A PAOC Family Call to Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Greetings PAOC family,
The 2025 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is Sunday, November 2. On that day, and throughout the month of November, we invite you to unite with believers worldwide in prayer for those who follow Jesus where faith costs the most.
Imagine waking up each day knowing that your faith could cost you your freedom⏤or even your life. Christian persecution remains one of the most significant human rights issues happening in our time. Today, over 380 million Christians all over the world are being persecuted for their faith, especially within restricted-access countries where following Jesus is forbidden.
These statistics from the 2025 Open Doors' World Watch List report some of the recent challenges Christians have faced for standing firm in their faith:
- 7,679 churches and Christian properties have been attacked
- 4,744 Christians have been detained for their beliefs
- 4,479 Christians were killed for their faith
We encourage you to take time personally and corporately in your church services this weekend, or at another time in the month of November, to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Your prayers are more than moments—they are powerful acts of solidarity for those in the Lord’s family who are enduring hardship for their faith. Click here for a video resource you can use.
Let’s unite in prayer…
- that our brothers and sisters would be infused with strength and courage and that they would remain faithful to the Lord (Philippians 4:13).
- that persecuted believers would be shielded from harm and comforted by the presence of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 32:7).
- that Christians facing persecution would shine brightly for Christ in dark parts of the world, and that they would know they are not forgotten (Romans 15:13).
Together in prayer,
David Wells
General Superintendent
Murray Cornelius
Executive Director for Mission Global
