Shalom, friends. 🕊️
Back in August 2023, I shared an urgent prayer request from GFA World regarding the heartbreaking crisis unfolding in Manipur, India. At that time, it was shocking to hear that 130 people had been murdered, 60,000 displaced, and over 250 churches assaulted or destroyed.
Today, I am writing to you with a heavy heart because the situation has escalated from temporary ethnic riots into a permanently fractured, high-tech war zone. Over the last three years, the violence has reached devastating new heights. Militant groups are now employing advanced warfare tactics, including drone strikes, factory-made rockets, and improvised pipe bombs. Tragically, these weapons are tearing through villages, and just months ago, a brutal rocket attack claimed the lives of a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old girl as they slept. The state has essentially bifurcated, separated by barbed wire, military checkpoints, and deep physical hostility.
In the midst of this darkness, the body of Christ is under immense pressure, and our frontline shepherds are paying the ultimate price.
A Heavy Blow: Three Pastors Murdered
On May 13, 2026, the Christian community in Manipur suffered an unspeakable tragedy. Three prominent Baptist pastors—Revd Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou—were ambushed and shot to death on a remote highway in the Kangpokpi district.
What makes this loss even more painful is that these men were targeted while returning from an inter-church peace and reconciliation conference. They were actively stepping into the gap to mend what has been broken, and their martyrdom feels like a direct attack on hope itself. Please lift up their grieving widows, children, and congregations during this time of profound sorrow.
Frontline Ministry on the Ground
Despite the targeted violence and personal danger, pastors and church leaders in Manipur refuse to abandon their flocks. They have transitioned from ordinary shepherds into emergency relief coordinators, trauma counsellors, and literal peacemakers.
Many pastors have lost their own homes and churches, yet they are living right inside the overcrowded relief camps alongside displaced families. They are running four to five worship services a week under plastic tarps, bringing the comfort of the Holy Spirit to thousands of deeply traumatized believers. Furthermore, local pastors and bishops are courageously stepping onto highly volatile highways, acting as defenceless negotiators to mediate hostage crises and secure the release of kidnapped civilians. They are exhausted, threatened, and running on empty, yet they continue to serve.
How to Pray Right Now
It has been put on my heart to double down on our intercession for these brave leaders. Please join me in lifting them up to Our Creator with these specific prayer points:
- Supernatural Protection: Pray for a hedge of protection around all pastors, missionaries, and church workers travelling through highly volatile, militarized zones and highway checkpoints to deliver food aid.
- Emotional Strength and Endurance: Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You in the name of Your Son. Please have the Holy Spirit heavily pour out strength on leaders absorbing the grief and despair of thousands, and guard them against spiritual and physical burnout. May they be granted the power of Acts 4:29–30: "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Yeshua." We pray that these signs and wonders will follow them as they boldly speak Your word, so many hearts will be turned to You.
- A Spirit of Boldness and Forgiveness: Pray for supernatural grace for these pastors as they preach forgiveness, actively working to stop cycles of retaliation among local youth and urging hostile factions toward peace.
- Comfort for Grieving Ministry Families: Lift up the families of the three recently martyred pastors. Pray for deep emotional healing, divine peace, and immediate financial provision for their households.
When we look at the horrors happening across the world, let us never take our freedom for granted. Let us use that freedom today to stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters in Manipur.
"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body." — Hebrews 13:3
May Our Creator bless you and your family today and always,
Su
About the Author
Sister Su is a survivor through her Saviour and has been blessed to see many miracles in her life. Currently digging her way out from under a mountain of debt while battling chronic illness, she dreams of one day earning her doctorate in practical theology.
For more information, visit her Linktree- Sister_Su_Buys.
