The Fifth Seal

Terrorists in Nigeria Kill, Kidnap – and Demand Ransom for Corpse and prayer points for World Watch List #1 - Afghanistan PRAY FOR AFGHANISTAN Please pray for secret believers in Afghanistan, that they will be protected from the violence of the Taliban. Ask God to make Taliban leaders uphold and preserve human life, and that God would turn their hearts from hate to love. Pray for Open Doors partners supporting Afghan refugees to be filled with grace and love. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Pastors Wounded in Separate Attacks in Uganda and prayer points for World Watch List #2 - North Korea PRAY FOR NORTH KOREA Christians in North Korea are in danger. Pray for Christians who worship secretly, Christians who are in prison, and the families of Christians who have been arrested or killed. Ask God to be with these believers and to strengthen them to find hope and see His hand at work in their lives. Pray for the heart of Kim Jong Un and the other leaders of the North Korean regime. The Kim family has led for so long and brutally opposed God’s people. Pray for a change of heart, that Kim might see the beauty of the gospel and the love Jesus has for him. Open Doors’ networks in China are vital to keep the North Korean church up and running—many of the Christians who make it to our safe houses in China return home, equipped to carry the gospel to small pockets of believers. Pray for the success and safety of these safe houses, and for the travels of North Korean Christians who make the dangerous trek to and from China. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Pastor Jailed in Sudan for Prayer Meeting to Heal Mother and prayer points for World Watch List #3 - Somalia PRAY FOR SOMALIA Continue to pray for peace in Somalia and success in establishing democracy even as the country deals with political upheaval, the constant threat of al-Shabab and the effects of decades of civil war. Nearly 100% of Somalis are Muslim, and there is no room for Christians. Islam is the state religion—only Islam can be promoted and Shariah law is the highest authority. Pray that God would continue to build up His people in Somalia despite these realities. Open Doors has been supporting Somali believers across the Horn of Africa since the 1990s. Our vision is to see followers of Christ grow to maturity in their faith and to have nurturing relationships amid persecution. Pray for God’s wisdom and protection over the work and that our efforts will bear much fruit. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Parish priest kidnapped by Islamist gunmen in Enugu state of Nigeria and prayer points for World Watch List #4 - Libya PRAY FOR LIBYA Pray for believers who must keep their faith in Jesus secret or face possible arrest and even slavery. Ask God to give them warm times of fellowship with Him. Ask God to bring stability to Libya through a government that strives to enforce laws and make the nation a better place. God holds the hearts of kings in His hand. Lift up local Open Doors partners as they carefully seek out believers in a society where the wrong question to the wrong person can bring calamity. Pray for wisdom, grace and protection for them as they aid believers there. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

120 Civilians Abducted in Village Raids and prayer points for World Watch List #5 - Yemen PRAY FOR YEMEN Pray for the Yemeni people and the Yemeni government. The civil war has lasted for nearly a decade, and the brutality and the humanitarian crisis it has caused have only grown worse due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray for peace, pray for stability and pray for an openness to letting all Yemenis, regardless of religion, live their lives in peace and hope. Pray for the secret Christians in Yemen who live under constant threat because of their faith. Ask God to give them courage, wisdom and boldness, that they would know how to best live out the gospel. Ask Jesus to bring comfort and hope to Christians in this war-torn country. Yemeni people can now find out more about Jesus via television, radio and the internet. Pray for all people in Yemen who are secretly searching for truth. Pray that they will find the right channels to learn about Jesus and pray that they will become followers of Him. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

98 Eritrean Christians remain in prison for their faith and prayer points for World Watch List #6 - Eritrea PRAY FOR ERITREA Pray that imprisoned Christians and their families will be sustained by God’s grace and presence. Ask God for wisdom, discernment and boldness for believers as they seek to meet together despite the threat of surveillance. Pray that Christians from Islamic and Orthodox backgrounds will be encouraged and empowered to stand firm in their faith, and would worship in unity with together. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Algeria is Still Forcing Churches to Close and prayer points for World Watch List #7 - Nigeria PRAY FOR NIGERIA 2021 was dominated by reports of increased lawlessness. Please pray that President Buhari and state governors will diligently and transparently work to find lasting solutions to the deepening security crisis in northern Nigeria. The level of trauma among Christians is reaching crisis levels as men are killed, women are raped and abducted, and youths are left in despondency over the future. Pray for healing and hope. Pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen their faith and that Christians will continually be able to provide a reason to anyone that asks for the hope that is in them. Pray that Open Doors’ work in the country will bear fruit. Pray for continued protection and wisdom for our partners who must travel and risk attack and/or abduction. Pray that our work will strengthen the church in Nigeria and restore hope. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Nine Christians Hospitalized After Attack in India and prayer points for World Watch List #8 - Pakistan PRAY FOR PAKISTAN Pray for believers who are working dangerous and unsanitary jobs, that God will keep them healthy and safe, despite their working conditions. Pray for any believers who are accused of blasphemy, that they would be kept safe and delivered from false accusations. Pray for the entire Christian community of Pakistan, that they would be encouraged and kept from exhaustion and despair. Pray for the government and religious leaders of Pakistan. Ask God to soften the hearts of people in charge, that they would extend an open hand to Pakistani Christians and allow different religions to peacefully worship and live out their faith in Pakistan. Pray for the women and girls who are kidnapped, forced to convert to Islam and marry Muslim men. Pray for healing from the deep trauma they endure and ask God to deliver His people from the deep wounds of the enemy. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Christian Beaten Unconscious for Refusing to Deny His Faith and prayer points for World Watch List #9 - Iran PRAY FOR IRAN Pray that President Raisi will honor the rights and contributions of Iran’s religious minorities. Pray that God will open the eyes of the authorities to see that Christians aren’t a threat to Iran but a valuable part of Iranian society. Ask Him to change the hearts of those in charge, that they may even see the hope of Jesus. Pray house churches will continue to powerfully equip believers for serving Jesus, and that God will keep them safe from raids and from harm. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Myanmar Military Lays Mines Around Church in Shan State and prayer points for World Watch List #10 - India PRAY FOR INDIA Give thanks to God that many people are coming to know Jesus after being healed of sickness; pray that this will continue. Pray that social media companies will do more to combat the spread of disinformation and hatred on their platforms. Ask God continued protection, strength and encouragement for Open Doors partners as they serve the church in India. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Christian Student Running from Death Threats in Nigeria and prayer points for World Watch List #11 - Saudi Arabia PRAY FOR SAUDI ARABIA Many Christians in Saudi Arabia are migrant workers who are already abused for their minority status. Pray for foreign Christians, that they will be protected from mistreatment and will be able to find a Christian community where they can grow in faith and be trained to advance the gospel. Pray for the secret Saudi believers who must hide their faith from friends and family. Ask God to help them know they aren’t alone. Saudi Arabia is home to the Muslim holy sites of Mecca and Medina. The Saudi expression of Islam is often radical and intensely opposed to any deviation. Ask God to soften the hearts of religious leaders and the monarchy, that they would be open to allowing other religions to worship freely in Saudi Arabia. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Christian persecution is worsening amid Western denial and prayer points for World Watch List #12 - Myanmar PRAY FOR MYANMAR Pray for those who have left Buddhism to follow Jesus—that God will strengthen, encourage and protect them. Ask that all believers in Myanmar will receive and enjoy fruitful fellowship with other Christians. Pray that the Lord will intervene and bring a peaceful resolution to the ongoing civil war. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Turkey Openly Discriminates Against the Greek Orthodox Church and prayer points for World Watch List #13 - Sudan PRAY FOR SUDAN After the fall of former dictator Hassan Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, the transitional government under the leadership of Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok introduced exciting changes to the legal framework governing life in Sudan. But as the political situation in Sudan continues to be volatile, pray for these changes to be implemented and respected in lower government levels and society in general. Christians, especially those who converted from Islam, still face many challenges. They are treated like second-class citizens and are sidelined by family and society. In some areas, they are vulnerable to targeted violence. Pray that amid these challenges, they will continue growing in their knowledge of Christ and be able to courageously speak to others about salvation found in Christ alone. Open Doors’ vision for Sudan is to see a resilient church that stands strong in the face of persecution and is economically empowered to support themselves. Pray for protection over our partners and much fruit from their work. Open Doors’ vision for Sudan is to see a resilient church that stands strong in the face of persecution and is economically empowered to support themselves. Pray for protection over our partners and much fruit from their work. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

500 anti-Christian hate crimes documented in Europe last year and prayer points for World Watch List #14 - Iraq PRAY FOR IRAQ Ask God to provide peace and stability in Iraq so that displaced Christians can return to their homes. Pray He will also protect believers from the threat of extremists still living in Iraq. Pray that the new Iraqi government will protect the rights of Christians and other religious minorities. Pray the protection of all believers—pray that each one will be strengthened and encouraged in their faith. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Trial Date Set for Imprisoned Christian Teachers and prayer points for World Watch List #15 - Syria PRAY FOR SYRIA Lift up the political and military situation in Syria. The civil war has continued for more than a decade, and even as the worst of the violence seems to be over, the country continues to be broken. Pray that God will bring peace to the country and soften the hearts of those in power to provide for the most vulnerable members of Syrian society. Pray for Christians in Syria, particularly church leaders and converts from Islam. Pray God would protect them from violence, but that He would also raise their spirits even when daily life seems impossible. Ask God to inflame their hearts with love for Him, and to give them the knowledge the worldwide Church is with them. Ask God to strengthen the churches that Open Doors works with in Syria. Ask Him to bless our leadership and discipleship training. Pray that God would increase the ministry of our Centers of Hope, that they would be beacons of God’s peace for Christians so devastated by war and Islamic extremism. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Kainama Terror Attack Leaves Twenty Dead, including an Anglican Evangelist and prayer points for World Watch List #16 - Maldives PRAY FOR MALDIVES Pray for believers in Maldives who must sustain their faith in isolation and secrecy. Ask God to fill their hearts with the sense of His presence and care. Pray that President Solih and his government would soften their stance toward Christians and other religious minorities—as they realize that diversity enriches the country’s national culture. Ask God to guide and protect expatriate migrant worker believers as they interact with tourists and Maldivian residents. Pray they will be salt and light that draws people to Jesus. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Pastor in Laos Was Tortured and Killed, Sources Say and Prayer Points for World Watch List #17 - China PRAY FOR CHINA Pray that, despite intense surveillance, faith will flourish in China and more people will discover God’s love. Ask God to help local Open Doors partners be able to reach vulnerable Christians with vital Christian literature, training and fellowship. Ask Him to help believers persevere in their walk with Him. Pray for the authorities in China to recognize the importance of religious freedom, and allow the church to gather and worship without restrictions. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Laws in Algeria Restrict Mission Work and prayer points for World Watch List #18 - Qatar PRAY FOR QATAR Pray for the migrant Christians in Qatar. Pray they would be protected from the brutal and abusive treatment that so many foreign workers face in Qatar. Ask God to protect and preserve His people. Any native Qataris who convert to Christianity must do so in deep secrecy or risk intense persecution from their family and society. Pray that these believers would know they are not alone, and ask God to remind them that He is there and in control. Pray for the monarchy in Qatar. Ask that God would soften the hearts of the Emir and his government, and that they would open their hearts to the truth of Jesus’ love and grace. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Christians Kidnapped, Killed In Ethiopia As Clashes Escalate and prayer points for World Watch List #19 - Vietnam PRAY FOR VIETNAM Pray for new projects planned by Open Doors partners in Vietnam. Pray for wisdom and strength for our ministry partners, and for the hearts of all Christians who will benefit from these new efforts. Pray for Christians in Vietnam who suffer persecution, especially those from ethnic minorities. Pray for those who lose their families and homes, that they would feel the reality that God has given them a global family of believers who prays for them. Pray for the government of Vietnam, both local and national. Pray the national government would protect the rights of all of its citizens, and that local governments would not be used to worsen the persecution faced by Christians in tribal communities. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal

Tribal community force exhumation of body of Christian convert and prayer points for World Watch List #20 - Egypt PRAY FOR EGYPT Pray stable and fulfilling work for Christian men, so they can provide for their families. Pray for Christian Egyptian families as they seek to follow Jesus in the midst of constant pressure. Pray for the protection and flourishing of Christian women. Ask God to change the hearts of influential local leaders, to recognize and value the contribution Christians make to society. Support The Fifth Seal by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-fifth-seal