Mali Jihadis Threaten Christians, Close Churches

1/15/2026   (VOM)

Islamists are threatening at least nine Malian churches in an area close to the border with Burkina Faso. The jihadis showed up on motorcycles on September 25, locked the doors to the churches and demanded each church pay the equivalent of a $1,200 tax to reopen. The Christians from these churches were also denied the right to harvest their crops unless they pay the demanded amount or they deny Christ. People in those communities fear what will happen when the terrorists return because the churches don’t have the money to pay. Even if they did, the jihadis would likely continue to demand more, and the government has done little to protect the region.

Please pray…

• Pray that these Christians in Mali will keep their eyes focused on Christ and not be overcome by fear.

• Pray that they will have God’s wisdom regarding how to deal with this situation.

• Pray that the jihadis will not return and that the Lord will touch their hearts and open their eyes to Jesus as Messiah.