Prayer
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Below, you'll find specific ways that you can be praying for Global Religious Freedom.
Rodrigo Iván Cortés, a civil society leader and former Mexican Congressman, has been convicted of “gender based political violence,” including digital violence. Why? Because he shared his convictions about the reality of biological sex on social media.
Rodrigo has been charged and convicted as a violent political offender — a clear violation of his fundamental right to free speech. Simply because a few don’t agree with his Christian worldview.
ADF International is supporting his legal defense as he appeals his conviction. Will you stand with us in praying for Rodrigo as we prepare his legal representation and defense?
Please pray with us:
- For God to give hope and strength and peace to Rodrigo during this season of uncertainty.
- For God to give wisdom and insight to our allied lawyers as they defend Rodrigo.
- For God to give swift victory to Rodrigo and the freedom of speech.
%20(1).png "Jonah and Josephine Gangas")
Jonah and Josephine, pastors of an evangelical church in Kaduna State, were asked by local authorities to take in a 12-year-old girl who had run away from home. Jonah and Josephine agreed and supported her for the next 7 years. During this time, she also became a Christian! But then, after the girl went back to her parents, they filed criminal charges against the Gangases — claiming they abducted their daughter and forced her conversion.
Right now, Jonah and Josephine Gangas are being held in prison and denied bail. Will you stand with us in praying for their release and safety as we work to defend them??
Please pray with us:
- For God to give hope and strength to Jonah and Josephine during their imprisonment.
- For God to give wisdom and insight to our allied lawyers as they fight for their immediate release.
- For God to change the hearts of those who are holding the Gangases captive.
Dobbs v. Jackson Womens' Health Organization
December 1, 2021
The following statement may be attributed to Elyssa Koren, Director of UN Advocacy for ADF International:
“Today, the US Supreme Court hears arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case presents an opportunity for the Court to uphold Mississippi’s law protecting unborn children and their mothers, affirm that life is a human right, and overturn the harmful precedent set in 1973 by Roe v. Wade.
The U.S. is an extreme outlier in abortion law and policy, allowing late-term abortions and failing to protect the lives and health of unborn children and their mothers. Indeed, the U.S. is joined by only 7 other countries, including China and North Korea, in allowing abortion on demand after 20 weeks gestational age. Such company does not represent progress on human rights. The time has come to recognize as much.
Mississippi, on the other hand, exercised its rightful prerogative to protect life after 15 weeks, which is still a later gestational limit than most of Europe. At this stage, a child has a heartbeat, can move and kick, can hiccup, and can taste the food that her mother eats. This law also promotes the well-being of women, recognizing that women deserve better than abortion, and rather should receive meaningful help and support.
The outcome of this case will have a significant impact both in the US and across the world. Domestically, the case casts serious doubt on the legitimacy of American abortion jurisprudence, offering a pivotal opportunity for the Court to set the record straight. Abroad, it is a reminder that the U.S., the primary exporter of the abortion agenda globally, has far from settled its internal abortion debate, and is thus in no position to lure and coerce other countries into removing protections for unborn life.
We hope that the U.S. Supreme Court will set an international example in affirming the fundamental human rights principle that all lives are worthy of equal dignity and respect, and that in a pregnancy, both lives matter.”
Please pray with us:
- For the Supreme Court Justices – We likely won’t hear a decision in the Dobbs case until June. The Justices will take until then to carefully form their opinions and write the decision. Please pray they have the courage to correct the legal error made in Roe, confirm that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion, and make a bold stand in favor of life.
- For the international implications – Please pray that there will be a favorable decision from the Court, and that other countries will take stronger positions in affirming the sanctity of human life through their laws.
- For revival – The evils and effects of abortion are widespread around the world. Please pray that God would change the hearts and minds of people who have been deceived into thinking abortion is necessary or acceptable.
The persecution of Christians in India has intensified as Hindu extremists aim to cleanse the country of their presence and influence. The extremists disregard Christians and other religious minorities as true citizens and think the country should be purified of non-Hindus.
This has led to a systemic — and often violent — targeting of believers. Will you stand with us in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are suffering in India?
Please pray with us:
- For God to give hope and strength through the Scriptures to Christians in India who are suffering.
- For God to give wisdom and insight to our allied lawyers as they rescue and defend believers in India who are being targeted for their faith and treated like second-class citizens.
- For God to change the hearts of those who hate Christians in India, to see the truth of the Gospel of grace in Christ.
While a Finnish court has upheld the right to free speech by dismissing all charges against Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen in a unanimous ruling a year ago, she’s preparing now to return to trial as the prosecution is coming after her again.
They will stop at nothing to eradicate Christian values, faith-inspired speech, and the freedom to peacefully express religious beliefs. Will you join us in prayer on behalf of Päivi?
Please pray with us:
- For God to give hope and strength to Päivi to keep standing for freedom.
- For God to give wisdom and insight to our lawyers and allies who are defending Päivi.
- For God to pave the way for truth and freedom to prevail, and that free speech will once again be valued.
* Names changed for continued security
Martha* and Joseph* converted to Christianity. And suddenly faced persecution for their faith and danger of mob violence, lashes, and forced exile from their Muslim-majority country. Thankfully, with your support and the fast action of our allied lawyers, Martha and Joseph were able to escape with their three children, seeking protection and asylum in the U.S. Will you stand with us and cover this Christian family — and others — in prayer?
Please pray with us:
- For God to give comfort, courage, and peace to Martha and Joseph during this overwhelming time.
- For God to give wisdom to ADF International attorneys and allied lawyers who are defending and seeking to rescue persecuted Christians.
- For God to use this testimony to expose the dangers of laws that are weaponized to threaten the rights and lives of followers of Jesus.
Army veteran Adam Smith-Connor is being persecuted for praying silently in public. U.K. officials who don’t agree with Adam’s stance on life and abortion have determined his peaceful prayer in the vicinity of an abortion facility is illegal. And now they’re seeking to silence him. Will you stand with us and cover Adam in prayer as he faces legal punishment for his faith?
Please pray with us:
- For God to give comfort, courage, and peace to Adam during this overwhelming time.
- For God to give wisdom to ADF International attorneys who are supporting him.
- For God to use Adam’s case to expose the dangers of laws that shut down free expression and prohibit Christians from practicing their faith.
Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Nigerian musician and artist, has been locked up by government officials who are demanding his execution after he expressed his beliefs over social media. ADF International and local lawyers on the ground are supporting Yahaya — in a case that has the potential to overturn Sharia-based blasphemy laws in Northern Nigeria. Will you stand with us and Yahaya now in prayer?
Please pray with us:
- For God to have mercy on Yahaya during his imprisonment, and to protect him from violence and abuse.
- For God to give wisdom to ADF International attorneys and allied lawyers who are supporting Yahaya.
- For God’s favor with Nigerian courts to quickly secure Yahaya’s release.
- For God to use Yahaya’s case to expose the dangerous violations of human rights that are inherent in Nigeria’s blasphemy laws — and that those laws will be abolished by Nigeria’s Supreme Court.
.jpg "Praying and reading the Bible by candlelight")
Persecution and acts of violence against believers typically spike during Christian holidays like Christmas. That’s why we hope you’ll join us in praying for the safety and freedom of our brothers and sisters during this important season of the year — when we marvel at the birth of our Savior, Jesus, who brought with Him the Good News of hope for all people.
Please pray with us:
- For God to protect believers as they gather to worship together this Christmas.
- For God to empower the witness of pastors, missionaries, and believers in dangerous areas of the world to clearly communicate and demonstrate the life-transforming power of the Gospel.
- For God to open the hearts and minds of those who are hostile to the Christian faith to see and experience His goodness, love, and grace.
Pastor Keshab, a local Christian leader in Nepal, was arrested and sentenced to 2 years in a Nepali prison cell for handing out Christian tracts and sharing his faith. The district court where Pastor Keshab was sentenced accused him of “outraging religious feelings” and “proselytizing.”
Right now, Pastor Keshab is home with his wife and small children. After 3 months of being unjustly behind bars, he’s temporarily free on bail and waiting for his appeal to be heard.
Will you join us in prayer on behalf of Pastor Keshab who’s under attack for sharing his faith? For more information about his case, click here.
Please pray with us:
- For God to give hope and strength to Pastor Keshab to keep fighting for freedom.
- For God to give wisdom and insight to our allied lawyers who are defending Pastor Keshab.
- For God to cover Pastor Keshab and his family with the peace and hope of Christ.
Päivi Räsänen's stand for free speech
A Finnish court has upheld the right to free speech by dismissing all charges against Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen. In a unanimous ruling, the court concluded that “it is not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts.”
On trial for a Bible-based Tweet, Päivi was accused of “hate speech.” And while the case against her was unanimously dismissed — the prosecution is coming after her again to silence Christian values, faith-inspired speech, and the freedom to peacefully express religious convictions.
Will you join us in prayer on behalf of Päivi? For more information about her case, click here.
Please pray with us:
- For God to give hope and strength to Päivi to keep fighting for freedom.
- For God to give wisdom and insight to our allied lawyers who are defending Päivi.
- For God to pave the way for truth and freedom to prevail.
Persecuted Believers in Nigeria
While Christian persecution has been happening in Nigeria for decades, recent outbreaks of violence that have led to the tragic deaths of many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are leading us to pray more fervently than ever for God’s presence and protection to be upon His people in this explosive area of the world.
Will you join us in prayer on behalf of God’s people in Nigeria who risk their lives by believing in Jesus?
Please pray with us:
- For God to give our brothers and sisters strength and courage in the face of violence and persecution in Nigeria.
- For God to pour His love, compassion, and grace on the families and friends who have tragically lost loved ones.
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For God to change the hearts of militant radicals and others who aim to cause terror and destruction in the lives of Christians throughout Nigeria.
Areté Academy Europe Delegates
On May 1, our Areté Academy Europe concluded. This program is designed to equip and engage the next generation of Christian leaders to take up positions of influence in law, government, public policy, media, academia, and other culture-shaping institutions.
The 59 Delegates from 25 countries participated in a one-year online training, and then came together for 5 days of learning from and engaging with world-class faculty, and exploring real solutions to the pressing legal, political, and cultural issues of our time. During this time, Delegates learn, worship, and grow together, examining what it means to faithfully live a vocation of public leadership “for such a time as this.”
For more information about Areté Academy, click here.
Please pray with us for the Delegates:
- Faith – pray that these young leaders would always submit to the leadership of Christ and make Him the priority in their lives. Pray for deep convictions and a commitment to speak the truth in love in their positions of influence.
- Wisdom – pray for the Delegates to make wise and righteous decisions as they take on the most challenging issues facing our world today.
- Community – pray for the relationships that were formed during this training, and for growth and support for one another as they face future challenges.
Persecution During Easter
Since the days of Christ’s first apostles, Christians have faced persecution for their faith. Recent research confirms that the current global persecution of Christians is severe and has been on the rise over the past several years. And particularly around Easter, persecution of Christians is heightened, often including an increase of violent attacks.
A study by the secular International Society for Human Rights estimated that Christians comprised 80% of the victims of religiously motivated discrimination in the world. It is estimated that 7,100 Christians died for their faith in 2015. This number reveals a 300% rise from 2013. Christian women in particular are targeted, facing up to twice as much persecution as Christian men. Pew Research Center reports that Christians have been persecuted in more countries (128) than any other religious group. We are seeing what Timothy Shah, director of the Religious Freedom Institute’s South and Southeast Asia Action Team, has referred to as “a global catastrophe for Christians.” This global catastrophe sometimes “takes the form of lower level aggression,” while other times it “takes the form of horrible, violent attacks, [and] beheadings.”
Please pray with us:
- For our enemies who might be seeking to persecute or kill Christians and attack local churches; pray for God to confuse their plans and for them to feel great conviction and turn to God in repentance
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For Christians around the world to be protected and have opportunities to safely gather together
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For the good news of salvation through Jesus to be proclaimed during Easter and for many to come to faith in Him
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For God to be worshipped and glorified, even in the midst of persecution
Dobbs v. Jackson Womens' Health Organization
December 1, 2021
The following statement may be attributed to Elyssa Koren, Director of UN Advocacy for ADF International:
“Today, the US Supreme Court hears arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case presents an opportunity for the Court to uphold Mississippi’s law protecting unborn children and their mothers, affirm that life is a human right, and overturn the harmful precedent set in 1973 by Roe v. Wade.
The U.S. is an extreme outlier in abortion law and policy, allowing late-term abortions and failing to protect the lives and health of unborn children and their mothers. Indeed, the U.S. is joined by only 7 other countries, including China and North Korea, in allowing abortion on demand after 20 weeks gestational age. Such company does not represent progress on human rights. The time has come to recognize as much.
Mississippi, on the other hand, exercised its rightful prerogative to protect life after 15 weeks, which is still a later gestational limit than most of Europe. At this stage, a child has a heartbeat, can move and kick, can hiccup, and can taste the food that her mother eats. This law also promotes the well-being of women, recognizing that women deserve better than abortion, and rather should receive meaningful help and support.
The outcome of this case will have a significant impact both in the US and across the world. Domestically, the case casts serious doubt on the legitimacy of American abortion jurisprudence, offering a pivotal opportunity for the Court to set the record straight. Abroad, it is a reminder that the U.S., the primary exporter of the abortion agenda globally, has far from settled its internal abortion debate, and is thus in no position to lure and coerce other countries into removing protections for unborn life.
We hope that the U.S. Supreme Court will set an international example in affirming the fundamental human rights principle that all lives are worthy of equal dignity and respect, and that in a pregnancy, both lives matter.”
Please pray with us:
- For the Supreme Court Justices – We likely won’t hear a decision in the Dobbs case until June. The Justices will take until then to carefully form their opinions and write the decision. Please pray they have the courage to correct the legal error made in Roe, confirm that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion, and make a bold stand in favor of life.
- For the international implications – Please pray that there will be a favorable decision from the Court, and that other countries will take stronger positions in affirming the sanctity of human life through their laws.
- For revival – The evils and effects of abortion are widespread around the world. Please pray that God would change the hearts and minds of people who have been deceived into thinking abortion is necessary or acceptable.