We’re privileged to work with many human rights defenders all over the world, from China and Vietnam to Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Colombia, Syria and beyond. These exceptional men and women document and pursue justice for human rights abuses, including violations of freedom of religion or belief, often at great personal risk and a heavy financial cost.
Sunday 8 December
Chinese human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang was arrested in 2015 as part of a crackdown on human rights defenders, and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in January 2019. In June his wife, Li Wenzu, was finally permitted to see him. She later wrote, ‘I burst into tears, looking at Quanzhang’s thin face...It seemed that he was looking at a stranger.’ Pray for healing for Wang Quanzhang, and for his immediate, unconditional release.
Monday 9 December
On International Human Rights Defenders Day, pray for the many human rights defenders around the world who must remain anonymous because of the dangers of their work. Though it isn’t safe for us to share their names with you, they are all known to God – pray that he would have his hand over them, defending them from harm as they courageously defend the rights of others.
Tuesday 10 December
CSW’s long-term partner Michelle Chaudhry, is a Pakistani human rights defender. Michelle heads the Cecil and Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF, named in memory of her parents). She works to promote education and the rights of religious minorities. Ask God to provide for Michelle and CICF both materially and spiritually as she continues the work of her mother and father.
Wednesday 11 December
Cecil S. Chaudhry heads the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), one of our key partner organisations in Pakistan. Today, pray for the safety of NCJP staff as they provide legal aid in blasphemy cases and travel throughout the country to conduct vital workshops and training sessions. You can write to encourage the NCJP using our free resource, Connect & Encourage.
Thursday 12 December
Nguyen Bac Truyen is a human rights activist from Vietnam who was sentenced to 11 years in prison followed by three years’ house arrest in 2018. A Hoa Hao Buddhist, Truyen speaks up for those of all faiths. He went on hunger strike earlier this year to protest the treatment of fellow prisoner Nguyen Van Hoa, a young Catholic activist. Pray that they both would be released soon, and the unjust charges dismissed.
Friday 13 December
Outspoken human rights defender and Protestant pastor Nguyen Trung Ton is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence on charges of ‘attempting to overthrow the state’. Though his wife, Nguyen Thi Lanh, desperately wants to visit him, Pastor Ton is in a prison far from his home province, making it difficult and expensive for her. Pray for God to comfort and protect Nguyen Thi Lahn, and that they would be reunited very soon.
Saturday 14 December
Lord God, we are so grateful for the many courageous and gifted human rights defenders who partner with us. We thank you for each and every wherever they may be, and ask that you would bless them abundantly and protect them in their calling. Amen.