The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government has ushered in a new era of uncertainty for the war-torn nation. Assad fled to Russia as a coalition of militant factions, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, seized control. Golani, once affiliated with al-Qaeda and a proponent of sharia law, has sought to rebrand his movement, claiming Syria is for all. However, Christians in Syria remain skeptical of these assurances, fearing the potential for continued instability and marginalization.

The 14-year civil war devastated Syria, killing over half a million people and displacing half of its 23 million population. While some Syrian Christians supported Assad’s regime as a source of stability, others hope the end of his rule will lead to a more inclusive society. Yet, rebel leader Golani’s promises face scrutiny due to his militant past and uncertain commitment to protecting minority rights.

Churches in Damascus and other areas remain open, but attendance has dwindled. Leaders like Harout Selimian, president of the Armenian Protestant Churches, have expressed unease about the opposition's unclear agenda. Presbyterian leader Joseph Kassab warns of a possible “Libya scenario,” where rival factions turn on each other, plunging the country back into chaos. This fear is compounded by the fragile coalition among militant groups and external influence from regional powers.

The global church is called to stand in prayerful solidarity with Syrian believers during this critical time. The challenges of rebuilding communities, promoting reconciliation, and fostering peace amidst uncertainty require divine intervention and bold faith.

Prayer
Father of peace, we lift up Syria and its people to You. Protect Christians, guide new leaders toward justice, and bring hope to a weary land. Amen.

Prayer pointers from WEA:

Let us pray for:

Peace and Stability in Syria - Pray for a peaceful transition in the ongoing regime change, resulting in justice, stability, and prosperity for all Syrians. Kindly ask for God’s wisdom to guide global and regional leaders involved in shaping Syria’s future.

Protection of Christian Communities - Pray for the safety of all Christian communities, churches, and leaders in Syria as they navigate this period of uncertainty.  Please intercede against threats posed by rising radical groups, asking for God’s shield over His people.

Wisdom for Church Leaders - Pray for clarity, wisdom, and strength for Christian leaders ministering to their congregations amid adversity. Kindly ask God to provide them with discernment as they shepherd His flock in this challenging times.

Return and Restoration - Pray for the safe return of displaced individuals, including approximately 10,000 Christians, to their homes in Aleppo and other regions. Please lift up those uniting into their communities, asking for resources, opportunities, and support for their rebuilding efforts.

Radicalism and its evil - Kindly intercede against the influence of radical groups, praying for the establishment of a just and secure society. Please ask God for peace to replace conflict and for God’s hand to dismantle forces of oppression.

Unity and Faith - Pray for unity among believers in Syria, that they may remain steadfast in faith and be a light to others. Kindly ask for boldness and perseverance in their witness, sharing the hope of the Gospel. 2 3 Let us approach this week of prayer with the faith and hope, believing that God is at work in Syria. May our sincere intercession contribute to peace, freedom, and God’s glory in the region.

Bible Verse
“The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” — Psalm 9:9

Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, has been ravaged by Cyclone Chido, the strongest storm to hit the region in 90 years. With winds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), the cyclone caused widespread devastation, leaving much of the island without basic resources. The cyclone particularly devastated impoverished communities, flattening slums built from fragile materials. At least 20 people have been confirmed dead, but officials fear the death toll could climb into the thousands as rescuers search through the rubble.

Over 85% of Mayotte remains without power, and only 20% of phones are operational. Emergency supplies are trickling in, but significant shortages of food, water, and shelter persist. The damage to key infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and water treatment plants, is hampering rescue and relief efforts. Many residents, already struggling with poverty, face hunger and thirst as they wait for aid.

Mayotte’s unique challenges complicate recovery efforts. The island is home to over 100,000 undocumented migrants, making it difficult to account for the missing or dead. The Muslim tradition of burying the deceased within 24 hours adds further complications to documenting fatalities.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, along with military and Red Cross personnel, has deployed reinforcements to assist with rescue operations. Despite these efforts, the scale of the destruction is overwhelming. As one resident described, “You feel like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war.”

Cyclone Chido also impacted neighboring Mozambique, bringing flash floods, structural damage, and power outages. Aid organizations, including UNICEF, have raised concerns about access to clean water, medical care, and the spread of diseases like cholera and malaria in affected areas.

This disaster underscores the vulnerability of impoverished communities to extreme weather events, which are intensifying due to climate change. Recovery will be a long and arduous process for Mayotte and its neighbors.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray for strength and provision for the people of Mayotte and Mozambique. Bring healing, relief, and restoration to those affected. Amen.

Bible Verse
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

More Info: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c205wnvlqn6o

Since the war between Hamas and Israel erupted in October 2023, the Christian population of Gaza has faced immense challenges. Of the approximately 1,070 Christians who lived in Gaza before the conflict, only about 600 remain. Many have sought refuge in churches like St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, where 260 Christians have been sheltering for over a year. Tragically, even these sanctuaries have proven unsafe; an October 2023 bombing killed 18 Christians when part of the church collapsed. At least 30 Christians have died due to the ongoing violence.

The suffering in Gaza is universal, with all residents enduring severe shortages of food, water, and medicine. Electricity is scarce, available only for a few hours daily, and destruction across the city is extensive. Roads, utilities, markets, and historic buildings have been devastated, leaving the population in dire need.

Amid this turmoil, organizations like Open Doors are supporting Christians through financial aid for essential supplies and providing trauma and spiritual care. Despite the challenges, Christian communities strive to maintain faith and routine. Morning prayers, shared meals, and community activities help sustain hope in the midst of adversity.

One young Christian sheltering in Gaza finds solace in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want,” recounting a moment of divine protection when he narrowly escaped a bombing. He and others pray fervently for an end to the bloodshed and the restoration of their city.

Prayer
Lord, we pray for the Christians in Gaza. Protect them, bring peace to their land, and restore hope and healing to all who suffer. Amen.

Bible Verse
The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

The Arakan Army, an ethnic minority armed group in Myanmar, has seized the last military outpost in the strategic border town of Maungdaw, Rakhine state, solidifying its control over the 271-kilometer border with Bangladesh. This marks a significant step in the group’s struggle for autonomy in northern Rakhine and highlights the region's central role in Myanmar’s escalating civil war.

The ongoing conflict stems from the military coup of 2021, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Ethnic minority groups, including the Arakan Army, have joined pro-democracy forces to resist the military rulers. The capture of Maungdaw follows months of intense fighting, with the Arakan Army now controlling 11 of Rakhine’s 17 townships and other strategic areas, including parts of Chin state. The nearby town of Ann, home to the military’s western command headquarters, is also on the brink of falling.

This advance has sparked concerns over potential violence against Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority, who have long faced systemic oppression. Historical violence in Rakhine led to over 740,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh in 2017. Reports accuse the Arakan Army of human rights violations, including attacks on Rohingya civilians and forced displacement, with 200,000 residents allegedly driven from Buthidaung earlier this year.

The Arakan Army, which represents the Buddhist Rakhine ethnic group, denies targeting the Rohingya, but prejudice against this minority remains widespread. Despite international calls for peace, the situation in Rakhine continues to escalate, with fears of further humanitarian crises as Myanmar’s civil war intensifies.

As the conflict rages, the people of Rakhine, especially the vulnerable Rohingya, face violence, displacement, and uncertainty. The international community, including Christians, must remain vigilant in prayer and advocacy for peace and justice in Myanmar.

Prayer
Lord of peace, we lift Myanmar to You, praying for justice, protection for the vulnerable, and healing for a fractured nation. Amen.

Bible Verse
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” — Psalm 82:3

More: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/09/asia/myanmar-arakan-army-bangladesh-border-intl-hnk/index.html

The assassination of Khalil-Ur-Rahman Haqqani, Taliban Minister of Refugees, by a suicide bombing in Kabul has intensified concerns over the growing influence of Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) in Afghanistan. Haqqani’s death, along with several staff members, underscores the escalating rivalry between IS-K and the Taliban. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, IS-K has killed several high-ranking Taliban officials, aiming to destabilize the regime and expand its extremist ideology.

IS-K, originally formed in 2015 by defectors from the Taliban and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), continues to execute deadly attacks in Afghanistan and beyond, targeting ethnic and religious minorities, women, and children. The group has also expanded its operations internationally, orchestrating attacks in Iran, Russia, and Turkey that claimed hundreds of lives in 2024. These actions signify IS-K’s intent to position itself as an alternative force in the region, leveraging Afghanistan’s fragile security landscape.

The Taliban claims progress in combating IS-K, but the group’s persistent attacks highlight significant gaps in Afghanistan’s counterterrorism measures. Concerns were voiced at a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, with China, Russia, and Pakistan emphasizing the broader regional risks posed by transnational terrorist networks. The U.S. echoed these fears in its annual terrorism report, citing the Taliban’s limited efforts to curb IS-K’s operations while highlighting its tolerance of other militant groups like al-Qaida and TTP.

IS-K’s activities also fuel regional tensions. Pakistan, which faces increased attacks from TTP operatives based in Afghanistan, accuses the Taliban of harboring militants that threaten its security. This situation exacerbates instability, hindering international cooperation and heightening fears of Afghanistan’s descent into a hub for global terrorism.

Amid this turmoil, the Afghan people, particularly vulnerable minorities, bear the brunt of escalating violence. This calls for urgent prayer and action for peace, stability, and protection for the afflicted.

Prayer
Lord, bring peace to Afghanistan. Protect the innocent, strengthen peacemakers, and defeat the forces of violence. Amen.

Bible Verse
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you.  Deuteronomy 33:27

More: https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-minister-s-killing-raises-concerns-about-is-terror-group-s-expansion/7900252.html

Bolivia faces significant challenges as organized crime undermines its democratic foundations. A hub for cocaine production and trafficking, the country struggles with pervasive corruption that compromises its judiciary, law enforcement, and political systems. There are systemic vulnerabilities, including politically influenced judicial appointments, enabling narcotraffickers to exploit weak institutions. This corruption erodes public trust, fueling a cycle of impunity and democratic fragility.

One stark example of corruption is Bolivia’s reliance on coca growers in the Chapare region, closely linked to drug trafficking. This relationship fosters a “non-aggression pact” between narcotraffickers and the government, creating a precarious balance that could collapse if efforts are made to curb illegal activity. The judiciary is plagued by inefficiency and political interference, allowing criminals like Sebastian Marset, a notorious trafficker, to operate freely for extended periods.

Compounding these issues are economic distortions caused by illicit financial flows, which bypass taxation and inflate markets, further marginalizing ordinary citizens. Weak oversight of borders and public procurement processes exacerbates Bolivia’s struggles to maintain transparency and accountability. These dynamics jeopardize democratic principles, leaving the Bolivian people vulnerable to exploitation and disenfranchisement.

Urgent reforms are needed, including strengthening law enforcement, enhancing judicial independence, and fostering transparency. International cooperation is critical, particularly in intelligence sharing, legislative reform, and capacity building for law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies. Combating organized crime requires addressing its root causes, such as poverty and inequality, to prevent democratic regression and build a foundation of justice and accountability.

As Bolivia grapples with these challenges, Christians are called to pray for the nation’s leaders, the protection of vulnerable communities, and the restoration of integrity in governance.

Prayer
Lord, we lift up Bolivia in prayer. Bring wisdom to its leaders, justice for its people, and renewal to its democratic institutions. Amen.

Bible Verse
“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” — Amos 5:24

More: https://www.iri.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/The-Illicit-Economys-Impact-on-Democracy-Case-Studies-in-Bolivia-and-Ecuador.pdf

Use these prayer pointers that the IPC Latin America Prayer Council are using through 2025:
CONTINENTAL PRAYER POINTS - CLAMOR 2025

1. Pray for unity
2. Pray for the uprising of godly leadership in Latino América (season for Seating / Reseating governmental offices)
3. Pray for the transition of structures in our churches - from pyramidal churches to apostolic centers - in order to birth long-term spiritual movements. Focus: Culture of prayer.
4. Pray to return to the original design / and fulfilment of the calling for each nation.
5. Prayer for Israel with ICEJ monthly prayer points. Transfer of Latin American embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
6. Pray for the nations to identify/build watchmen and strategic teams across the 7 Areas of cultural influence.
7. Pray for the uprising of the Next Generation: Focus on children (Josiah Network & youth movement- UPRISING)
8. Pray for the coalition of anti- globalization nations in our continent. Focus: Trade, impact of immigration.

Global Day of Prayer – 28/29 January 2025 – We invite you and your families, contacts and networks to join us for a Global Day of Prayer starting on January 28^th / 29^th 2025!

Across 24 hours, we will worship and pray where we are, together and online – however we are able.

Our aim is to dedicate time around the throne, around the world and around the clock for worship-saturated prayers for personal, local and global breakthrough! – with a special focus on the Buddhist world.

This is the first of 4 worldwide days of prayer for 2025! – we will also be praying for the Hindu Jewish and Hindu peoples during significant times in their calendars. 

Watch this Intro Video! 

Will you join us on Chinese New Year to pray together, exalting Jesus Christ as King throughout the Buddhist world, asking the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers to every unreached people group in 12 key cities and nations?!

The Global Day of Prayer starts Jan 29th 2025 at 1:00am (Beijing UTC+8)

(JAN 28th: 12PM New York | 7PM Jerusalem. JAN 29th: 2AM SEOUL, 4AM Sydney)

CLICK TO JOIN - Zoom Meeting ID – 84602907844   Passcode 32223

2 Billion Children – is a campaign conceived by IPC’s Senior Advisor and Exec Member, Tom Victor.

The vision to see the 2 billion children across our world empowered to share the message of God’s love with their friends and families.

Tom has teamed up with Ann Low and several others who are raising awareness for this exciting project which is gaining momentum. 

We would like to bring you Tom’s latest newsletter that tells the updated story of 2BC!

Download the Great Commission Coalition Newsletter HERE!

More: www.2bc.world/

Prayer Walks During Kumbh Mela 2025: South Asia Regional Prayer Council

South Asia, home to 2 billion people, has the greatest concentration of unreached and unsaved individuals in the world. Of this population, 969 million people, more than 80% are Hindus. They are deeply religious but are yet to know the true Saviour.

Among the region’s most spiritually significant events is Kumbh Mela, a mass Hindu pilgrimage where millions gather at the sacred Ganges River. Rooted in mythological beliefs, the event commemorates the legend of demi-gods who lost their strength due to a curse, seeking restoration through the waters.

In 2025, the Kumbh Mela will take place in Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, from January to March.

Central to the pilgrimage is the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, where pilgrims perform sacred rituals and seek purification. The immense gathering, featuring millions of devotees, can be both overwhelming and awe-inspiring to first-time visitors.

Recognizing the profound spiritual significance of this event, International Prayer Connect’s South Asia Regional Prayer Council is organizing a number of on-site prayer walks during Kumbh Mela.

From January 26-30, 2025, a dedicated group of intercessors and prayer mobilizers will visit Prayagraj and nearby Varanasi. These prayer warriors will walk through the throngs, seeking God’s intervention for South Asia’s spiritual transformation.

Their prayers will focus on the millions participating in the Kumbh Mela, interceding for their salvation and freedom from spiritual darkness. The team aims to invite God’s presence into these spiritually charged locations, praying for breakthroughs that can ripple across the region.

This initiative embodies the call to stand in the gap for South Asia, declaring the truth of Christ in the midst of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The Prayer Walk is an opportunity for believers to unite in faith and petition heaven for a harvest among the unreached during this significant time.

For those unable to join on-site, IPC encourages you to intercede with us during this critical period.

Jericho Plan Prayer Guide

Our partners in India have prepared a well-illustrated Jericho Plan Prayer Guide for the event, available for download HERE

We pleased to bring you an intro and summary of the prayer pointers:

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a mass Hindu pilgrimage anticipated to attract over 22 million participants at Prayagraj, is a deeply spiritual event where pilgrims seek cleansing from sin through holy baths at the Sangam.

Recognizing the opportunity for intercession, the Jericho Plan calls for focused prayer to break spiritual barriers and share the Gospel with love and understanding.

Key prayer areas include: opening hearts to Christ’s truth, clarity on salvation, divine encounters, acts of Christ-like kindness, strengthening local believers, and lasting spiritual impact beyond the event. As millions disperse, the goal is to sow seeds of faith that ripple throughout India, trusting God to bring transformation akin to the walls of Jericho falling.

Key Topics / Prayer Pointers:

1. Open Hearts: Pray for spiritual barriers to be removed and for pilgrims to encounter Christ’s love.
2. Understanding Salvation: Intercede for clarity on salvation beyond rituals and works.
3. Divine Encounters: Ask for divine appointments and Holy Spirit-led interactions.
4. Christ-like Kindness: Pray for love and compassion to open conversations about faith.
5. Strengthening Local Believers: Lift up Christian communities in Uttar Pradesh for boldness, wisdom, and protection.
6. Lasting Impact: Pray for seeds of faith sown at the event to bear lasting fruit across homes and communities.