A Colombian church leader has been killed in a targeted New Year’s Eve attack, highlighting renewed dangers facing pastors in the country. Pastor José Otoniel Ortega was shot repeatedly by armed attackers while celebrating with his family and later died from his injuries. Members of his congregation described him as a devoted servant who preached peace and lived out his faith with love. He is the eleventh church leader killed in Colombia since November 2024, according to CSW, which warns of rising hostility towards churches. Armed cartels often view pastors as threats because they oppose violence and illegal activity. CSW has urged the Colombian government to address the issue by offering additional protection to church leaders.
USA: ICE agent kills woman observer
08 Jan 2026
Community tensions in Minneapolis have sharply intensified following a fatal shooting by a US immigration agent amid a major surge in enforcement activity. A 37-year-old US citizen, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed during an ICE operation, despite video suggesting she was driving away. Federal authorities claimed she was interfering with law enforcement, a statement strongly disputed by witnesses. The incident comes as hundreds of additional immigration officers have been deployed under the Trump administration, particularly targeting immigrant-heavy neighbourhoods. Advocacy groups report widespread fear, reduced work attendance, and growing economic strain as families avoid leaving their homes. Community networks have mobilised rapidly, training observers, tracking ICE vehicles, and providing legal and practical support to those affected. Local officials have condemned the operation, warning that aggressive enforcement is tearing communities apart and escalating violence. Residents now fear the surge represents a new and dangerous normal for the city.
India’s opposition Congress party has criticised Narendra Modi after renewed US warnings linking higher tariffs on Indian exports to continued purchases of Russian oil. Jairam Ramesh argued that a personality-driven foreign policy has failed to shield India from economic pressure. He said highly publicised displays of personal rapport with US leadership have not prevented repeated threats over trade and energy. Congress claims years of diplomacy have delivered few tangible benefits, leaving India vulnerable to sudden shifts in US policy. The criticism comes as Washington increases pressure on countries buying Russian energy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The government insists that purchasing discounted Russian oil is a sovereign decision needed for energy security and compliant with sanctions. While officials highlight strong defence, technology and trade ties with the US, critics warn that overreliance on personal chemistry weakens institutional diplomacy.
The US government has made a $7.5 million payment to the government of Equatorial Guinea as it seeks agreements to deport migrants to third countries, prompting sharp criticism from a top Democratic senator. Jeanne Shaheen said the payment, drawn from a migration and refugee assistance fund, raises serious concerns about transparency and proper use of taxpayer money; it far exceeds all US aid given to the country in the past eight years. She questioned whether funds intended for humanitarian crises should be transferred directly to one of the world’s most corrupt governments. The State Department defended the move as part of implementing the Trump administration’s immigration priorities. The payment raises questions about how the government is enmeshing its deportation agenda with other foreign policy goals, as well as the international leaders it is willing to trust. Immigration advocacy groups have called the policy a reckless tactic which violates due process rights and can strand deportees in countries with long histories of human rights violations and corruption.
Burkina Faso: new coup attempt thwarted
08 Jan 2026
Authorities in Burkina Faso say they have thwarted a new coup attempt, underscoring ongoing political instability in the West African nation. Officials said the alleged plot was uncovered late on 3 January before it could be carried out, with security forces remaining on high alert. In a televised address, Security minister Mahamadou Sana said the plan involved coordinated efforts to destabilise the country through targeted assassinations of civilian and military leaders, including the head of state, Captain Ibrahim Traoré (see). Investigations are continuing and arrests have reportedly begun, with those implicated expected to face prosecution. The government praised intelligence services for preventing what it described as another attempt to destabilise the country. The alleged plot is the latest in a series of claims of attempts to remove Captain Traoré, who himself seized power in 2022.
International Prayer Connect, along with our friends at Canberra Declaration, the World Prayer Assembly Australia and many worldwide partners, invite you to join us for 21 days of prayer and fasting from 28 August–17 September.
Together we will be seeking God for awakening in Australia and across the globe!
The theme for our upcoming time is titled "Wave of Glory", based on Hab 2:14, where God's glory will cover the earth like "water covers the sea".
The wave is vivid red to represent that only the shed blood of Yeshua the Messiah can cleanse sinners. His blood is the only reason our nations and the globe can experience a wave of awakening.
Our heart's cry is simple: "That the Lamb would receive the reward of His suffering". All glory belongs to Him alone.
Recently prayer leaders from around Australia and the world joined with Dean Briggs, a keynote speaker for the International Prayer Counciland executive director at IHOPKC. What Dean shared was highly inspiring and can be viewed HERE.
Earlier in the year we enjoyed daily prayers throughout the month of May as a part of GO Month the Isaiah 62 Fast and Pentecost 2023. It was a brilliant and crucial time! Here's one testimony:
“I was feeling very tired but as soon as I logged on, it was like a supernatural energy and peace came and I felt so ready to stay up all night... and pray/worship Jesus. I could feel the presence of God as soon as I joined.”
We believe that our prayers throughout May will have flow-on effects for months and years to come. We are anticipating that this next time of prayer and fasting will build on that foundation. That is truly exciting!
Every morning during the 21 days, Canberra Declaration will send out a daily prayer and outreach devotional to encourage and equip us. Sign up by clicking the red button below!
Our prayers during Wave of Glory will include the World Prayer Assembly (WPA) in Perth, 3–6 October. We highly encourage you to consider coming to the WPA.
Wave of Glory Prayer Points:
Pray for a wave of the “knowledge of the Glory of the LORD” to sweep the globe and the WPA in Australia on 3–6 October. Isaiah 40:5
Pray for awakening for Australia and millions to find Christ. Isaiah 64:1–2.
Pray for a global awakening for the world and billions to find Christ. Romans 10:1 We look forward to testimonies from Wave of Glory like this one from May:
“l have been very blessed... The people in the prayer rooms has been fantastic and the presence of the Holy Spirit has been very evident.”
Yours for spirit of prayer triggering a wave of glory,
Dr Jason Hubbard & Dean Brigg
International Prayer Connect
Samuel Hartwich & Warwick Marsh
Canberra Declaration
Margaret Court & Wendy Yap
World Prayer Assembly 2023
As we enter a new year of Kingdom opportunity, we are grateful for your faithful partnership in prayer. Your intercession continues to strengthen the global Body of Christ and advance the Gospel in places where Jesus is least known.
Today, we’re inviting you to join a powerful new initiative launching January 1 in partnership with The Bible App (YouVersion):
Praying God’s Word: 365-Day Guide for the World.
This yearlong plan leads us in daily Scripture-based intercession for 365 frontline workers serving in 110 gateway cities across the least-reached regions of the world.
Each day includes God’s Word, the name of a specific worker or team, and a simple prayer to pray on their behalf. It grants us the privilege of standing with them as they share the Gospel, translate God's Word, plant churches, make disciples, and minister to the poor and broken.
This is a beautiful convergence of prayer, missions, and God’s Word, and we believe the impact will be significant as thousands join together in daily prayer.
Register here to begin the 365-day plan:
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64200-365-prayers-to-change-the-world
Or use this QR code:
Thank you for standing with us and lifting up Jesus among the nations. We are deeply grateful for your prayerful partnership.
A new poll commissioned by Tearfund suggests a significant rise in Christmas church attendance across the UK, with nearly half of adults planning to attend a service or church event this year. The survey of two thousand adults found that 45% intended to go to church at Christmas, up from 40% last year, with Gen Z leading the trend. Six in ten young adults said they planned to attend, pointing to a growing openness to faith and community in their age group. Notably, attendance intentions among non-Christians also increased, with many reporting that church left them feeling joyful, peaceful, and hopeful. Tradition, atmosphere, and spiritual reflection were key motivations, while the poll also highlighted the vital practical role churches play. 42% of respondents said they or someone they knew had received support such as foodbanks, warm spaces, or free meals from a church over Christmas. Tearfund reports similar patterns in other countries: in the Central African Republic, Christmas gatherings draw entire communities together around worship, food, and hope. Churches continue serving faithfully long after the season ends.