Pastor Soré’s story
The first time Pastor Soré’s village was attacked, extremists robbed people. The second time, they raped the women. The third time, they burned everything to the ground.
Pastor Soré, who lives in Burkina Faso, was left with no choice…
“When the terrorists find Christians, they tell them the time of Christianity is over,” he said. “We had to flee to save our lives.”
Leaving a beautiful home and thriving church, Pastor Soré and his wife Teresa escaped with their own two children and 15 others who had been orphaned or entrusted into their care. The group was too big to move into a camp for internally displaced people (IDPs), so they set up ‘home’ on a desolate piece of land.
“We were so sad when we arrived in this empty space,” says Pastor Soré. Over the past year, he’s built a shelter, and they make every effort to grow food. But in the rainy season, water washes through the tent, bringing mosquitoes and snakes. In the summer it’s unbearably hot.
This ‘family’ is among 16.2 million followers of Jesus forcibly displaced in Sub-Saharan Africa. But, despite persecution and extreme hardship, Pastor Soré’s faith remains unshakeable…
“We are displaced but Jesus is not, and never will be, displaced from our lives,” says Pastor Soré.
“When I look in the Bible, I see all warriors encountered difficulties. It’s my turn today. An important truth about suffering is that it is never eternal – but Jesus is eternal.”
Please pray
- Pray that Christians in Burkina Faso will stay strong in faith, despite persecution.
- Lift up Pastor Soré and ask that God will meet the daily needs of his community.
Burkina Faso- Due to the Islamic militant attacks in the north and east 6,000+ schools have been closed. Pray for more effort by the government, churches and their international partners to provide solid education to children, especially those living in rebel-controlled areas, or in displacement
- Islamic militant influence has eroded some of the peaceful coexistence. Pray that the Church will not allow enmity to take root, but continue to seek healthy relationships with all who may not worship Christ, while continuing to share the gospel.
- In some parts of the country, there may simply be no Christians to kidnap or kill anymore. Even some safer parts of the country have become risky. Pray for continued grace to navigate these circumstances and to remain salt and light in society. Pray that Christians will resist fear and despondency and continue to follow Christ in these circumstances.
- Perpetrators of violent persecution of Christians are a mixture of groups affiliated to ISIS and al Qaida. Pray that the flow of resources to them will be cut. Pray for hunger for justice and peace with the Almighty and that many may come to faith.
- Burkina has faced years of political unrest and military rule and recently faced two coups (Jan and Oct 2022). Pray that Captain Ibrahim Traoré the current leader will allow swift and transparent return to democratic rule. Pray that a strong, representative government that can push back militants. Pray for respect for human rights and that all will enjoy protection and inclusion in a new Burkina Faso.
- Internal displacement has soared, affecting nearly 2 million people (2023) - 10% of the population. Pray for peace so that people can live productively.
- Christians form less than one percent of the population. Thank the Lord for the that 1% for the churchs courageous testimony. Thank the Lord for the protections Christians have enjoyed from their government over much of its recent history.
- Pastors serve communities that face great poverty. Thank the Lord for their sacrificial service and pray that they may continue to experience His provision. Pray for wisdom and protection as they care for flocks vulnerable to increasing hostility.
- Burkina ranked 20th on the 2025 WWL, with Islamic oppression the strongest persecution type. Islamic militant groups has retained steady influence over recently. Pray for abundant grace and wisdom for Christians to navigate the situation.
- Pastors have been providing care amid growing complexity and specific targeting from rebels. Pray for protection, provision and wisdom. Pray for comfort, as they deal with loss and trauma.
- Christian women face abduction and sexual violence against during militant attacks. This causes trauma, and shame. If not addressed, this will weaken and destroy both families and the lager Christian community. Pray for greater awareness among authorities, the church and her partners and for proactive ways to protect women. Pray for sufficient physical and emotional care to survivors
- Islamic militant groups target Christian men and boys for forced military service, physical attacksincl. murder if they refuse to convert. Survivors battle with trauma. Pray that the Church will become sufficiently equipped to care for all affected. Pray that men will receive good discipleship to be able to provide spiritual care to their families. Pray for the Church to find proactive solutions to the violence-induced economic challenges men face.
- Youths are facing lack of access to education and jobs, and many have become radicalized or found employment with radicals. Pray for the church to offer youth an alternative through discipleship, a Biblical view on economics and helping youths to find viable ways to make a living. Pray that church partners offer sufficient support in this.
- Burkina Faso has a population of about 23 million from diverse ethnicities and cultures, though with a history of cohesion. Thank the Lord for the country and its rich heritage. Pray for restoration of cohesion where it has broken down due to extremists.
- Christians form 23% and have played a significant role in society, by building good schools, hospitals, etc. Thank the Lord for the Church. Pray for continued opportunity to bless society.
