Watchman Wire

Watchman Wire

Dispatches for the persecuted church

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2026
O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord. Isaiah 62:6
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Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Indonesia — July 12, 2026

Living Hope, we thank You for Aisha and the work of Scripture-shaped prayer she is leading in Makassar, Indonesia. As she trains others to remember what You have spoken, guide their teams to keep hope stronger than weariness. Let Your Word steady their hearts as they pray for their city. As Your Word declares in Psalm 119:49 — “Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope” — we ask You to remember Your Word over Makassar. Strengthen Aisha and the believers who stand with her. When they feel isolated or alone, give them hope from Your promises. When progress seems slow, keep their hearts from shrinking. Let Your Word be prayed in homes and whispered in difficult places. Cause many to find hope in Jesus, the living Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Latest dispatches

Fears grow that entire Tehran church compound may be demolished

There are growing concerns that the oldest Protestant church in Iran, and its surrounding buildings, may be demolished, after residents were ordered to evacuate by tomorrow. Several of the 20 Assyrian and Armenian families who live in the St Peter’s church compound in Tehran…

Pray →God of All Comfort, we lift up the ancient Protestant church in Tehran and the families dwelling within its compound. As the threat of demolition looms, be their strong refuge and strength. Just as Jesus stood after His resurrection, let this church stand firm as a witness to Your enduring presence. Fill the hearts of the believers with peace that surpasses understanding, guarding them in Christ Jesus. Reveal Jesus to the officials and those who seek to dismantle what has been a sanctuary for many. May the story of this church proclaim the hope of resurrection and new life throughout Tehran and beyond. For the glory of Your name, we trust in Your power to sustain and uphold. Amen.

Article18·Prayer·

Report Confirms Fulani Militias Responsible for Majority of Deaths in Nigeria

According to a six-year study conducted by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), Islamic Fulani militias are by far the deadliest persecutors of Christians in Nigeria. The network of militias is responsible for four times more civilian deaths than the two…

Pray →God of Justice and Compassion, we lift up the people of Nigeria where Fulani militias have devastated communities and claimed many lives. You see the suffering and hear the cries of those who mourn. Guard the believers who find themselves under threat, and sustain them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Restrain the hands of the violent, and dismantle the networks that perpetuate such harm. Reveal Jesus to the persecutors, that they might turn from their ways and find new life in Him. Let Your righteousness roll down like waters and Your justice like an ever-flowing stream. Establish Your rule of peace and mercy in Nigeria, that all might see Your glory. In the name of Christ, our Redeemer, Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

Protest Erupts in Pakistan after Christian Framed for ‘Blasphemy’

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A violent protest erupted in Karachi, Pakistan on Thursday (July 9) after unidentified persons mailed a desecrated page of the Quran to a Muslim shopkeeper along with photographs of a Christian and his mother…

Pray →God of Justice and Peace, we lift up Karachi where chaos and tension have gripped the streets following accusations against a Christian brother. You see the fear and unrest that overshadow this city, and You do not abandon the oppressed or the falsely accused. Establish Your peace in these tumultuous places, and shine Your light in the darkness that seeks to consume hearts. Reveal Jesus to those who are caught in the cycle of accusation and violence, to the families filled with fear, and to those who scheme in shadows. Strengthen the believers in Pakistan to stand firm in truth and love, and let Your justice roll down like waters, cleansing and renewing this land. Through Christ our Lord, who calls us to love our enemies, we pray. Amen.

Morning Star News·Prayer·

Iran has asked to continue talks and the US agreed, Trump says

July 10 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States had agreed to talks with Iran after Tehran asked to continue negotiations, while stressing that the June ceasefire between the two nations was over.

Pray →God of Peace and Reconciliation, we lift up Iran and the United States as they prepare to engage in renewed talks. You are the One who causes wars to cease and who speaks peace to the nations. Establish pathways of understanding and mutual respect between these leaders, and let wisdom guide every conversation. Reveal Jesus to those who sit at negotiating tables, and let them seek true peace for the sake of their people. Guard the Middle East from further conflict, and let justice and righteousness take root in this region. For the glory of Your name and the healing of nations, we ask these things, trusting in Your unending mercy. Amen.

Al-Monitor·Prayer·

Trump says US, Iran agree to continue talks but ceasefire over

By Steve Holland and Enas Alashray WASHINGTON/CAIRO, July 11 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said the U.S. and Iran had agreed to continue talks despite an escalation of hostilities this week but he declared that the ceasefire reached between the two sides last month was…

Al-Monitor··

Pregnant Woman Flees Fulani Militia

Hours before giving birth to her first child, a 22-year-old mother became a widow after an Islamic Fulani militia attacked her rural community in Nigeria. The attack, which occurred between June 21 and June 22, claimed 22 lives.

Pray →God of All Comfort, we lift up the grieving and displaced in Nigeria, where violence has shattered lives and communities. Even as despair and loss surround them, You remain a refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Sustain the young mother who now faces a future without her husband, and embrace her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Reveal Jesus to those who sow violence, and turn hearts from destruction to reconciliation. Let Your righteousness and peace be established in Nigeria, and strengthen the Church to stand firm in hope and compassion. May Your light shine in the darkness and draw many to Your saving grace. We trust in Your unfailing love and pray in the name of Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

Typhoon Bavi: Taiwan, Japan and China face disruption after 17 killed in Philippines

The storm has triggered deadly landslides in the Philippines, knocked out power in Japan and Taiwan, and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate in China ahead of its expected landfall.

Pray →Lord of Creation, who commands the wind and the waves, we lift before You the people of the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and China as they face the fury of Typhoon Bavi. You see the destruction and fear left in its path, and You alone can speak peace to the storm. Protect those now evacuating, bring healing to the injured, and comfort to grieving families. Reveal Jesus as the shelter and hope for all affected, and let His name be known among those who seek refuge. Guard the hearts of those who have lost homes and livelihoods, and restore what has been broken for the glory of Your name. You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Amen.

Deutsche Welle (World)·Prayer·

Authorities Detain Elderly Bishop in Nicaragua

An elderly bishop, who has a pacemaker and is a cancer survivor, was subjected to short-term arbitrary detention on June 29 and 30 in Estelí, Nicaragua. Bishop Juan Abelardo Mata Guevara serves as bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Estelí.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

West Bengal Christians Move to Counter ‘Malicious Propaganda’

A statewide mobilization program to counter an alleged surge of fabricated social media content and false allegations of mass religious conversions has been announced by West Bengal’s top Christian body on July 3.

Pray →God of Truth, we lift up the Christians of West Bengal as they mobilize to counter false allegations and malicious propaganda. You are the One who upholds the cause of truth and righteousness, and Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Sustain these believers with wisdom and courage, that they may stand firm in the face of deception and falsehood. Reveal Jesus to those spreading lies and to those who hear them, that all may come to know the One who is the truth. Guard the hearts and minds of Your people and let Your light shine through them in every community. For the glory of Your name, we pray. Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

Protests threaten to spiral out of control after rape and murder of girl, 12, in India

Violent protests are threating to spiral out of control in India after the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl.

Pray →God of Justice and Compassion, we bring before You the turmoil in India following the tragic death of a young girl. You are the One who hears the cries of the innocent and sees the anguish of the oppressed. In this moment of chaos and grief, establish Your peace in the hearts of the grieving families and communities. Restrain the violence that seeks to consume the streets and protect the vulnerable from further harm. Let Your righteousness roll down like waters to bring justice for the victim and wisdom to those in authority. Reveal Jesus to those who are angry and hurting, that they may find solace and transformation in Him. For the honor of Your holy name, bring healing and restoration to this land, we pray. Amen.

Sky News (World)·Prayer·

Four Generations of Slavery Broken in a Single Day

At A Glance: After 30+ years in the brick kilns, Mumtaz received the message he had been waiting for: You are free. Mumtaz’ family had suffered through four generations of the same slavery. Through all of it, Mumtaz held onto the hopeful images of Psalm 23.

Pray →God of Freedom and Deliverance, we lift up Mumtaz and his family, now released from the bondage of generations. You have heard the cries of the oppressed and broken the chains that held them captive. Let thanksgiving arise from their newfound liberty, and establish their steps in a land of peace and hope. Reveal Jesus to those in the brick kilns still laboring under oppression, and turn the hearts of those who wield power over them. Let Your light shine in the darkest places, and let justice roll on like a river through this land. For the glory of Your name, we ask these things, trusting in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Amen.

Global Christian Relief·Prayer·

Macron Visit Highlights Syria’s Uncertain Future for Religious Minorities

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa had hoped to showcase his country’s transformation toward democracy during French President Emmanuel Macron’s historic visit to Damascus this week. Instead, the visit was overshadowed by violence after explosions in the capital injured at least…

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

Community Appeals to U.S. Government After Fulani Militias Kill Christian Worker, 3 Others

Community leaders in Plateau state, Nigeria, are appealing for international attention after the killing of a Christian church worker and community leader, John Telle Danjuma, and the separate killing of three people at a mining site in a nearby community.

Pray →God of Justice and Comfort, we lift up Plateau state in Nigeria, where violence has taken the lives of John Telle Danjuma and others. You see the grief and fear that grip these communities, and Your heart is near to the brokenhearted. Establish Your peace where militias sow terror and confusion, and let righteousness flow like a river through these regions. Reveal Jesus to those who perpetuate violence, that they may turn from destruction and seek Your ways. Strengthen the believers in Plateau state, granting them courage and hope in the face of persecution. Let them shine as lights in the darkness, reflecting the love and truth of Christ. For the sake of Your name and Kingdom, we entrust these communities to Your care. In Jesus' name, Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

Lahore Court Acquits Blind Christian Man in Falsified Blasphemy Case

Nadeem Masih, a visually impaired Christian accused of blasphemy, has been acquitted by a court in Lahore, Pakistan, after spending 10 distressing months in prison. Lahore Additional Sessions Judge Saad Salman Khan ordered Masih’s acquittal due to the prosecution’s failure to…

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

Ten children among at least 13 killed in separate Bangladesh landslides

At least five children have died in a landslide caused by heavy monsoon rains in Bangladesh, two days after eight people, including five children, died in a separate landslide in the country.

Pray →God of all Comfort, we lift up the people of Bangladesh who mourn the loss of loved ones after devastating landslides. You see the sorrow of families grieving their children, and You hear their cries. Be near to them in their anguish, and let Your comfort flow like a river to their hearts. Establish a refuge for those in danger, and guide the response efforts with Your wisdom and compassion. Reveal Jesus as the hope and light in the midst of this darkness, that many might find comfort in His presence. Bring beauty from ashes, and let Your peace that surpasses understanding guard the hearts and minds of those affected. We entrust Bangladesh to Your steadfast love, in the name of Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen.

Sky News (World)·Prayer·
Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Indonesia — July 12, 2026

Living Hope, we thank You for Aisha and the work of Scripture-shaped prayer she is leading in Makassar, Indonesia. As she trains others to remember what You have spoken, guide their teams to keep hope stronger than weariness. Let Your Word steady their hearts as they pray for their city. As Your Word declares in Psalm 119:49 — “Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope” — we ask You to remember Your Word over Makassar. Strengthen Aisha and the believers who stand with her. When they feel isolated or alone, give them hope from Your promises. When progress seems slow, keep their hearts from shrinking. Let Your Word be prayed in homes and whispered in difficult places. Cause many to find hope in Jesus, the living Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Lebanon: Israeli attacks killing children, wiping out families must be investigated as war crimes

Three Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon in March 2026 that killed 24 civilians – 12 of them children – wiping out families, must be investigated as war crimes, Amnesty International said today. The organization investigated three Israeli attacks that destroyed civilian…

Pray →God of Justice and Reconciliation, we lift up the families of southern Lebanon who have suffered great loss and the communities in Israel living under constant threat. You see the devastation that war leaves behind, and Your heart is for the children lost and the families shattered by violence. Establish Your peace in this land where both Jew and Gentile long for safety and hope. Reveal Jesus as the true peace for those who mourn on both sides, and let His salvation flow across borders, binding up the brokenhearted and setting the captives free. Raise up voices of reconciliation among leaders and communities, and let justice roll down like waters. We trust in Your mercy and sovereignty, believing that You can bring beauty from ashes. For the sake of Your great name, Amen.

Amnesty International·Prayer·

DR Congo: Tensions mount over planned constitutional referendum

Tensions are rising in DR Congo over plans to introduce a new constitution. The opposition accuses President Tshisekedi of using it to seek a third term but has postponed planned protests following an AU mediation offer.

Deutsche Welle (World)··

China’s Regime-Controlled Three-Self Church: What Kind of Pastors?

A Chinese Christian reflects on clergy forced to choose between faith and state policy. Some betray the Scripture, others try to create a narrow space for survival. The post China’s Regime-Controlled Three-Self Church: What Kind of Pastors? first appeared on Bitter Winter.

Bitter Winter··

ICC Releases 2026 Global Persecution Index

International Christian Concern (ICC) has released its 2026 Global Persecution Index (GPI), offering an in-depth analysis of the persecution Christians face in more than 20 countries, including personal testimonies from believers, titled Faces of the Persecuted.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

The Chinese Communist Party Teaches Tibetan Buddhism to Tibetan Buddhists

In yet another ridiculous attempt to rewrite history for propaganda purposes, Beijing fakes the origin of Buddhist teachings and belittles India. The post The Chinese Communist Party Teaches Tibetan Buddhism to Tibetan Buddhists first appeared on Bitter Winter.

Bitter Winter··

Tensions Inflamed by Blasphemy Accusation in Pakistan

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – More than two dozen Christian families were forced to flee their homes in Pakistan last week after allegations of blasphemy against a pastor living in the United States triggered fears of mob violence, sources…

Morning Star News··

Christian Campus Group Leaders in Nigeria Remain Missing

ABUJA, Nigeria (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Three weeks after the kidnapping of Scripture Union Nigeria’s national general director in southeast Nigeria, he and seven other fellowship leaders remain missing, according to reports.

Pray →God of All Comfort, we lift the nation of Nigeria to You, where the leaders of Scripture Union Nigeria remain missing. You are the One who searches hearts and knows every hidden thing — sustain these leaders in their captivity and let their faith not waver. Deliver them from darkness, and let the light of Your presence fill the places they are held. Reveal Jesus to their captors, that even those who now walk in darkness might see a great light and turn from their ways. Strengthen the believers across Nigeria to stand firm in hope and truth. In the name of Jesus, who sets captives free, we pray. Amen.

Morning Star News·Prayer·

Christian convert returns to Evin Prison after medical leave

A Christian convert has returned to Evin Prison after four months’ medical leave. Hannah Gholami, 36, returned to prison on 29 June, having been out on leave since shortly before the war. Hannah is serving a two-year sentence on “national security” charges related to her…

Article18··

Christian in Pakistan Acquitted of Blasphemy Charge

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A court in Pakistan on Monday (July 6) acquitted a Catholic accused of blasphemy, his lawyer said. Attorney Asad Jamal of the Lahore High Court said Lahore Additional Sessions Judge Abdul Ghaffar acquitted…

Morning Star News··

Venezuela defends quake response as death toll reaches 3,342

The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,342, according to the country's information ministry, as rescue teams continue searching affected areas and survivors face an uncertain recovery.

AnewZ··

Pastor Jin Mingri’s July 4 Release: What Does It Mean?

Xi Jinping’s “gift” to Donald Trump analyzed by a Chinese Christian. We are grateful for Pastor Jin, but we cannot forget that many other Christians are still in prison. The post Pastor Jin Mingri’s July 4 Release: What Does It Mean? first appeared on Bitter Winter.

Bitter Winter··