Christians in unregistered house churches in China can be charged with "organizing illegal meetings" and other crimes.
Nov. 06, 2025 | China

House Church Closure Signals Renewed Crackdown

According to an announcement issued by the Xi'an Civil Affairs Bureau on July 29, 2025, Xi'an Living Spring Church was determined by the government to be an illegal social organization and banned. Because of the government's coercive efforts for total control, many house churches do not register, making them highly vulnerable to crackdowns from authorities. Such incidents usually occur out of public view, so it is difficult to accurately estimate the number of churches affected. Read More.

Despite recent attacks on some churches, Syrian Christians say there are new opportunities for the gospel.
Nov. 06, 2025 | Syria

Instability Turns Some Toward Christ

Regional instability has created an environment causing some Syrians to be more receptive to the gospel. "Syria is at a turning point," said a front-line worker, telling how Islamist attacks against an Alawite community in March 2025 led some Alawites to question their faith and be more open to Christ. Additionally, battles between Sunni Bedouins and Druze militias in July 2025 also resulted in disillusionment with Islam. "We need to pray for the church to be ready for the harvest," said the worker. Read More.

Front cover of prayer guide
Inside page of prayer guide

GLOBAL PRAYER GUIDE

Get a FREE copy of VOM’s Global Prayer Guide with any gift.

Watch, Listen, and Read stories of persecuted Christians around the world on the VOM App

Download the VOM App

The Voice of the Martyrs

The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) serves persecuted Christians in the world’s most difficult and dangerous places to follow Christ. Pastor Richard Wurmbrand and his wife, Sabina, founded VOM after being imprisoned for their Christian witness in Communist Romania. Since 1967, VOM has been dedicated to inspiring all believers to a biblical faith by telling the stories of persecuted Christians, thereby inspiring a deeper commitment to Christ and the fulfillment of his Great Commission, no matter the cost.

Visit Persecution.com