‘At this moment I would like to call on all the parishioners, all believers: please pray for those who need it. In Nicaragua we need prayer – to reinforce faith, to reinforce hope of the people who have lost it, to see the release of political prisoners...’ - Jhoswel A. Martinez
This stirring call to prayer comes from Jhoswel, a Nicaraguan Christian whose message will be shared on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We hope you’ll join us on Sunday 5 November to stand in solidarity with people like Jhoswel who are facing injustice for their faith.
Find out how you and your church can get involved at csw.org.uk/IDOP
While Sunday is the official day of prayer, you can continue praying throughout the month.
Whenever you can, take a few minutes to pray:
- For the people who have bravely shared their stories for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Pray that their words will impact those attending and stir us all to action.
- That the prayers offered during IDOP and beyond will be answered – bringing freedom and justice to many.
- For strengthening and rekindling of faith for Christians around the world. Jhoswel highlights that many Nicaraguans ‘want to go back to church, but cannot because of fear’.
- That Christians in Nicaragua and beyond will feel uplifted and surrounded in prayer by the global Church. May they know the comfort, peace and strength of God – now and always.
Nicaragua at a glance
Over 328,000 Nicaraguans fled the country in 2022, as the government escalated its crackdown on independent voices.
Religious leaders are seen as a potential threat due to their influence in society, and even preaching about unity or justice can be seen as critical of the Nicaraguan government.
Several religious leaders were among over 222 political prisoners forced into exile and stripped of their citizenship in 2023, while others remain unjustly imprisoned.