Watchman Wire

Watchman Wire

Dispatches for the persecuted church

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 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 Kyrgyzstan — July 17, 2026

Most High God, we thank You for Bilal and the work of covenant prayer he is leading in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. As he helps others put You in remembrance, guide their teams to pray honestly before Your face. Let their words be clear, humble, and aligned with Your truth. In Isaiah 43:26 — “Put me in remembrance. Let us plead together. Declare your case, that you may be justified” — You invite Your servants to bring their case before You. Lord, teach Bilal and the believers in Bishkek how to plead with You for their city without accusation or pride. Let them declare Your promises with clean hearts. Where there is confusion, bring light. Where there is spiritual hunger, send faithful witnesses. Let Jesus be known as the One who forgives and makes people new. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Latest dispatches

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··

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·
Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Kyrgyzstan — July 17, 2026

Most High God, we thank You for Bilal and the work of covenant prayer he is leading in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. As he helps others put You in remembrance, guide their teams to pray honestly before Your face. Let their words be clear, humble, and aligned with Your truth. In Isaiah 43:26 — “Put me in remembrance. Let us plead together. Declare your case, that you may be justified” — You invite Your servants to bring their case before You. Lord, teach Bilal and the believers in Bishkek how to plead with You for their city without accusation or pride. Let them declare Your promises with clean hearts. Where there is confusion, bring light. Where there is spiritual hunger, send faithful witnesses. Let Jesus be known as the One who forgives and makes people new. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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·

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·

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··