- Jul 27, 2009
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NIGERIAN CONCERNS AT CHRISTMAS.
Due to increasing threats from Islamist rebel groups following a military coup in July 2023, Christians in Niger are taking extra precautions during the Christmas season. “It’s very dangerous,” said a Christian leader. “Actually, we are stopping celebrating in the night.” Previously, Christians would hold evening services, and young church members would sing Christmas songs through the streets before celebrating in homes. The Nigerien church leader added that, in the past, their Muslim neighbors would often wish them a happy Christmas. Now, however, Muslim neighbors are told it is a sin to say, “Merry Christmas.” He added that one Christian community had been planning to conduct a free medical clinic in their town, but now officials are demanding bribes for permission. The leader said, “We are going to talk to God, and he’ll find a way for these innocent people to be treated and see the love of Jesus.”
SEEKING TO REGISTER CHURCH.
Despite government restrictions, one pastor in Turkmenistan hopes to register his church soon. Christian worship has been limited to churches in government-sanctioned denominations, but other churches do exist. The pastor said, “Since 2007, no church has been registered in Turkmenistan. We are praying for a miracle!” The church is small but has active outreach events, such as a sports ministry for youth, despite experiencing past pressures and even arrests for its Christian ministry work. Pray that the Lord’s favor will be on the church’s application and that this small community of faith will grow. “We are deeply grateful for your faithful prayers and support as we continue walking together for the kingdom of God,” the pastor said.
MOTHER, DAUGHTERS FORCED FROM HOME.
A mother and her two daughters have been forced from their home because of their Christian faith. Rasha became a follower of Christ in early 2025. She began sharing the gospel with her mother, Laila, and her younger teenage sister, Asman, soon afterwards. They both came to faith in Christ, and the three women committed to a Bible reading plan. In August 2025, Rasha’s father discovered her Bible. He harshly interrogated her, and when Rasha would not renounce her new faith, he beat her. Then, when Rasha’s father learned that his wife and younger daughter had also become Christians, he kicked all three women out of their home. Front-line workers are helping these women find a safe place to live and supporting them as they grow in their faith.
Due to increasing threats from Islamist rebel groups following a military coup in July 2023, Christians in Niger are taking extra precautions during the Christmas season. “It’s very dangerous,” said a Christian leader. “Actually, we are stopping celebrating in the night.” Previously, Christians would hold evening services, and young church members would sing Christmas songs through the streets before celebrating in homes. The Nigerien church leader added that, in the past, their Muslim neighbors would often wish them a happy Christmas. Now, however, Muslim neighbors are told it is a sin to say, “Merry Christmas.” He added that one Christian community had been planning to conduct a free medical clinic in their town, but now officials are demanding bribes for permission. The leader said, “We are going to talk to God, and he’ll find a way for these innocent people to be treated and see the love of Jesus.”
SEEKING TO REGISTER CHURCH.
Despite government restrictions, one pastor in Turkmenistan hopes to register his church soon. Christian worship has been limited to churches in government-sanctioned denominations, but other churches do exist. The pastor said, “Since 2007, no church has been registered in Turkmenistan. We are praying for a miracle!” The church is small but has active outreach events, such as a sports ministry for youth, despite experiencing past pressures and even arrests for its Christian ministry work. Pray that the Lord’s favor will be on the church’s application and that this small community of faith will grow. “We are deeply grateful for your faithful prayers and support as we continue walking together for the kingdom of God,” the pastor said.
MOTHER, DAUGHTERS FORCED FROM HOME.
A mother and her two daughters have been forced from their home because of their Christian faith. Rasha became a follower of Christ in early 2025. She began sharing the gospel with her mother, Laila, and her younger teenage sister, Asman, soon afterwards. They both came to faith in Christ, and the three women committed to a Bible reading plan. In August 2025, Rasha’s father discovered her Bible. He harshly interrogated her, and when Rasha would not renounce her new faith, he beat her. Then, when Rasha’s father learned that his wife and younger daughter had also become Christians, he kicked all three women out of their home. Front-line workers are helping these women find a safe place to live and supporting them as they grow in their faith.
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