What’s Happening to Christians Around the World

From Barnabas Aid

March 2026

barnabasaid.org

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:1

Nigeria – Islamists Kill more than 30 Christians in Benue Community; All 170 Abducted in Kaduna State Now Released

Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt urgently need prayer as Islamist violence continues to claim lives and destabilize communities.

In Benue State, militants launched coordinated attacks on predominantly Christian villages, killing more than 30 people and forcing many others to flee. Homes were burned, farmland destroyed and survivors left traumatized and displaced.

Such assaults are part of a wider pattern of targeted violence that has persisted for years across central and northern Nigeria. Armed groups frequently attack rural communities at night, exploiting limited security presence. Entire villages have been emptied as families abandon their homes in search of safety, often losing livelihoods and access to education and healthcare.

At the same time, there is cause for thanksgiving. In Kaduna State, more than 170 Christians abducted during mass raids on church services and homes in Kajuru Local Government Area were released after weeks in captivity. Survivors described being forced to trek long distances, beaten and deprived of food. Children were among those taken, and many returned physically weak and deeply traumatized.

While their release brings relief, fear remains widespread. Communities worry about renewed attacks and the long-term impact of displacement and insecurity. Church leaders continue to appeal for stronger protection and for lasting peace in a region where violence has become tragically routine.

Pray for comfort and provision for families mourning loved ones in Benue State, knowing that the Lord is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18). Give thanks for the safe return of abducted believers in Kaduna and pray for healing from trauma. Ask God to protect vulnerable communities, strengthen local churches and guide authorities to act decisively to restore security and justice.

Iran – A Window into God’s Work

The situation in Iran is sobering, yet full of hope. Barnabas Aid project partners have reported an increased openness to the Gospel, while also requesting prayer for persecuted Iranian Christians.

Religious life in Iran is changing. Official figures indicate that 98% of people in Iran are Muslim (89% Shia, 9% Sunni). By contrast, in a 2020 survey by the Netherlands-based GAMAAN research group, only 37.2% of respondents identified closely with Islam (32.2% Shia and 5% Sunni). In a 2024 survey, 70% of Iranians opposed the continuation of the Islamic Republic.

The number of Christians in Iran has increased dramatically since the 1979 revolution. There are now hundreds of thousands of believers in Iran – perhaps even more than a million.

Modern media has played a key role, with 24/7 satellite television opening windows into homes, creating new opportunities for the Gospel to reach hearts.

Iran, however, remains a highly authoritarian state. Estimates vary, but the number of people killed during anti-government protests in January 2026 could be more than 30,000. At least 19 Christians are confirmed among those killed, and authorities sought to blame “house churches” made up of Christian converts for causing the unrest (see Prayer Focus Update, January 2026).

As well as being treated with suspicion and hostility as apostates from Islam, Farsi (Persian)-speaking Christians in Iran are considered enemies of the state and are often charged with national security offenses.

Ask the Lord to encourage and sustain His Church in Iran through these times of trial. Pray that He will raise up more men and women who will encounter Jesus and bear influence that transforms their families and communities. Pray that our brothers and sisters will receive courage, protection and wisdom, and that opportunities for the Gospel will increase.

Bangladesh – Christian Leaders Cautiously Welcome Election Outcome

Church leaders in Bangladesh are expressing cautious optimism following the recent election results, which saw a secular political party secure victory. Minority Christian communities had entered the election period with deep anxiety, fearing that extremist influence might increase and lead to greater restrictions or violence.

Bangladesh’s Christians make up less than one per cent of the population and often live as vulnerable minorities, particularly in rural areas. In recent years some communities have reported harassment, intimidation and sporadic attacks, leaving many believers feeling insecure about the future.

The election result has been welcomed as a sign that democratic institutions remain intact and that a more inclusive political environment may continue. Church leaders hope that the new government will prioritize the protection of all citizens regardless of religious affiliation and will address the underlying tensions that have affected minority communities.

Nevertheless, caution remains. Political transitions can bring uncertainty, and isolated incidents of violence or discrimination still occur. Churches continue to emphasize the need for vigilance, unity and prayer while seeking constructive engagement with authorities.

Many believers are also using this moment as an opportunity to witness through service, community development and peaceful coexistence with neighbors of other faiths. They pray that Bangladesh will move toward greater stability, justice and harmony for all its people.

Give thanks for a peaceful electoral process and for signs of stability, remembering that God “changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others” (Daniel 2:21). Pray that the new government will uphold justice and protect religious minorities. Ask the Lord to strengthen Bangladeshi Christians as witnesses of His love and to bring lasting peace and reconciliation across the nation.

Pakistan – Christian Nurses Acquitted after Years under “Blasphemy” Charges

Praise God for a remarkable answer to prayer as two Christian nurses in Pakistan have been acquitted after enduring more than four years under the threat of life imprisonment. Maryam Lal and Newosh Arooj were accused in 2021 of committing “blasphemy” at a hospital in Faisalabad after allegedly removing a sticker bearing a Quranic text from a cupboard (see Prayer Focus Update, May 2021).

The accusation quickly escalated. Hospital staff staged protests, extremists joined demonstrations, and both women received death threats. Maryam was even stabbed during the unrest before police intervened. Charged under Pakistan’s strict “blasphemy” laws, which carry severe penalties, the women spent five months in prison before being released on bail, yet their ordeal continued through prolonged legal proceedings and constant fear.

In November 2025 a court ruled that the accusations were unsubstantiated, and the deadline for appeal has now passed, confirming their acquittal. During the four-year trial, both nurses were unable to work and lived under severe restrictions. Their case highlights how “blasphemy” allegations are often used to settle personal disputes, particularly against vulnerable religious minorities.

Although this verdict brings relief, many Christians in Pakistan remain cautious. False accusations can still spark mob violence even when courts later dismiss charges. Believers continue to pray for protection, justice and freedom to live out their faith peacefully.

Give thanks that God has sustained Maryam and Newosh through this long ordeal, remembering that “the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Pray for their safety, healing and provision as they rebuild their lives. Ask that this case will discourage false accusations and that justice will prevail for other believers facing similar threats across Pakistan.

Democratic Republic of the Congo – Ongoing Massacres Leave Communities in Fear

Christians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to suffer relentless attacks from Islamist militants, leaving communities devastated and fearful.

In recent violence in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, at least 24 Christians were killed on February 6 as Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) targeted villages, homes and places of worship.

These assaults often occur without warning and with extreme brutality. Militants have burned houses, looted property and murdered civilians, forcing survivors to flee into forests or overcrowded displacement camps. Many families have been separated, and access to food, medical care and shelter is severely limited.

Local leaders report deep frustration that armed groups can operate for extended periods without effective intervention. Communities feel abandoned as violence spreads from village to village, disrupting farming, education and church life. Health centers have closed in some areas due to insecurity, further worsening humanitarian conditions.

Despite the danger, churches continue to provide spiritual support and practical assistance to displaced families. Believers testify that their faith remains strong even amid suffering, but resources are stretched thin as congregations care for grieving and traumatized members.

Pray for protection over vulnerable communities in eastern D. R. Congo, trusting that the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9). Ask God to comfort those who mourn and to provide for displaced families lacking basic necessities. Pray for strength and courage for pastors and aid workers serving in dangerous conditions, and for peace and stability to return to the region.