pressure connected to their faith.
PLEASE PRAY:
- For the pastor and his family during his imprisonment
- For wisdom and courage for church leaders
- For greater religious freedom for Christians throughout Indonesia
SUDAN
Two church leaders who were abducted in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains have been released. Reverend Yaqob Ibrahim Tia and Zakaria Suliman Jana were freed after being taken by a breakaway rebel faction amid escalating violence in the region. Their release brings reason for gratitude, but Christians in the area remain vulnerable as armed conflict continues to bring killings, abductions, and displacement.
PLEASE PRAY:
- Thank God for the safe release of these church leaders
- For protection over pastors and congregations in the Nuba Mountains
- For peace amid Sudan’s continuing conflict
SOMALIA
A Christian mother of eight was seriously injured after extremists discovered she had converted from Islam and was participating in a women’s Bible study. In August, several Christian women meeting in a home were attacked. The mother was later followed to her home and beaten unconscious. She has since been released from the hospital and moved to a safer location. Despite the attack, she remains committed to following Jesus.
PLEASE PRAY:
- For healing and protection of the mother and her children
- For the other Christian women impacted by the attack
- Four courage and safety for Somalia’s underground church
Thank you for taking the time to read about and pray for the experiences of our Christians in countries hostile to the Gospel. The biggest request we receive from the field is for Canadians like you to pray for and not forget about our brothers and sisters around the world who are facing severe persecution for their faith in Jesus.
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
YOU CAN HELP NOW
When you give to Where Most Needed, ICR Canada can provide much needed immediate support in areas where emergencies happen. Please pray and help support our persecuted brothers and siters in Christ around the world.