Verifiable Christian news abroad can sometimes be difficult to verify and with the prevalence of fake news, political propaganda, and clickbait tactics, these issues are even further compounded.
The information located here on our site, however has been vetted, it is reliable, reputable, accurate, and verifiable. We’re sharing this so that other members of the global Church can faithfully intercede in prayer.
There have been multiple verified massacres in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo carried out by the ISIS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF/ISCAP), including attacks targeting Christian villages and churches.
Here are some of the latest reports:
Just a few days ago, AP reported at least 40 people killed in attacks on villages in eastern Congo, with homes burned and civilians massacred by the ADF.
On April 2, reports stated at least 43 people were killed and 44 homes torched in Ituri province.
Open Doors and persecution-monitoring groups have issued urgent prayer alerts this month describing escalating attacks on Christian villages, displacement, kidnappings, and killings.
Barnabas Aid reported in March that 17 Christians were killed and around 100 abducted in one attack claimed by Islamic State-linked militants.
There’s also broader concern internationally now that Christians in parts of eastern DRC are being specifically targeted. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recently warned that the attacks represent a “direct assault on religious freedom.”
Hebrews 13:3 tells us how to pray - “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
In the New Testament, the church repeatedly prayed for persecuted believers, not only that suffering would stop, but that faith would remain strong, the Gospel would continue spreading, and God’s presence would be near to the brokenhearted.
A few meaningful ways to pray:
Pray for protection over villages, pastors, families, and children.
Pray for supernatural courage and endurance for believers living in fear.
Pray for comfort for grieving families and those displaced or traumatized.
Pray for healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Pray for rescue of abducted people and safe return of the missing.
Pray for wisdom and integrity for church leaders serving in dangerous areas.
Pray that hatred, radicalization, and violence would be restrained.
Pray for governments and aid organizations to intervene effectively and justly.
Pray that the Church in persecuted regions would not feel forgotten or abandoned by the global body of Christ.
Scriptures many believers pray during persecution include:
Romans 8:35–39
Psalm 91
Matthew 5:10–12
2 Corinthians 4:8–9
Hebrews 13:3
Ephesians 6:10–18
Remember, the reality is that we are all one church. There isn’t a persecuted church and a free church, only one, with different burdens to carry. So let’s not let them carry them alone.
~ Devin
Devin Osborne
The Early Church
