Deadly bomb attacks in Nigeria over Christmas weekend

At least 38 people were killed in deadly bomb attacks in northern and central Nigeria over Christmas weekend. On December 24, four explosions went off in two Christian neighbourhoods in the city of Jos, Plateau State. More than 28 people were seriously injured in the blasts.

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Christians were also attacked in Borno state on Christmas Eve when heavily armed militants set a church on fire. The church's pastor and four elders were burnt to death. The Islamists also shot and killed three church members outside the building. Islamists had reportedly been threatening to disrupt the Christian celebrations in Jos. On December 28, members of the Boko Haram Islamist group posted a statement on their website, claiming responsibility for the attacks. Both regions of Nigeria have seen deadly violence between Muslims and Christians in recent years (click here for more). Ask God to comfort those affected by these attacks. Pray God's peace will reign throughout Nigeria. Pray Christians will respond with Christ-like love, not retaliation to these attacks. Pray Nigerian Christians will draw near to God and rely on Him to equip them to stand for Him, even in a climate of violence. For more on the sufferings of Christians in Nigeria, go to the Nigeria Country Report.

Church bombed in the Philippines during Christmas Mass

(Source: AsiaNews) A bomb exploded in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart in Mindanao, Philippines, during Mass on the morning of December 25. The blast blew out the chapel's roof and wounded 11 people. Authorities are still trying to identify those responsible for the attack, but police suspect it is the work of the Islamist group Abu Sayyaf, which allegedly is connected to al-Qaida and Indonesia-based militant group Jemaah Islamiyah. Pray for those injured in this attack. Pray for the church members as they recover and rebuild from this tragic incident. Pray that Christians in the Philippines will demonstrate the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48). To learn more about the opposition facing Christians in the Philippines, visit the Philippines Country Report.

Christmas celebrations held in Orissa, India; Christian's vehicle torched

(Source: All India Christian Council, ASSIST News) Several Christians were able to celebrate Christmas in Orissa state, India, this past weekend. In Bodimunda village, Christians reportedly celebrated Christmas together for the first time in three years. In Barakahma village, police kept watch as approximately 2,000 prayed together. The peaceful celebrations came as a relief for many, as there had been fear that the holidays could lead to a flare-up in anti-Christian violence, especially as the state has been the site of intense attacks in recent years (click here to learn more). Fear of attacks prevented Christians in remote villages from holding Christmas celebrations. Christmas weekend was not entirely without incident in Orissa, as a believer's vehicle was set on fire in Phulbani on December 25. Bro Suranjan Naik and his wife, a nurse, were staying on campus at the government hospital. They were away attending a Christian celebration when their vehicle was set ablaze. Thank the Lord that many brothers and sisters in Orissa were able to gather and joyously celebrate the birth of their Saviour, Jesus Christ. Pray a spirit of trust in the Lord, not fear, will govern the hearts and minds of believers in India. Pray those seeking to harm Christians in India because of their faith will repent of their ways and come to know Christ as Lord. To find out more about the trials of Christians in India, go to the India Country Report.

Bangladeshi Christians cancel Christmas celebrations following threats

(Compass Direct) Members of seven churches were prevented from gathering for Christmas worship in Khagrachari district, Bangladesh, following threats from a regional Buddhist political party. On December 19, members of The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) called a meeting of 50 Buddhists and seven Christians, including a pastor. They threatened the Christians, saying that they would be in "great trouble if they celebrated Christmas in the village and or participate in any other Christian activities." The group members also warned the pastor not to take care of the congregation and ordered him to go back to his previous religion, Buddhism. Members of the UPDF also threatened Buddhist villagers, playing them off against the Christians by telling them that if the Christians celebrated their festival, non-Christian villagers would also be in trouble. Christian converts in the village have faced serious opposition in recent years. While many of them have stood strong in their faith, some have returned to Buddhism under compulsion. Pray these believers will trust in Christ, relying on the grace of their Saviour amid opposition. Pray the Lord will guard the hearts of believers facing pressure to deny Him. Pray Christians in Bangladesh will be strong witnesses for Jesus and that demonstrations of His love will help to draw others to faith in Him. You can find out more about Christians suffering for their faith in Bangladesh at the country report at the Bangladesh Country Report.

Christmas Blessing packages prepared for North Korean believers

(Source: VOM Canada) Experts on religious liberty have determined that North Korea is the most restrictive nation in the world. North Koreans suffer under the "Dear Leader" Kim Jong Il, who sacrifices the needs of his people in order to bolster the power and control of his regime. Many are detained in brutal prison camps, and those on the outside are without daily necessities such as food, water and medical supplies. Christians are treated with particular cruelty. This year, VOM is again making possible a special Christmas Blessing project that supplies believers in North Korea with gift packages that contain food, toiletries, medication, clothing and Christian literature. This on-going project, with distributions made throughout the year, helps fulfill persecuted believers' basic needs. It is a powerful way to demonstrate Christ's love and care for those standing steadfast for the Lord in North Korea. VOM's team is already at work preparing many of the packages for distribution. To date, more than $80,000 has been raised -- enough for 1,600 packages! You, too, can join in encouraging our North Korean family. To make a donation online, go to our donation page. You can also send your financial gifts by mail or call us at 1.905.670.9721. Praise the Lord for the faithful ministry and witness of His people in North Korea. Pray for lasting provision for those without even the most basic of daily necessities. Pray the hope and message of God's plan for reconciling humanity to Himself through His Son continues to ring throughout North Korea, despite opposition and danger. Pray for the Lord to equip more workers to plant the seed of the gospel in North Korea. For more on those suffering for Christ's sake in North Korea, visit the North Korea Country Report.

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