Since a coup last summer that created chaos across Bangladesh and increased violence against Christians, an Islamic extremist group called Hefazat-e-Islam has been rising in power. Several Christian leaders from different parts of Bangladesh reported that they received threatening letters from Hefazat leaders, warning them that any celebration of Christmas this year “will be the last celebration they do in this life.” Other threats included demands for the return of “what was taken from Islam,” meaning physical property but also former Muslims who converted to Christianity. The letters warned that these Muslim-background Christians and the pastors who are discipling them will face death if they do not return to Islam.

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On Sunday, December 1, 2024, the Syrian city of Aleppo was suddenly attacked and captured by Islamist militias. One week later, the rebel groups succeeded in taking over the capital city, Damascus, when the Syrian government and military collapsed and its leader, Bashar al-Assad, fled. The jihadist groups have been fighting the Syrian government for more than a decade, and Christians are concerned that they may soon become targets. “The situation is still unclear,” said a front-line worker, who added that, so far, Christians and churches have not been specifically threatened, and some have even held services. During the past 10 years, many Christians have fled Syria because of fighting, economic hardships and direct attacks on Christians. Aleppo is the second largest city in the country and home to around 25,000 Christians.

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Ariane visited several voodoo practitioners in her area, but no one could heal her of her intense stomach pain. Someone suggested she go to a Christian hospital in Togo. A nurse there urged her to give her life to Christ, and she became a Christian. She was then healed of her stomach pain. When she returned home, her voodooist husband rejected her and kicked her out of her home. Later, he threatened to kill her with a machete. But she regularly prayed for him, and he eventually let her return home. He even asked her to pray for some struggles he faced which she believed were brought on by witchcraft. But other voodooists pressured him to kick her out again. Then, their adult son, who had become a Christian too, became sick and eventually died. Ariane’s husband blamed her and kicked her out of their home once again. Still, Ariane remains firm in her faith. “Even if my family say I should leave Jesus, I will never leave,” she said.

Click here to find out about Christian persecution in Benin and learn how to pray.