No matter where The Voice of the Martyrs ministers, the first request of persecuted Christians is almost always the same: "Pray for us."

Answer that request by joining The Voice of the Martyrs in praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.   Sign up today to receive specific, up-to-date prayer requests by email every Thursday through the Persecution and Prayer Alert. To subscribe, click here.

For video reports from Indonesia, Egypt, Mexico, Iran and Pakistan, check out the February edition of The Persecution Report.

Underground church leader killed in Somalia

Mohammed Ahmed Ali, a 41-year-old underground church leader, was shot and killed on January 1 on the outskirts of Mogadishu by members of the militant group al-Shabaab. Mohammed and his wife, Amina Ibrahim Hassan, were reportedly being monitored by the militants for signs that they had left Islam. The militants killed Mohammed, who became a Christian in 2000, after learning that he had organized New Year's Day festivities for Christians. On January 3, Amina received threatening phone calls from the militants who stated, "We also know your home and that you are a follower of the Christians, and we are going to kill you the way we killed your husband." The next day, Amina set out for Kenya on a bus with her two-year-old son, Abdi Asis Mohammed Ahmed. They safely arrived in Nairobi on January 20. (Source: Compass Direct)

Pray for peace that surpasses understanding for Amina and Abdi as they mourn the loss of their husband and father. Ask God to provide for and protect this family. Pray that they will continue to grow in their faith in Christ. You can stand in solidarity with Amina and Abdi by posting a prayer on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

Learn more about the plight of Somali Christians at the Somalia Country Report.

Christian dies in Eritrean detention centre

On January 24, Hana Hagos Asgedom (41), a member of Asabe Rhema Church, died of a heart attack at Eritrea's Alla Military Camp. Hana, who had been detained at Wi'a Military Camp for three years following her arrest in 2007, was moved to the Alla Military Camp when the Wi'a camp was dismantled seven months ago. On arrival at the new camp, Hana was offered a final opportunity to renounce her faith. When she refused, she was placed in solitary confinement. Shortly before her death, she reportedly endured beatings with an iron rod for refusing to "make the chief commander in the camp a cup of coffee" -- an order local Christians believe was in reality a sexual advance. She was then returned to her cell where she endured further punishment and eventually passed away.

Also in Eritrea, Pastor Habtom Tewelde (55), a Full Gospel Church leader who was arrested and detained in 2008, was released on January 21. He was reportedly freed due to medical complications from his diabetes. Upon his release, he was warned not to continue his Christian activities. (Source: Open Doors USA)

Pray for those mourning the loss of Hana. Pray that her faithful life and witness will be an example to fellow Eritreans suffering trials for their faith. Thank the Lord for Pastor Tewelde's release. Ask God to give him comfort and healing as he recovers from his time in detention.

For more information about suffering Christians in Eritrea, click here. To view a video about other Eritrean Christians who are paying a great cost to follow Christ, click here.

Two church buildings burned down in Indonesia

Logo from Huria Kristen Batak Protestan Church

Thank the Lord that nobody was injured in these attacks. Pray that these congregations will soon be able to rebuild their churches. Pray that in the face of violence, Indonesian believers will confidently entrust themselves to Christ and preach the gospel without hesitation (2 Timothy 1:7-12).

To find out more about the plight of Indonesian Christians, click here.

Update: Pastors under fire in Cuba

Pastor Omar Gude Perez Photo from CSW

Pastor Mario Alvarez, another Cuban pastor who has been under intense pressure from authorities in recent years (click here for details), has appealed to the Supreme Tribunal to prevent what he believes is the illegal confiscation of his home. At least 30 other church leaders from the same network as Pastor Mario and Pastor Omar were arrested and detained in various parts of the country during 2009 and authorities have reportedly threatened to confiscate several of their homes. (Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

Ask God to give enduring strength and peace to Pastor Omar in prison. Pray for guidance for Pastor Mario as he boldly stands up for recognition of his religious rights. Pray that the Church in Cuba will continue to reach out with the news of God's grace, despite the opposition from the government. You can show your support for believers facing opposition in Cuba by posting a prayer on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

To find out more about suffering Christians in Cuba, click here.