Throughout history, Christians have endlessly endured persecution for their faith. As Jesus Christ taught us, there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another—a sacrificial love exemplified in His ultimate sacrifice for the Church.

Sadly, this spirit of sacrifice remains a painful reality for many Christians today, who continue to be targeted for their beliefs. Recent reports highlight a disturbing rise in the execution and violent targeting of/violence against Christians around the world, as a direct act of retaliation for their faith and a violation of their fundamental religious freedoms.

In January, 50 Christians were tragically beheaded in the town of Kasanga, located in the Lubero Territory of North Kivu, Congo.

During February, another 70 Christians were discovered executed in a church in the Congo, underscoring a brutal pattern of violence against believers. In Central Nigeria, at least 16 Christians were killed in a targeted attack by armed extremists when a militant group attacked a village, beheading many and burning down homes.

This is part of an ongoing campaign of attacks against Christians across the world. According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, an average of more than 12 Christians are killed daily for their faith, totaling approximately 372 deaths per month.

These incidents are just a few examples of the ongoing and escalating violence faced by Christians across the globe. In addition to physical violence, we are also witnessing heightened restrictions on Christian worship and the possession of Bibles, particularly in authoritarian regimes.

Christians remain the most persecuted religious group worldwide. Believers from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa continue to face unimaginable hardship—attacks, executions, forced conversions and widespread discrimination. This ongoing suffering must serve as a call to action for the global Church to unite in prayer, support and advocacy for persecuted Christians everywhere.

One of the most alarming recent developments has been the Islamist government of Syria’s escalating campaign against Christian minority groups. These attacks have led to the displacement and slaughter of many innocent Christians, with little international response to this growing crisis.

The lack of adequate response and coverage by American mainstream media is deeply concerning. These atrocities, which violate basic human rights, are not being sufficiently acknowledged in global discussions. The silence from national media outlets and international leaders only exacerbates the crisis.

I call upon all people of Christian faith, particularly Oklahomans, to join together in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing unspeakable violence and suffering. It is essential that we stand in solidarity with the persecuted Church across the world, offering both spiritual and tangible support.

As we approach this week’s spring break, I urge Oklahomans to take a moment to reflect on these tragedies and join together in prayer for those suffering.

This spring break, as we spend time with our families and enjoy the blessings of peace and safety, let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Christ who are enduring unimaginable persecution. I call on every Oklahoman to unite in prayer for the victims of these atrocities. May we seek God’s protection, strength, and comfort for the persecuted Church around the world. Let us raise our voices and our hearts in prayer for an end to this violence and for justice to prevail. As a people of the Kingdom of God, it is our duty to stand with one another. Let us never underestimate the power of prayer.

Let us use our voices and our hearts to advocate for the voiceless, to remember the sacrifices of those who endure persecution for their faith, and to hold them in prayer, that they may experience peace, justice and the strength of God’s presence.

“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another.” Matthew 10:22-23 (NIV)