Watchman Wire

Watchman Wire

Dispatches for the persecuted church

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” —Luke 21:36

Latin America

Persecution, the underground church, and moves of God across Latin America.

Latest from Latin America

Priest’s murder in Mexico may be warning to sow fear, priest says

The Sept. 15 murder of Father Román de la Cruz Hernández was likely perpetrated by organized crime and is not an isolated incident but forms part of a pattern of fear and intimidation.

Pray →Holy God, we bring before You the tragedy in Mexico, where fear tries to overshadow faith following the murder of Father Román de la Cruz Hernández. In this darkness, shine the light of Christ into hearts burdened by intimidation. Establish Your peace amidst those bound by organized crime, and let Your justice roll down like waters in that land. Guard the church in Mexico as they continue to proclaim Jesus despite threats. Protect Your people from evil and sustain them with courage and hope. Reveal Jesus to those who live by violence, that even they might be captivated by His love and find true life. We trust Your hand over all things — You are our refuge and strength. Amen.

EWTN News·Prayer·

More than 300 baptized at Methodist gathering in eastern Cuba

More than 300 people were baptized at a gathering of the Methodist Church in Cuba's Guantánamo District, according to Luzvisión Noticias, which described the event as historic. Bishop Ricardo Pereira and Superintendent Roelvis Gaínza led the ceremony, which drew hundreds of…

Pray →God of Grace, we lift up the joy in Guantánamo as over 300 souls have entered Your kingdom through baptism, joining the family You’ve destined them to be part of before time began. Thank You for adopting them as sons and daughters, a work You promised before they knew Your name. Let this gathering echo with the sound of heaven — adding to their number daily those who are being saved. By Your Spirit, guide these new believers to walk in newness of life, for they have been raised with Christ. Reveal Jesus in every corner of Cuba, that many more might find hope and life in Him. For the glory of Your name, Amen.

Christian Daily International·Prayer·

Cuban Pastor Released After More Than Three Months in Detention

A Protestant pastor in Cuba has been released after spending more than three months in detention, although he still faces charges and must report to authorities twice a week while awaiting trial.

Pray →Mighty Deliverer, we praise You for the release of the pastor in Cuba, even as he remains under threat and scrutiny. Sustain him with Your steadfast love in every appearance before authorities, and let his faithfulness be a light to those who fear Your name, that others might see and rejoice. Reveal Jesus to those who still hold power over him. Touch the hearts of officials and communities who watch his ordeal. Strengthen the believers around him with courage and wisdom, as they stand alongside him in hope and prayer. For Your name's sake, make known the kindness of Christ through his life, that justice and mercy would flourish in Cuba. To You belong glory forevermore. Amen.

Christian Today India·Prayer·

Mexican bishops demand ‘thorough investigation’ of priest’s murder

The priest was found dead with gunshot wounds along a stretch of highway. The local bishop urged people not to speculate about the crime and denounced the ongoing violence in the country.

Pray →God of All Comfort, we bring before You the sorrow and shock surrounding the murder of the priest in Mexico. In the face of violence that leaves communities reeling and hearts heavy, be their refuge. Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Guard the leaders who seek truth amidst speculation and fear, and strengthen Your people to stand firm in love and courage. Reveal Jesus to the ones who walk in darkness, that hearts hardened by violence might encounter His peace. Deliver this land from bloodshed, for You alone can heal deep wounds and restore what has been shattered. In hope and trust, we wait on You, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Catholic News Agency·Prayer·

Church documents 304 martyrs in Latin America so far this century

Historian Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio, says the Church is truly experiencing a "new era of martyrdom."

Pray →Lord of Hosts, we lift up the church in Latin America, remembering the 304 martyrs whose faithfulness has echoed through this new era of martyrdom. As their blood cries out from the ground, strengthen the believers who remain to stand firm in faith and love. Preserve those who gather under threat and let Your Spirit sustain them with joy and endurance. Confront those who persecute Your people, and reveal Jesus to them in visions and dreams that turn enemies into brothers. For these lands where blood has been shed, make Your Kingdom known by raising peacemakers and justice-seekers. Let the courage of these martyrs bear witness to Christ's enduring victory. For Your name's sake and glory in all the earth, Amen.

EWTN News·Prayer·

Catholic bishop tortured in prison, had toenails pulled, electric burns to chest

A human rights activist has confirmed to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) that Bishop Dr. Jylman Red Jurado Farfán was released from Rodeo III Prison in Miranda State, Venezuela, on 14 August after over five years in prison.

Pray →Shepherd, we lift before You the land of Venezuela, where Bishop Dr. Jylman Red Jurado Farfán endured severe torment for Your name. Release comfort and strength into his body and spirit as he heals from this suffering. You have seen the wounds inflicted and heard the cries of Your people there — intervene with a mighty arm to bring justice and peace. Reveal Jesus to those who persecute, that they might turn from darkness to light. Guard the believers in Venezuela with Your steadfast love, sustaining their faith and courage. Let righteousness and peace kiss each other across this land, healing what is broken. We trust in Your unfailing love, for You are the God who heals and redeems. Amen.

ASSIST News Persecution·Prayer·

Venezuela bishop released after 5 years in prison, says guards pulled out his toenails

Venezuela has released Bishop Jylman Red Jurado Farfán from Rodeo III Prison in Miranda state after more than five years in custody that involved torture. He is reportedly among dozens of political prisoners freed by the Venezuelan government.

Pray →God of Deliverance, we bring before You Bishop Jylman Red Jurado Farfán and the believers of Venezuela who have endured much for Your name. You have released him from his chains, and we give thanks for Your steadfast love that has preserved him in the midst of suffering. Strengthen him and all who suffer for righteousness’ sake, that they might stand firm in the freedom You provide. Reveal Jesus to those who still hold authority in Venezuela, that they might turn from oppression and seek the peace that only He can give. Let Your light shine in the darkest places, and use Your Church to bring healing to this land. May Your truth break the chains of injustice, and may hope arise in places of despair. For the glory of Your name, Amen.

The Christian Post·Prayer·

‘Worn-out dictatorships’ never speak of the cross, Nicaragua’s exiled Bishop Báez says

The exiled auxiliary bishop of Managua contrasts the Nicaraguan dictatorship’s empty claim of divine approval with the authentic example of self-sacrifice given by Jesus Christ.

Pray →Ancient of Days, we bring before You the situation in Nicaragua, where power seeks to claim divine favor while denying the cross of Christ. You see the suffering of Your people and the weariness of those under unjust rule. Strengthen the exiled bishop and all believers in Nicaragua to bear witness to the true self-sacrifice of Your Son. Reveal Your justice and truth to those in authority, and let their hearts be turned from pride to humility before the cross. Sustain the church in Nicaragua, that it might shine as a light in the darkness. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in this land, for Your glory and in the hope of Christ's return. Amen.

Catholic News Agency·Prayer·

Missionary in Haiti: 'Violence cannot discourage us'

Maddalena Boschetti, a fidei donum missionary in Haiti since 2002, tells Vatican News how remaining in the violence-stricken country and supporting those in need when all hope seems lost is a way to respond to the violence itself. Read all

Pray →God of strength and boldness, we lift before You the land of Haiti where violence and despair seek to overshadow hope. Yet, You are a refuge to the oppressed and a stronghold in times of trouble. Uphold the missionaries like Maddalena Boschetti who stand firm amidst chaos, and let their resilience testify to Your sustaining power. Reveal Jesus to those whose hearts are hardened by violence, and let the light of the Gospel pierce through the darkness that covers this land. Strengthen the hands of those who serve in Your name and comfort the afflicted with Your peace that surpasses understanding. May Your kingdom come in Haiti, bringing justice and peace for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Vatican News·Prayer·

Gang Attacks Church, Kills Dozens in Haiti

From Aug. 23 to 24, more than 50 people were kidnapped, and 47 people were killed in an attack in Haiti’s Kenscoff commune. Starting at 10:30 p.m. and lasting through the next morning, the Viv Ansam gang terrorized the community, kidnapping people and setting animals and homes…

Pray →God of Justice and Comfort, we lift up the community of Kenscoff in Haiti, where violence has shattered lives and homes. You hear the cries of the afflicted and see the despair of those who mourn. Establish Your peace where fear has taken root, and guard those who remain in the shadow of violence. Reveal Jesus to the hearts of those who perpetrate such acts, that they may turn from the darkness to the light of Your mercy. Strengthen the church in this region, that they may be a beacon of hope and refuge. Let the Gospel of peace spread in the midst of turmoil, bringing healing to wounded hearts. We ask this with trust in Your unfailing love and sovereignty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

International Christian Concern (Persecution.org)·Prayer·

Gang Attack on Haiti Church Leaves 47 Dead, Dozens Kidnapped

At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others were kidnapped after armed gangs stormed the hilltop community of Kenscoff, near Haiti’s capital, in one of the latest brutal attacks to shake the country’s collapsing security landscape.

Pray →God of Deliverance, we lift up Kenscoff, where violence has pierced the heart of the community. You see the mourning families and the captives longing for release. Shine Your light into the darkness that covers Haiti, and let Your truth set captives free. Strengthen the church in Haiti to stand firm in faith and love, even under threat. Reveal Jesus to those who wield power through fear, and let His peace dismantle the structures of violence. Sustain the grieving with Your comfort, and let justice roll like a river across this land. Establish Your kingdom in Haiti, for to You belong freedom, light, and unending love. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Light of the World. Amen.

Worthy News Christian Persecution·Prayer·

Gang kills 47 in church attack, torches animals in Haiti

At least 47 people were killed and 22 others injured when gang members attacked a church sheltering displaced people just outside Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations.

Pray →Holy One, we bring before You the land of Haiti, where violence has struck Your people seeking refuge in a church. You are our fortress, a stronghold in times of trouble, and we ask for Your mighty hand to guard those who remain in fear and grief. Establish peace in the hearts of the fearful, and let Your justice roll like a river in the streets of Port-au-Prince. Raise up those who will bring healing and comfort to the wounded and grieving families. Reveal Jesus to the perpetrators of violence, transforming their hearts by Your grace. Strengthen the church in Haiti to be a beacon of hope and love amidst darkness. In Your hands alone is the power to change hearts and restore peace. We entrust Haiti into Your care, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Christian Post·Prayer·

Nicaraguan regime releases video of 80-year-old bishop arrested at hospital

The Nicaraguan dictatorship allowed a regime-controlled television station to release a video of an 80-year-old bishop arrested by police at a hospital after he mentioned the country’s persecution of the Church in a homily.

Pray →God of Justice and Defender of the Oppressed, we lift up the Church in Nicaragua as they witness the arrest of an 80-year-old bishop. You see the persecution faced by those who speak truth, and Your heart is with the humble and contrite in spirit. Uphold him in the face of adversity, and let his faith remain steadfast and unwavering. Strengthen the believers in Nicaragua to stand firm in love and truth, and reveal Jesus to those who oppose the Church's voice. Open the eyes of the authorities and the watching nation to the light of Your Gospel, and let justice roll down like waters. For the sake of Your name, may peace and righteousness be established in this land. Amen.

The Christian Post·Prayer·