Across the world, Christians face unprecedented challenges for their faith. This Christmas, we’ve provided a way to keep our persecuted family close to our hearts. Write a prayer for them on the blank Christmas bauble you’ve received in the post. (The scripture bauble is yours to keep and hang on your tree.)
Choose a specific region below or write your own prayer. Send it back to us in the enclosed reply envelope so we can hang your bauble on our tree as a reminder to pray alongside you. Continue reading for specific regional prayer points.
Asia
Christians, especially converts and rural believers, face persistent and intensifying threats that directly impact church life, discipleship, and community stability. Across Asia, there are dominant trends of increasing surveillance and violence, intensified hostility toward converts, restricted church gatherings, and tightening legal frameworks. Unregistered churches are vulnerable to raids, fines, and arrests. Some converts are locked up by their families, beaten, or expelled from their communities.
“In recent years, many Christian communities in parts of Nepal, especially the lowlands, have faced increasing challenges during the Christmas season. These incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, making it difficult for many believers to gather openly for Christmas celebrations.” Rajesh*, Open Doors local partner, Nepal
Pray
- For children and families rejected for their faith this Christmas to feel God’s love and acceptance
- For the protection of converts this Christmas. Many will celebrate in secret due to family pressures
- For those affected by violence or natural disasters, that God will comfort them
Africa
Most global incidents of violence against Christians—including destruction of property, abductions, or killings—happen in Sub-Saharan Africa. Persecution is severe and escalating, perpetrated by Islamic extremism and, more recently, increasing attacks by the adherents of African Traditional Religions. The 14 Sub-Saharan countries on the World Watch List are home to more than 721 million people and the most violently persecuted globally. On average, 12 Christians are killed for their faith in Sub-Saharan Africa every day.
“The attacks of Christians are on the increase. In my own opinion, they attack us because of our religion. They kill Christians.” Pastor Josiah, Nigeria
Pray
- For those grieving loved ones this Christmas, that they will feel God draw close to them
- For the protection of believers from kidnappings and killings this Christmas
- For children who suffer for the gospel, that God will strengthen them to persevere in their faith
Latin America
Cuba is the most dangerous place in Latin America for Christians. They face pressure and persecution for rejecting the country’s Communist agenda. In a growing humanitarian crisis, any believer that speaks out against the government is harassed and intimidated. Mexico and Colombia are the most violent countries for believers. In recent years, Mexico in particular, has one of the highest numbers of Christians killed, as well as new forms of violence that have rarely been recorded before.
“After my dad died, I used to say, ‘God is my protector,’ because I realised I could have been hurt, too. Now, I bring my worries to Him, and I see how He provides what I need. God is my Father. He is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows, as the Bible says.” Daniela, 19, Colombia. Her father, Pastor Plinio, was killed by a drug cartel for preaching the gospel.
Pray
- That God changes the hearts of cartels so they protect believers instead of persecuting them
- That the light of Christ shines brightly throughout Latin America this Christmas and brings hope to those who need it most
- For the protection of families targeted by drug cartels for boldly preaching the gospel
The Middle East
Muslim-background believers live at great risk in all countries across the Middle East. To be Christian is to be seen as an “ally of the West” and to attract terrible backlash. War keeps many areas of the Middle East in turmoil. Syria remains unstable, as does Libya, Yemen, and Iraq. While the full fallout of these conflicts remains to be seen, it’s obvious that the ongoing instability has led to increased vulnerability of Christians, who are seeking a better life elsewhere.
“I wish that the coming Christmas will be filled with goodness and that nothing else bad befalls us.” Elie, 9, survivor of 2025 Damascus church bombing
Pray
- That Christians can safely attend church this Christmas without fear or worry
- That Christmas services will bring renewed faith, comfort, and unity to believers
- For strength, wisdom, and refreshment of church leaders as they serve
We’ve made it easy to send back your prayer bauble
Just seal it in the reply-paid envelope enclosed with your letter and pop the envelope in your nearest mailbox. Easy. We’re excited to receive your prayers and look forward to standing with our persecuted family together.
*Name changed for security purposes
