News from the Field: Algeria, Malaysia and China Inbox

ALGERIA: More than 60 Christians Awaiting Trial

At least 64 Algerian Christians are awaiting trial for activities related to their Christian faith. “Pray for justice and mercy for all 64 cases,” said a front-line worker. He also asked that people pray for the Christians and their families to sense God’s peace, to be strengthened and to not lose heart. Finally, he requested prayer for God’s favor as the Christians endure the legal process as well as for laws and decisions to be enacted that would allow greater freedom of worship in Algeria. In recent years, the government has forcibly closed multiple church buildings in the country, and the law restricts non-Muslim worship to premises designated and approved for that purpose.

MALAYSIA: Justice Again Delayed for Koh Family

An appeals court in Malaysia has issued a stay against the verdict received by Susanna Koh, the wife of abducted pastor Raymond Koh. The November verdict in Susanna’s lawsuit against the police and government granted her a large financial settlement, which was set to increase each month until Raymond Koh was located, and ordered the police to reopen the investigation and regularly report their progress to the judge. With the appeals court’s stay, the police are no longer required to continue investigating or report to the judge, and the financial reparations are on hold. The stay was announced just weeks before the ninth anniversary of Raymond Koh’s disappearance. Susanna shared her story at the VOM National Conference (video) last fall.

CHINA: More Arrests of Church Leaders

On Jan. 6, 2026, members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, were subjected to a large-scale crackdown that involved searches of multiple church sites and members’ homes. According to information released by the church and verified by multiple sources, several church elders, preachers, deacons and their family members were detained. The whereabouts of some church leaders were quickly ascertained, while others remained unreachable. Among those arrested or detained are elder Li Yingqiang and his wife, Zhang Xinyue; preacher Dai Zhichao; the family of Brother Ye Fenghua; elder Yan Hong; preacher Wu Wuqing; and deacon Zeng Qingtao. Local police officers also appeared at a school operated by the church and ordered the landlord to clear the facility. Early Rain Covenant Church has been targeted by the Communist government of China since 2018, when founding pastor Wang Yi was arrested. He is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence.