The family of Bahaa Gamal Mikhael, a soldier in the Egyptian Army, recently received news that their son had committed suicide. The family strongly doubts the alleged cause of death, as it’s unlikely he would have been able to shoot himself in the heart twice. The family believes Bahaa’s outspoken Christian faith motivated someone to kill him. A VOM worker said Christian soldiers in the Egyptian Army have previously been killed for refusing to convert to Islam.

Tabita Adamu and two of her eight children were among five killed in a July 5 suicide bomb attack on a church. Tabita is the sister of Habila Adamu, who survived being shot in the face by Boko Haram in 2012. Habila, whom VOM has supported, gained international attention in 2013 after testifying before members of the U.S. House of Representatives on the threat of Boko Haram. The church’s pastor and an elder also reportedly died during the July 5 suicide bombing. Boko Haram is believed to be behind the attack.

A Christian woman who has been in a VOM safe house for the last eight months was recently granted custody of her three children. The children’s father, a supporter of the Islamic State, has said that he would rather kill the children than allow their mother to take custody. A VOM worker is urging authorities to ensure that the father delivers the children safely and without incident.