2025

THE TOP 50 COUNTRIES

WHERE FOLLOWING JESUS COSTS THE MOST
“ON MY ACCOUNT YOU WILL BE
BROUGHT BEFORE GOVERNORS this book, the Spirit is active,
AND KINGS AS WITNESSES TO and the church is alive and
THEM AND TO THE GENTILES. BUT growing. Where believers
WHEN THEY ARREST YOU, DO NOT have to keep their faith
WORRY ABOUT WHAT TO SAY OR secret, they still find a way
HOW TO SAY IT. AT THAT TIME YOU to tell others about Jesus.
WILL BE GIVEN WHAT TO SAY, FOR Where they are driven out of
IT WILL NOT BE YOU SPEAKING, their homes, they still meet
as a church. Where they are
BUT THE SPIRIT OF YOUR FATHER
assailed with slander and lies,
SPEAKING THROUGH YOU.”
they still live out the truth.
– MATTHEW 10:18–20
And “truth” is the key word.
Because the World Watch List
Jesus was clear from the start. draws directly from the on-the-ground
Identifying with Him, believing experience of persecuted Christians.
in Him, simply talking about Him This is not theoretical, and it’s not
would all come at a cost. The early produced in ivory-tower academia: it’s
church understood there is a price based on the accounts of real people
to pay for being a “witness.” It’s no in real situations. This is firsthand
coincidence that the Greek word for information. Eyewitness testimony.
witness – martus – became our word
“martyr.” Martyrs are people whose BEING A WITNESS
witness has cost them their lives. In the end, we are all witnesses. We
witness to the light and life that is found
Today, the witness of the persecuted in Jesus. And we are witnesses to what
church comes at a similar cost. is happening to His followers around
Persecuted Christians might not the world. We have the privilege of
face “kings and governors,” but they standing alongside them – through
know what it is to live under the gaze prayer, through giving and through
of the authorities, to be hauled in speaking out on their behalf.
front of judges, secret police, local
councils, village chiefs, tribal elders, Your prayers and your support mean
party officials, heads of clans or that they are not alone in the fight. They
families. But they also know the truth have, as Jesus promised, the presence
of Christ’s presence: they know what of the Holy Spirit to strengthen them. But
it is to have the “Spirit of the Father” they also gain strength from us – from
with them on the witness stand. knowing that their family is standing with
them, praying with them, speaking up on
EYEWITNESS TRUTH their behalf, seeing things through their
That is the reality behind the World eyes and joining in with the task that
Watch List. Even in the countries in Jesus gave us – of being a witness.

2
Pastor Soré and his family from Burkina
Faso. Read more about their story page 29.

3
 MAPPING THE WITNESSES OF THE

WORLD
WATCH
LIST
380 MILLION
More than 380 million Christians face high levels
of persecution and discrimination for their faith.
That’s one in seven Christians worldwide.

23
The number of years North Korea has been
number one on the World Watch List.
— See Eyewitness: Jung Jik page 9

4
 54,780 209,771
Christians beaten, Christians forced to
threatened or physically leave their homes, to
and mentally abused... go into hiding or exile.
3,944 ...including some 10,000 Over 40,000 of these
Christians were people in Pakistan were in Myanmar
sexually assaulted,
harassed or
forcibly married
to non-Christians.
An estimated 500
incidents in Syria

4,744
Christians detained,
arrested or sentenced
for faith-related
reasons.
Over 2,100 of these
incidents took place in India

4,476 28,368
believers were attacks on Christian homes,
killed for their faith. shops and businesses.
3,100 of these deaths Almost 20,000 of these attacks
were in Nigeria took place in sub-Saharan Africa

5
AROUND ...CHRISTIANS ARE BEING
FORCED TO FLEE

THE The persecuted church is, increasingly, a

displaced church, exiled to refugee or IDP

WORLD… (internally displaced people) camps. Sudan

(5) is facing the largest displacement crisis
in the world: in a country of 49 million
people, the number of IDPs by mid-2024
...CHRISTIANS ARE BEING had surpassed 7.7 million. For already
ATTACKED AND KILLED vulnerable Christians, the loss of home
The most violent region is sub-Saharan and community make them even more of
Africa, where weak government and an easy target. In Nigeria (7), radicalized
political tensions allow Islamic extremism Islamic Fulani militants continue to drive
to flourish. Persecution is rising in Christian communities from their lands.
countries such as Burkina Faso (20), Conflict in the Manipur region in India (11)
Mali (14) and Chad (49), which enters the forced tens of thousands of Christians
top 50 for the first time. The Arise Africa to flee for their lives – often with little
campaign is a call to the church and the more than the clothes on their backs.
world to respond to this crisis.
— See Arise Africa page 44 ...CHRISTIANS ARE DRIVEN
UNDERGROUND
Violence grows in situations of anarchy More and more Christians are forced to
and internal conflict. Trapped in the chaos worship undercover. In Afghanistan (10), it
of civil war, Christians in Yemen (3), Sudan is effectively impossible to publicly express
(5) and Myanmar (13) are easy targets. your faith. In Algeria (19), all Protestant
— See Eyewitness: Zahra page 11 churches have been forced to close, and
the number of Christians awaiting trial
But strong, authoritarian regimes are also and sentencing is at an all-time high. In
places of officially sanctioned violence. In China (15), the era of relative tolerance
both Kyrgyzstan (47) – back in the top 50 is over. Unregistered churches are now
for the first time since 2013 – and illegal. Ideological pressure and official
Kazakhstan (up nine places indoctrination are used to direct church
to 38), churches and teaching. Religious education for children
believers have been is banned. Many congregations are
attacked by police taking their fellowships underground, into
and security isolated home groups.
services, or — See Eyewitness: Ming page 23
through locally
orchestrated ... CHRISTIANS ARE
mobs. ACTIVE AND THE
CHURCH IS GROWING
Despite the destruction and displacement,
despite the tyranny and terror, the church

6
 is active SYRIA
WWL
and alive. During the World Watch List
18
Even in recording period, the main
g e North Korea problem in Syria (18) was
ima
tive (1), the worst crime and corruption, which continued to
Representa
of all countries to drive Christian emigration. As this year’s
be a Christian, some list was going to print, the Assad regime
400,000 believers still witness fell to rebel forces, leaving Christians in the
to the life and light of Jesus. As Lydia*, a church’s ancient heartland facing renewed
secret Open Doors fieldworker who anxiety and threats.
supports North Korean believers outside
of the country says, “Despite persecution, *Name changed for security reasons
nothing and no one can stop the church
from growing.”
— See Eyewitness: Jung Jik page 9

ABOUT THE WORLD “Smash” is physical, visible, violent:

WATCH LIST bombing, arson, shooting, sexual
Now in its 32nd year, the Open Doors violence, kidnappings, forced evictions.
World Watch List ranks the countries
where the persecution of Christians “Squeeze” is insidious, structural,
is most extreme. Data is based on suffocating: legal restrictions,
in-country, eyewitness information, cultural and religious discrimination,
using networks developed over societal pressure and, above
decades. This data is converted all, the inability to talk about or
into a “persecution score,” which publicly display your faith.
is ranked into categories: — See “What do we mean by
persecution?” page 65
Extreme 81-100 points
Very High 61-80 points ABOUT OPEN DOORS
For 70 years, Open Doors has stood
High 41-60 points
alongside these faithful brothers and
— See “What is the World Watch List?” sisters, strengthening and supporting
page 64 those who count the cost of following
Christ. Our global underground
DEFINING PERSECUTION networks work in more than 70
Persecution takes many forms, from countries, including some of the most
insults and abuse, to discrimination dangerous places on earth.
in education and the workplace, — See “70 years of standing with the
to outright violence. Open Doors persecuted church” page 62
categorizes the different forms as
“smash” and “squeeze.”

7
 1 NORTH KOREA
Representative image

98
100 0

POPULATION
26.2 million / 400,000 Christians
LEADER
Kim Jong Un
PERSECUTION SCORE 98 (+2)
If your Christian faith is discovered in
North Korea, you will either be immediately
executed or deported to a horrendous labor
camp that few survive.
The Kim regime relies on tightly
controlling people’s behavior and beliefs.
In early 2024, they announced stricter
regulations against outside influences. It
has been reported that about 30 teenagers
were executed just for watching a South
Korean drama last year. In this environment,
even secret Christian worship and prayer is
an enormous risk.

Open Doors secret workers are helping

around 100,000 North Korean believers
by providing vital food and aid from
outside the country, shelter and training
for refugees at safe houses in China and
training through radio broadcasting.

PLEASE PRAY
• That God will give North Korean Christians
eyes to see His light in the darkness
• For the estimated 400,000 secret In North Korea, despite the intense
believers in North Korea persecution, an estimated 400,000
believers still follow Jesus
• That God will refresh courageous
believers with His peace. Representative image

8
 EYEWITNESS / NORTH KOREA

JUNG JIK
“My grandmother was a Christian, and spending time in prison.
but I never knew,” says Jung Today, he lives in South Korea.
Jik*. “Every morning, when she “My heart still yearns for North
cooked rice, she would mumble. Korea,” he says. “There’s still a large
Before she went to sleep, she sat underground church. Because you
down and mumbled. I thought she pray, many people are miraculously
believed in some superstition, but healed, and they experience God’s
looking back, I now know that it power. They come to faith.”
was Christian prayer.”
NAMELESS AND POWERLESS
His grandmother could not talk Jung Jik has been imprisoned
about her faith, for fear that her twice and escaped – once by
children or grandchildren would let climbing an electric fence when
the secret out. But she could pray the power was off, and the other
for her family – and these prayers when a guard asked him to return
had a profound impact. home to get him alcohol. “In prison,
you are no longer considered
“MY HEART STILL human. They never called me by
YEARNS FOR name, but by a number,” he says.
NORTH KOREA.” “There was hardly any food. The
husks of corn had no salt in them,
After fleeing North Korea for otherwise prisoners would have
food, Jung Jik’s father became energy to escape.”
a Christian, leading to his arrest
and deportation. When Jung Jik’s JUNG JIK ASKS
siblings visited their father in “PRAY FOR MY CHILD WHO
prison before he died, he wrote on IS STILL IN NORTH KOREA.
their hands that he was a follower PRAY THAT I WILL SEE
of Jesus. THEM AGAIN AND I CAN
TELL THEM ABOUT JESUS.”
Jung Jik followed in his father’s
footsteps – both becoming a
Christian after fleeing North Korea *Name changed for security reasons

9
 2 SOMALIA 3 YEMEN
Representative image Alamy | Representative image

94 94
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
18.7 million / a few hundred Christians 35.2 million / a small number of Christians
LEADER LEADER
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre Chairman Rashad al-Alimi
PERSECUTION SCORE 94 (+1) PERSECUTION SCORE 94 (+5)
In Somalia, following Jesus is a matter of Torn apart by civil war, life is very hard
life and death. for everybody in Yemen, and even harder
Al-Shabaab, a violent Islamic militant for Christians.
group, is at war with the government and The country is now ruled by three
controls large swathes of the country. They different powers, none of which are
enforce a strict form of Sharia (Islamic sympathetic to Christianity. Anyone thought
law) and are committed to eradicating to be Christian can face monitoring,
Christianity from Somalia. detention, torture, ill-treatment and even
Even at home, any suspicion you have murder. Persecution has increased as
come to faith in Christ can result in house Houthi rebels – Islamic militants – have
arrest, forced marriage or threats on your expanded their control. In the last year, at
life from your own family. least one Christian was killed for his faith,
and dozens of house churches in Houthi-
Open Doors supports Somali believers controlled areas can no longer meet.
across the Horn of Africa through
discipleship training and by equipping Open Doors’ partners support the body
them to cope with severe persecution. of Christ in Yemen by raising prayer;
distributing relief aid; training believers
PLEASE PRAY and pastors; and offering shelter,
• That secret Christians would know they protection and livelihood support.
are not alone
• That God would protect anyone in PLEASE PRAY
danger of attacks from Islamic extremist • That God would bring peace and justice
group al-Shabaab to Yemen
• For secret believer parents – they need • For protection for Yemeni Christians
wisdom as they teach their children against Islamic extremists
about Jesus. • That the underground church in Yemen
would flourish.

10
EYEWITNESS / YEMEN

ZAHRA
The text messages will be forever
etched into Zahra’s* mind.

They were sent to her friend Anis* after

she walked a street with him and his son.
“We wanted to kill you today, but we saw
you with others,” they said. “We don’t
want to harm them, but we’re coming for God moving.
you.” A week later, Anis was killed. “I’m comforted and
encouraged when I see
“I was haunted by the messages,” how the church, though in secret, is
says Zahra. “I was terrified. What if growing!”
I were next?”

“THE CHURCH, THOUGH SURVEILLANCE AND SECRECY

IN SECRET, IS GROWING!” Secret meetings, coded messages and
pseudonyms – these are all part of
However, Zahra is unflinching in her what it means to follow Jesus in Yemen,
calling. “I visit women in their homes, given the increasingly suffocating
help them with housework and cooking, surveillance and restrictions. “It’s
so I can build relationships to lead them like we have our own language,”
to Christ,” she explains. says Saad*, a church leader.

It requires an astonishing sensitivity

to God’s voice. “Shall I go to this ZAHRA ASKS
meeting today? Maybe we should “PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE
move our meeting to Zoom. These ME STRENGTH, AND GUIDE
are questions I ask God. When I ME TO HEAR HIS VOICE, SO
enter a house, I might not come I CAN SERVE HIM.”
back out. We live among wolves.” *Names changed for security reasons

But just as Zahra witnesses the dangers

facing Yemeni believers, she also sees

11
 4 LIBYA 5 SUDAN
Representative image

91 90
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
7 million / 35,500 Christians 49.4 million / 2 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh Lieutenant-General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
PERSECUTION SCORE 91 (no change) PERSECUTION SCORE 90 (+3)
In Libya, following Jesus is a huge Sudan was on a path toward religious
risk for anyone. Libyan Christians with freedom, but a coup and devastating war
a Muslim background face violent have dashed these hopes.
pressure from their families and Sudan is now home to the world’s
communities to renounce their faith. largest displacement and hunger crisis. The
Foreign Christians, especially those conflict has given Islamic extremists more
from sub-Saharan Africa, are targeted by opportunity to target Christians; more than
Islamic militant and criminal groups. These 100 churches have been damaged, and
groups kidnap and sometimes brutally kill Christians have been abducted and killed.
Christians. The lack of a central government New Sudanese Christians face such
to enforce law and order makes the severe opposition that they tend to keep
situation even more precarious. their faith secret, even from their own
children.
Open Doors works with local partners
and churches in North Africa to provide Open Doors works through local
leadership and discipleship training, church partners in Sudan to
livelihood support, legal aid, trauma strengthen persecuted Christians
counseling, Bibles and pastoral care. through persecution survival
training, discipleship training and
PLEASE PRAY economic empowerment projects.
• That Libya won’t erupt into a civil war
that would further endanger believers PLEASE PRAY
• For God’s protection on Christian • For an end to Sudan’s civil war,
migrant workers at risk from extremist where Christians have been caught
groups in the crossfire
• That secret believers would be able to • For the brave Christians who continue to
contact each other and grow in their serve the vulnerable during the war
walk with Christ. • That God would be with and provide for
believers forced to flee their homes.

12
 WWL
#5
“MUCH OF THE
CHURCH IN SUDAN
ARE ON THE RUN.”
– FIKIRU*, OPEN DOORS
RESEARCHER
All Sudanese are suffering in
the war, but Christians also
face exclusion, discrimination
and persecution.

13
 6 ERITREA 7 NIGERIA
Alamy | Representative image

89 88
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
3.8 million / 1.7 million Christians 229.2 million / 106.6 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Isaias Afwerki President Bola Tinubu
PERSECUTION SCORE 89 (no change) PERSECUTION SCORE 88 (no change)
It’s incredibly dangerous to follow Jesus in More Christians are killed for their faith in
Eritrea. Last year saw another mass arrest Nigeria than anywhere else in the world,
of Christians. according to Open Doors research.
Only certain denominations are Violence from Islamic extremist
recognized by Eritrea’s government, with groups is escalating, with targeted
harsh persecution for Evangelicals and other attacks by Fulani militants, Boko Haram
non-traditional churches and for any believer and other militants spreading farther
from a Muslim background. Government and farther south. The attacks are
security forces have conducted house-to- brutal – many believers are killed, with
house raids, sending hundreds of Christians women often kidnapped and sexually
to the notorious, inhumane prisons. assaulted. Militants destroy homes and
Eritrea is often called the “North Korea churches. Millions of Christians have fled
of Africa” – phone calls and internet usage and now live in displacement camps.
are heavily monitored, and Christians suffer
the most. Open Doors works through local
church partners in Nigeria to
Open Doors works through local church strengthen Christians with discipleship
partners in Eritrea to provide economic and persecution survival training,
empowerment projects, discipleship trauma care, relief aid and economic
training and persecution survival training. empowerment projects.

PLEASE PRAY PLEASE PRAY

• That the Christians arrested last year will • For Christians whose loved ones have
be freed been killed or abducted
• For God’s provision for the families and • That God would work in the hearts of
children of those arrested Nigerian leaders to protect Christian
• For God’s protection on believers forced citizens and communities
into military service against their will. • For the millions of Christians and others
who have been displaced by violence.

14
 EYEWITNESS / NIGERIA

MANGA
“I live as a Christian, and I’m ready “My life was taken away, it’s never like
to die as Christian.” before. I miss my dad,” he continues.
“But what has been my anchor and
That’s what Manga said to Boko my strength is that we are pilgrims in
Haram militants when they put a this world. We have a home, far better
knife on his neck and asked him to than this world, which we await to
deny his faith. As he began to bleed return to.”
profusely, Manga recalled Jesus’
words on the cross: “Father, forgive
“AT SOME POINT I WAS
them, for they do not know what they
CLINICALLY DEAD, BUT
are doing” (Luke 23:34).
GOD RESTORED MY LIFE.”
MIRACLES AND RISK
“Miraculously, the pain vanished,” he Like many persecuted Christians,
recalls. “I felt the presence of God. I felt Manga has seen miracles, but his
His hands on my neck.” The militants life remains at risk. “I cannot go back
left Manga, assuming he was dead – home to be with my family, and each
just as they had killed his father in the day we live mindful of our security,”
attack. “At some point I was clinically he says, highlighting the devastating
dead, but God restored long-term impact that attacks in sub-
my life. Saharan Africa can have on believers.
“Our life is not normal anymore, like
other people’s.”

MANGA ASKS
“YOUR PRAYERS SHOULD BE
FOR STRENGTH TO REMAIN
FIRM, AND THAT FIRE FOR
JESUS, WHICH IS BURNING
IN OUR HEART, SHOULD
KEEP ON BURNING.”

Manga in Maiduguri, Nigeria

15
 8 PAKISTAN 9 IRAN
Pexels | Representative image Representative image

87 86
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
245.2 million / 4.5 million Christians 89.8 million / 800,000 Christians
LEADER LEADER
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
PERSECUTION SCORE 87 (no change) PERSECUTION SCORE 86 (no change)
Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws The Iranian government views people
are often used to target minority groups, becoming Christians as a “threat to national
especially Christians. security” – a Western attempt to undermine
While the death sentence is rarely Islam and the regime.
carried out, being accused of blasphemy House churches are often raided,
makes people very vulnerable to attack. In with leaders and church members
June 2024, an elderly man was killed by an arrested, prosecuted and given long
angry mob after being falsely accused of prison sentences. The historical Armenian
desecrating the Quran. and Assyrian churches are protected
More and more Christian girls are but treated as second-class citizens.
[Link] Christians suffer discrimination, They must not worship in Persian or
and the authorities reserve the most talk about their faith with Muslims.
degrading jobs for Christians. But despite persecution, the
church in Iran is growing steadily.
Open Doors is active in the Persian Gulf
countries, including Pakistan, through Open Doors raises prayer support
the HOPE (Helping Others Pray and for the Christians in Iran.
Encourage) Community.
PLEASE PRAY
PLEASE PRAY • That Iran’s new president would pursue
• That God changes the hearts of religious freedom for all Iranians
decision-makers in Pakistan on • For secret believers – that God would
blasphemy laws give them wisdom and courage as the
• That Christians will live joyfully, knowing church in Iran grows
they are not second-class citizens in • For the mental and physical well-being
God’s eyes of Christians in prison and their families.
• For God’s protection on Pakistani
Christian women who can be forced into
Islamic marriage.

16
 WWL
#9
“I’M NOT WITHOUT PURPOSE.
GOD IS WORKING THROUGH ME
TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST
WOMEN WITH BROKEN HEARTS
AND IDENTITIES SHATTERED BY
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC.”
– SIMIN, IRAN

Arrested and interrogated for her faith, Simin

escaped Iran and now supports other victims
of persecution.

Re-enactment image
17
 10 AFGHANISTAN 11 INDIA
Unsplash | Representative image Alamy | Representative image

85 84
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
43.4 million / thousands of Christians 1.4 billion / 73.2 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
Hibatullah Akhundzada is Taliban leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi
PERSECUTION SCORE 85 (+1) PERSECUTION SCORE 84 (+1)
Most Afghan Christians come from Muslim Hindu nationalists believe that all Indians
backgrounds; practicing their faith openly should be Hindu. The increasing popularity
is impossible. of this idea has stoked a wave of violence.
Leaving Islam is considered shameful, Twelve states now have anti-conversion
and it’s punishable by death under Islamic laws, which are abused to target Christians
law, which has been increasingly enforced and stop them from sharing their faith. Uttar
under the Taliban. Afghan believers may Pradesh recently added life imprisonment
have no option but to flee if the government as a possible sentence for this crime.
discovers their faith. Last year’s elections forced the
A new believer’s family, clan or tribe nationalist BJP to form a coalition
may try to preserve its “honor” by punishing government with parties that support
the convert through pressure, violence or religious freedom. But for now, violence
even murder – with women most at risk. against Christians continues in many states.

Because of the risks faced by our Open Doors’ local partners strengthen
partners and the people they serve, the church in India by providing Bibles,
we are restricted in the information emergency aid, persecution survival
we can provide about Afghanistan. training and livelihood and community
development projects.
PLEASE PRAY
• For God to protect and encourage the PLEASE PRAY
secret believers in Afghanistan • That the new coalition government
• That even as the Taliban’s brutal regime protects the rights of all Indians
stays in power, God will touch their • For peace and reconciliation in Manipur
hearts and change these men State, where Christians experienced
• For the thousands of Afghan refugees terrible violence in 2023
– ask God to help them find community • For church leaders who are falsely
and hope. accused under anti-conversion laws.

18
EYEWITNESS / INDIA

MANSI &
DHIRU
What if your wedding day arrived –
only for it to be canceled, because
of persecution for your faith?

That’s exactly what happened to Mansi* Dhiru and

and Dhiru* in India. As their big day Mansi in India
neared, Mansi and her family were
accused by Hindu extremists of forced
conversions and told to renounce their VENGEANCE AND
faith. “Even if you kill us, we will not DELIVERANCE
renounce our Lord Jesus,” said Mansi’s In India, persecution often comes from
mother. “We will continue to love the believers’ own families. After her dad
Lord, go to church and live out our faith.” died, Mansi’s uncle said it was because
The police got involved, and the couple of the family’s faith. In vengeance, he
had to cancel their wedding, just hours cursed Mansi. “I felt the devil’s attack,
before it was due to begin. groaning in pain,” she says. “My mother
prayed fervently for me, and I was
“EVEN IF YOU KILL US, delivered.”
WE WILL NOT RENOUNCE
OUR LORD JESUS.” MANSI AND DHIRU ASK
“PLEASE PRAY AS WE HAVE
Helped by Open Doors’ local partners, MANY PLANS, BUT WE
Mansi and Dhiru have since moved to WANT GOD’S WILL TO BE
another state and gotten married. “It DONE. WE DON’T KNOW
was overwhelming to experience such ANYTHING ABOUT THE
loss,” says Mansi. “We trusted God and FUTURE, BUT WE WANT TO
FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE.”
took a leap of faith, and He honored
us by sending help through you. I’m *Names changed for security reasons
encouraged to see support through
God’s people whom I’ve never met.”

19
 12 SAUDI ARABIA 13 MYANMAR
Alamy | Representative image Alamy | Representative image

81 81
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
37.5 million / 2.3 million Christians 55 million / 4.8 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz al-Saud General Min Aung Hlaing
PERSECUTION SCORE 81 (no change) PERSECUTION SCORE 81 (+2)
In Saudi Arabia, it’s illegal to leave the As Myanmar enters the fifth year of an
Islamic faith – and new Christians will face increasingly violent conflict, the Christian
intense opposition from their communities. minority is among those bearing the brunt
Because of this, most Saudi Christians of the attacks.
follow their faith very secretly. But believers Since the military coup in early 2021,
are becoming bolder, sharing their Christian Christians have encountered greater violence
faith with others online and through and tighter restrictions. More Christians than
Christian TV channels – though Saudis ever have been driven out of their homes to
caught doing this have faced serious find refuge in churches, displacement camps
repercussions. or the jungle. Many are going hungry.
Christian workers from other countries Last year, the government enforced
cannot share their faith with local Saudis, military conscription, which led to many
and worship gatherings are restricted. young Christians leaving the country.
Believers are scattered.
Open Doors supports the body of Christ
on the Arabian Peninsula by organizing Open Doors’ partners strengthen
prayer, distributing Scripture resources believers in Myanmar through literature
and training believers and pastors. distribution; discipleship and leadership
programs; livelihood support; and youth,
PLEASE PRAY children and families ministries.
• That believers here would find a place
to worship and grow in knowledge of PLEASE PRAY
the Lord • That God will enable Christians to endure
• For immigrant Christians who meet the long-term consequences of the coup
secretly to receive God’s protection • That Christians caught in the conflict will
and wisdom be peacemakers
• For God to bless all those who reach out • For the leaders of Myanmar’s military
to share the gospel in Saudi Arabia. to see that Jesus is the true source of
peace.

20
 WWL
“SO MANY #13
HAVE BEEN
KILLED. PLEASE
PRAY FOR THE
SAFETY OF
CHRISTIANS IN
THE COUNTRY.”
– KO AUNG, MYANMAR

Ko Aung is one of many

thousands in Myanmar who
have been forced to flee for
following Jesus and who
are now being supported by
Open Doors’ partners.

21
 14 MALI 15 CHINA
Alamy | Representative image Alamy | Representative image

80 78
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
24 million / 542,000 Christians 1.4 billion / 96.7 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
Transition President Assimi Goïta President Xi Jinping
PERSECUTION SCORE 80 (+1) PERSECUTION SCORE 78 (no change)
The Islamic extremist insurgency that In recent years, the Chinese government
began devastating the north of Mali in has aggressively tried to ensure all religious
2012 continues to have huge implications expression is in line with official Chinese
for Christians. Communist philosophy.
Churches have been burned down, Unregistered churches, long tolerated
and many Christians have fled their homes. by the Chinese government, are now being
Although some have returned under police closed down when discovered. State-
protection, they live under the threat of approved churches are facing stronger
attack. In some areas, they have been restrictions over what they preach. Children
denied access to water and land to grow under 18 are forbidden from attending.
crops. It’s very dangerous to share the Surveillance is a normal consequence of
gospel in the north. being a church leader in China. Expressing
The jihadist violence is spreading Christian faith is increasingly complicated.
southward, and the country’s institutions
are breaking apart. Open Doors’ partners support believers
in China with discipleship and
Open Doors works through local church persecution survival training, presence
partners in Mali to provide persecution ministry, relief response and by serving
survival training, discipleship programs the younger generation of believers.
and economic empowerment projects.
PLEASE PRAY
PLEASE PRAY • That believers experience growth in
• That God would protect believers who their faith even as persecution rises
are targeted by Islamic extremist groups • For protection for believers in areas
• For Open Doors’ partners in Mali as where Islam or Buddhism are the
they strengthen believers who have primary faiths
lost so much • That church leaders would feel Christ’s
• For political stability and religious presence as they are pressured and
freedom for all Malians. monitored.

22
EYEWITNESS / CHINA

MING
“I’m on my way to the old place.”
That’s the carefully coded message
Ming* would send to his contacts,
after loading his car with Bibles in a
hidden alley in China. Knowing that the
authorities were monitoring phones, he
knew any wrong word could be costly.

One day, his worst fears were realized

when Ming and his friends were arrested. many
Rep
Miraculously, Ming was set free, but the believers, resen
tative image
arrest put him firmly on the authorities’ like Ming,
radar. Today, they sometimes show up don’t know whom
and search his home. Ming also lost his to trust – and it adds to their
business, and his father-in-law stops him isolation. “I need to make friends
from seeing his wife and daughter. cautiously and identify the right people
to share things with,” says Ming.
“THE GREAT COMMISSION “Since there may be spies pretending
ENOURAGES ME TO STAY to be Christians even in Christian
COMMITTED TO THE CALL communities, I must stay vigilant.”
OF SHARING THE GOSPEL.”
Despite this, he remains determined MING SHARES
to pursue his calling. “I feel heavily “THANK YOU FOR PRAYING.
the burden of taking part in the Great I FEEL THAT I AM NOT BY
Commission in Matthew 28:19–20, MYSELF. THROUGH YOUR
which energizes and encourages me to PRAYERS, I CAN FEEL THAT
stay committed to the call of sharing the GOD HAS BEEN LOOKING
gospel to my people,” says Ming. AFTER ME TO MAKE ME
FEEL SECURE.”
SPIES AND ISOLATION
In China, people are given incentives to
inform on their neighbors. It means that *Name changed for security reasons

23
 Extremist groups in Mali have driven huge numbers of
Christians from their homes. In the town of Bankass, the
local church was overwhlemed with displaced Christian
families. Thanks to your support, Open Doors’ partners
were able to provide 320 families with vital relief aid.

24
25
 16 MALDIVES 17 IRAQ
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78 78
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
518,000 / a few hundred Christians 46.5 million / 187,000 Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Mohamed Muizzu President Abdul Rashid
PERSECUTION SCORE 78 (no change) PERSECUTION SCORE 78 (-1)
The Maldives is an island paradise for Iraqi Christians face increasing pressure
tourists from around the world – but not for from various groups, especially since the
Maldivians who choose to follow Jesus. rise of Shia militias backed by Iran.
This nation declares itself 100% While the so-called Islamic State (IS) still
Muslim. Within the country’s close-knit poses a threat, attacks from Türkiye and Iran
communities, any deviation from Islamic have devastated predominantly Christian
values is easily spotted. Christian believers villages, forcing many to flee.
may be stripped of their citizenship, lose The Assyrian and Chaldean churches
their state benefits and be isolated from are seriously affected by discrimination
society. and violence from militant groups and
Foreign Christians working in the tourist government authorities. Pressure on
sector have slightly more freedom, but their converts from Islam is intense, often forcing
gatherings are strictly monitored. Many are them to hide their faith.
too scared to meet.
Open Doors’ local partners strengthen
Open Doors raises prayer support for the church in Iraq with training, trauma
persecuted believers in the Maldives. care, Bible delivery, livelihood projects
and microloans, crisis relief and
PLEASE PRAY rebuilding homes and churches.
• That secret believers will be able to
access the Bible in their own language PLEASE PRAY
this year • For the Christians returning home and
• For Christians to find opportunities rebuilding 10 years after IS drove them
to meet, pray and worship with one out
another • For God’s blessing on the trauma care
• That the Lord would open the eyes of programs supporting those who suffered
tourists and travelers to the situation at the hands of IS
facing Christians in the Maldives. • For believers from Muslim backgrounds
facing danger at home.

26
18 SYRIA 19 ALGERIA
Pexels | Representative image Unsplash | Representative image

78 77
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
24.3 million / 579,000 Christians 46.3 million / 144,000 Christians
LEADER LEADER
Interim leader President Abdelmadjid Tebboune
PERSECUTION SCORE 78 (-3) PERSECUTION SCORE 77 (-2)
Large numbers of Christians have fled A sharp increase of government
Syria for safety in the past decade. pressure against the Algerian
When conflict flares up, Christians Protestant church continues.
are still caught in the crossfire. In 2023, almost all of Algeria’s Protestant
Islamic extremist rebel groups have churches were ordered to close. The
outlawed Christianity and destroyed remaining churches were forced to stop
churches. While Kurdish-controlled areas meeting in 2024, isolating many Christians.
allowed religious freedom and Christian It is prohibited to “shake the faith of
conversion, Turkish forces have devastated a Muslim” – a law that restricts Christian
Christian and Yazidi communities in these expression in many ways. New Christians,
previously safe regions. most of whom have Muslim backgrounds,
risk strong backlash from their communities
Open Doors’ local partners encourage and extended families.
Syrian churches through Centers of
Hope by providing Bibles, training, Open Doors works with local partners
counseling, disaster relief and fostering and churches in North Africa to provide
unity between different Christian groups. leadership and discipleship training,
livelihood support, legal aid, trauma
PLEASE PRAY counseling, Bibles and pastoral care.
• For hope and healing to new Christians
who have been rejected and expelled PLEASE PRAY
from their families • That God will allow the few remaining
• That Open Doors’ partners in Syria Protestant churches to remain open
would be refreshed and able to continue • For wisdom and boldness for Algerians
serving God’s people daring to share their faith
• That the church in Syria would love one • That every believer in Algeria would be
another, work together, stand by the able to find a Christian community and
oppressed and shine for the truth. enjoy fellowship.

27
 20 BURKINA FASO

76
100 0

POPULATION
23.8 million / 6.2 million Christians
LEADER
President Ibrahim Traore
PERSECUTION SCORE 76 (+1)
In recent years, there has been a rapid rise in
violence against Christians in Burkina Faso,
and hundreds of churches have closed.
The rise of violent Islamic extremist
groups has forced Christians to flee, and
even cities that used to be safe are now
risky. Believers living in areas where these
groups are active have been targeted,
kidnapped and killed, with Christian
schools and churches destroyed. Converts
from Muslim families are often rejected.

Open Doors works through local

partners to strengthen Christians in
Burkina Faso by providing persecution
survival training, relief aid and spiritual
and trauma care.

PLEASE PRAY
• For the many believers forced to leave
home by Islamic militants
• For Christians who have endured
violence—ask God to bind up their
wounds
• For church leaders trying to minister to
their flock while forced to flee. Pray for
God’s encouragement and strength. Pastor Soré, displaced
in Burkina Faso.

28
 EYEWITNESS / BURKINA FASO

PASTOR
SORÉ
It was the third Islamic militant attack “Another thing that strengthens
on his village in Burkina Faso that my faith is that, despite our difficult
made Pastor Soré take his family and condition, Jesus brings other people
flee as refugees. who get saved,” he says. “This shows
me that He is with us and is in control.”
“When the terrorists come to
churches and find Christians, they SNAKES AND SUPPLY
tell them that Christianity’s time is Pastor Soré led a thriving church, his
over, and they should turn to Islam,” children went to school, their home
says the pastor. “They warn Christians had beds and access to water, and
to stop conducting services. After their farm flourished. But in a day, it
warning, when they come back later was all taken away from them, leaving
and find you in the church, they them awfully exposed – in more
kill you.” ways than one. “Every night I had
to be watchful, killing snakes while
The family is among 2 million people my family slept,” says the pastor.
displaced in Burkina Faso, many of Thankfully, with the support of Open
them Christians driven from their Doors’ local partners, the family have
homes by extremism. Because of an received practical and pastoral care.
overcrowded displacement camp, “We wholeheartedly praise God for
Pastor Soré and his family, and the 15 such blessings.”
other children they care for, created a
makeshift shelter on an empty piece PASTOR SORÉ ASKS
of land. “PRAY THAT ALL CHRISTIANS
IN BURKINA FASO,
“I do believe that we are displaced, PARTICULARLY THOSE
but Jesus is not and will never be WHO ARE DISPLACED AND
displaced from our lives,” he adds. LIVING WITH ME, STAY
“He is always with us. FIRM IN THEIR FAITH.”

29
 WWL
#22
“WE KEEP GOING
AND TRUST GOD TO
PROVIDE EVERYTHING
FOR US.”
– VEE, LAOS
Pastor Vee has been thrown out of his
village and faced death threats and
violence. Yet through his work, 90
people have come to Christ.

Pastor Vee in Laos

30
21 MOROCCO 22 LAOS
Alamy | Representative image Alamy | Representative image

74 74
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
38.2 million / 33,000 Christians 7.7 million / 224,000 Christians
LEADER LEADER
King Mohammed VI President Thongloun Sisoulith
PERSECUTION SCORE 74 (+3) PERSECUTION SCORE 74 (-1)
Morocco has a socially conservative, In Laos, Communist authorities heavily
99% Muslim society. This puts a lot monitor all religious activities, even those
of pressure on Christians, especially of registered churches.
those from Muslim families. About 75% of government-approved
Christians cannot get official permission congregations don’t have a building.
to gather, so they meet in house churches All gatherings must be reported to the
– these churches have faced some violent administration, so running an unregistered
attacks over the past year. It’s not illegal house church is risky.
to become a Christian, but it is illegal New Christians face severe rights
to “shake the faith of a Muslim.” This violations. They are seen as outsiders to
means that new Christians, and anybody the Buddhist-animist community and face
expressing their faith in Jesus, even online, violent opposition from their families and
may be arrested and interrogated. local authorities. Local leaders may incite
the community against new believers,
Open Doors’ partners in North Africa running them out of the village.
provide leadership and discipleship
training, livelihood support, legal aid, Open Doors’ partners offer Bibles and
trauma care, Bibles and pastoral care. Christian materials, leadership training,
discipleship programs, socio-economic
PLEASE PRAY development, practical aid and advocacy.
• That God would help the Moroccan
church be salt and light PLEASE PRAY
• That Christians will be wise and • That God will help believers expelled from
courageous as they live for Jesus and their villages find a safe place to live
work out how to share their faith • For the families of pastors and other
• For peace for converts from Islam church leaders who have been killed
facing pressure from their families • For the Lord’s protection over Christians
and communities. monitored by the Communist authorities.

31
 2025

31 26

30

46

persecution levels
Extreme

Very high

1 NORTH KOREA 8 PAKISTAN 15 CHINA 22 LAOS

2 SOMALIA 9 IRAN 16 MALDIVES 23 MAURITANIA
3 YEMEN 10 AFGHANISTAN 17 IRAQ 24 BANGLADESH
4 LIBYA 11 INDIA 18 SYRIA 25 UZBEKISTAN
5 SUDAN 12 SAUDI ARABIA 19 ALGERIA 26 CUBA
6 ERITREA 13 MYANMAR 20 BURKINA FASO 27 CAR (Central
African Republic)
7 NIGERIA 14 MALI 21 MOROCCO

32
 “BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY
SPIRIT COMES ON YOU; AND YOU WILL BE MY
WITNESSES IN JERUSALEM, AND IN ALL JUDEA AND
SAMARIA, AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”
­ — ACTS 1:8

38

47
25
45 29 39 1
34 18
21 17 10
50 9
36
15
19 4 41 8
40
12
11 13
23 24
14 28 32
5 6 22
49 3
44
7
20 33 48
27
43 2
16
35

42

37

28 NIGER 35 DRC (Democratic 41 QATAR 48 BRUNEI

29 TURKMENISTAN Republic of the Congo) 42 COMOROS 49 CHAD
30 NICARAGUA 36 BHUTAN 43 CAMEROON 50 JORDAN
31 MEXICO 37 MOZAMBIQUE 44 VIETNAM
32 OMAN 38 KAZAKHSTAN 45 TÜRKIYE
33 ETHIOPIA 39 TAJIKISTAN 46 COLOMBIA
34 TUNISIA 40 EGYPT 47 KYRGYZSTAN

33
 23 MAURITANIA 24 BANGLADESH
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74 74
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
5 million / 11,000 Christians 174.7 million / 950,000 Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani President Mohammad Shahabuddin
PERSECUTION SCORE 74 (+2) PERSECUTION SCORE 74 (+3)
In Mauritania, Christianity is viewed as a Violent riots and political turmoil gripped
negative Western influence, and anyone who Bangladesh in 2024. Extremist groups
comes to faith in Christ faces severe hostility used the chaos as a chance to target
from the authorities and their families. They Christians and burn their homes.
may even have to leave the country. In Bangladesh, anyone becoming
It’s against the law to leave Islam, a Christian is at risk, whether their
with the death penalty technically background is Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist
possible. Islamist groups also pose a or tribal. Christians usually meet in small,
threat. Baptisms happen in secret, but secret groups for fear of attack.
many believers feel even this is too risky. Last year, members of the majority-
Christians may connect online, but lack Christian Bawm ethnic group were killed
of privacy in families makes this difficult. and many were forced to flee, caught up
in a complex political conflict.
Open Doors works with local partners
and churches in North Africa to provide Open Doors’ partners provide
leadership and discipleship training, persecuted survival training,
livelihood support, legal aid, trauma discipleship, Bibles and other
counseling, Bibles and pastoral care. Christian literature, literacy programs,
socio-economic empowerment and
PLEASE PRAY emergency aid.
• That believers will be able to find ways
to meet together and grow in faith PLEASE PRAY
• For laws that forbid leaving Islam to be • For strength, healing and comfort to
overturned so all people would be able the victims of recent attacks
to follow the religion they choose • For the believers rebuilding and
• That God would protect His people from recovering from the 2024 cyclone
extremist groups and maintain political • For the brave Bangladeshi believers
stability in Mauritania. who live out their faith even though it
puts them at risk.

34
EYEWITNESS / BANGLADESH

RUMANA
At school, Rumana is alone. “I Despite everything, Rumana and
don’t have any friends because I’m her family – all of whom come from
a Christian,” she says. Even her a Muslim background – continue to
teachers tell students not to be follow Jesus. “Jesus loves me,” she
her friend. One day, when she was says. “It’s only because of Jesus’ love
pushed down the stairs, she went to that I have survived until now, despite
her teacher for help. “He didn’t listen all the persecution.”
to me and instead called me a liar.”
“I DON’T HAVE ANY
Rumana has been mocked and
FRIENDS BECAUSE
attacked by children while walking to
I’M A CHRISTIAN.”
church, and neighbors have verbally REFUSAL AND REJECTION
abused her, even shouting death “No one from our village offered any
threats. The worst moment was when help,” says Rumana, recalling the day
she returned from school to find her her home was set on fire. “All of them
home on fire. “I saw my father crying were just watching.” When Rumana’s
and writhing on the ground. There father collapsed, a neighbor refused
was nothing left from to let him rest in their home, for fear
the house. I was of being targeted by the community.
crying, too.” A cousin also refused to take him to
the hospital. One woman welcomed
him, but as Rumana’s father became
responsive, she asked him to leave.

RUMANA ASKS
“I PRAY TO GOD EVERY DAY
FOR MY CLASSMATES. EVEN
IN MY LUNCHTIME PRAYER, I
ALSO PRAY FOR THEM.”

35
 WWL
“WE ASK FOR PRAYER #26
THAT THE LORD’S
PLANS CONTINUE IN
OUR NATION.”
– MIGUEL*
During his 20 years in ministry,
Pastor Miguel was interrogated
more than 50 times. Now he works
with Open Doors to strengthen
and support thousands of
Christians in Cuba.

36
25 UZBEKISTAN 26 CUBA
Alamy | Representative image Alamy | Representative image

73 73
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
35.7 million / 406,000 Christians 11.2 million / 6.8 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev President Miguel Díaz-Canel
PERSECUTION SCORE 73 (+2) PERSECUTION SCORE 73 (no change)
Uzbekistan is a former Soviet state, Cuba’s Communist Party reacts harshly to
and it’s still ruled by an authoritarian opponents and tries to control the church.
government that heavily monitors the As a humanitarian crisis continues,
population – especially religious groups. Christian activists who criticize the regime
Christian groups are kept under face interrogation, smear campaigns, travel
surveillance. In the last year, churches not restrictions, prison sentences or harassment.
approved of by the state have been raided, Their family members also face threats, such
with people arrested, threatened and fined. as losing custody of their children.
Converts from Islam face the most The government often refuses to
persecution – from both the state and their register new churches, forcing many
own families. They may be threatened, to operate illegally, which makes them
locked away, divorced, disowned or vulnerable to fines, property confiscation
physically abused. and even demolition.

Open Doors strengthens the church Open Doors’ local partners provide Bibles,
in Central Asia by providing relief aid, livelihood projects, biblical training,
Bibles, ministry training, prayer support, leadership development projects, socio-
vocational training and microloans, as economic development and care and
well as projects such as rehab centers. support for children and pastors’ families.

PLEASE PRAY PLEASE PRAY

• For Uzbek Christians to persevere and • That all churches would be allowed to
be witnesses to Christ’s love remain open
• That unregistered churches won’t be • That the authorities who monitor
targeted or harassed by authorities churches would be touched by the
• For believers facing opposition from message they hear
their families to know God’s love and • For Cuban church leaders targeted by
strength is with them. state authorities.

37
 27 CAR (Central African Republic) 28 NIGER
Alamy | Representative image

72 72
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
5.9 million / 4.4 million Christians 28.2 million / 69,200 Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra Interim leader Abdourahmane Tchiani
PERSECUTION SCORE 72 (+2) PERSECUTION SCORE 72 (+1)
Life in the Central African Republic (CAR) Since the coup in 2023 that caused political
has been dangerous for more than 10 years. chaos, the jihadist group al-Sunnah wa
A civil war began in 2013, sparking Jama’ah has made life increasingly difficult
violence along both ethnic and religious for Christians in Niger.
lines. Christians are often caught in the In areas under their control, church
middle – if they speak out against violence services have become risky. Attacks
they can be targeted, with churches burned and kidnappings have limited Christians’
and entire communities displaced. freedom and safety, and there has
Some of the armed groups also attack also been a rise in attacks on Christian
Christians simply because of their faith, properties, including schools.
with women facing sexual violence. The slow, complex legal process for
registering a church appears to be used to
Open Doors’ partners support believers prevent Christians from gathering.
in the Central African Republic with
persecution survival training, economic Open Doors’ partners strengthen
empowerment projects and trauma care. persecuted Christians in Niger through
economic empowerment programs,
PLEASE PRAY leadership and discipleship training,
• For an end to the long civil war persecution survival training and
in CAR pastoral care for new believers.
• For God’s protection and healing
for Christians being targeted by PLEASE PRAY
extremist groups • That God will bring order to political
• For emotional, spiritual and chaos
physical healing for the survivors • That God will protect Christians from
of sexual violence. Islamic militant attacks
• For converts from Islam – especially
young people – who face rejection
and oppression.

38
29 TURKEMENISTAN 30 NICARAGUA
Alamy | Representative image

71 71
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
6.6 million / 164,000 Christians 7.1 million / 6.8 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Serdar Berdymukhamedov President Daniel Ortega
PERSECUTION SCORE 71 (+1) PERSECUTION SCORE 71 (+1)
Turkmenistan is a former Soviet state still Nicaragua is experiencing political unrest,
ruled by an authoritarian government economic decline and many protests
that heavily monitors the population. against the current government. Christians
Printing or importing Christian materials, have paid a heavy price for speaking out.
holding unofficial meetings or even Church leaders have been harassed
downloading Christian songs can result in and arrested; properties seized; Christian
a fine or worse. Christian leaders are the schools, TV stations and charities closed;
most closely observed. Even the country’s and churches intimidated. Some leaders
historical Russian Orthodox and Armenian have fled the country, and many more have
Apostolic churches can find their services been deported. Hundreds of Christian
being monitored. Most Turkmen are Muslims organizations have lost their legal status
– those who become Christians can expect in the last year as the government tries to
strong opposition from their communities. silence the church.

Open Doors strengthens the church Open Doors strengthens the persecuted
in Central Asia by providing relief aid, church in Nicaragua by providing
Bibles, ministry training, prayer support, Christian literature, discipleship training,
vocational training and microloans, as emergency relief aid, legal advice and
well as projects such as rehab centers. education for pastors.

PLEASE PRAY PLEASE PRAY

• That God will soften the hearts of • For God’s protection over church
leadership, ultimately leading them to leaders who speak out against injustice
find the hope Jesus brings. • That persecution survival training would
• For greater unity among Christians and help believers live as salt and light
their leaders • That believers monitored by the
• For a way for Bibles to get to believers government won’t be deterred from
hungry for Scripture. sharing the gospel.

39
 31 MEXICO

71
100 0

POPULATION
129.4 million / 123.3 million Christians
LEADER
President Claudia Sheinbaum
PERSECUTION SCORE 71 (+3)
In Mexico, many active Christians are at risk
from criminal gangs and drug cartels. The
run-up to last year’s election was the most
violent in Mexico’s history.
Christians who bravely speak out
against criminal groups and gangs, or
who are involved in community work or
evangelism, are deemed a threat – and that
makes them a target. In some indigenous
communities, those who decide to leave
ancestral and traditional beliefs to follow
Jesus face ostracism, fines, incarceration
and forced displacement.

Open Doors strengthens persecuted

believers in Mexico with biblical training,
legal support, trauma care and socio-
economic aid.

PLEASE PRAY
• That God will protect His people living
where drug cartels and criminal gangs
are present
• That God will continue to draw to Himself
believers from indigenous communities
• For God to strengthen Open Doors’ local
partners, building Jesus’ kingdom of Image is representative
hope and peace.

40
 EYEWITNESS / MEXICO

SERGIO
Sergio* was praying with someone missionaries because we must think
when they heard motorbikes of strategies that allow us to fulfill
outside revving their engines very the Great Commission and at the
loudly. “I thought about getting same time take care of ourselves
up and going to see what was and our families,” says Marcos.
happening, but I felt from God that
I should not go out, so I did not EXPRESSION AND ATTENTION
pay attention, and we continued Praying before eating food in a
praying,” he says. restaurant can be dangerous for
Christians living in areas in Mexico
Hours later, Sergio’s neighbor called where drug cartels are prominent, as
him and said she had seen two men are other public expressions of faith.
pointing guns at his house earlier, That’s because it draws attention
waiting for the door to open. They to those whose lives and ministries
left after no one answered. could be a target for the cartels.

In northern and central parts of CHRISTIANS IN MEXICO ASK

Mexico, missionaries like Sergio are “PRAY THAT WE WILL
deemed an obstacle to drug cartels. CONTINUE TO FOLLOW
That’s because they often reach out GOD’S WORD AND NOT
to help children, the very people the LOSE HOPE, THAT OUR
criminals see as potential customers HEARTS WILL BE STRONG
and recruits. AND THAT THE CHURCH
WILL GROW. MAY WE
Marcos*, another missionary in an NOT FALTER IN THE WAY
area largely controlled by cartels, OF THE LORD BECAUSE
told Open Doors that, at the IT IS NECESSARY THAT
beginning of this year, he repeatedly WE GO THROUGH THIS
saw luxury vans with tinted windows PERSECUTION TO REACH
(widely used by the cartels) driving THE KINGDOM OF GOD.”
around his church while he was
teaching the children he works with.
“This is a problem for us as *Names changed for security reasons

41
 32 OMAN 33 ETHIOPIA
Alamy | Representative image

70 70
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
4.7 million / 187,000 Christians 129.7 million / 77.5 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
PERSECUTION SCORE 70 (+1) PERSECUTION SCORE 70 (+1)
Converts to Christianity face total In Ethiopia, Christian communities are
opposition from their families due facing serious religious freedom issues.
to a strong clan mentality. Non-traditional Christians get the worst
While most Omanis practice a treatment from local authorities.
moderately conservative form of Islam, Converts from Islam, and those
believers can still be expelled from their from Ethiopian Orthodox backgrounds,
homes and jobs and face problems over face intense family opposition. In some
child custody and inheritance. Many keep regions, Christians are attacked by
their faith hidden. Islamic mobs and denied community
Immigrant Christian communities are resources, leading to isolation.
tolerated, as long as they avoid sharing During recent political violence and
their faith with Muslims – but their meetings regional conflicts, many churches were
are monitored. All religious organizations attacked and destroyed, and even those
must be registered with the authorities. seeking refuge in churches weren’t safe
from violence.
Open Doors supports the body of Christ
on the Arabian Peninsula by organizing Open Doors’ partners strengthen
prayer, distributing Scripture resources Christians in Ethiopia with leadership
and training believers and pastors. training, persecution survival training and
economic empowerment projects.
PLEASE PRAY
• For church communities, that God PLEASE PRAY
will protect them • For people who have left another faith to
• That immigrant believers would join an Evangelical community and now
have wisdom and boldness in living face opposition
out their faith • For believers living in unstable parts of
• For Open Doors’ partners on the Ethiopia where they may be targeted
Arabian Peninsula to shine the light of • For unity among all Christians in
Christ. Ethiopia.

42
34 TUNISIA 35 DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Alamy | Representative image Alamy | Representative image

70 70
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
12.6 million / 23,300 Christians 105.6 million / 100.6 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Kais Saied President Félix Tshisekedi
PERSECUTION SCORE 70 (+1) PERSECUTION SCORE 70 (+3)
For a Tunisian, being known as a Christian The last year has seen an escalation in the
could mean losing their job, reputation and – shocking attacks against Christians in DRC.
in the worst cases – their whole community. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an
The authorities monitor church extremist group with ties to the so-called
gatherings, and converts are most at risk, Islamic State, has carried out coordinated
as well as any believers who share their attacks, abducting and killing dozens
faith. Recently, many Christians who’ve of Christians, displacing thousands and
migrated from sub-Saharan Africa have fled leaving believers living in fear.
Tunisia due to racist abuse. The M23 rebel group also targets
Despite persecution and opposition, Christians, making the situation even
the church in North Africa is growing. worse. The mix of militant threats, family
pressures and political interference creates
Open Doors works with local partners a dangerous environment for Christians in
and churches in North Africa to provide the east of the country.
leadership and discipleship training,
livelihood support, legal aid, trauma Open Doors works through local
counseling, Bibles and pastoral care. partners to support Christians in the
DRC through persecution survival
PLEASE PRAY training, economic empowerment
• For converts from Islam, that projects and trauma care.
they would be sheltered from abuse
and rejection PLEASE PRAY
• For justice and an end to violence • For God to be close to His hurting
against migrants in Tunisia people amid the staggering violence in
• For God to help Tunisian Christians – the eastern part of the DRC
who aren’t allowed to worship publicly – • For stability and hope for displaced
find community. Christians who have lost everything
• For new believers to grow strong and
mature in faith.

43
 Will you stand with the church in Africa?

JOIN THE ARISE AFRICA

CAMPAIGN

WHAT IS THE ARISE AFRICA persecution is not the sole driver, there
CAMPAIGN? is strong evidence that huge numbers of
Millions of Christians in sub-Saharan these believers have been specifically
Africa face violent persecution for targeted for following Jesus.
their faith. They are being attacked,
displaced and killed – yet no one is HOW IS IT MAKING A
talking about it. That’s why the African DIFFERENCE?
church is calling on their global church Your prayers and support are already
family to stand with them through the making a huge difference. Ramata’s*
Arise Africa campaign. It aims to see the worst fears came true when her
global community acknowledge and act husband was killed in the night by Boko
against extreme violence and to help Haram extremists. In the far north
the church to persevere – and to be
resilient, resourceful and influential. “God never left me, and
WHY IS IT NECESSARY? I didn’t leave Him.”
Violence is increasing: According to
Open Doors research, over 90% of
Christians killed for their faith last year
were in sub-Saharan Africa, and 3,100
believers were killed in Nigeria alone.
This rising violence is being driven largely
by Islamic extremists taking advantage of
political instability in the region.

Christians forced to flee: 16.2 million

Christians in sub-Saharan Africa are
displaced by violence and conflict,
with many ending up in camps for
internally displaced people (IDPs). While

44
 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa
are in the World Watch List Top 50.
16.2 million Christians are displaced
in this region. Pastor Barnabas*,
pictured here, is
one of millions of
displaced Christians
in sub-Saharan Africa

region of Cameroon where she lives,

Christians are high-value targets for Islamist STOP THE VIOLENCE.
extremists. They shoved Ramata out of the START THE HEALING.
way when she tried to save her husband. You can sign the Arise Africa
petition, which calls upon the
The trauma Ramata experienced meant global community to ensure that
that she could not go back to her house for Christians and other vulnerable
three months. “When I am alone, all kinds individuals in sub-Saharan Africa
of questions come to mind. Everything that are treated with dignity and respect
happened comes back. It is hard to live by providing robust protection
with these feelings,” she says. from attacks, ensuring justice and
bringing healing and restoration
After Ramata’s ordeal, local Open Doors’ to all affected communities.
partners came alongside her with
emergency aid and trauma care and helped You can add your name to the
her start a small business so she could petition, share it, find ways
provide for her children. She was even able to pray, and discover more at
to return to her home. “God helped me: He [Link]/AriseAfrica.
sent you, and you supported me,” she says.
“Some of the painful thoughts are already
leaving my mind. “God never left me, and I *Name changed for security reasons
didn’t leave Him.”

45
 36 BHUTAN 37 MOZAMBIQUE
Alamy | Representative image Alamy | Representative image

69 68
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
792,000 / 18,800 Christians 34.9 million / 20 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck President Filipe Nyusi
PERSECUTION SCORE 69 (+1) PERSECUTION SCORE 68 (no change)
Everyone in Bhutan is assumed to be The rise of Islamic extremism in the north of
Buddhist. If you become a Christian, Mozambique has had a devastating impact
you will be watched with suspicion, on the lives of believers.
and your community will make efforts Churches have been torched, pastors
to bring you back to Buddhism. abducted and killed. In 2024, extremists
No churches are officially recognized by launched a campaign targeting Christians
the state, which means that Christians who called “Kill Them Wherever You Find Them.”
gather in homes are acting illegally. Local Christians are also caught in the
authorities often refuse to issue Christians crossfire of the conflict between
the right paperwork for loan applications, government forces and jihadist groups and
property registration, job applications and are targeted for speaking out against drug
ID card renewal. cartels, making them even more vulnerable
to violence and displacement.
Open Doors’ local partners strengthen
the persecuted church in Bhutan Open Doors supports persecuted
through prayer support and other Christians in northern Mozambique by
practical emergency support. providing emergency aid, persecution
survival training and economic
PLEASE PRAY empowerment projects.
• For believers in Bhutan who can only
attend churches that exist in a legal PLEASE PRAY
gray area • For protection for believers in the
• For believers who have converted unstable northern part of Mozambique
from Buddhism and are rejected by • For comfort and healing for Christians
their families severely traumatized by violent attacks
• That “illegal” believers will find their • For Open Doors’ partners who work in
worth and citizenship in God’s kingdom. Mozambique to be protected as they
seek to strengthen the faith of believers.

46
38 KAZAKHSTAN 39 TAJIKISTAN
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68 68
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
19.8 million / 5 million Christians 10.3 million / 62,600 Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev President Emomali Rahmon
PERSECUTION SCORE 68 (+3) PERSECUTION SCORE 68 (+2)
In Kazakhstan, religious freedom is heavily Despite officially allowing freedom
restricted by the country’s Religion Law of religion, the Tajikistan government
dating back to 2011. The government is restricts religious activities.
continuing to tighten its control over society, There are many elements to the
leading to increased surveillance, raids on Christian life that are illegal without a
meetings and arrests. permit, from holding a meeting to training
Christians who have converted leaders to printing Christian literature.
from Islam suffer the most. They face Under-18s are not allowed to attend church,
persecution from both the state and their and Christians may not share their faith.
own families, friends and communities. Church meetings are increasingly
Some are locked up by their families, raided by the authorities, with members
beaten and eventually expelled from their being interrogated and pressured to inform
communities. on others. They can even be imprisoned.

Open Doors strengthens the church Open Doors strengthens the church
in Central Asia by providing relief aid, in Central Asia by providing relief aid,
Bibles, ministry training, prayer support, Bibles, ministry training, prayer support,
vocational training and microloans, as vocational training and microloans, as
well as projects such as rehab centers. well as projects such as rehab centers.

PLEASE PRAY PLEASE PRAY

• That God would protect churches from • For courage for Christians meeting up
the misuse of the Religion Law under the threat of government raids
• For church leaders being monitored • For a change in the hearts of
by the Kazakhstan authorities government officials toward religious
• That God’s Word would find its way freedom
to every believer where Bibles are • For protection over Christian workers
currently scarce. who bring in God’s Word and other
Christian resources.

47
 A secret baptism in a house in Central Asia. Roeslan* is a
serving police officer. If he were to share his faith, he would
risk losing his job and being disowned by his family. Yet
nothing can diminish the joy he feels at this moment.

48
49
 40 EGYPT
Alamy | Representative image

70
100 0

POPULATION
114.5 million / 10.1 million Christians
LEADER
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
PERSECUTION SCORE 68 (no change)
Egyptian President al-Sisi speaks
positively about Christians and attempts
to promote unity, but local authorities
often fail to protect Christians from
attacks by Islamic extremist groups.
In rural areas, Christian women are
harassed on the streets, and Christian
children are often bullied. Building new
churches is difficult in certain parts
of Egypt. New Christian converts can
face pressure and hostility from their
Muslim families and communities, as
well as detention by security services.

Open Doors’ partners in Egypt support

the church throughout the country with
literacy training; education; advocacy;
medical outreach; and youth, family and
women’s ministries.

PLEASE PRAY
• For brave believers who take on the risk
of leaving Islam to follow Jesus
• For God to sustain Christians who
experience discrimination and abuse
because of their faith
• For Christians who’ve been attacked or Representative image
have loved ones who’ve suffered attacks.

50
 EYEWITNESS / EGYPT

MARIAM
“My heart was torn apart,” says QUESTIONS AND LAMENT
Mariam* after Muslim extremists “Why did God do this? Why has He
killed her husband – simply for being forsaken us?” asks Mariam. Given
kind to his Christian brothers and all that Mariam’s family has seen
sisters. and experienced, lament is a crucial
part of their Christian walk. As Open
“This area, where he worked as a Doors’ local partners listened to
contractor, was known for intense her, acknowledged her pain and
persecution – Christians suffer a lot gave livelihood support, the family
because of their faith, and they are saw God in a whole new way. “I’ve
discriminated against daily,” explains seen God’s practical love through
Mariam. “However, my husband your love, care and presence,” says
never felt afraid and used to help the Mariam. “I believe that God is my
Christians there and donate to sick heavenly Father, and He has never
and needy people. forsaken me. We stopped blaming
God, and we worship Him instead.”
“That’s why radical Muslims wanted
to get rid of him, and they used to MARIAM ASKS
threaten him a lot. They wanted him “GOD, THANK YOU FOR
to stop helping needy Christians in SHOWING ME MERCY AND
the area. My husband was a brave PROTECTING OUR SMALL
man and never listened to them and FAMILY. I BELIEVE YOU HAVE
continued helping others.” THE ABILITY TO CHANGE
BAD CIRCUMSTANCES TO
Tragically, the extremists’ threats
BETTER ONES. THROUGH
EVERY CHALLENGE I FACE,
weren’t merely words. In 2017, they
I ASK THAT YOU FREE ME
murdered Mariam’s husband at work.
FROM WORRY AND FEAR
“They killed my soulmate and my life AND BRING ME YOUR PEACE.
partner,” says Mariam. “He left behind IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.”
four young daughters who are in real
need of their father’s love.” *Name changed for security reasons

51
 41 QATAR 42 COMOROS
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67 67
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
2.7 million / 381,000 Christians 868,000 / 5,500 Christians
LEADER LEADER
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani President Azali Assoumani
PERSECUTION SCORE 67 (no change) PERSECUTION SCORE 67 (+1)
Christians in Qatar are either workers In the Comoros islands, it’s illegal to talk
from non-Muslim countries or converts about any faith other than Sunni Islam. Any
from Islam – and the two rarely interact. foreigner suspected of evangelizing can be
A select number of migrant workers’ deported, and local Christians who preach
churches are allowed to meet in the official Christianity will be prosecuted.
religious complex outside Doha. Qatari Christian worship cannot be carried out
citizens are not allowed to enter, and in public. Christians can only legally worship
migrants must not speak about Christianity in three designated churches. Converts
to Muslims, or they may be deported. from Islam can face significant pressure
Qatar is increasingly using advanced from their families and communities, as
technology to monitor everybody, causing can anyone who is found to have Christian
Christians in Qatar to become very careful. materials in their possession.

Open Doors supports the body of Christ Open Doors works through local
on the Arabian Peninsula by organizing partners to strengthen the persecuted
prayer, distributing Scripture resources church in East African islands
and training believers and pastors. through discipleship and economic
empowerment projects.
PLEASE PRAY
• That native Qataris would be permitted PLEASE PRAY
to convert from Islam without • For new believers, especially
repercussions those rejected by their families
• For Qatar’s secret Christians – ask God and communities
to protect their faith and help them find • That Christians would be able
other believers to worship more openly
• To thank God that so many migrant • For God to change hearts and laws
Christians in Qatar are able to meet so that anybody in the Comoros islands
and worship Him. can legally follow Jesus.

52
“YOU GAVE US MAIZE,
YOU GAVE US OIL, YOU
GAVE US FISH. WE LACK
WORDS TO THANK YOU.”
– AID RECIPIENT, CAMEROON

Thanks to our supporters, thousands

of Christians fleeing violence have
been supported in Cameroon.
WWL
#43
53
 43 CAMEROON 44 VIETNAM
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67 67
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
29.4 million / 17.1 million Christians 99.5 million / 9.8 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Paul Biya President Luong Cuong
PERSECUTION SCORE 67 (+1) PERSECUTION SCORE 67 (-1)
Christians in Cameroon face violence and In rural Vietnam, villagers follow traditional
attacks from Islamic extremist groups, ethnic-animist religions, and persecution
especially in the far north region. toward anybody who becomes a Christian
Here, extremist groups Boko Haram is fierce. Believers can have their homes
and Islamic State West African Province destroyed and be run out of their
regularly attack, and Christians can be communities.
abducted or murdered. Converting from Local authorities will threaten, fine
Islam or owning a Bible is very dangerous. and sometimes imprison leaders of
Many churches have stopped meeting. unregistered churches; they’re particularly
Many Cameroonians are suffering from suspicious of Christians from minority
a massive humanitarian crisis caused by ethnic groups like the Hmong. Despite this,
conflict. Christians have been accused by Hmong Bible teachers bravely travel miles
both sides of “harboring the enemy” and by motorbike into remote areas to train
had their churches and property destroyed. believers in secret Bible schools.

Open Doors’ partners strengthen Open Doors’ local partners strengthen

persecuted Christians in Cameroon by persecuted believers in Vietnam with
providing emergency relief aid, trauma relief and practical aid, advocacy
care, economic empowerment projects support, Christian resources, socio-
and spiritual care for new believers. economic development projects and
leadership and discipleship training.
PLEASE PRAY
• For God to comfort and heal those who PLEASE PRAY
have endured unspeakable violence • For God to comfort abused Vietnamese
• For those still coming to Jesus, despite Christians
the danger, to grow in faith • For blessing on the work of Open Doors’
• For an end to government corruption partners
and instability in Cameroon. • For believers in unregistered churches
to follow Jesus without impediment.

54
EYEWITNESS / VIETNAM

BARNABAS
“Oh God, what should I do?” ILLEGAL AND UNDERGROUND
For three decades, helped by Open
There were 200 believers before Doors’ local partners, Barnabas has
Barnabas* at a river waiting to be run an underground Bible school that
baptized when word reached him that has trained more than 10,000 people
police were on their way. They’d be and led to the establishment of more
there in 20 minutes. At a loss at what than a thousand churches.
to do, Barnabas prayed.
“WITHIN THREE
“Suddenly, I had an idea,” he says. “I MINUTES, 200 PEOPLE
asked all of them to go to the river. WERE BAPTIZED!”
I told them to dip themselves in the
river after I declared them baptized It’s an astonishing number – but it’s
in the name of the Father, Son and costly. “Sharing the gospel is illegal,”
Holy Spirit. Within three minutes, 200 Barnabas says. “That is why, when
people were baptized! we share the gospel with another,
we know that we will experience
“We ran to another village, and I gave persecution. We accept suffering.
them Holy Communion and shared We know that we can be arrested
with them the meaning of baptism. The anytime.”
police went to the river, but we were no
longer there. They complained BARNABAS ASKS
that they were given the “PLEASE REMEMBER
wrong information. TO PRAY FOR US AND
SUPPORT US SO WE
“Many times CAN SHARE THE GOSPEL
over the WITH ALL VIETNAMESE
years, God IN THE FUTURE.”
was our
rescuer,” *Name changed for security reasons
he says.

55
 45 TÜRKIYE 46 COLOMBIA
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67 66
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
86.3 million / 257,000 Christians 52.3 million / 49.7 million Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan President Gustavo Petro
PERSECUTION SCORE 67 (+3) PERSECUTION SCORE 66 (-2)
There is a strong sense of nationalism in Guerrilla groups in Colombia often attack
Türkiye today, which sees being Muslim the Christians in their territories, especially
as part of Turkish identity. Although if they think the Christians are opposing the
Christianity has a very long history here, “business” of their associated drug cartels.
it is still seen as a negative Western Church leaders are particularly at risk
influence, even by secular Turks. because they try to influence the young
It’s not illegal to become a Christian, people that guerrilla groups want to recruit.
but most converts face strong pressure In some indigenous communities,
from their families to change their minds, Christian preachers and converts can be
under the threat of being disowned. seen as traitors to the tribe or community
Christian asylum seekers and job hunters and can be imprisoned or disowned.
are discriminated against. Even traditional
Greek and Armenian churches face legal Open Doors strengthens the persecuted
obstacles. church in Colombia through Bible
distribution, training, trauma care,
Open Doors raises prayer support for community development projects,
persecuted believers in Türkiye. Through emergency relief aid and assistance
local partners, Open Doors supports in legal proceedings.
Persian-speaking refugee believers with
training, resources and practical support. PLEASE PRAY
• For lasting peace between guerrilla
PLEASE PRAY groups and the Colombian government
• That people would accept people of all • For those who come to faith in
faiths as true Turks indigenous contexts and experience
• For strength for converts from Islam, persecution from their communities
particularly those rejected by their • For Christians living in areas controlled
families by cartels – pray for their protection and
• Praise God that many believers in wisdom as they follow Christ.
Türkiye can worship Jesus openly.

56
 WWL
#44
“THE LOCAL CHURCHES
EXPERIENCE MANY
DIFFICULTIES AND
PERSECUTIONS, BUT THEY
STILL STAND STRONG”
– MIKE*, VIETNAM

Pastor Mike travels long distances to disciple

isolated believers. He also leads a secret
Bible school in Vietnam.

57
 47 KYRGYZSTAN 48 BRUNEI
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66 66
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
6.8 million / 263,000 Christians 456,000 / 55,600 Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Sadyr Japarov Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah
PERSECUTION SCORE 66 (+7) PERSECUTION SCORE 66 (no change)
In Kyrgyzstan, local authorities have Brunei has introduced Sharia (Islamic Law),
considerable power and tend to be meaning that leaving Islam is publishable
under the influence of the Muslim by law. Families will do everything possible
community. This has strong repercussions to bring a Christian believer back to Islam.
for converts to Christianity. Non-traditional Christian communities
Some new believers are locked up cannot be registered as churches but are
for long periods by their families and legally treated as secular organizations.
beaten, and they can be expelled by their As such, they are required to submit
communities. There have been a number of operational reports to the government
violent incidents against believers this year, every year. Ongoing restrictions on
which is a major reason the country has any kind of evangelism make it hard for
jumped 14 places on the World Watch List. Christians to reach out, especially to young
people.
Open Doors strengthens the church Since 2023, all children, including those
in Central Asia by providing relief aid, from Christian families, have mandatory
Bibles, ministry training, prayer support, Islamic religious education incorporated
vocational training and microloans, as into their studies.
well as projects such as rehab centers.
Open Doors raises prayer support for
PLEASE PRAY persecuted believers in Brunei.
• For safety and hope for Christians
who have had to flee their homes PLEASE PRAY
• That the hearts of Kyrgyz people • That God’s Word will get to believers in
would open and accep Christians Brunei with limited access to Bibles
• That local leaders would allow • That churches will be able to stay open
Christians to bury their loved ones and disciple Brunei Christians
in the local cemeteries. • That the monarchy in Brunei will be open
to the truth of Jesus.

58
RANA*,
CENTRAL ASIA

When Rana came to

faith in Jesus, she was
rejected by her family.
But through prayer, she
found hope. She’s now
an evangelist, working to
expand God’s Kingdom.

59
 “I GREET YOU ALL,
AND I THANK YOU
FOR WHAT YOU
HAVE GIVEN US.”
– ROUKAYA*, CHAD

Roukaya was disowned by

her family when she became
a Christian. Open Doors’
partners helped her with a
microloan to buy products to
sell at the market.

60
49 CHAD 50 JORDAN
Alamy | Representative image

65 65
100 0 100 0

POPULATION POPULATION
18.8 million / 6 million Christians 11.4 million / 170,000 Christians
LEADER LEADER
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno King Abdullah II
PERSECUTION SCORE 65 (+4) PERSECUTION SCORE 65 (no change)
Chad faces huge challenges thanks to Christians in Jordan live in relative
Islamic extremist groups like Boko Haram security under King Abdullah’s leadership,
destabilizing neighboring countries and which tolerates and somewhat supports
occasionally operating within Chad itself. recognized churches.
In such an environment, following Jesus Christian communities are still
comes with significant risks, particularly monitored to some extent and can face
in rural areas where fear often keeps discrimination and restrictions against
believers from even attending church. public preaching. Meanwhile, Christians
Last year, many Christians in Chad from Muslim families risk beatings, arrest
were displaced and their properties and even death for openly sharing their
burned or destroyed. Local believers faith, and those helping them are often
report a growing tide of Islamic extremism, threatened and obstructed.
especially among younger religious Lately, Jordan is showing a trend
leaders who preach intolerance. toward greater Islamic conservatism, driven
largely by the civilian death toll in Gaza.
Open Doors’ local partners in Chad
provide important resources like Open Doors’ partners support the church
persecution survival training, discipleship, in Jordan with relief and rehabilitation,
economic empowerment and care for research, and prayer support.
new believers.
PLEASE PRAY
PLEASE PRAY • That Christian worship in Jordan would
• For protection of Christians who are at offer light and hope for the whole region
risk from Islamic extremist groups • For converts from Islam, whose faith in
• For God’s presence to encourage Jesus can make them targets for abuse
Christians in Chad, particularly converts • That God would help the monarchy of
• That God equips His people to serve the Jordan see the love of Jesus in the lives
many refugees as well as the displaced of Jordanian believers.
and poor people in Chad.

61
 Open Doors

70 years of standing with

the persecuted church
For 70 years, Open Doors has brothers and sisters have laid down their
stood alongside Christians who lives for Jesus. They could confidently
face persecution for their faith. say, alongside Paul, that “to live is
Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians
It began with our founder, Brother 1:21). But over those 70 years, there is
Andrew, traveling to Poland in 1955 and another story too. Thousands, millions
encountering beleaguered Christians of stories. Stories of individuals, families
behind the Iron Curtain. Today, 70 and communities whose lives have
years later, that journey continues, with been transformed by the help and
thousands of partners working through encouragement of Open Doors’ partners.
global underground networks in more Towns, regions and countries that have
than 70 countries. seen the light of Christ shone by a church
equipped with strength and resilience.
Since 1955, the most dangerous places Persecution is growing at a heartbreaking
have changed. The biggest threats pace – but the church is growing too!
to Christians around the world have
shifted over time. Brother Andrew Whatever the need, whatever the threat,
concentrated on the oppressions of whatever the darkness faced, Open
Communism, but now the most violence Doors continues to support the church
comes from Islamic extremism. in the most crucial ways. Whether
Over those 70 years, so many of our that’s smuggling Bibles and Christian

62
 literature, offering legal advice, training That, perhaps, is the great gift the
church leaders and other Christians or persecuted church offers us: their stories
providing vital practical support such help restore feeling to our faith. We are
as emergency aid and trauma care. informed, inspired and impacted. And
prepared to play our part, working in
The result is a real connection between partnership to bring the light and love of
believers. Because we are one family. Christ into some of the darkest places in
We are one body. If one part hurts, we our world today.
should all feel pain.

As Brother Andrew put it: “If I cannot feel STAY INFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
their pain, I should get scared: maybe I’m Go to [Link] to find
an artificial limb. A wooden arm cannot more stories of courageous faith and
feel pain. I don’t want to be a wooden explore a wide range of resources
arm. I want to be alive!” to help you deepen your connection
with the persecuted church.

China,
2001
Ethiopia,
Pakistan, 2005
1988

Iraq, India, Hope4ME Petition,

2007 2012 2017

Colombia, Mali,
2019 2024

63
WHAT IS
THE WORLD
WATCH
LIST?
The Open Doors World Watch List
is a unique, reliable, comprehensive
ranking of the countries where the
persecution of Christians is most
extreme.

UNIQUE…
because, as far as possible, our data is
gathered at a grassroots level, using in-
country networks and local partners on
the ground. This ensures that the data
reflects the real, everyday experience
of Christians.

RELIABLE…
because over three decades, the list
has gained a reputation for credible,
dependable information. Our approach
and analysis are independently
audited by the International
Institute for Religious Freedom.

COMPREHENSIVE…
because our list measures persecution
in all its forms: not only violence, but
also the level of freedom Christians
have to practice their faith in their
private, family, community, national and
church lives. And while the published
World Watch List currently includes
50 countries each year, research
is conducted in 150 countries. Destruction in Nigeria

64
WHAT DO WE MEAN
BY PERSECUTION?
Open Doors defines persecution Africa, can appear on the list. Nigeria,
against Christians as “any hostile for example, has the biggest church
action toward a person or community auditoriums in the world. But that is in
motivated by their identification with the the south. In the north (and increasingly,
person of Jesus Christ.” the central) regions, Christians are in a
minority, and radical Islamic groups, like
Hostility takes many forms. It can be Boko Haram, and Fulani militants can
visible and violent, where churches are create havoc.
burned, believers attacked, Christians
kidnapped and killed. But it can also be This is why the real, lived, eyewitness
a subtler, more attritional force. Millions experiences of believers remain the
of Christians live in a culture of hostility core of the World Watch List. Because
and intolerance as they try to exercise what matters is not the official,
their faith against a background of grandiose governmental statements
discrimination and injustice. about freedom of belief. What matters
is what really happens on the ground
Persecution can also be regional. This is when people try to follow Jesus in their
why many countries you might consider everyday lives.
Christian, like those in sub-Saharan

You can find more

details on Open Doors’
methodology and research
at [Link].
A Bible study in Central Asia

65
THANK YOU FOR
STANDING WITH
BELIEVERS WHO DARE
TO SHARE JESUS
Your prayers, gifts and actions will KEEP ON SUPPORTING
strengthen persecuted Christians living Your gift can give an isolated Christian
in the countries where following Jesus a precious Bible, help rebuild
comes with the greatest risk. Here shattered homes and churches,
are some other ways in which you can provide persecuted Christians with
continue your journey. vital food and medicine. Whatever
you give will make a difference.
KEEP ON PRAYING
Sign up for weekly emails that will KEEP ON SPEAKING OUT
inform and inspire you with news and Tell others what is happening. Raise
prayer requests from the world of the your voice to those with influence
World Watch List. On the Open Doors and power. Tell your church about
US website, you can also find a range of their persecuted brothers and sisters
resources to help you and your church with our resources for churches.
pray with the persecuted church.

$25 $49 $58

can provide Bibles can provide a safe can provide biblical
to two believers house for a North leadership training
facing extreme Korean family for to a woman like
persecution six months Joo Min*

FIND OUT MORE AT [Link]

MORE WORLD WATCH LIST RESOURCES

Children’s Prayer Passport and Activity Map

Crammed with information and activities, this family-
friendly resource is a great way to help children
pray for the persecuted church. Get your copy at
[Link].

66
PRAY
JOIN YOUR FAMILY AROUND THE GLOBE

Join the world’s largest underground network and stay connected

to persecuted Christians around the world. Your faith will change
as you engage with the courageous faith of your brothers and
sisters.

Around the world, there are people who share your faith —
but not your freedom.

It is good to pray for them.

It is better to pray with them.

The Open Doors Prayer Calendar is a resource we share

every two months, that passes along the prayer requests
of your church family around the world. It’s a way to stay
up-to-date with what’s going on in their lives, and to stand
with them in the opportunities and challenges they face.

And one thing we can say with confidence: praying with

them can change not only their lives, but also yours.

Download your Prayer Calendar today!

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67
Smuggle light
into darkness
Joo Min* escaped North Korea – one of
the darkest places on earth – to be a
Christian. After meeting Jesus in an
Open Doors safe house, she chose to risk
everything by returning with the gospel.
Your support can help believers like Joo
Min smuggle more light into darkness.
Every $49 could help provide six
months of safe housing and relief aid
to a family of North Korean refugees
fleeing extreme persecution.
Visit [Link] to
make your gift today, or call
1-800-896-5285. Thank you.
*Name changed and re-enactment image
used for security reasons

Visit [Link] for

more stories, research, and
prayer requests from places
where Christians are facing the
most extreme persecution.

[Link]
T 1-800-896-5285 E info@[Link]

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