Watchman Wire

Watchman Wire

Dispatches for the persecuted church

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026
But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36
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Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Kazakhstan — July 15, 2026

Patient God, we thank You for Karim and the prayer work he is leading in Almaty, Kazakhstan. As he helps others wait before You, guide their prayer teams to wait without becoming passive. Give the house churches of prayer hope in Your Word and the sensitivity to not hurry ahead of You. As Your Word declares in Psalm 130:5 — “I wait for Yahweh. My soul waits. I hope in His word” — we ask You to teach Karim and the believers in Almaty to wait with faith. Strengthen them when obedience requires patience. Let Your Word become the anchor beneath their work. Form communities that pray before they act and listen before they speak. Draw seekers who are tired of empty promises. Let the hope of Christ become clear and compelling throughout this city. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Latest dispatches

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··

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·

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·

Three Palestinians killed, 15 wounded in Israeli attacks across Gaza

Israel shows no sign of letting up its attacks on the devastated Palestinian territory, despite a 'ceasefire' in place.

Pray →God of Compassion and Justice, we lift up the people of Gaza, where violence has taken lives and sowed fear once more. You see the suffering of families caught in the crossfire, and Your heart grieves at the devastation in their midst. In Your mercy, bring comfort to the bereaved and healing to the wounded. Let Your peace descend upon this land, silencing the weapons that bring destruction. Reveal Jesus to those who are hardened by conflict, that His light might break through the shadows of hatred. Guard the believers in Gaza, and grant them courage and hope as they bear witness to Your love. Establish Your justice in Gaza, and allow Your righteousness to shine forth for all to see. For the sake of Your name, we trust in Your unfailing love to bring restoration. Amen.

Al Jazeera·Prayer·

Bangladesh: Landslides Deadly for Rohingya Refugees

Click to expand Image Rescuers work at the site of a landslide at a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, July 8, 2026. © 2026 Shamimul Islam Faisal/AP Photo (Bangkok) – The deadly risks facing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh were evident from landslides in July…

Pray →God of Refuge and Strength, we lift up the Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar who face peril from landslides and other dangers. You see the displaced and the vulnerable, and You promise to be a shelter in the storm. Establish safety within the camps, and let Your protection cover those who have lost so much. Reveal Jesus to the Rohingya community in their distress, and open the eyes of those who govern and manage these lands to act with compassion and justice. Guide the rescuers and aid workers with wisdom and strength as they serve the afflicted. May Your peace, which transcends understanding, guard the hearts and minds of all who are fearful and grieving. For Your name's sake, bring hope and restoration. Amen.

Human Rights Watch·Prayer·

Iran tightens control over Strait of Hormuz, suspending maritime traffic

TEHRAN- Iran has suspended maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and intensified its control over the world's most strategically important energy corridor, accusing the United States of violating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by attempting to impose…

Tehran Times··

Venezuela sets up temporary housing, as death toll rises to almost 4,500

As the official death toll from the devastating earthquakes which struck northern Venezuela last month continues to rise, authorities are planning to set up temporary housing to shelter thousands of people left homeless.

Pray →Compassionate Redeemer, we bring before You the people of northern Venezuela, afflicted by earthquakes and loss. You are near to the brokenhearted, and we ask that You surround these grieving families with Your presence. Establish the temporary housing as sanctuaries of healing and restoration, where hope and protection can flourish. Strengthen those who labor to build these homes, and let them be places where lives are mended and community is rebuilt. Reveal Jesus to the officials and workers who serve in this crisis, that they may find wisdom and compassion in His ways. For the comfort and transformation of this land, we entrust our prayer to You. Amen.

Deutsche Welle (World)·Prayer·

Girl, 9, among at least six killed in Israeli Gaza attacks - say Palestinian officials

A nine-year-old girl was among at least six people killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza on Sunday, according to Palestinian health officials.

Pray →God of all Comfort, we lift up the people of Gaza, where the recent violence has claimed lives, including that of a young girl. Amidst the sorrow and loss, You remain the One who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts those who mourn. Hold her family and build a community around them of people who speak Your comfort and love. Establish a peace that surpasses understanding in this land of conflict, and restrain the hands that seek further violence. Reveal Jesus to grieving families, to those caught in cycles of retaliation, and to leaders who hold the power to choose peace or war. Let Your love break through the darkness, and may mercy flow where hatred has taken root. In the name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, Amen.

Sky News (World)·Prayer·

Israel Prison Service restricts Red Cross visits to Palestinian prisoners despite High Court ruling

A month after the High Court struck down a blanket ban on visits placed after Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, the Israel Prison Service introduced new rules hindering their implementation

Pray →God of Justice and Compassion, we lift up the prisoners in Israel and the occupied territories, who face restricted visitation despite the recent High Court ruling. You see those in confinement and know their cries. Establish Your justice in these places, and let Your righteousness roll down like waters across this land. Reveal Jesus to both the authorities and those in confinement, breaking through walls of hostility with the power of Your love. Sustain the families longing for reunion and keep their hope alive. Guide the Red Cross and other advocates as they work for justice and mercy. You have promised that mercy will triumph over judgment. We entrust these prisoners and their families to Your unfailing care, for the sake of Your name. Amen.

Haaretz·Prayer·
Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Kazakhstan — July 15, 2026

Patient God, we thank You for Karim and the prayer work he is leading in Almaty, Kazakhstan. As he helps others wait before You, guide their prayer teams to wait without becoming passive. Give the house churches of prayer hope in Your Word and the sensitivity to not hurry ahead of You. As Your Word declares in Psalm 130:5 — “I wait for Yahweh. My soul waits. I hope in His word” — we ask You to teach Karim and the believers in Almaty to wait with faith. Strengthen them when obedience requires patience. Let Your Word become the anchor beneath their work. Form communities that pray before they act and listen before they speak. Draw seekers who are tired of empty promises. Let the hope of Christ become clear and compelling throughout this city. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Israeli settlers attack foreign reporters in West Bank Palestinian village

The attack on journalists was among at least 20 incidents of settler violence reported across the West Bank over the weekend, including assaults, armed threats, property damage, trespassing and clashes that led to arrests by Israeli security forces, according to Palestinian…

Haaretz··

Israeli attacks in Gaza kill six people, including a girl, medics say

By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO, July 12 (Reuters) - Israeli attacks killed at least six people in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, including a 9-year-old girl, Palestinian health officials said, as mediators held more talks to safeguard the U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

Al-Monitor··

Three wounded, including child, by falling shrapnel after Iranian attacks, Qatar says

Three individuals, including a child, were wounded by falling shrapnel following Iranian attacks, according to reports from Qatar.

Pray →God of Comfort and Healing, we bring before You the wounded in Qatar, victims of shrapnel's reach, including a child caught in the turmoil. You are near to the brokenhearted and save those crushed in spirit. Reach into their injuries and bring healing of spirit, soul, and body, align them to You and your heart towards them. We ask You to restrain the violence that endangers the innocent and reveal Jesus in the midst of chaos. Open the eyes of those who wield power and violence, that they might see Your light and turn from destruction. Strengthen Your people in Qatar to be agents of peace, and let their witness be a beacon in dark times. To the One who heals and restores, we entrust these petitions, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Haaretz·Prayer·

Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge for father's killing

Iran's supreme leader said Iran "demands" retribution for his father's assassination in an airstrike. Meanwhile, Trump has threatened to "completely decimate" Iran should it attempt to assassinate him.

Deutsche Welle (World)··

More than 40 kidnapped children and teachers freed after Nigerian army operation

"I feel happy and elated… I feel joy," the head of the local teachers' union tells the BBC.

Pray →God of Deliverance, we lift up the children and teachers of Nigeria, recently freed after a harrowing ordeal. You are the One who rescues and redeems, bringing joy where fear once ruled. We praise You for the courage and relief now felt by families and communities who waited in anguish. Establish Your peace in the hearts of these children and teachers, guarding them with Your steadfast love. Let their testimony of freedom spread hope to others still in captivity. Reveal Jesus to those who orchestrated this violence, that they might turn from darkness to light. Strengthen the Nigerian church to be a beacon of Your love and mercy, drawing many to the light of Christ. For Your name's sake, let Your glory be known in Nigeria. Amen.

BBC News (World)·Prayer·

More than 4,300 confirmed dead in Venezuela earthquakes

The number of people confirmed dead after the devastating back-to-back earthquakes that hit Venezuela last month has risen to more than 4,300.

Pray →God of All Comfort, we lift up the people of Venezuela, devastated by the recent earthquakes that have claimed thousands of lives. You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. Bring healing to those who mourn and sustain families as they navigate this deep sorrow. Reveal Your peace to the communities grappling with loss, and let Your presence be their refuge and strength. Raise up neighbors to bind up the wounds of the afflicted, and let those who do not yet know You encounter the hope of Jesus in their midst. Restore the land and the hearts within it, that they may know Your goodness even in the ruins. We entrust Venezuela to Your mercy and ask these things in the name of Jesus, who is our hope and our salvation. Amen.

Sky News (World)·Prayer·

Iran strikes Gulf neighbours after new US attacks

Tehran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours, in retaliation for new US strikes following an attack by Iranian forces on a merchant vessel that was abandoned in flames by its crew.

Al-Monitor··

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·

‘We are the lost generation of Sudan’: Students in exile

Years of conflict have left thousands of Sudanese students struggling to continue their education in exile.

Pray →God of Hope, we lift up the Sudanese students in exile, burdened by the weight of conflict and the loss of their homeland. You see their dreams and aspirations, hindered by circumstances beyond their control, and You are near to the brokenhearted. Establish pathways for their education to continue, and let wisdom dwell richly among them. Reveal Jesus to those who feel forgotten and lost, and guide educators and leaders to support these students with compassion and resources. Let the light of Your presence be their guide in the darkness of displacement, and restore the years the locusts have eaten, bringing beauty from the ashes of their past. In the name of Jesus, our Hope and Redeemer, Amen.

Al Jazeera·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·