Global Christian Missionary and Persecution Report
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments regarding Christian missionary activities and incidents of abuse or persecution worldwide as of the second week of January 2026.
Missionary Expansion and Leadership
The beginning of 2026 has seen a historic expansion in global missionary efforts, particularly within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Global Mission Expansion
The First Presidency announced the creation of 55 new missions, bringing the total number of active missions to 506 worldwide. New mission headquarters are being established for the first time in countries including:
- Malawi
- Senegal
- Togo
- Solomon Islands
- Greece
A total of 188 new mission leadership assignments were announced to begin service in July 2026.
Missionary Support in Europe
A "shabby chic" French castle has been repurposed to serve as a retreat for missionaries seeking rest and restoration. Additionally, progress continues on a new center for Christian higher education in La Chapelle au Riboul, France.
Reports of Abuse and Persecution
The start of 2026 has been marked by significant violence and legal repression against Christian communities in several "Red List" countries.
🇳🇬 Massacre in Nigeria
On January 3, 2026, armed militants attacked the village of Kasuwan-Daji in Niger State, Nigeria. Reports indicate between 30 and 40 villagers were killed, and several children were abducted. This follows a year in which over 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria during the first seven months of 2025 alone.
🇺🇸 Violence in the United States
A shooting at a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Salt Lake City in early January resulted in 2 deaths and 6 injuries. In a separate incident, a man known for his faith and nonviolence was killed outside a church in the same region.
Targeted Attacks in Pakistan and Colombia
🇵🇰 Pakistan: In Punjab, a church was attacked on January 5, 2026, resulting in the desecration of Bibles.
🇨🇴 Colombia: Pastor José Otoniel Ortega was assassinated on New Year's Eve by armed attackers.
Legal and State Repression
🇮🇷 Iran: Christian convert Nayereh Arjaneh began a five-year prison sentence in late December for her faith.
🇷🇼 Rwanda: The government has closed over 7,700 churches citing restrictive new regulations, leading the 2026 Red List for "violence and intimidation against churches."
🇨🇳 China: Remains the global leader in the arrest and detention of Christians due to strict registration requirements and state surveillance.
How You Can Respond
🙏 Pray
Intercede for persecuted believers, missionaries in dangerous regions, and wisdom for mission leaders navigating complex challenges.
💝 Give
Support missionaries serving in these challenging regions and organizations providing aid to persecuted Christians.
📢 Advocate
Raise awareness about religious persecution and contact your representatives to support religious freedom initiatives.
🌍 Go
Consider how God might be calling you to serve—whether through short-term missions, long-term service, or supporting those who go.
"Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies."
Sources
- • Church News & Official Newsroom
- • The Christian Chronicle
- • ZENIT News
- • Deseret News
- • International Christian Concern
- • Baptist Press
- • Global Christian Relief