Watchman Wire

Watchman Wire

Dispatches for the persecuted church

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7
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Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Morocco — July 21, 2026

Generous Father, we thank You for Hassan and the ministry of persistent prayer he is leading in Marrakech, Morocco. As he teaches others to ask, seek, and knock, guide their teams to come before You as children who trust Your generosity. Let persistence grow from confidence in Your fatherly heart. As Your Word declares in Matthew 7:7 — “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you” — we ask You to open doors for the gospel in Marrakech. Strengthen Hassan and the believers there to keep asking when answers seem hidden and delayed. Give them courage to seek You for their city. Open homes, conversations, and hearts according to Your will. Let those who are spiritually hungry find Jesus. Teach the church to knock with faith and receive with gratitude. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Latest dispatches

Sources say Taliban detained five women in Herat over two days

Residents report an increase in patrols and detentions under the Taliban's morality law, while rights advocates say the campaign is intensifying restrictions on women. The post Sources say Taliban detained five women in Herat over two days appeared first on Amu TV.

Amu TV (Afghanistan)··

An Indonesian Church’s 8-Year-Struggle to Build a Building

Members of the Beth-El Tabernacle Church of Christ Alpha Omega Congregation (GBT KAO) in Semarang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, have claimed that various parties obstructed their efforts to build a church building.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

Christian Brick Kiln Worker Killed for Drinking from a Muslim’s Cooler

Overcome by thirst after working under the sweltering summer heat in Pattoki, Pakistan, a Christian brick kiln worker reached for the closest water cooler and took a sip. Doing so cost him his life. The worker, a 39-year-old man named Sadique, had just finished stacking bricks…

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

Christian in Somaliland Poisoned to Death after Secret Conversion

NAIROBI, Kenya (Morning Star News) – Muslim relatives of a father of five in Somaliland who recently became a Christian poisoned him to death this month for converting, sources said. Sharif Ali came to faith in Christ in April in an undisclosed town in Somaliland, a partially…

Morning Star News··

Konstantin Rudnev: Eleven Years in the Russian Jails

The long imprisonment in Russia shaped both his present understanding of spirituality and his reflections on a penal system he experienced in its harshest form. The post Konstantin Rudnev: Eleven Years in the Russian Jails first appeared on Bitter Winter.

Pray →God of Light and Redemption, we lift up the nation of Russia and all who, like Konstantin Rudnev, have endured the harshness of its prisons. Let Your light shine in the darkness of these places, that those who seek Jesus may find Him as the true light that gives life. Transform the hearts of those imprisoned, that their surrendered obedience might serve as a testimony to Your saving grace, much like Joseph whose integrity brought salvation to many. Reveal Jesus to guards, officials, and the watching nation, that they too might see and turn to the light of Christ. Establish Your righteousness and justice in the hearts of those who encounter Your people. For the glory of Your name, let the light of Jesus shine brightly in Russia, dispelling the darkness and bringing hope. Amen.

Bitter Winter·Prayer·

Reactions Mount Against the New Chinese Law on Ethnic Unity

The title of the new law, which came into force on July 1, 2026, invokes unity and progress, but it is just another form of crackdown. The post Reactions Mount Against the New Chinese Law on Ethnic Unity first appeared on Bitter Winter.

Pray →Lord of all nations, we lift up China as this new law on ethnic unity brings further oppression instead of peace. You see the fear and control that overshadow the promise of unity, and Your heart grieves with those who suffer under its weight. Establish justice and truth in the hearts of those who govern, and dismantle the structures that perpetuate division and fear. Reveal Jesus to officials, ethnic communities, and all who yearn for true peace. Strengthen Your Church in China to be a light in the darkness, and let Your love break down every wall of hostility. May Your Kingdom come in China, and Your will be done, for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Bitter Winter·Prayer·

Bangladesh: First Enforced Disappearance Case Since July 2024 Uprising

Click to expand Image Bangladesh military and Rapid Action Battalion personnel stand guard outside the Supreme Court in Dhaka, February 8, 2025. © 2025 Suvra Kanti Das/Abaca/Sipa via AP Photo (London) – The Bangladeshi authorities should immediately comply with a July 12, 2026…

Pray →God of Justice and Creator of all, we bring before You the land of Bangladesh, where enforced disappearances and devaluation of human life grieve Your heart. You created every person in Your image and called them good; let this truth permeate the hearts of those in power. Raise up leaders in the Bangladeshi government who honor each life as a reflection of Your glory and who work to end these acts of oppression. Reveal Jesus to military officials and those involved in these injustices, that they may turn from darkness to light. Strengthen the believers in Bangladesh to stand firm in truth and love, that their witness might shine brightly in these dark days. For the sake of Your name and glory, we ask these things through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Human Rights Watch·Prayer·

Delayed orders and confusion slowed Venezuelan military’s quake response

The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes killed about 5,000 people, though experts have predicted the likelihood of a final death toll of nearly 10,000.

Pray →God of Compassion and Order, we lift up Venezuela in the wake of devastating earthquakes. Thousands mourn, and the earth itself groans beneath the weight of such loss. You are not a God of confusion but of peace — bring clarity and wisdom to the leaders and responders navigating this crisis. Raise up skilled and diligent leaders, that their hands may be deft and their hearts discerning, like those who diligently perform their work before kings. Strengthen the Church in Venezuela to be a beacon of hope and comfort, revealing Jesus to those in anguish. May Your Spirit move mightily among all the people, drawing many to the refuge and strength found in You alone. For the sake of Your kingdom and glory, we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Japan Times·Prayer·

US launches strikes to 'punish' Iran after troops killed

The United States said airstrikes on Sunday aimed to "punish" Iran over the first US military deaths since renewed hostilities with the Islamic republic. The attacks aimed to "swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service…

Pray →God of Justice and Mercy, we lift up Iran and the regions affected by the recent hostilities. In a time where retaliation and violence seem to hold sway, we ask You to establish peace where there is strife, and reveal Your justice that seeks restoration over punishment. Guard the innocent caught in the crossfire, and sustain Your Church in Iran as they witness to Your love amidst turmoil. Reveal Jesus to those in power and to those who have yet to know Him, showing the world what it means to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. We trust in Your sovereignty and the peace that comes through Christ alone. Amen.

Al-Monitor·Prayer·

European Parliament Stands with Pakistani Girl Fighting for Justice

The European Parliament condemned Pakistan on July 7 for its violation of human rights, citing a 13-year-old Christian Pakistani girl who is still fighting for her freedom from the 30-year-old Muslim man who abducted her.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

‘Immense suffering’: Wife of Zion Church pastor jailed for 9 months speaks out

By Josh Shepherd As global headlines celebrated the release of one prominent Chinese minister, the wife of another pastor is pleading with the world not to forget those still jailed in China. “Zion Church has eight leaders still detained,” said Sister Su Ziming, wife of Pastor…

Pray →God of Justice and Mercy, we lift up the leaders of Zion Church in China who remain imprisoned for their faith. You have seen their suffering and heard their cries, and You are a refuge for the oppressed. Sustain these leaders with Your enduring strength, and let their faith not grow weary in the face of persecution. Reveal Jesus even in the prison cells, turning hearts toward the light of Your truth. Encourage Sister Su Ziming and the families of those detained, giving them peace that surpasses understanding. Move in the hearts of authorities to release those unjustly held, and let the Gospel continue to spread with power. We ask these things for the glory of Your name and the advancement of Your Kingdom. Amen.

ChinaAid·Prayer·

Iranian official says the policy of negotiating during war is over

Mohsen Rezaee has warned that if the US continues bombing Iran, Tehran will escalate its response into full-scale war.

Pray →Ancient of Days, we bring before You the tensions in Iran as threats of full-scale war loom on the horizon. Nations rage, yet You sit enthroned above every conflict, sovereign over the affairs of men. We ask that You restrain the forces of destruction and dismantle the plans that lead to bloodshed and devastation. Reveal Jesus to the leaders and people of Iran, that they may find in Him the way of peace and reconciliation. Strengthen the believers in Iran to stand firm in faith and love, even as they live in the shadow of conflict. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.

Al Jazeera·Prayer·

Christians in Bangladesh Hold Onto Fragile Stability Following Elections

Following the August 2024 ousting of Bangladesh’s longtime leader Sheikh Hasina, the country fell into a power vacuum. Amid the ensuing upheaval, some people in this nation of 175 million (91% Muslim, 8% Hindu, and about half of 1% Christian) seized the opportunity to attack…

Pray →God of Refuge and Strength, we lift up the believers in Bangladesh who are navigating a precarious peace following the political shift in their nation. In the midst of uncertainty and fear, let Your steadfast love be their anchor. Establish their hearts in Your truth, that they may not be shaken though the earth gives way. Reveal Jesus to those who persecute out of ignorance or fear, and soften the hearts of those in power to protect the vulnerable. May Your peace, which surpasses understanding, guard the hearts and minds of Your people. Strengthen the Church in Bangladesh to stand firm, that their witness might draw many to the light of Christ. In the name of Jesus, our Rock and Redeemer, Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

Around 10.7 million Afghan women and girls in need of aid - OCHA

More than 10.7 million women and girls in Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance in 2026 as funding cuts, restrictions and shortages of female health workers place maternal services under growing pressure, the United Nations says.

Pray →Lord of Compassion and Provider of All Needs, we bring before You the women and girls of Afghanistan who find themselves in dire need of aid. You invite all who are thirsty to come to the waters, and You promise a covenant of steadfast love. Let Your mercy flow like rivers across this land, renewing hope and bringing relief to communities facing scarcity and fear. Raise up workers and resources to meet these needs, and strengthen the hearts of those laboring to provide care and support. Reveal Jesus to the leaders and authorities in Afghanistan, that they might act with justice and compassion toward the vulnerable. Let Your peace and provision abound in these lives, for the honor of Your name. Amen.

AnewZ·Prayer·

The Chinese House Church Leaders Who Didn’t Win Release

Around 9 p.m. on October 10, 2025, the power went out in the Beijing home of Ren Zhong and his wife, Wang Cong, leaving the couple and their 3-year-old daughter in darkness. Ren and Wang, who both minister at Zion Church, knew then that the authorities had come for them.

Pray →Faithful Shepherd, we uplift the Zion Church community in Beijing, especially Ren Zhong, Wang Cong, and their young daughter. As they stand in the shadow of oppression, let Your light break into their darkness and fortify them with courage. Like Peter in chains, deliver them from captivity and let the chains fall away as a testimony to Your power and presence. Let the story of their faith and endurance echo throughout China, stirring hearts in authority and among neighbors. Multiply the testimony of their steadfastness, and let many come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. Guard their family with peace that surpasses understanding and sustain them in Your loving care. For the glory of Your name, Amen.

Christianity Today·Prayer·

DR Congo Ebola cases rise to 2,181 as death toll reaches 864

The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 2,181 confirmed Ebola cases, including 864 deaths, according to government data released late on Friday.

Pray →Compassionate Healer, we bring before You the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola has claimed many lives and continues to spread suffering and fear. You are the God who heals all diseases and comforts those who mourn — stretch Your hand over this land to bring healing and hope in the midst of despair. Guard the healthcare workers laboring tirelessly, and grant them wisdom and protection. Sustain the families grieving the loss of their loved ones, and let Your peace surpass their understanding. Reveal the face of Jesus to those seeking solace, and draw near to the communities watching from afar. Establish Your Kingdom in this land, that in the shadow of death, Your light might shine brightly. For the honor of Your name, Amen.

AnewZ·Prayer·
Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Morocco — July 21, 2026

Generous Father, we thank You for Hassan and the ministry of persistent prayer he is leading in Marrakech, Morocco. As he teaches others to ask, seek, and knock, guide their teams to come before You as children who trust Your generosity. Let persistence grow from confidence in Your fatherly heart. As Your Word declares in Matthew 7:7 — “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you” — we ask You to open doors for the gospel in Marrakech. Strengthen Hassan and the believers there to keep asking when answers seem hidden and delayed. Give them courage to seek You for their city. Open homes, conversations, and hearts according to Your will. Let those who are spiritually hungry find Jesus. Teach the church to knock with faith and receive with gratitude. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Myanmar: Reported sea tragedies highlight desperate choices facing Rohingya

Responding to reports that more than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees capsized off the coast of Myanmar, Amnesty International’s Myanmar Researcher Joe Freeman said: “These reports are a heartbreaking reminder of the increasingly…

Pray →God of Compassion and Refuge, we bring before You the Rohingya people, who face perilous journeys and uncertain futures. In these waters where so many have perished, hear the cries of the oppressed and the distressed. You are the One who stills the storm and calms the waves — let Your peace intervene where fear and desperation have ruled. Reveal Jesus to the captains who steer these vessels, to the authorities who guard the shores, and to the communities that witness such tragedies. May the light of Christ shine into hearts gripped by fear and uncertainty, bringing hope where there has been despair. Guard the lives of those at sea and bring them safely to refuge. Through the One who walked on water and commands the seas, we ask this mercy. Amen.

Amnesty International·Prayer·

Why is Pakistan’s Sindh province facing a major child HIV outbreak?

The latest outbreak linked to a Karachi hospital is the newest in a series that experts say reflects systemic failures.

Pray →God of Comfort and Healing, we bring before You the crisis in Sindh, where children battle the heavy burden of an HIV outbreak. You have seen the suffering that has befallen these little ones and the failures that have led to this plight. Stretch forth Your hand to bring healing and restoration, and let mercy flow where despair has settled. Establish justice in the healthcare systems and bring integrity to those in authority, that they may act with wisdom and compassion. Reveal Jesus to the healthcare workers, the families, and the children, and let His light shine in the darkest places. We trust in Your compassion, knowing that You hear the cries of the brokenhearted and save those crushed in spirit. May Your kingdom come in Sindh, for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Al Jazeera·Prayer·

'Moment of joy' as Uganda discharges last Ebola patient

The good news from Uganda comes as the WHO chief warns the virus in DR Congo is spreading fast.

Pray →God of Healing and Deliverance, we give thanks for the release of Uganda's last Ebola patient, celebrating Your mercy and unfailing love that has brought this victory. In Your goodness, let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim Your faithfulness, for You have worked wonders in their midst. Guard the people of Uganda and the surrounding regions from further outbreaks, and extend Your healing hand over the DR Congo where the virus continues to spread. Reveal Jesus to doctors, patients, and families who are weary and burdened, and let Your peace surpass all understanding. Strengthen believers in these areas to be beacons of hope and compassion, and let Your name be proclaimed among those who yet do not know You. For the glory of Your name and through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

BBC News (World)·Prayer·

News roundup: Ongoing crackdown on churches across China

While recent attention has focused on the release of Zion Church founding pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, reports from across China indicate authorities continue to detain, question, and investigate Christians affiliated with both house churches and state-sanctioned congregations.

ChinaAid··

Court Acquits Men Convicted of Killing Christian Couple in Pakistan

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Pakistan’s Supreme Court last week overturned the death sentences of the remaining three men convicted in the 2014 lynching of a Christian couple burned alive after being falsely accused of blasphemy, sources…

Pray →God of Justice and Compassion, we lift up the people of Pakistan in light of the Supreme Court's decision to acquit the men convicted of killing a Christian couple in 2014. You see every injustice and hear the cries of the oppressed; Your eyes are on the righteous, and Your ears are attentive to their cry. Establish truth in the hearts of those who seek to harm, and let Your light expose every falsehood that fuels such violence. Comfort the families who bear the scars of loss and fear, and strengthen the believers in Pakistan to be firm in their faith. Reveal Jesus to those who have not yet seen His love and mercy, breaking through the cycles of accusation and hatred. For the glory of Your name and the sake of Your Kingdom, we trust Your righteous judgment. Amen.

Morning Star News·Prayer·

EU pledges €20 million more for Venezuela after deadly earthquakes

The European Union (EU) has announced an additional €20 million ($22.8 million) in humanitarian assistance for Venezuela after last month's deadly earthquakes, which killed more than 4,700 people.

Pray →God of All Comfort, we lift up the people of Venezuela as they grieve the loss and devastation caused by the recent earthquakes. You have promised to be near to the brokenhearted and save the crushed in spirit—let Your presence be their refuge and strength. Sustain the hearts and hands of those providing aid, and grant wisdom to leaders as they respond to the needs of their communities. Reveal Jesus to those who have lost hope, to families searching for loved ones, and to officials coordinating relief efforts. Let the light of Your love shine in the midst of destruction, bringing healing and restoration to the land. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard the hearts of every person affected. We entrust this nation to Your care, for Your glory and in the name of Christ our Savior. Amen.

AnewZ·Prayer·

Ebola outbreak in DRC outpaces containment efforts, MSF warns

The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is spreading faster than efforts to contain it, global humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned, calling for an urgent expansion of containment and care measures.

Pray →God of All Healing, we lift up the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the Ebola outbreak threatens lives and communities. You are the One who heals all diseases, and we ask You to stretch Your hand over the DRC, bringing healing where there is sickness and hope where there is fear. Establish the work of those striving to contain the virus, granting them wisdom and revelation beyond human understanding. Let the vaccines be effective, and strengthen the bodies of the afflicted, making them fully immune to this disease. Reveal Jesus as the Great Physician to all in the DRC, from weary families to dedicated health workers. May Your grace abound, bringing health and restoration. For the sake of Your glory, Amen.

AnewZ·Prayer·

Revival Sweeps Through Indian Region Notorious for Trafficking

In April, nearly 1,000 youth gathered in a packed church hall in Ziro, a town in the mountains of India’s Arunachal Pradesh State, which borders China. As electrifying worship music echoed through the crowd, some raised their hands in praise as others knelt and wept silently.

Pray →King of the Earth, we praise You for the revival sweeping through Ziro and for the new brothers and sisters joining the family of faith. As Your Spirit moves in Arunachal Pradesh, reveal Jesus to those trapped in trafficking and oppression, that they might find true freedom in Him. Reunite families torn by sin and bondage, and let Your light pierce the darkness where hopelessness has prevailed. Establish Your peace in this region, and let the worship and prayers rising from Ziro become a beacon of hope to the surrounding communities. Strengthen the believers to walk as children of light, that they may shine Your truth and grace in every corner. For the glory of Your name, we entrust this work into Your hands, knowing You will complete it. Amen.

Christianity Today·Prayer·

Fulani Extremists Kill 25 Christians After Nigerian Army Ignores Early Warnings

At least 25 Christians, including a 2-month-old, were killed in separate attacks during the weekend in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. The first attack occurred on Saturday night, July 11, in the Kum and Wereng-Comp communities of Ryom County in Plateau state.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

Ebola outbreak much larger than official figures, WHO says

The outbreak, which has infected almost 2,000 people and killed more than 700, could be at least two to four times larger than official figures, the UN health agency warned. The current outbreak is in the DRC and Uganda.

Pray →God of All Comfort, we lift the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to You as they face the growing crisis of the Ebola outbreak. You who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, bring healing to the afflicted and hope to the grieving families. Establish Your peace in these lands where fear and uncertainty reign. Sustain the healthcare workers laboring tirelessly, and reveal Jesus as the great Healer to those who are searching for hope amidst despair. Let Your wisdom guide the leaders and officials managing this crisis, and guard the vulnerable communities that are at risk. We ask all these things for the glory of Your name and the hope of many, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Deutsche Welle (World)·Prayer·

Iran war live: At least 30 civilians killed in recent US air strikes

US missile barrage on southern Iran kills 7 Iranian soldiers as Trump vows to intensify attacks.

Pray →Spirit of Truth, we lift up the land of Iran where violence and grief have marked the days. You see every life lost, every family shattered, and You do not turn away. Breathe peace across this region, and soften the hearts of leaders bent on violence, that they might learn the way of love and reconciliation. Meet the grieving families with comfort, and protect the innocent caught in the crossfire. Reveal Jesus to those who have yet to know Him, both within the government and among the soldiers, that they might see the One who loved His enemies and forgave those who opposed Him. You alone can turn swords into plowshares and make enemies into brothers. In the name of Jesus, who is our peace, we ask these things. Amen.

Al Jazeera·Prayer·

China: Prominent Kazakh Writer Held in Secret Detention: Zhengis Reskhan

Zhengis Reskhan (杰恩斯·热斯汉), a prominent Kazakh writer from China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, has been detained since 19 March 2026 following months of repeated police interrogations. Since he was taken away, his family has received no official notification of his…

Amnesty International··