FaithWatch and Midnight Call Reflection- 3rd October 2025

 

🌙 Midnight Call Reflection

“Failure of Light, Rise of Darkness”

The headlines from across the globe today paint a sobering picture of the state of the Church and of faith in our times. On one hand, there are historic strides—such as the Church of England naming its first female Archbishop of Canterbury. On the other hand, we see the heavy weight of persecution: pastors kidnapped and killed in Nigeria, missionaries languishing for over a decade in North Korean prisons, and believers in Europe facing a rising tide of “Christianophobia.”

These developments force us to ask: Why is the world so troubled, and what role has the Church played in either strengthening or weakening the flame of hope?

When the Church fails to fully be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14–16), darkness grows bold. The persecution of Christians, the silencing of Scripture, and the hostility toward faith are not merely signs of a hostile world—they also reflect a world in desperate need of a strong, Spirit-filled witness.

✝️ Lessons to Draw

1. The Price of Silence – Where believers shrink back in fear, wickedness takes ground. Paul declared: “Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

2. The Power of Scripture – The lack of access to God’s Word in many nations reminds us how blessed we are to own even one Bible. To those who much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

3. The Call to Watch and Pray – Jesus warned His disciples in Gethsemane: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). The Church that slumbers is a Church that will stumble.

4. The Mandate of Sacrifice – From Kim Jung-wook in North Korea to pastors in rural Nigeria, the cross is still the price of following Christ. Their suffering should awaken our comfort-driven faith.

🌍 A Troubled World Needs a Living Church

The nations are groaning—politically, socially, spiritually. Yet the Lord still declares: “I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The Church must rise again in revival, in mission, and in bold proclamation of truth. For when the Church shines, the night cannot last forever.

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🙏 Prayer Point:
Lord, revive Your Church in these troubled times. Strengthen the persecuted, awaken the slumbering, and let the flame of Your gospel shine brighter than the darkness around us.

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🌍 Global & International

• US military strike on drug vessel
  The United States struck a vessel off the coast of Venezuela, alleging it was carrying illegal drugs. The attack reportedly killed four people.

• Asteroid 2025 TC safe flyby
  A 44-foot wide asteroid named 2025 TC passed close to Earth today at ~58,100 km/h. NASA confirms it posed no threat.

• UK business growth slows
  The UK’s service sector growth fell to a five-month low, weighed down by weak demand, budget uncertainty, and rising costs.

• Australia intervenes diplomatically in Gaza
  Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is liaising with Israel following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which reportedly detained Australians.

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🇳🇬 Nigeria & Sub-Saharan Africa

• Thousands flee as Boko Haram seizes Nigerian border town
  Over 5,000 people fled into Cameroon after militants took over Kirawa in Borno State, burning homes and a military barracks.

• Pastor’s wife and church member kidnapped
  In Agyaragu, a pastor’s wife and another church member were abducted from their home. Their 3-month-old baby was left behind. The kidnappers are demanding ₦50 million.

• Naira shows signs of firmness
  The official exchange rate for US dollar to naira stood at about ₦1,455. The parallel (black) market trades at ₦1,460–₦1,470. Analysts link this stability to improved FX liquidity.

• Oil sector reforms continue momentum
  Nigeria continues to boost crude production and drilling activity, with major increases in active rigs and output levels.

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⚽ Sports & Other Highlights

• “Scrums, speed & showdowns” across sports
  Big events today include:
  • A Rugby Championship match at Twickenham between South Africa & Argentina
  • McLaren aiming to clinch the Formula One constructors’ title
  • The WNBA Finals kicking off, with the Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces
  • Other major fixtures in Serie A, MLB, NHL, and horse racing’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

• FC Barcelona confirmation & rumors
  Barcelona confirmed their Champions League fixture vs Olympiacos will be held at Montjuïc, and PSG is reportedly eyeing Eric Garcia if renewal talks falter.

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✝️ Religious Highlights

1. Church of England names first female Archbishop of Canterbury
   Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, has been appointed the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury. This is historic—it marks the first time in nearly 1,400 years that a woman will lead the global Anglican Communion in this role.
   Her nomination has been welcomed by many as a progressive move, though it has also drawn criticism from conservative factions within the Communion, particularly in parts of Africa, who oppose female bishops and hold to more traditional interpretations of church leadership.

2. Christianity faces global scripture access crisis
   A new "Bible Access List" released by Open Doors highlights areas where people cannot access the Scriptures in their own language. In some remote areas, Christians have heard about Jesus but have never had the Bible in their mother tongue. This underscores a major barrier to faith growth and discipleship in many parts of the world.

3. Missionary still imprisoned in North Korea
   Kim Jung-wook, a South Korean Christian missionary, has been detained in North Korea for nearly 12 years. His family still has no information about his current condition or whereabouts. The case remains a stark reminder of the high cost some pay for faith in closed countries.

4. Pastor killed in Kwara after ransom paid
   In Kwara State, Nigeria, a local pastor was abducted, ransom was reportedly paid, but upon release or during the process, he was killed. This event highlights both the dangers faced by church leaders in conflict-affected areas and weaknesses in protection.

5. Rise in attacks and Christianophobia
   In Europe, there’s growing concern about “Christianophobia”—a term being used more frequently to describe attacks, harassment, and discrimination against Christian individuals and communities. Religious leaders are calling out what they say is insufficient attention and protection by civil authorities.

6. Pastor’s wife and church member kidnapped in Nigeria
   A pastor’s wife and another church member in Nigeria were abducted from their home; their 3-month old baby left behind. This adds to the tally of personal violence against believers beyond overt political or religious conflict zones.

7. Global Religious Freedom Report to be launched in Rome
   On 21 October, religious and public leaders will gather in Rome at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum for the presentation of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report. The report, prepared by "Aid to the Church in Need," is expected to shine light on the state of religious liberty worldwide.

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