Watchman Wire

Watchman Wire

Dispatches for the persecuted church

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2
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Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Libya — July 18, 2026

Compassionate Lord, we thank You for Samira and the ministry of burden-bearing prayer she is leading in Tripoli, Libya. As she carries the needs of the city before You, guide her team to pray with tears that do not perform and do not quit. Keep their hearts awake before You in love. As Your Word declares in Lamentations 2:18 — “Their heart cried to the Lord… let tears run down like a river day and night. Give yourself no relief. Don’t let your eyes rest” — we ask You to receive the prayers rising from Tripoli. Strengthen Samira and the believers there when sorrow feels costly. Give them compassion without despair. Let them cry out to You for the wounded, the fearful, and the unreached. Keep their eyes open in love. Let Jesus bring healing into places marked by loss. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Latest dispatches

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·

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·

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)··
Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Libya — July 18, 2026

Compassionate Lord, we thank You for Samira and the ministry of burden-bearing prayer she is leading in Tripoli, Libya. As she carries the needs of the city before You, guide her team to pray with tears that do not perform and do not quit. Keep their hearts awake before You in love. As Your Word declares in Lamentations 2:18 — “Their heart cried to the Lord… let tears run down like a river day and night. Give yourself no relief. Don’t let your eyes rest” — we ask You to receive the prayers rising from Tripoli. Strengthen Samira and the believers there when sorrow feels costly. Give them compassion without despair. Let them cry out to You for the wounded, the fearful, and the unreached. Keep their eyes open in love. Let Jesus bring healing into places marked by loss. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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··

Court Sentences Hemedti, Two Brothers to Death Over El Geneina Atrocities

Sudan court convicts 16 RSF leaders of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity

Pray →Faithful Shepherd, we lift up Sudan and the recent court rulings against Hemedti and his brothers for the atrocities in El Geneina. You see the depths of human hearts and the injustices committed, and You alone are able to transform the vilest offender. Reveal Jesus to Hemedti and his brothers as the one who cleanses every unrighteous deed, that they might turn and find mercy in Your sight. Let Your Spirit work healing in the families of the victims, leading them to forgiveness and freeing their hearts from the chains of bitterness. You have promised to lift the weary and bind up the brokenhearted—let Your peace enter the homes shadowed by loss, and let reconciliation take root in places where hatred once grew. For the glory of Your name and the healing of this land, we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Sudan War Monitor·Prayer·

Sudan risks deeper hunger crisis due to war, aid cuts and Hormuz disruption, says WFP

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, July 14 (Reuters) - Sudan risks sliding backwards into deeper hunger as conflict, aid funding cuts and rising agricultural costs driven by disruption linked to the Iran war threaten to reverse gains made after famine took hold in parts of the…

Pray →God of Provision, we lift up the people of Sudan as they face the threat of hunger in the midst of conflict and disrupted aid. As You sustained Israel with manna in the wilderness, so we ask You to provide for the families of Sudan in their present need, making a way where there seems no way. Restrain the forces that deepen scarcity and disrupt peace, and open the hearts of leaders and nations to respond with generosity and compassion. Reveal Jesus as the Bread of Life to those who hunger, and let the church in Sudan be a beacon of hope and a source of tangible aid. In Your faithful provision, let Sudan know You as their refuge and supply, to the glory of Your name. Amen.

Al-Monitor·Prayer·

Pakistan’s Ahmadiyya Community Is Being Persecuted in Plain Sight

Extremist-led mob violence in Pakistan often leads to further persecution – at the hands of the state.

Pray →Eternal King, we bring before You the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, suffering under both mob violence and state persecution. You see the despised and the oppressed, and You do not abandon them. Establish Your justice in this land where injustice prevails, and let righteousness flow like a mighty river. Reveal Jesus as the Prince of Peace in every heart, from the persecuted to the persecutor, and let His rule have no end in Pakistan. Turn the hearts of government leaders toward Your ways, that they might govern with wisdom and compassion. Protect the innocent, sustain the weary, and let light shine in the darkness of this oppression. For the glory of Your enduring kingdom, we ask this. Amen.

The Diplomat·Prayer·

Maharashtra Orders Audit of Christian Properties

On July 8, the government of the Indian state of Maharashtra ordered a time-bound, statewide audit of land parcels owned by churches and Christian missionary organizations to identify illegal encroachments, disputed land titles, and unauthorized transfers dating back to the…

Pray →Ancient of Days, we bring before You the state of Maharashtra, where an audit has been ordered on properties owned by churches and Christian organizations. You know all things from beginning to end, and nothing is hidden from Your sight. Establish justice and truth, and ensure that these audits do not become tools for oppression or fear. Guard the hearts of believers and leaders in Maharashtra, granting wisdom and discernment in the face of scrutiny. Let not the truth be overshadowed by falsehoods or suspicion, and guide the process towards fairness and integrity. Reveal Jesus to officials and those involved in this audit, that they may see Your righteousness and mercy. May Your Church in Maharashtra stand firm and rooted in Your love, bearing witness to Your faithfulness. We ask this for the honor of Your name. Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

More than 260,000 people evacuated as Typhoon Bavi brings severe floods to mainland China

Typhoon Bavi is the longest-lasting tropical cyclone in the region this year and the most powerful storm to hit China in 2026.

Pray →God of all Wonders, we lift up the communities across China enduring the devastation of Typhoon Bavi. You spoke to the waves and they were still; speak now into the chaos of floods and displacement. Shelter the many thousands who have been evacuated, and provide for their immediate needs in this time of upheaval. Reveal Jesus as the One who calms the storm to the fearful and weary, and let Your peace dwell among them. Strengthen those who are aiding in relief and rescue efforts, and let Your compassion flow through their hands. May this time of distress become a moment of grace, turning hearts toward the one true Refuge. In the name of Christ who commands the wind and the waves, we pray. Amen.

The Jerusalem Post·Prayer·

Majority of Blasphemy Cases in Pakistan ‘Fabricated,’ Officials Say

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Officials in Pakistan last week reported to a parliamentary committee that a majority of 333 blasphemy cases registered in the past five years in four provinces were fabricated, according to media reports.

Morning Star News··

Record El Niño threatens to unleash floods across East Africa and Asia

Aid groups warn a record-strength El Niño could unleash flooding and hunger from Somalia to Pakistan.

Pray →God of the Storm and the Stillness, we lift before You the lands of East Africa and Asia as they brace for the impact of a record-strength El Niño. In Your power, You have spoken to the wind and the waves, and they have obeyed. We ask You to still the chaos that threatens these regions and protect the vulnerable from floods and hunger. Guard the fields and homes of the people in Somalia and Pakistan, and let their harvests not be destroyed. Reveal Jesus to those who have not yet known Him, that even in calamity, hearts may turn to find refuge in Your everlasting arms. Strengthen the hands of aid workers, and let Your mercy flow through every act of kindness. For the sake of Your glory and the salvation of many, we entrust these lands to Your care, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Al Jazeera·Prayer·

Pastor and wife detained as China’s house church crackdown continues

(Wuhan, Hubei Province, China — July 13, 2026) Authorities in central China have escalated their case against a house church pastor, transferring him to a detention center after he completed a 15-day administrative detention instead of releasing him as expected, according to…

Pray →God of Justice and Mercy, we lift to You the pastor and his wife detained in Wuhan, as well as all house churches facing growing pressure in China. You see their suffering and hold their tears in Your hands, for You have promised to be near to the brokenhearted and to save those crushed in spirit. Establish Your peace within the hearts of these believers, and let Your presence be their refuge as they endure. Reveal Jesus to the officials and authorities, that even in prisons, Your light may shine and souls turn to Christ. Strengthen the church in China with faith that cannot be shaken, and let Your Kingdom advance despite opposition, for Your glory and name’s sake. Amen.

ChinaAid·Prayer·

Israeli guards injure Palestinian leader Barghouti with rubber bullet: family

Israeli prison guards shot jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti in the leg with a rubber bullet last week, his family said Monday, an incident denied by Israeli prison authorities. "One of the prison guards fired a rubber bullet at Marwan's leg, causing him to bleed and…

Al-Monitor··

UN official says Hamas obstructing delivery of aid in Gaza

A United Nations official has accused Hamas of interfering with humanitarian aid distribution in the Gaza Strip, adding further pressure on civilians already facing severe shortages and worsening living conditions.

Pray →God of Compassion and Truth, we bring before You the people of Gaza, where aid is hindered and lives are burdened by severe shortages. You are the God who hears the cries of the afflicted and sees the suffering of the oppressed. Establish Your justice in this land, and let truth prevail over every obstruction. We ask You to move the hearts of those in power toward mercy and righteousness, that aid might flow freely to those in need. Reveal Jesus as the true source of hope and peace to the people of Gaza, including those who obstruct and those who suffer. Sustain the believers in Gaza, that they may shine as lights in a dark place, and let the testimony of Your love reach even the hardest of hearts. May Your peace and provision be known for the glory of Your name. Amen.

AnewZ·Prayer·