Watchman Wire

Watchman Wire

Dispatches for the persecuted church

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 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 Niger — July 23, 2026

Gracious Lord, we thank You for Moussa and the ministry of persevering prayer he is leading in Niamey, Niger. As he calls others to keep coming before You, guide their teams not to mistake delay for refusal. Give them prayers that continue because Your heart is good. In Luke 11:8 — “Yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs” — You show us that persistence matters before You. Father, strengthen Moussa and the believers in Niamey when fruit is slow. Teach the church there to ask for what is needed for faithful witness. Provide bread for the weary and courage for those afraid to follow Jesus openly. Let persistent prayer become a doorway for mercy. Meet the needs of Your servants. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Latest dispatches

Priest Killed After Baptizing 175 People

A day after he baptized 175 people, a 36-year-old Catholic priest was killed by gunmen in the Central African Republic. Father Crépin Martial Monga, vicar of St. John the Baptist Parish in Zémio, in the Diocese of Bangassou, was shot in the head at around 6:40 p.m.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

The US missionary who spent nine weeks in Evin Prison

This is the true story of a US missionary who travelled to Iran on a two-week tourist visa but ended up being detained for a further nine weeks in the country’s notorious Evin Prison, where he was threatened with the death sentence.

Article18··

Muslims Protest Construction of Church Building in Indonesia

SURABAYA, Indonesia (Morning Star News) – Muslims in Indonesia on July 7 protested construction of a church building in South Sulawesi Province, falsely claiming it had not fulfilled legal requirements, sources said.

Morning Star News··

Lawyer who defended Christians released on bail after two months in prison

A lawyer who has defended political prisoners including several Iranian Christians has been released on bail after over two months in Adel Abad Prison in Shiraz. Bahar Sahraian was released on Tuesday, 21 July, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

Article18··

Ethnic Unity Law: Veteran Wuhan Dissident Arrested in Lhasa

Zhang Yi is a former leader of the 1989 students’ movement who has continued to defend civic rights despite repeated punishment and torture. The post Ethnic Unity Law: Veteran Wuhan Dissident Arrested in Lhasa first appeared on Bitter Winter.

Bitter Winter··

Catholic convert’s hand fractured in Evin Prison beating

An imprisoned Iranian Christian convert was beaten yesterday, resulting in a broken bone in her left hand, after protesting against worsening conditions inside the women’s ward of Tehran’s Evin Prison.

Article18··

Girl Receives Death Threats after Finding New Life in Christ

Born into a Muslim family in Haroji Wado, a community near Ethiopia’s western border with Sudan, 14-year-old Fatuma’s life changed after she decided to follow Christ in November 2025. Instead of finding acceptance, she became the target of persecution from her community and…

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··

Ebola Moving Faster Response Head Africa Cdc Warns

The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in over 1,700 confirmed cases and 580 deaths, with health officials warning that treatment centers are overwhelmed and urgent action is needed to contain the virus.

Pray →Almighty Healer, we lift up the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Ebola outbreak has brought suffering and urgency. You are the refuge and strength for the weary, a very present help in times of trouble. Pour out Your healing Spirit upon this land, that health and strength might be restored among those stricken by the virus and those being support to the sick would be immune from all germs and virus strands. Sustain the overwhelmed health workers and give wisdom to those coordinating relief efforts. Reveal Jesus to families grieving their losses, to officials navigating this crisis, and to communities living in fear. Let Your mercy flow like a river, bringing healing and peace where sickness and despair have taken root. In Your hands, we trust the future of this region, for the glory of Your name. Amen.

thenewhumanitarian.org·Prayer·

Sudanese return home to a capital unready to welcome them

In the year since the Sudanese army recaptured the capital Khartoum from a paramilitary force that had seized it ‌at the outset of civil war in 2023, more than 2 million of the 5 million people who fled their homes in the city have returned.

Reuters··

Sudan’s maternity wards reopen, bringing hope amid war struggles

Sudan’s maternity wards reopen, bringing hope and safe deliveries to mothers navigating post-war economic hardships.

Pray →God of New Beginnings, we lift up the people of Sudan as maternity wards reopen, bringing hope and safe deliveries for mothers and babies amid post-war struggles. You who knit each child together in their mother's womb, let Your peace and protection surround these families in their time of joy and vulnerability. Establish these places of healing as sanctuaries of life and hope, and provide for the needs of mothers and children navigating economic hardships. Reveal Jesus as the source of comfort and strength to healthcare workers and families alike. Show them Jesus the Provider and Sustainer of all. Strengthen the church in Sudan to be a beacon of love and support for their communities, and let Your light shine in every corner of this land. May Your goodness and mercy follow them all the days of their lives, for Your glory and in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Al Jazeera·Prayer·

Türkiye extends education support for 2023 earthquake survivors

The Higher Education Council (YÖK) has extended the 'special student' status for university students affected by the devastating Feb. 6, 2023, earthquakes for another academic year...

Pray →God of New Beginnings, we lift up the university students in Türkiye who continue their education amidst the aftermath of the February earthquakes. We praise You for the tangible support extended to them, reflecting Your heart for growth and restoration even in hardship. Sustain these students in their studies, granting them wisdom and resilience. As they dive into their studies oven their eyes to see and learn about You and Your truths and identity over them. Let their perseverance through adversity be a testament to Your faithfulness. Establish peace and security in their hearts, and reveal Jesus to the broader communities affected by this tragedy. May Your light shine through their journey, bringing hope and healing to their land. In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer, Amen.

Daily Sabah (Türkiye)·Prayer·

Extremists Abduct Pastor’s Wife, 3 Children in Nigeria

Islamic terrorists, suspected to be Boko Haram or the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), abducted the wife of a pastor and their three children on Saturday, July 18, along the Maiduguri-Damasak highway in Northeast Nigeria.

Pray →God of All Comfort, we bring before You the family torn apart by abduction along the Maiduguri-Damasak highway in Nigeria. You are near to the brokenhearted, and we entrust this pastor, his wife, and their children into Your care. Deliver them from their captors and let Your presence be their refuge amidst fear and uncertainty. Sustain the pastor's wife with wisdom and revelation for how to communicate and interact with her captors and through her children remind the captors of their own families. Soften their hearts to this family and through them to You. That they would turn from their wicked ways and seek You as Saul on the road to Damascus. Reveal Your light to those who walk in darkness, and let the knowledge of Jesus flood the hearts of the abductors. May Your peace surpass all understanding for the believers in Nigeria who endure such trials. Strengthen the church there with courage and hope as they bear witness to Your love. In Your mercy, let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream. For the glory of Your name, Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

Desperate families search rubble weeks after Venezuela earthquakes

Families in Venezuela search through the rubble of their homes, weeks after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes hit.

Pray →God of All Comfort, we bring before You the people of Venezuela as they sift through the ruins left by recent earthquakes. You are near to the brokenhearted and save those crushed in spirit — be their refuge as they seek stability amidst destruction. Restore hope to families who have lost homes and livelihoods, and provide for their needs through the kindness of others. Reveal Jesus in the midst of their grief, as the One who rebuilds what has been shattered and brings beauty from ashes. Strengthen the believers in Venezuela to be a light in this darkness, sharing the love and comfort they have received from You. Let Your peace, which surpasses understanding, guard their hearts and minds in this tumultuous time. We rest in Your steadfast love and unfailing presence. Amen.

Al Jazeera·Prayer·

Iran Shutters Country’s Last Presbyterian Church

For 150 years, St. Peter Evangelical Church has maintained a visible and vibrant presence in the Iranian capital of Tehran. Mansour Khajehpour—a former elder at St. Peter—said the Presbyterian church was known to everyone in the neighborhood, where he lived from 1991 to 1993.

Christianity Today··

UN reports nearly 9,300 chickenpox cases amid overcrowding in Gaza

Data provided to news agencies indicated that the number of reported infections had reached nearly 9,300, with more than half of the cases identified in Khan Yunis.

Pray →God of Healing and Restoration, we bring before You the people of Gaza as they face the spread of illness amidst overcrowding. You are the One who binds up the brokenhearted and proclaims freedom for captives. Stretch forth Your hand to bring healing to those suffering from chickenpox in Khan Yunis and throughout Gaza. Restore the homes and communities torn by hardship, and let hope arise where despair has settled. Reveal Jesus as the Great Physician to those who are sick and to families living in fear. Sustain the medical workers, and let Your peace, which surpasses understanding, guard every heart and mind in Christ Jesus. For the sake of Your name and Your kingdom, Amen.

The Jerusalem Post·Prayer·

Vietnam: 5 Arrested for Ho Chi Minh Book

Click to expand Image Busts of late Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh, in Hanoi, May 7, 2013. © 2013 Hoang Dinh Nam/AFP via Getty Images (Bangkok) – The Vietnamese authorities since late June 2026 have arrested and detained five people for their roles in the publication of a…

Human Rights Watch··

Death toll on rise in Nuristan flash floods as 15 bodies recovered

Taliban say search teams are still looking for survivors after floods swept through Parun. The post Death toll on rise in Nuristan flash floods as 15 bodies recovered appeared first on Amu TV.

Pray →God of All Comfort and Sovereign over Creation, we lift Nuristan into Your care as devastating floods have claimed lives and homes. In Parun, where search teams continue their work, You see every grieving heart and every moment of despair. Speak Your peace into the chaos, and let Your presence be known among the survivors and the searchers alike. Reveal Jesus as the true refuge to those who have lost so much, and let His light pierce the darkness of this tragedy. Strengthen the hands and hearts of those aiding in recovery, and open the eyes of the communities to the love that surpasses understanding. For the glory of Your name, let healing and hope arise in this land. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Amu TV (Afghanistan)·Prayer·

Settler attacks are now routine at this Palestinian village. Another teen has paid with his life

Fadi al-Nassan was shot when he came to help a family whose home is being besieged by Israeli settlers and soldiers. Seven people have been shot dead in the village since October 2023

Pray →God of Peace and Righteousness, we lift up the village of al-Mughayyir, where violence and loss have become all too familiar. Seven lives have been taken since October, and families are left in deep sorrow. You have said that Your eyes are on the righteous, and Your ears are attentive to their cry. As You hear these cries, bring people who know Your love and comfort and will support and care for those grieving and in sorrow. Intervene in this land where cycles of violence persist, and let the light of Christ shine into the hearts of those who act in aggression and those who suffer. Comfort the grieving and bring peace that surpasses understanding into this community. Strengthen those who seek justice and reconciliation, and reveal Your Son to the soldiers, settlers, and villagers alike. May Your peace reign and bring restoration where there has been destruction. We ask in the name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace. Amen.

Haaretz·Prayer·

Muslim Mob Shuts Down Worship Service in Indonesia

During a worship service on Sunday, July 19, at Christ the Answer Tabernacle Pentecostal Church (GPT) in Medan City in Indonesia’s North Sumatra Province, an angry mob of Muslims forced the church to shut down, claiming it lacked a building permit.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)··
Daily prayer with the global church:

Prayer for Persecuted Christians in Niger — July 23, 2026

Gracious Lord, we thank You for Moussa and the ministry of persevering prayer he is leading in Niamey, Niger. As he calls others to keep coming before You, guide their teams not to mistake delay for refusal. Give them prayers that continue because Your heart is good. In Luke 11:8 — “Yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs” — You show us that persistence matters before You. Father, strengthen Moussa and the believers in Niamey when fruit is slow. Teach the church there to ask for what is needed for faithful witness. Provide bread for the weary and courage for those afraid to follow Jesus openly. Let persistent prayer become a doorway for mercy. Meet the needs of Your servants. In Jesus' name, Amen.

In North Africa: Once a Persecutor, Now a Shepherd

AT A GLANCE: Tarek* is a church leader in North Africa who has followed Christ for more than 30 years. It has cost him his family, his livelihood, and his safety. He was the son of a prominent imam and persecuted Christian family members who had turned to Christ.

Pray →Gracious Redeemer, we stand in awe of Your transforming power at work in North Africa, where Tarek now shepherds Your flock. Once a persecutor, he now knows the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. You have made him a new creation, and we thank You for the testimony of grace that his life represents. Strengthen Tarek as he leads in the face of loss and danger, and guard his heart with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Reveal Jesus to his former adversaries and to those who still live in opposition. Let the light of the Gospel shine brightly through him, drawing many to Your love. Strengthen and support Tarek as you did Saul, that he would stand firm in all circumstances and be a pillar of light for You in North Africa. May the church in North Africa grow firm and unshakable, rooted in Your truth and love, that all may see Your redemption and glorify Your name. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Global Christian Relief·Prayer·

At least 10 dead in India tunnel disaster with 17 feared trapped

At least 10 people have died in a disaster inside an under-construction tunnel in India.

Pray →God of Compassion, we bring before You the tragedy in the tunnel in India, where lives have been lost and many remain trapped. You know the depths of the earth and the cries of those who are in distress. Stretch forth Your hand to sustain the rescuers and bring hope to those still awaiting deliverance. Comfort the families who mourn and let Your peace be a balm to their aching hearts. Reveal Jesus in the midst of this sorrow, that hearts may turn towards the source of all comfort and truth. Let Your light break into the darkness of this moment, bringing hope and the assurance of Your presence. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.

Sky News (World)·Prayer·

Father, mother, their three daughters and son killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza

A family of six have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.

Pray →God of Comfort and Justice, we bring before You the land of Gaza, where a family of six has lost their lives in an airstrike. You see the anguish of parents and children whose lives have been shattered, and Your heart is moved by their suffering. You have promised that You are near to the brokenhearted and save those crushed in spirit—make Your presence known to the grieving families left behind. Silence the voices of violence and retaliation, and establish peace where conflict has long reigned. Reveal Jesus to the leaders and communities embroiled in this cycle of destruction, and raise up ambassadors of reconciliation and hope. In Your mercy, let the light of Your peace dawn in Gaza, and may it spread to all who dwell in darkness. For the sake of Your holy name, Amen.

Sky News (World)·Prayer·

Court in Pakistan to Consider Hearing Case of Abducted Christian Girl

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – After multiple legal setbacks, relatives of a Christian girl who was forcibly converted to Islam and married to her Muslim kidnapper are hoping Pakistan’s highest constitutional court will revisit a…

Pray →God of Justice and Compassion, we lift up Lahore and the Christian girl who has been abducted and forced into a life not her own. You have seen her distress, and You know the cries of her heart. We thank You for being her refuge and strength, a present help in this time of trouble. Sustain her family with hope and courage as they seek justice through the courts. Reveal Jesus to those involved in this case, including officials and judges, that Your righteousness may be known. Let truth and mercy prevail, giving voice to the voiceless and strength to the oppressed. Establish Your kingdom in Lahore, where justice rolls on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream. In the strong name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Morning Star News·Prayer·

UN says over 40 killed in Nuristan floods

Humanitarian agencies have launched emergency relief efforts as search-and-rescue operations continue in flood-hit areas. The post UN says over 40 killed in Nuristan floods appeared first on Amu TV.

Amu TV (Afghanistan)··

Israeli forces open fire on children in Syrian village

Israeli forces open fire on children in Syrian village

Pray →God of Justice and Defender of the Innocent, we bring before You the children of the Syrian village who have faced the violence of armed conflict. In a land where innocence is shattered, we ask You to protect the young and vulnerable from the arrows that fly by day, and the terror that stalks at night. May Your peace descend like a river across this wounded place. Reveal Jesus as the Healer to those whose hearts are burdened with grief and fear. Turn the hearts of those who wield weapons towards peace, and let Your light shine into the deepest darkness, bringing hope where despair has taken root. For You, Lord, are a refuge for the oppressed and a stronghold in times of trouble. We trust in Your righteous governance for the sake of Your name. Amen.

Al Jazeera·Prayer·

Sources say Taliban detained five women in Herat over two days

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

Amu TV (Afghanistan)··

Afghanistan: Floods kill at least 20 in Nuristan, more than 100 missing

Taliban officials say the toll is expected to rise after flash floods swept through the provincial capital and surrounding areas. The post Afghanistan: Floods kill at least 20 in Nuristan, more than 100 missing appeared first on Amu TV.

Pray →God of Comfort and Refuge, we lift up the people of Nuristan in the aftermath of devastating floods. Lives have been lost, and many remain missing amidst the chaos and destruction. You are close to the brokenhearted and save those crushed in spirit; extend Your comfort to grieving families and those waiting for news of their loved ones. Establish Your peace in the hearts of those who are anxious and fearful. Reveal Jesus to officials and aid workers as they respond to this crisis, and let Your compassion flow through their hands. Strengthen the church in Afghanistan to be a light in this dark hour, and let the hope of Christ shine brightly in places of despair. We entrust the people of Nuristan to Your faithful care, for You are their refuge and strength. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, Amen.

Amu TV (Afghanistan)·Prayer·

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

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

Pray →Lord God, whose promises are sure and steadfast, we bring before You the Beth-El Tabernacle Church of Christ Alpha Omega Congregation in Semarang Regency. For eight years, they have faced opposition in their quest to build a sanctuary for Your worship. You have promised to hear the cries of Your people and to establish them in the work of their hands. Strengthen this congregation to continue gathering faithfully, not neglecting to meet together as some do, and fill them with courage amidst discouragement. Make a way through the obstacles they face, and let their perseverance become a testimony to Your faithfulness. Reveal Jesus to those who resist this work, that they may see the light of the One who reconciles. We entrust this church to Your care, confident in Your will and purpose. Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

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

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

Pray →God of Justice and Compassion, we bring before You the land of Pattoki, Pakistan, where Sadique lost his life for seeking a simple drink of water. You see the injustice and the suffering of Your people, and You do not forget the cry of the afflicted. Establish Your righteousness in this place, and bring comfort to the family and community left in mourning. Reveal Jesus to those who have not yet seen His face, including those who act in violence. Let Your light shine in the darkness, and transform hearts through the power of the cross. Guard the believers in Pakistan as they labor under oppression, and let their faithful witness testify to the One who is living water for all who thirst. For the glory of Your name, we pray. Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

Christian in Somaliland Poisoned to Death after Secret Conversion

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

Pray →God of All Comfort, we bring before You the land of Somaliland, where Sharif Ali gave his life after turning to Christ. In the face of hatred and violence, we ask You to comfort the grieving family he leaves behind and to sustain the church there with courage and love. Reveal Jesus to those who persecute the church, turning their hearts from hostility to understanding. Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Strengthen believers in Somaliland to stand firm in their faith, and let the light of the Gospel continue to shine in the darkness. In Your mercy, draw near to those who seek and save those who are lost. For the sake of Your kingdom and the glory of Your name, we ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Morning Star News·Prayer·

Konstantin Rudnev: Eleven Years in the Russian Jails

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

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

Bitter Winter·Prayer·

Reactions Mount Against the New Chinese Law on Ethnic Unity

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

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

Bitter Winter·Prayer·