Response/Prayer Diary April 2025

Your insight into religious freedom

April – July 2025

& prayer diary

Pastor Lorenzo:

Freed!

Also inside this issue: Campaign: Where are Carmen and Lesbia?

Colombia: Remember their names and more...

A snapshot of our collective action: Your campaigning Thousands of CSW supporters in the UK campaigned for Pastor Lorenzo’s release! The Cuban Ambassador in the UK received over 5,000 emails about the case, and we held two protests outside the Cuban Embassy in London.

In the media Pastor Lorenzo’s case was covered in over 27 different media outlets using our case materials.

His story has been told across blogs, TV interviews, podcasts and radio interviews.

With the UK Parliament As a result of our advocacy, the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief published a statement condemning the Cuban government’s targeting of religious leaders, including Pastor Lorenzo.

The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, wrote to Pastor Lorenzo on Human Rights Day 2024. He expressed the UK government’s solidarity and continued commitment to advocating for the pastor’s release.

In the United States After we briefed staff on his case, Pastor Lorenzo was added to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) FoRB Victims List.

At the United Nations We raised his case regularly at the UN, including giving a statement at the Human Rights Council calling for Pastor Lorenzo’s unconditional release.

In Europe We briefed European diplomats, which led to the EU Delegation raising Pastor Lorenzo’s case directly with the Cuban authorities. The Embassy of the Netherlands also later hosted David (Pastor Lorenzo’s son) at a meeting with European diplomats.

Pastor Lorenzo reunited with family

Pastor Lorenzo: Freed!

On Friday 17 January at 8am, Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo walked out of prison with a smile on his face and release papers in his hand. He was met at the gates by his wife Maridilegnis, son David and daughter Lorena. This was the family reunion we had all been waiting for since 11 July 2021, when the Cuban pastor was unjustly arrested for peacefully protesting.

On 11 July 2021, we watched live footage of Cubans peacefully taking to the streets and calling for change and freedom. Initial optimism soon turned to horror as Cuban president Miguel Diaz Canel called for the protestors to be met with violence, sent paramilitary groups out into the streets, and began arresting those protesting en masse.

All images by CSW unless otherwise stated. Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Lead story: Cuba CSW started to receive reports of the arbitrary detentions of religious leaders; Protestant, Roman Catholic, and those holding Afro-Cuban religious beliefs. We began the work of documenting the cases, tracing their whereabouts, and establishing contact with their families.

While most detained religious leaders were released within a matter of days or weeks, Pastor Lorenzo was transferred to a maximum-security prison. He was clearly being targeted for his independent church leadership, and this was not the first time. In 2009, the family home (which also served as their church) was confiscated.

Yet even from behind bars, he was still serving the Lord – even baptising some of his fellow prisoners! One of them wrote to Maridilegnis: ‘I want to thank our Lord for putting Pastor Lorenzo Rosales on our path because he has been a blessing for us.

He has been the instrument that the Lord chose for the truth to come into our lives so that many could come out of the darkness into the light.’

Watch the moment Pastor Lorenzo was released: csw.org.uk/FreePastorLorenzo Ever since his unjust detention, thousands of people have been standing in solidarity with the whole family. You prayed as the pastor was

held incommunicado and subjected to inhumane treatment. You persisted through the days of his trial on trumped-up charges and, months later, as we learned that he had been unfairly sentenced to seven and a half years imprisonment.

Many of you joined us in protesting outside the Cuban embassy in London, and watched as they pushed our torn-up petition back out from under the door.

You supported us through prayer and giving as we prepared and submitted his case to United Nations special procedures – which ultimately found that the pastor had been subjected to arbitrary detention and a series of other violations of his fundamental human rights.

You gave thanks with us when Pastor Lorenzo was moved to a minimumsecurity prison closer to his home and was able to receive more frequent family visits. Through it all you regularly sent letters to Pastor Lorenzo and his family. He told us: Pastor Lorenzo with your letters ‘I have many letters, I want to put them all on the floor for a photo and send it to CSW to thank all the brothers and friends who encouraged us and supported us. It is very nice 3

Lead story: Cuba to receive them, I gave many to the prisoners who asked me for one, who had never received a letter. Most of them praised the Lord when I gave it to them. They also got excited; it is a unique experience. Thank you.’

We stood in solidarity, and now we share in their joy at his release on 17 January 2025. It was part of an agreement negotiated by President Joe Biden, the Vatican and the Cuban government. Also set free was the Afro-Cuban Yoruba religious leader, Donaida Pérez Paseiro.

Unfortunately, her husband Loreto Hernández García remains in prison.

‘I could not have done it alone’ Pastor Lorenzo’s case is not over.

Although he is out of prison and with his family, they are under intense pressure to leave Cuba and go into exile. His ability to work as a pastor will be restricted as the government continues to fear his influence. He has already been subjected to harassment and threats from Cuban security officials, who are trying to intimidate and socially isolate him.

However, Pastor Lorenzo and his family understand something that the Cuban government cannot: they know they are not and will never be alone.

Over the past three years, they have seen evidence of this again and again through your prayers, protesting and providing. Pastor Lorenzo gave us a 4

message to pass on: ‘You are very good brothers and great friends… I could not have done it alone, thank you, thank you. I am actually crying at these moments of so much joy, remembering all the work that you have done and are doing in our favour. THANK YOU and thank you LORD.’ ‘Like Pastor Lorenzo and his family, I know that you played a major role in every breakthrough we have seen in his case,’ said Anna Lee Stangl, Joint Director of Advocacy. ‘I am so grateful that I can count on people like you to persist – not only on their behalf, but for the many others who are targeted around the world because of their religion or belief.’

It took 1,286 days to free Pastor Lorenzo.

We were persistent in our strategic advocacy, month after month, thanks to the generosity of CSW supporters like you. With your help, we can persist in speaking out for other people around the world, until they see freedom and justice: csw.org.uk/donate

Highlighting the true plight of Christians in Iran

United Nations: Iran

On 23 January, CSW sponsored a joint side event at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva alongside Article 18, Middle East Concern and Open Doors International.

It took place ahead of Iran’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which is a mechanism of the Human Rights Council that calls for each UN Member State to undergo a peer review of its human rights records every four and a half years.

The event highlighted the gap between the National Report that Iran submitted to the HRC before its UPR – which painted a positive picture – and the harsh realities for the Christian community.

‘[The Christian community] receives pseudo-recognition, but laws don’t reflect reality.

National security charges and bans on Communion, prayer, and celebrations effectively criminalise normal Christian practices and social life.’

Dr Khataza Gondwe In its report, Iran claimed that ‘religious minorities are permitted to conduct their religious ceremonies freely.’

Iran side event

However, through powerful personal testimonies by Amin Afshar-Naderi (a Christian convert and former prisoner) and Dabrina Bet-Tamraz (whose family experienced violations consistently since her childhood), the event demonstrated how both unrecognised faith groups and those recognised within the constitution face repression. Both of these witnesses were forced to flee the country due to relentless persecution.

Other notable panellists included the UN Special Rapporteur for FoRB, Nazila Ghanea, and the Special Rapporteur on Iran, Professor Mai Sato. Our UN officer, Claire Denman, chaired the event, while co-Director of Advocacy, Dr Khataza Gondwe spoke on the panel, alongside Mansour Borji, Advocacy Director of Article18, and Patrick Conway of Middle East Concern.

5

Pray for Nigeria.

Week 1: 20-26 April Mrs Rhoda Ya’u Jatau is a Christian and civil servant who worked in Bauchi State, Nigeria. She was accused of sharing a video in a staff WhatsApp group in which a Muslim man from Ghana strongly condemned the blasphemy-related murder of Deborah Emmanuel in 2022. Mrs Jatau was charged with inciting public disturbance, exciting the contempt of a religious creed and cyberstalking. She was held for 18 months without bail.

Thanks to your generosity and prayers, we could work on Mrs Jatau’s case until it was dismissed in December 2024. A skilled and exceptional lawyer played a huge part in securing this outcome, so we are grateful to have been able to contribute towards her legal fees.

We also raised her plight at the UN and helped quash unhelpful reports that could have undermined her case.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/nigeria

Sunday 20 April Happy Easter! Praise God for the victory of Jesus’ resurrection – life triumphing over death. Pray for an outpouring of joy and protection for Christians in Nigeria, and around the world, who are celebrating and worshipping today.

Monday 21 April Give thanks that Mrs Jatau’s case was dismissed, and for everyone who played a part in securing her freedom. Pray for her safety as she moves on with her life and ask God to bring victory for others who have been falsely accused in Nigeria.

Tuesday 22 April Pray for a powerful move of God to stop the perpetrators of terror and violence. In the northeast, the terrorist franchises Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue their campaigns of abduction and murder. The al Qaeda affiliate Ansaru and another terrorist group, Lakaruwa, operate in the northwest. Meanwhile, Fulani militia wreak havoc in the centre and south.

Wednesday 23 April This month marked 11 years since Boko Haram abducted 276 girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State. Pray that the Nigerian government will prioritise the safe return of the 82 girls who are still missing. Pray that 6

those who escape will get the psychosocial support they need.

Thursday 24 April Communities in parts of the predominantly Christian area of southern Kaduna continue to experience attacks and kidnappings for ransom. Tragically, many abductees are killed after payments are made, and those who deliver the ransoms are often abducted themselves. Pray for urgent intervention to stop this happening and protect those who are at risk.

Friday 25 April On New Years Day 2025, militia men on motorcycles and dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms invaded the Ungwar Rogo community in Kajuru LGA, southern Kaduna.

They stole farm produce and burned down 15 homes. They also set fire to the local Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) building, after looting the church and the vicarage. Ask God to bring an end to these attacks and restore peace to the region.

Saturday 26 April Risen Lord Jesus, you are far above all rule and authority, power and dominion (Ephesians 3:21). As we hear about situations of terrible suffering, insecurity and injustice in Nigeria, help us to remember that nothing is impossible for you. Bring deliverance, we pray. Amen.

Pray for the people of Iran.

Week 2: 27 April-3 May The Iranian authorities continue to harass and detain religious and ethnic minorities, with religious leaders regularly facing false charges and lengthy sentences. Recent legislation has also led to violence against women and girls for not adhering to strict hijab laws.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/iran

Sunday 27 April We are thankful for the release of Church of Iran leader Matthias (Abdulreza Ali) Haghnejad on 14 December, after serving a six-year sentence. However, yet another unjust case looms against him, dating back to his arrest at a Christmas gathering in December 2022 while he was on furlough from prison. Pray this case is dropped and he remains free.

Monday 28 April Pray for the family of Ebrahim Firouzi, who died in February 2024. Ebrahim (an Iranian convert to Christianity) spent six years in prison and two in internal exile. Pray, too, for the family of Bijan Gholizadeh, who died in a road accident last August. The father of three had just been released on bail after spending six months in detention, including 20 days in solitary confinement.

Tuesday 29 April Pray for women and girls across Iran who are being subjected to assault, harassment, and sexual and gender-based violence by state security forces, as the authorities continue to implement repressive measures to ensure the mandatory wearing of the hijab.

Wednesday 30 April The Baha’i community (Iran’s largest religious minority) lacks legal recognition and has been targeted relentlessly with discriminatory and repressive measures. Pray for an end to this oppression, for protection for all members of the community, and for the release of those detained.

Matthias Haghnejad

Thursday 1 May Minorities face heightened violence and discrimination at the hands of the authorities.

Pray for protection for all of Iran’s religious and ethnic minority communities, including Baha’is, Christians, Sufi Dervishes and Sunni Muslims.

Friday 2 May Christians continue to face unsubstantiated national-security related crimes, lengthy sentences and even torture for normal Christian practices, such as taking communion, and ordinary social activities, like picnics. Pray for all who are currently imprisoned because of their faith, and that Christianity would no longer effectively be criminalised.

Saturday 3 May Lord, we read in Amos 5:24: ‘let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ We pray for a heavenly justice to permeate every situation of darkness in Iran, and for righteousness to be established at the very heart of governance. Amen.

7

Your prayers are needed for Cuba.

Week 3: 4-10 May ‘… I could not have done it alone. Thank you, thank you. I am actually crying at these moments of so much joy, remembering all the work that you have done and are doing at our favour.

THANK YOU and thank you LORD.’ – Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo Find out more at csw.org.uk/cuba

Sunday 4 May

Thursday 8 May

In January we received the wonderful news that Pastor Lorenzo had been released from prison in Cuba. He was arrested in July 2021 while peacefully protesting and later was sentenced to seven years in prison. Let’s give thanks and celebrate his freedom!

You may remember praying for Donaida Pérez Paseiro, an Afro-Cuban Yoruba religious leader.

Give thanks that she was also released from prison in January, but continue to pray for her husband Loreto Hernández García, who remains in prison. He has a number of serious medical conditions.

Monday 5 May So many of you tirelessly prayed and campaigned for Pastor Lorenzo. Thank God for every single person who contributed to his release by signing our petition, attending one of our protests, sending letters of encouragement, or praying for his release.

Tuesday 6 May Pray for encouragement, wisdom and protection for Pastor Lorenzo and his family as he adjusts to life after three and a half years behind bars. He has already been subjected to harassment and threats from Cuban security officials, who are trying to intimidate and isolate him. His ability to work as a pastor will be restricted as the government continues to fear his influence.

Wednesday 7 May Continue to surround Pastor Lorenzo and his family in prayer, as they are under intense pressure to leave Cuba and go into exile.

Pray also for those who have already fled oppression on the island. Some have left under threat of losing custody of their children due to the Family Code legislation, which the government is using to force religious leaders and others into compliance.

8

Friday 9 May The Cuban government regularly refuses to allow unregistered places of worship to be legalised. On top of this, they then routinely punish their leaders with heavy fines because they are unregistered. Pray that the government would end these unjust practices and allow faith groups to exercise their fundamental rights.

Saturday 10 May Loving heavenly Father, we rejoice in the good news we have seen in Cuba this year!

We pray for yet more good news – freedom for those who are unjustly detained, and that those who were released would remain free.

Bring true and lasting change to the island.

Amen.

Pastor Lorenzo reuniting with his family, January 2025

Pray for victims of abduction.

Week 4: 11-17 May Hundreds of people are abducted every year, in many cases by terrorist groups that often specifically target members of other religion or belief groups, but sometimes a country’s own authorities may be responsible.

This week, we pray for four people from around the world who have been abducted due to their religious beliefs, or the actions their beliefs inspire them to take. Join us in asking God to bring peace and comfort to their families and communities, and to move powerfully to restore their freedom.

Leah Sharibu This Wednesday is Leah Sharibu’s 22nd birthday. It is the eighth birthday she will mark as a captive of the Islamic State West Africa Province, who abducted her along with 109 others from their school in Dapchi, Nigeria in February 2018.

While all of her surviving classmates were released a month later, Leah was denied her freedom because she refused to renounce her Christian faith.

Please pray that the Nigerian government would finally deliver on their promises to secure her release. Ask God to continue to comfort, sustain and protect Leah and her family.

Pastor Raymond Koh Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted in broad daylight in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia on 13 February 2017. He was on his way to see a friend when he was kidnapped by 15 men in balaclavas who were later found to work for the Special Branch of the Malaysian police. The whole process took just 42 seconds.

Pastor Koh’s family have not heard from him since, and the authorities have repeatedly attempted to deny their involvement. Please pray for his wife, Susanna, their children and their entire church as they continue to await truth, justice and ultimately his safe return.

Archbishop Boulos (Paul) Yazigi & Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim Archbishop Boulos (Paul) Yazigi of the Greek Orthodox Church and Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syriac Orthodox Church were abducted on 22 April 2013.

They were among a number of prominent clergy to be targeted around this time in one of the first clear indicators of a religiously motivated campaign against Syria’s Christian community.

Over a decade later – and six years since the last Syrian village controlled by the Islamic State was liberated in March 2019 – the two bishops’ whereabouts remain unknown.

Pray that recent developments in the country would allow their communities to finally find answers.

A banner calling for the release of Archbishops Yazigi and Ibrahim at the Monastery of Saint Mark in Jerusalem. Photo: Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, licensed under CC BY 2.0

9

Pray for the people of Pakistan.

Fr Bonnie visiting the CSW office

Week 5: 18-24 May Fr Boniface 'Bonnie' Mendes is a priest in the Diocese of Faisalabad and one of our partners in Pakistan. At 87 years old, he is still a leading voice for the rights of Christians, Ahmadis and other religious minorities in the country.

Last August, Fr Bonnie visited our UK office to share a message of thanks for CSW and everyone who supports our advocacy. He also shared prayer requests, reminding us that prayer is our greatest weapon in fighting the injustice we see around the world.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/pakistan

Sunday 18 May

Wednesday 21 May

Fr Bonnie spoke passionately against Pakistan’s unjust blasphemy laws. Accusations of blasphemy have been on the rise and, tragically, mob violence often follows – sometimes with devastating consequences.

Pray for all families who have been affected by blasphemy accusations, and for these unjust laws to be repealed.

There has been a rise in sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslim communities.

In November at least 42 people were killed following attacks on groups of Shia pilgrims.

Pray for comfort for those who lost loved ones, and for the authorities to address the root causes of sectarian tensions.

Monday 19 May Fr Bonnie expressed grave concern about the widespread and increasing targeting of the Ahmadiyya community, which has led to a number of recent killings. Pray for the protection of Ahmadis today.

‘I think the biggest resource we have is prayer.’

Father Bonnie

Tuesday 20 May Pakistan is the only country in the world where it’s a criminal offence for Ahmadis to call themselves Muslims. They face discrimination in virtually every area of life, including in education and employment. Pray that this unjust legislation would be repealed, and that the Ahmadiyya community would no longer be denied fundamental rights.

10

Thursday 22 May The legacy of the caste system means that Christians are often perceived as unclean

by Pakistan’s Muslim majority. They are also perceived as being sympathetic to the ‘West’, making them targets of Islamist groups.

Ask God to surround and uplift Christian communities today.

Friday 23 May Religious minorities, such as Christians, are severely disadvantaged in education settings.

This is due to a biased system which privileges Islam over other religions. Pray that the education system would be transformed into one which gives equal opportunities to people of all faiths.

Saturday 24 May Loving heavenly Father, move powerfully the nation of Pakistan today. Bring peace, freedom and justice to people of all faiths, we pray. For nothing is impossible for you. Amen.

Pray for China.

Week 6: 25-31 May The Chinese government’s control and suppression of house churches became increasingly severe in 2024. The main charges levelled against them include ‘illegal gatherings’ and ‘fraud.’

In August, a woman named Fan was accused of illegal gathering after she invited around 20 church members to her home to pray for her sick husband and read the Bible. Fan was made to sign a guarantee letter and was fined 5,000 yuan.

This was in Fengqing County (Yunnan Province), where half of the churches have been demolished in the past ten years. Villagers were told that any gathering of more than four people would be deemed illegal.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/china

Sunday 25 May ‘You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.’ (Psalm 56:8 NLT) Pray that all those unjustly imprisoned in China would know the comfort of the God who sees their sorrows.

Monday 26 May Pastor Sun Chenghao (an ethnic Korean pastor) has been arbitrarily detained since December 2023 on suspicion of ‘organising others to sneak across the border’. This was after he and his friends travelled to Jeju Island, South Korea for a sightseeing trip. Pray for Pastor Sun’s release.

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima

Tuesday 27 May Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is the 11th Panchem Lama – one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism.

It’s now been more than 30 years since the Chinese government forcibly disappeared six-year-old Gedhun and his family on 17 May 1995. Pray for answers today.

Wednesday 28 May A group of 40 Uyghur men were deported from Thailand to China in February, where

they will likely face torture or other cruel and inhuman punishment. They had been detained in Thailand for more than a decade, having fled persecution in China. Pray for their freedom, and for an end to the persecution of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups.

Thursday 29 May Last November, the Hong Kong Hight Court sentenced 45 activists for their involvement in pro-democracy protests in June 2020.

The sentences – ranging from four to ten years in prison – raise serious concerns for the direction of human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. Please pray that they are overturned.

Friday 30 May On Christmas Day 2024, authorities in Tibet charged ten Christians from the ‘All Ranges’ house church with ‘organising and utilising cult organisations’. Seven of the group have been released on bail; three remain in detention. Pray that the charges against all of them would be dismissed.

Saturday 31 May Lord God, we lift the vast nation of China to you today. We thank you that there is not a single injustice that escapes your sight, and ask you to work miracles in cases where it seems there is no hope. Amen.

11

Where are they?

Carmen and Lesbia

Where are they?

Carmen María Sáenz Martínez and Lesbia del Socorro Gutiérrez Poveda are Catholic lay leaders in Nicaragua. They are prisoners of a regime solely interested in its own survival.

At 6am on 10 August 2024, fifteen police officers wearing ski masks and carrying AK-47s arrested 58-year-old Lesbia at her home in Lomas de Santo Tomas in Matagalpa City.

Two hours later, police in two patrol cars detained Lesbia’s colleague Carmen, age 49, at the Guadalupana Farm in Samulali in the San Ramón Municipality.

Neither woman has been seen or heard from since. They are believed to be held in La Esperanza women’s prison, but they have had no contact with lawyers or families in over eight months – not even a proof of life. Where are they?

Neither woman has committed any crime. Yet they have been treated as criminals for serving their communities through the Roman Catholic Church, inspired by their faith.

Both Carmen and Lesbia worked with the Diocese of Matagalpa. This was formerly led by the now-exiled Bishop Rolando

2024 at a glance: • 222 violations of freedom of religion or belief recorded by CSW. In the current climate of fear, a significant percentage of violations goes unreported.

12

Lesbia

Carmen

José Álvarez Lagos, who was unjustly imprisoned for nearly a year and a half before he was expelled from the country in January 2024. Lesbia had worked with the diocese’s rural and urban credit project since 2006, and Carmen worked as a justice promoter in marriage annulment cases since 2018.

This case is part of the Nicaraguan government’s continued onslaught against religious leaders, human rights defenders, and other independent voices.

Join the campaign: csw.org.uk/wherearethey We’re calling on the Nicaraguan government to provide an urgent proof of life for Carmen and Lesbia; to free them immediately and without condition.

• 46 cases of religious leaders being arbitrarily detained. In some cases, multiple people were detained. Some were short term (lasting from hours to a few days) while some are still not free, like Carmen and Lesbia.

Pray for Nicaragua.

Week 7: 1-7 June Carmen and Lesbia are religious leaders in Nicaragua. They were detained on 10 August 2024 and haven’t been seen or heard from since. Where are they?

They are believed to be being held in La Esperanza women’s prison, where conditions are poor, but they’ve had no contact with their families or lawyers since they were arbitrarily detained – not even a proof of life.

Join the campaign and pray for answers: csw.org.uk/WhereAreThey

Sunday 1 June Pray today for Carmen María Sáenz Martinez and Lesbia del Socorro Gutiérrez Poveda.

Neither woman has committed any crime. Pray that the Nicaraguan government will provide an urgent proof of life for Carmen and Lesbia.

Pray that they will be freed immediately and without condition.

Monday 2 June In 2024, we documented 46 cases of arbitrary detention of religious leaders. In some cases, multiple people were detained. Pray for the unconditional release of those who are still held unjustly. Pray that those who were forced into exile would be able to return to Nicaragua with their citizenship restored.

Tuesday 3 June

food and basic supplies from his relatives – including medicine for hypertension, blood circulation and other health issues.

Wednesday 4 June Throughout 2024, President Daniel Ortega and Vice-President Rosario Murillo (his wife) continued to crackdown on fundamental freedoms in an effort to silence their critics.

Pray that they will be held to account for their crimes.

Thursday 5 June Father Frutos Constantino Valle Salmerón has been under house arrest since July 2024. The priest suffers from hypertension and diabetes, and remains under permanent guard. Pray for his health and freedom, as well as for other religious leaders who have been arbitrarily detained in Nicaragua.

Friday 6 June Last year, the Nicaraguan government stripped hundreds of civil society organisations of their legal status. Among them were religious orders, churches, entire Protestant denominations, schools, religious radio and television outlets, and faith-based charities.

Pray that the government would unfreeze the bank accounts and restore the legal status of those who were cancelled.

Saturday 7 June

Pastor Efrén Antonio Vílchez López is serving a 23-year sentence on trumped-up charges. The Protestant pastor has a history of criticising the government’s acts of injustice. Pray specifically for Pastor Efrén’s health. Prison officials have sometimes refused to pass on packages of

Lord, nothing is hidden from you; even darkness is as light to you. And as we read in Psalm 139: where can we go from your Spirit?

We pray that Carmen and Lesbia will know the closeness of your presence at this time, and that the truth will come to light – ultimately leading to their freedom. Amen.

• Almost 2,000 independent civil society organisations had their legal status cancelled, including churches and, in some cases, entire denominations.

From CSW’s latest report on Nicaragua, covering 1 January-31 December 2024: ‘Total Control: The Eradication of Independent Voices in Nicaragua.’

13

This week please pray for Syria.

Week 8: 8-14 June On 27 November, a coalition of anti-Assad rebel groups launched a surprise attack and managed to take the northern city of Aleppo, the second largest city in Syria. They swept south very quickly and took the cities of Hama and Homs within a few days, causing Assad’s army to retreat. They reached Damascus on 8 December, forcing Assad to flee to Moscow.

The fall of the Assad regime marked the end of 54 years of tyranny. We continue to monitor the situation very closely, as the situation remains extremely volatile and uncertain, as proAssad armed elements continue to pose a threat.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/syria

Sunday 8 June

Thursday 12 June

Give thanks for the ending to the rule of Bashar al-Assad. He oversaw decades of severe human rights violations and repression – including the torture and execution of thousands of political prisoners, and the use of chemical weapons against civilians. Pray that the international community would ensure that he and his supporters are brought to justice.

The UN World Food Programme estimates that nearly 13 million people – over half the population – are currently facing food insecurity. The numbers have been rising since the government was overthrown. Please pray that the international community would recognise and respond to this need swiftly.

Monday 9 June The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham led the offensive that ousted Assad. Pray for them and the interim government today, that they would oversee a swift, peaceful and inclusive transition to lasting democracy in Syria.

Tuesday 10 June Sectarian tensions remain high, particularly between the country’s Alawite and Sunni communities. Pray for a miracle of reconciliation; for protection for minorities, and for provision for everyone rebuilding their lives in this highly volatile context.

Wednesday 11 June ‘Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.’ (Daniel 2:20-21a) Use this verse to affirm and celebrate the Lord’s divine authority over Syria today.

14

Friday 13 June Pray today for the countless unaccompanied children – many of whom are likely to be orphans – who are currently living on the streets. Ask God to lead them to shelter and safety, and to reunite families wherever possible.

Saturday 14 June Lord Jesus, we come to you with cautious optimism for the future of Syria. We commit the transitional period into your hands, and ask you to establish the plans of those committed to inclusivity who will bring peace, justice, democracy and reconciliation to the country. Amen.

Destroyed buildings in Homs, Syria, January 2025

Your prayers are needed for Sudan.

Week 9: 15-21 June The conflict in Sudan has been going on for over two years now, and has been recognised as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Over 15 million people have been displaced including three million who have fled the country. No matter how long the war and human rights violations continue, we will remain persistent in prayer and advocacy. Thank you for raising your voices.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/sudan

Sunday 15 June

Wednesday 18 June

When former president Omar al Bashir was overthrown in 2019, there was significant hope for greater rights and freedoms in Sudan.

Sadly, the current conflict is destroying that hope for the future. Pray urgently for the guns to fall silent, for civilians to be protected and justice for the Sudanese people.

Pray for those who are courageously providing medical and humanitarian aid, despite the risks. Thank God for them and ask him to protect all those working to save lives.

Monday 16 June As of March 2025, some estimates suggest the war has resulted in 150,000 deaths, with civilians facing dangers from aerial bombings and house to house fighting. Civilians are also at risk from acute humanitarian shortages, and famine has been declared in several parts of Sudan. Lift up the families who have lost loved ones or been injured. Pray for provision for those in need.

Tuesday 17 June Pray for 3,800 families who are displaced in White Nile State. Originally from the Nuba Mountains in the south, they had been displaced to the capital Khartoum over a decade ago due to war and are now displaced once again. Local authorities have refused to provide them with support, and they are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Most of this community are Christians, who also face religious and ethnic discrimination, intimidation and arbitrary arrest.

Thursday 19 June Sudanese women have experienced some of the worst of the violence. Mona Rishmawi (an independent investigator of the UN FactFinding Mission for Sudan) has described the conflict as one ‘fought on the bodies of women’. Pray for urgent action to protect women and girls from the pervasive threat of sexual and gender-based violence.

Friday 20 June This week is Refugee Week in the UK, and today is World Refugee Day. Spend a minute in silence, contemplating the situation faced by millions of displaced people seeking to escape this an other terrible conflicts. Pray that they would find safety, shelter, provision and understanding.

Saturday 21 June God of justice, we lament that the conflict in Sudan continues to rage. Our hearts break for the victims of violence, famine and displacement. We call on you to bring restoration, hope and peace to this nation.

Turn swords into ploughshares (Isaiah 2:4) and let mercy reign. Amen.

15

Around the world: Recent News

Around the world Nigeria In January we received news that Mubarak Bala, the president of the Nigerian Humanist Society, was released from prison.

Mr Bala had been arrested at his home in April 2020, having been accused of insulting Islam in Facebook posts.

He was held incommunicado for the first 162 days, denied access to his legal team for five months, and spent 462 days in prison before being formally charged.

India As they gathered for a church service on Sunday 16 February, around 50 Christians were attacked in Bikaner, a city in the northwestern state of Rajasthan.

Towards the end of the service a mob of almost 200 people entered the church and began assaulting the Christians with iron rods. Three members of the church were left with severe injuries; most of the others had bruises all over their bodies.

When the police arrived at the scene, the mob immediately dispersed.

However, the police then escorted

16

Mubarak Bala

In April 2022 Mr Bala was convicted on 18 counts of causing a public disturbance. He was sentenced to an excessive 24 years in prison, which was reduced to five years in May 2024. We thank God that he is now free, while continuing to advocate for the repeal of Nigeria’s blasphemy law. It remains a dangerous driver of religious extremism.

the pastor, his wife and a few of the other church members to the police station for questioning.

Thankfully they weren’t charged, as the attackers couldn’t provide any evidence that forceful conversions were taking place at the church, as they claimed.

The Christians decided not to file a complaint for fear of reprisals. Sadly, the police haven’t taken any action against those who perpetrated the attack either.

834 attacks against Christians in 2024, up from 127 incidents in 2014.

Source: United Christian Forum

Around the world: Recent News China Pastor Ma Yan is a 32-year-old Hui Christian from Yunnan Province. On 24 March he was sentenced to nine months in prison for ‘organising illegal gatherings’, in relation to a gathering of no more than ten Christians. His prosecution is yet another example of the Chinese Communist Party targeting ethnic and religious minorities.

The pastor was first detained alongside three other Christians on 9 August 2024, when police raided a gathering at a guesthouse in the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Vietnam A 71-year-old Protestant pastor, Nguyen Manh Hung, was arrested in Ho Chi Minh City on 16 January, after being accused of using social media to spread ‘anti-state propaganda’. His son, Nguyen Tran Hien, was detained at the same time, but released after several hours of interrogation. If found guilty, Pastor Nguyen could face up to 20 years in prison.

Pastor Nguyen has recently been associated with the Chuong Bo Protestant Church (affiliated with the global Mennonite Church) and is a member of the Interfaith Council of Vietnam. Neither is registered with the government, which is required under Vietnamese law.

The next day, an administrative detention order was issued, and all four men were detained for ‘disrupting public order’. Two of them were released after a week, while Pastor Ma and another Christian were held for ten days. Then on 26 September, Pastor Ma was formally arrested on the new charge of ‘organising illegal gatherings’.

Despite his innocence, Pastor Ma pleaded guilty to the ‘illegal gathering’ charge at his trial in February, because it carries a lighter sentence compared to other charges and isn’t stigmatised.

Taking into account 32 days of previous administrative detentions, Pastor Ma should be released on 17 April 2025.

Elsewhere, Vietnamese authorities stopped all Vietnamese invitees from travelling to the United States to attend the International Religious Freedom Summit in February.

The Venerable Thich Nhat Phuoc (a Buddhist monk) and two Cao Dai dignitaries (Nguyen Xuan Mai and Nguyen Ngoc Dien) were all banned from leaving the country on the grounds of ‘national defence and security’.

Pastor Nguyen Manh Hung

Nguyen Xuan Mai with travel ban notice

17

Podcast: Pakistan & Colombia

Listen:

The Free to Believe podcast

With new episodes on their way, now is the time to catch up on CSW’s podcast!

Darren Adwalpalker (President of CSW USA) hosts in-depth conversations with our specialist advocates.

Available at csw.org.uk/podcast or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other streaming platforms.

Episode 9: Top-down and bottom-up change in Pakistan

Episode 11 and 12: Courage in Colombia

Cecil Chaudhry discusses the challenges religious minorities face in Pakistan and how CSW's advocacy is affecting change on a ‘top-down’ level (governmental), as well as from the bottom up (individual and community).

In a special episode recorded in-country, Darren sits down with CEO Scot Bower and Joint Director of Advocacy, Anna Lee Stangl. They describe being in a room of people from diverse communities, who shared their experiences of persecution in Colombia.

Cecil shares how he personally experienced intolerance because of his Christian faith, and what drives him to continue speaking up for the rights of all.

‘I’m a father of two young children. I was living in Pakistan and I could clearly see the difference of the severity of the discrimination that my children had started to face, versus what I felt 40 years back, when I was in school. And that was really concerning. It was one of the driving forces for me, why I want to continue to raise a voice and continue to speak up for the injustices that are happening for minorities in the country.’

18

(L-R) Scot, Darren and Anna Lee in Colombia

‘You’ve got this miracle of bullets missing someone at point blank range, and sitting right next to him was a woman who lost her husband…’

Their stories were different, but there was unity and comfort, even amid tears.

‘I can’t stress enough that aspect of solidarity: being able to talk to each other and not just to us.’

Pray for our work at the United Nations.

Week 10: 22-28 June ‘It is vital that the international community unites in countering religious hatred globally…’

Claire Denman (CSW’s UN Officer) continues to speak truth to power at the United Nations.

Thanks to our UN accreditation, we are able to be an expert voice for freedom of religion or belief at the Human Rights Council (HRC), and the June-July session is now underway. Ask God to guide our work in this international arena.

Sunday 22 June Give thanks for the opportunities we have to speak up for freedom of religion or belief at the UN Human Rights Council this month. Pray for wisdom and boldness for all who will be presenting evidence, especially our UN Officer Claire and our team of advocates.

Monday 23 June We believe that human rights are critical in enabling societies and countries to flourish.

Pray that the UN would play an increasingly proactive role in promoting human rights around the world, and that world leaders would uphold their duty to protect the right to freedom of religion or belief for all.

Tuesday 24 June An important part of our UN work is amplifying the voices of those suffering freedom of religion or belief violations. Where possible, we facilitate their participation in UN meetings so that they can speak truth directly to power.

Pray that we would be able to help many more people be the voice for their communities at the UN.

Wednesday 25 June CSW works closely with many UN staff and independent experts, such as the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief,

Nazila Ghanea. Pray for the UN staff and the independent experts, as they champion fundamental freedoms around the world.

Thursday 26 June To operate effectively at the UN, CSW staff seek to maintain good working relationships with other NGOs and with representatives of country delegations, both in Geneva and New York. Pray that God would continue to bless and develop these relationships.

Friday 27 June In two weeks' time (at the end of the UN Human Rights Council session), Council members will vote whether to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea.

Please pray that the UN would take strong, decisive action to protect human rights in Eritrea by renewing the mandate. Pray, too, for all those involved in the negotiations ahead of the vote.

Saturday 28 June Father God, thank you that you are above nations and governments and can move in situations that seem too big for us to even contemplate. We pray for a brighter future, one that is free of violence, lack, fear and hostility. Amen.

Claire with Pastor Fundora (Cuban pastor and human rights defender) at the UN

19

Giving Pray forthanks.

India.

Week 11: 29 June-5 July Anti-conversion laws in India are increasingly used to target individuals and communities of different faiths. The laws – enforced in 11 states across India – claim to protect freedom of religion, but in reality they are used to punish people who want to practice a religion of their choice. Even in states where they are not officially enforced, the laws are used to intimidate religious minorities.

Jose and Sheeja Pappachan

Find out more at csw.org.uk/india

Sunday 29 June Jose and Sheeja Pappachan were convicted under anti-conversion laws in Uttar Pradesh, in relation to their distributing the Bible, encouraging children to get an education, and encouraging villagers not to drink alcohol. The Christian couple were fined and sentenced to five years in prison in January before being granted bail in February. Pray for their full acquittal and well-being.

Monday 30 June Ask God to cultivate integrity amongst judges and officials in India’s legal system so that the law would no longer be wielded as a tool of oppression. Pray for leaders who are willing to speak on behalf of religious minorities in the justice system, holding local authorities to account.

Tuesday 1 July ‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.’

(Isaiah 54:17) Intercede for India’s Christian communities who are facing harassment and violence. Ask God to be a shield of protection around them, and silence false accusations and hate speech.

Wednesday 2 July In February this year, a Sunday service in Rajasthan was violently disrupted by a mob of over 200 people, who vandalised the church and attacked the Christians inside. Pray for

20

their continued physical and emotional healing, and for the community to be strengthened in unity and faith.

Thursday 3 July Worship services and religious gatherings across India are being disrupted by the authorities and far-right religious nationalists, who are misusing the anti-conversion laws as a pretence. Pray that these disruptions would cease and that communities might assemble without fear, knowing peace as they worship.

Friday 4 July CSW’s India Researcher warned that ‘the radicalisation of youth is a huge concern, and something that not a lot of people are talking about… Most extremist Hindu nationalist groups have student wings that act as the hands and feet of the organisations.’ Pray that India’s youth would not be influenced by antiMuslim or anti-Christian sentiments; that the next generation would grow up to seek peace, justice and harmony.

Saturday 5 July Holy Father, we long to see freedom flourish across India. We pray that laws, such as anti-conversion legislation, would no longer be weaponised against religious minorities.

By your love and spirit, would communities find common ground, mutual respect and creative ways to live in harmony with one another. Amen.

Pray for Indonesia.

Week 12: 6-12 July Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country that has six officially recognised religions: Islam, Roman Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism. Last year, there was an encouraging step towards inclusivity for people who belong to other religious groups. The Constitutional Court added a new category to identity cards, which allows people to register as non-specific believers. While there still isn’t a ‘no religion’ option, we can give thanks for this meaningful development. Let’s pray with fresh faith for systemic changes that allow everyone to practice a religion or belief of their choice.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/indonesia

Sunday 6 July

Thursday 10 July

Religious minorities, including Christians, frequently face accusations and charges of blasphemy. Pray for the repeal of Indonesia’s oppressive blasphemy laws, that they would no longer be used as a weapon against religious or ethnic minorities.

Pray today for the Thessalonika Church in Teluknaga. In March 2024, members of the church faced eviction and were prohibited from gathering for worship. Ask God to draw near, strengthen and protect them from further harassment.

Monday 7 July

Friday 11 July

A national regulation was introduced in 2022 which lifted the mandatory hijab rules in schools. However, several local decrees still require female students to wear the hijab in certain regions, particularly in West Sumatra and Aceh. Pray for collaborative action to address these policies, and that girls will not be bullied or pressured to comply.

Law enforcement agencies have frequently fallen short in their response to violent incidents. Pray that they would take violations of freedom of religion or belief seriously, and that the perpetrators of violence will be stopped.

Tuesday 8 July

Saturday 12 July Lord of all, we trust in your unfailing love.

We ask you to pave the way for tolerance and inclusivity and safety for people of all religions or beliefs in Indonesia. Amen.

Christians face obstacles to practising their faith in several ways, including through intimidation, violence and the obstruction of building places of A church on the way to North Sumatra. CSW/Giulio Paletta worship from local communities and authorities. Ask God to remove obstacles today.

Wednesday 9 July ‘Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.’ Read through Psalm 143:8 as you pray for Indonesia’s Christian communities who face discrimination and disruptions to their worship services.

21

In memory: Colombia

Remember their names Many Christians in the northcentral part of Colombia are on edge after the targeted assassinations of two church leaders in the space of two weeks. In both cases, the killings were carried out by masked hitmen on motorcycles.

The Lora Rincón family Pastor Marlon Lora (43) and his wife, Yorley Rincón (40), led the Prince of Peace Villaparaguay Church in Aguachica. He oversaw 35 urban and rural churches in the region. The couple’s daughter Ángela (24) worked as a communications and journalism professional for Aguachica’s public utilities company. Their son Santiago (21) was a systems engineering student. Both were active in the local church.

On 29 December, the family were fired at repeatedly while having lunch after a Sunday service. Pastor Lora, Yorley and Ángela were killed instantly. Santiago was severely injured and passed away in hospital a few days later.

Pastor Lora had mentioned possible threats to another pastor, though he hadn’t given details. His supervisor, Pastor Bermúdez, told us: ‘Marlon was like many of us pastors – we keep quiet about many things so that everything runs smoothly, even while we carry heavy burdens inside.’

22

The Lora Rincón family

Iván García Iván García (28) was married to Pastor Karen Nierles, who leads the New Rebirth in Christ Church in Magdalena. A recovered drug addict, Iván had publicly declared his faith eight months before his death, and his enthusiasm contributed to the rapid growth of their congregation from seven to 30 committed members. Pastor Nierles said her husband ‘died loving the church. If there was a light bulb missing, he would get it. If someone needed something, Iván was always ready to help.’

‘For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.’

On 8 January, Iván was walking home from a prayer service at another church when hitmen appeared on the dark, rural road and shot him six times. Instead of running, the young preacher fell to his knees and raised his hands to God. He died in the arms of his 14-year-old stepdaughter. A woman who was with them stepped in front of Iván and was also shot, though thankfully survived.

Pastor Nierles said: ‘A couple of days ago he told me that he was not afraid to teach the Bible, that his life was new. He told me, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”’

Spend a moment in silence for those who have lost their lives because of their beliefs.

Pray for Colombia.

Week 13: 13-19 July In areas of Colombia where there is a presence of illegal armed and criminal groups, the threat to life for religious leaders is so high that even holding an extended time of prayer can be incredibly dangerous. To preach peace – or even praying out loud for an end to the violence – can be to risk everything.

One pastor from Aguachica was crying as he told us that they feel powerless and fearful for their families: ‘We go into the streets with fear… Please do not leave us alone; today, every word of support means so much.’

Find out more at csw.org.uk/colombia

Sunday 13 July

Thursday 17 July

Religious leaders are often in grave danger because of the influence they hold in their communities. Pray that the Colombian government would recognise this and would reinstate protections for those in the religious sector.

Violence in the Catatumbo region (along the border with Venezuela) has led to the displacement of over 50,000 people and dozens of deaths. Pray for an end to the violence between warring guerilla groups, the FARC and the ELN. Ask for wisdom for priests and pastors working in the midst of this very dangerous context.

Monday 14 July Ask God to be a mighty shield around pastors in Colombia – especially those who have received death threats in Aguachica. Many have not spoken publicly or filed complaints out of fear. Some told us they do not know what to do, whether to quit or flee, while feeling the responsibility of looking after their congregations.

Friday 18 July The Kogui are an indigenous people group in the mountains of northern Colombia. Pray for a group of Kogui who have been forcibly displaced from their community in waves since an initial group became Christians over two decades ago.

Tuesday 15 July

Saturday 19 July

Call on the Lord to comfort, protect and provide for Pastor Karen Nierles and her children. Her husband, Iván Garcia, was murdered in January for refusing to store weapons in their church on behalf of an illegal armed group.

Pray today for Kogui Christian young people who have been blocked from attending university. CSW has been advocating on their behalf with the Colombian government for them to have this right restored. Ask God to soften the hearts of those in authority so that they would be moved to action.

Wednesday 16 July To add to the trauma for their loved ones, lies were spread about both pastors Marlon Lora and Iván Garcia after they were killed, falsely claiming that they were involved with illegal armed groups. Pray that the truth would shine ever brighter. Give thanks for their legacy of service to their communities.

‘Today, every word of support means so much.’

23

Feature China

When the facts and the law don’t matter, a guilty verdict is only a matter of time.

For two decades, Ma Yanhu worked as a tour organiser for hundreds of Chinese Muslims looking to make the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Based in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, his work involved booking flights and arranging essential travel documents. He sometimes even led private tour groups to the city, but stopped this part of his work once the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) prohibited it.

However, despite limiting his work, Ma Yanhu was still detained on 20 March 2023, accused of ‘organising others to illegally cross the border’.

‘They politicised and criminalised the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, which is not illegal, and insisted on finding me guilty,’ Ma said in his appeal letter, seen

by CSW.

Increasing restrictions The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey are required to do so at least once in their life. However, the 24

CCP began to crack down on it, starting in 2018 with the Revised Regulations on Religious Affairs. Then in December 2020, new rules meant that all Hajj trips must be organised by the Islamic Association of China, which falls under the authority of the CCP’s United Front Work Department (UFWD).

This was part of a wider effort to ‘sinicize’ and control religious practice across the country.

Ma stopped leading tour groups to Mecca – no doubt aware of the consequences for breaking these restrictions. Instead, he only helped to book flights and apply for tourist or

Umrah visas (the latter often referred to as the ‘lesser’ or ‘minor’ pilgrimage of Islam).

But this was not enough.

Ma was detained, and five weeks later was formally arrested (24 April 2023). But the charge against him had changed.

He now stood accused of ‘illegal business operations’, which is commonly used against religious leaders in China; you may recognise it as one of the charges against Pastor Wang Yi of Early Rain Church.

This charge criminalises a vague and broad range of activities, and often aims to undermine a leader’s reputation and credibility, too. Our sources believe it was altered in Ma Yanhu’s case because the initial charge lacked evidence.

‘If they decide someone is guilty, they must be guilty, regardless of the facts and the law.’

Interference from a ‘powerful hand’ Six months after Ma’s formal arrest, a prosecution letter was issued.

However – contrary to standard procedure – no trial date was set because the court had been told that the letter needed to be amended.

Six months after that, a second prosecution letter was issued (15 April 2024). The charges had been changed back to ‘illegally crossing the border’, and the case finally proceeded to trial. On 21 June, Ma was sentenced to eight years in prison. He appealed shortly afterwards, but this was rejected.

In his appeal letter, Ma wrote: ‘There has been a powerful hand behind the scenes interfering and manipulating the trial of my case.’

At the time of writing, Ma remains in Wuzhong City Prison, with no further avenue for appeal. With your support, we will continue to advocate for people like Ma Yanhu, calling for his sentence to be overturned. He should not have spent the past two years detained on trumped-up, unlawful charges. And he should not be held a day longer.

By CSW’s Press and Public Affairs Officer Ellis Heasley

Pray for the unconditional release of Ma Yanhu, Pastor Wang Yi, and all those unjustly detained in China because of their religion or belief.

25

Your Stories: Seize the opportunities

Seize the opportunities Daphne Bagley is a CSW Ambassador at Sawbridgeworth Evangelical Congregational Church. From this small English town, she is helping her church to play their part in helping people who are targeted for their beliefs.

I have been a Christian since I was 11 years old and, as you mature as a Christian, the Lord speaks to you about various ministries. I travelled a lot over many years for work and ministry, and the world opened up to me. I felt that my background could be quite useful in raising awareness of CSW at my church.

I used to attend CSW’s annual conferences and Janet from the team was often in touch, which was encouraging. I was inspired to set up a focus group around people suffering for their beliefs. There are 13 of us in the group now. I circulate the prayer points from CSW every Saturday, and each person dedicates time to pray.

The real task of the group is to write and send Easter and Christmas cards to those who are in prison or their families. Connect & Encourage has been so helpful because it guides you on what to write.

Our minister’s wife encouraged me to send the prayer emails to the home 26

group leaders which I do now, so more people across the church can pray. I also write an annual newsletter which goes to the whole church, summarising what’s happening to people around the world based on information from CSW.

‘These are the sort of opportunities that we should grab, and it’s good to share a person’s name and their story – people will listen.’

A group of us meet on Tuesday mornings and I often share something with an international focus, and Mervyn (CSW’s Founder President) came to speak at our church last year.

People were so inspired by him! Our minister is very supportive and, with all that is happening in the world, he recently called a meeting to pray for the persecuted church.

Connect & Encourage Your letters change lives For someone who is experiencing harassment, violence or imprisonment because of their religion or belief, a letter from you can be a lifeline of hope.

One guy in the focus group was so excited when Pastor Lorenzo was released! He said he’d like to share it with the church and our minister gave him a slot to do this. These are the sort of opportunities that we should grab, and it’s good to share a person’s name and their story – people will listen.

Zhang Chunlei is an elder of the Love (Ren’ai) Reformed Church in Guizhou Province. He has been unjustly detained for over four years now on charges that have changed multiple times. In July 2024, Elder Zhang was eventually sentenced to five years in prison on false charges of ‘fraud’ and ‘inciting subversion’, to be served until March 2026.

Elder Zhang Chunlei

Will you write to Elder Zhang in prison?

Let him know that he is not forgotten and that people from across the world are praying for his unconditional release. Please pray specifically for healing from his serious medical conditions.

Just one thing.

Daphne has found different ways to involve her church, ranging from circulating prayer points to writing an annual newsletter. Is there one thing you could do to raise awareness of people suffering for their beliefs at your church? csw.org.uk/churches

Important: Please don’t mention CSW or China Aid in your cards to China, and do not make any comment about the government or the political system. This could endanger the person you are writing to.

Zhang Chunlei Wang Wu Prison No. 37, Songhua River Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, 550009, China

27

Leave a legacy of freedom Make your will for free A gift in a will to CSW is the most powerful way to support our work long-term. You will join us in working towards a world where everyone can practice their belief without fear, and leave a legacy of freedom for generations to come.

important it is for you to take care of your loved ones. All we ask is that once you have looked after them, you consider including a gift in your will to help those facing harassment, violence and persecution for their faith.

We’ve partnered with the National Free Wills Network to give you the chance to make your will for free with a local solicitor. We know how

This offer of a free, simple will is only available between 1 April and 30 June 2025 and there are a limited number available.

Visit csw.org.uk/freewills to find out more and to register with the National Free Wills network. You can also call 020 8329 0010 for more information.

E admin@csw.org.uk T +44 (0)20 8329 0010 @CSW_UK /CSWUK csw.org.uk Registered Charity No. 281836

PO Box 99 New Malden Surrey, KT3 3YF United Kingdom

Donate today: csw.org.uk/ donate