Arise Africa: month of prayer

Journey in prayer with our brothers and sisters who are facing violence and injustice for their faith in sub-Saharan Africa. Every prayer is a precious gift – thank you.

“Those who are praying, don’t think your prayers are not being felt – they are,” says Pastor Josiah in Nigeria. The persecuted church in sub-Saharan Africa know how crucial your prayers are, as they seek to stand firm amid continued untold suffering. “There is power in prayer. So, I am pleading and praying that you keep on supporting through your prayers and help.”

Day 1 – Burkina Faso

Pastor Michée’s father was killed when radicalised Fulani militants attacked his village. “My father was courageous,” he says. “He was also a songwriter. Everybody was happy when he sung. Everyone felt the presence of God.” Pray that his worshipful heart would continue to inspire many.

Day 2 – Burkina Faso

Deborah also lost her husband in the attack. He was a drummer. “Today, if I go to church and see the drum player, I shed tears.” She asks, “Pray for strength in moving forward. Pray for me to have my daily meals. Pray for me to never forget God and that I keep following Jesus ‘til my last days.”

Day 3 – Burkina Faso

Nathalie is one of 17 widows receiving trauma care through Pastor Michée. “The trauma care gave me a lot of strength,” she says. “Pray for me to be able to provide for my kids. Pray for us to stay healthy and keep worshipping God.”

Day 4 – Burkina Faso

Amadou and Jeremia were at an all-day prayer meeting when they were killed by Islamist militants in an attack on Binadéni village. “I had known them since their childhood, and I had seen how they gave themselves to the Lord until the day of their death,” says Pastor Bandiba*. Pray that many seeds will come from their example (John 12:24).

Day 5 – CAR

Father Crepin was killed by unknown gunmen in June. “He worked remarkably for peace in the region, and we fear that it is an execution and a warning on the part of those who do not want peace to return to this region,” said his bishop. Pray for his congregation as they grieve and recover.

Day 6 – Nigeria

Pastor Josiah lost his wife, Rebekah, and three of his children in attacks. “Rebekah was hospitable – no one came to the house without her attending to them. She was considerate, to the point that she allowed me to shine publicly whilst she looked after our home,” says Josiah. Pray that her example will continue to encourage Josiah to shine.

Day 7 – Nigeria

Of his three children, Pastor Josiah says: “Rowland loved singing in the church band. Jonathan was always up and doing things; he was very hardworking. Timothy was quiet, but calm and resourceful.” Praise God for their lives and pray for his three surviving children, that they will continue to flourish in their faith, character and gifts.

Day 8 – Nigeria

At least 20 people were killed in an attack on a predominantly Christian farming community in Plateau State. Victims included Rev. Markus Nyam, medical staff from a local clinic, a pregnant woman and the parents and two sons of one family (leaving one son alive). Pray that those grieving will know the abounding comfort of Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5).

Day 9

In 2025, 4,491 Christians were martyred for their faith in sub-Saharan Africa. God knows their names and their stories. Pray for the enduring legacy of each one. God also knows the pain their loss continues to bring. Praise God that we do not grieve like those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Pray that the promise of eternity will sustain them today.

Day 10 – DRC

At least nine pastors have died from the Ebola virus. Church activities have been halted and believers are struggling spiritually. “We fear that people are at risk of abandoning their faith,” says a pastor. Pray that pastors will be equipped to respond to this crisis, and ask God to raise up more leaders.

Day 11 – Kenya

Ado* is an evangelist who works tirelessly to help believers and tell others about Jesus. He faces many challenges, particularly in his work with believers from Muslim backgrounds, including relentless attacks from locals during open-air meetings. Pray for his strength and safety.

Day 12 – Cameroon

Each weekend, Pastors Mamoud and Hamza return to their home village to care for those unable to flee following attacks. “When he travels, we are all stressed at home,” says Mamoud’s wife. Pray for the pastors’ protection and peace for their families.

Day 13 – Sudan

“Church leaders are very frustrated seeing their communities suffering and they have no means to help them,” says Ebrahiem*, who adds that many are struggling to provide for their own families. Pray for provision, encouragement and strength.

Day 14 – CAR

Three pastors were kidnapped by rebels whilst preaching at an outreach event before being later released. “We’re determined to keep sharing the gospel, despite the risks,” says Pastor Salomon. Many believers fled following the attack. “Pray that God gives us wisdom and strength to reach those still hiding and to bring them back.”

Day 15 – Nigeria

Thanks to you, Pastor Barnabas has a new home, but he still returns to the displacement camp where he used to live to minister to people. “On Wednesday, we have a midweek service; Tuesday, we have Bible studies. I strive to go there and share the Word of God,” he says. Ask the Holy Spirit to always give him a ‘word that sustains the weary’ (Isaiah 50:4).

Day 16 – Nigeria

Asabe* is part of a widows’ group after her husband and three of her children were killed by Islamist militants. “God set me in this group, so that we can encourage each other and pray and worship God together,” she says. “Pray that God will strengthen us, and that God will make these attacks stop, so that we can go back home.”

Day 17 – Chad

When Samira’s* Bible was discovered by her husband, he beat her and evicted her and their four children. She was also rejected by her parents. After being cared for by a church, she says, “These few weeks have been hard, but I have a good feeling, and I am happy.” She asks, “Pray for me and my children so that they do not fall into sin.”

Day 18 – CAR

Judith* became a Christian after being overwhelmed by the generosity of Christians who paid for her mother’s medical expenses. However, she was beaten by her husband. “I will not go back on my decision to follow Christianity and serve God,” she says. Pray for her protection and for her husband to meet Jesus.

Day 19 – Sudan

The civil war has greatly exacerbated the vulnerability of women and girls. Given the dangers, many choose to stay at home, depriving them of work and companionship. Some refuges who flee to Egypt fall into prostitution. Pray for protection and empowerment.

Day 20 – Nigeria

“I can now carry out my daily activities because of the healing I have received,” says Blessing. She attended the trauma care centre run by local partners after being kidnapped by extremists. “It’s taught me how to forgive those who hurt me.” Pray for the centre’s continued impact.

Day 21 – Arise Africa petition

In November, the Arise Africa petition and its recommendations are due to be presented to the UK government and other governments and organisations worldwide. Praise God for the thousands of people who’ve added their voice to it. Pray for God to begin softening the hearts of those in power who will receive the petition.

Day 22

Several nations are experiencing internal conflict and political upheaval, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan and Niger. These leave power vacuums that embolden extremists and gangs, adding to the vulnerability of Christians. Pray for good governance and robust security in these places.

Day 23 – DRC

Recent years have seen an upsurge in attacks against Christian communities in the east. “Our hearts are broken,” says a church leader. “The killings are out of control.” Pray that the government, with its international partners, will urgently prioritise civilian protection in the region.

Day 24 – Nigeria

After visiting the country, a UN expert released a report highlighting the violence against Christian women and girls. It follows the conviction of more than 300 people on terror-related charges. Praise God for progress in awareness and justice – pray for more.

Day 25 – Somalia

“Somalia and Islam go together; they cannot be separated,” said Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. The comments reinforce the pre eminence of Islam in Somalia, which can fuel the vulnerability of religious minorities. Pray for the rights of all citizens to be upheld in government.

Day 26 – Sudan

“You could see the hate in his eyes for Christians,” says Ebrahiem* of a Sudanese official. However, noticing the between believers from different ethnicities, the official queried this with a Christian detainee, who replied, “This is only the love of Christ.” Pray for the official’s salvation.

Day 27 – Nigeria

Asabe received trauma care after her husband and children were killed. “The anger reduced, my bitterness reduced and I have freedom,” she says. “I realised forgiveness is impossible without God.” Ask the Holy Spirit to empower believers in the region to forgive those who’ve hurt them, and pray that attackers will see this and turn to Jesus.

Day 28 – Nigeria

“Even the persecutors, some of them are coming to know Jesus,” says Manga, whose father was killed by Boko Haram militants. Pray for those persecuting the church in sub-Saharan Africa that, like the apostle Paul, they will encounter Jesus and the scales will fall from their eyes (Acts 9:18).

Day 29

Poverty, family breakdowns, insufficient education, political grievances, insecurity, indoctrination – these are just some of the multitude of reasons why people get involved in extremism and criminality, leading to persecution. Pray that these root causes will be tackled.

Day 30

“Please, brothers and sisters, let us unite in prayer to counter the enemy,” asks a church leader in DRC following yet another attack. As religious extremists seek to expand their influence across sub Saharan Africa, and target Christians, ask God to frustrate the ways of the wicked and thwart their plans.

Thank you for spending this month praying for our family in sub-Saharan Africa. Your prayers really do make a monumental difference. “Thank you very much,” says Pastor Josiah. “We are seeing changes and the power of God in the form of your prayers and help in many ways.” Please continue to pray, and please urge others to join you.

*Names changed for security reasons