Persecution & Prayer Alert

"For the Lord loves justice;
He will not forsake His saints…."
~ Psalm 37:28 ESV

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
November 2nd, 2025

Each year, churches around the world set aside a specific day to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters who are encountering persecution for their faith. This year, the designated date is Sunday, November 2nd, and the selected theme is United in Prayer. We encourage you to join along with thousands of other believers that day by prayerfully raising your voice to God – either individually or corporately with the members of your church or prayer group.

For more information, and/or to download free resources that will help increase awareness of the prayer needs represented by our persecuted family in Christ, visit IDOP.ca.

Pastor killed in Sri Lanka

^{Pastor Sebamalai Gunesh with his family
Photo from}^{Ravin Caldera}

Pastor Sebamalai Gunesh (33) of Elohim Gospel Church in the village of Orugodawatte on the outskirts of Colombo was found dead on October 8, according to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. The pastor was reported missing on October 6 when he did not return home from a religious meeting held in the town of Kadawatha. Pastor Gunesh's brother was also found dead in a nearby location.

Ask God to comfort Pastor Gunesh's wife, 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter in their grief. Pray that those responsible for the attacks will come to repentance and salvation, just as Paul did. Pray for wisdom and protection for those serving Christ in Sri Lanka at great risk.

For more information on the suffering of Christians in Sri Lanka, go to the Sri Lanka Country Report.

Christian charity worker murdered

^{Gayle Williams
Photo from}^{SERVE Afghanistan}

Gayle Williams (34), a dual South African-British citizen, was shot to death by two gunmen on a motorbike in Kabul, Afghanistan at approximately 8:00 a.m. on October 20.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the killing, saying that she "came to Afghanistan to teach Christianity to the people." Williams worked with SERVE (Serving Emergency Relief and Vocational Enterprise), a Christian organization that helps the disabled.

Thank God for organizations like SERVE that demonstrate Christ-like love to their communities. Pray for comfort for those grieving the loss of Gayle. Pray that those in militant groups come to know Christ's love in their lives.

To learn more about the persecution Christians face in Afghanistan, click here. To view a news video on this incident click here.

Update: Christians continue to be maligned and attacked in Orissa

Hindu militants continue to malign Christians for the murder of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and target them in widespread violence that began in late August in Orissa, India (see links on India's Country Report for more information).

Maoist groups have claimed responsibility for the murder and, on October 6, three Maoist individuals were arrested in connection with the crime. However, a Hindu militant group recently released a document that allegedly implicates the Christians: a copy of the minutes from a pastoral council meeting held in Kandhamal district in May during which the militants claim a plan to assassinate Swami was discussed. The pastoral council has vehemently denied the accuracy of the minutes, and claim that their signatures on the document were forged.

Remember your brothers and sisters in India in your prayers. Ask God to give strength to those who suffer for His sake. Pray for peace in this terror-stricken region.

For more information on the plight of Christians in India, click here. To watch a BBC video report about attacks on Christians in Orissa, click here.

Persecution & Prayer Alert

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted ChurchNovember 2nd, 2025

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International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
November 2nd, 2025