We value visiting those suffering persecution and being with them in person, all with a view to building relationship and friendship as well as being mutually challenged, encouraged and empowered.
Those who suffer often cannot speak freely about their plight, do not have the resources to do so, or are not readily heard and responded to. As a result, their voice is at risk of being silenced. Part of God’s invitation is to speak, defend, and even plead the cause of those who suffer – in some way, to be their voice and serve them.
Presence and provision often go hand-in-hand. Being in relationship with those who suffer acquaints us with them, the nature and scope of their needs, which then informs what sort of practical response is best. And practicality is very much at the heart of God’s relationship to those who suffer. In fact, it is often the way in which real faith and love is expressed.
Jesus’ prayer was that believers would be one as he and his father are one. The Church – including persecuted Christians – flourishes when we recognize that we are all members of the body of Christ and together learn to rejoice and weep with one another; suffering and celebrating together. (John 17:21, Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
World Watch list 2025
the 50 Countries where Christians suffer severe levels Of Persecution for their faith
Source: World Watch List 2025 published by Open Doors
1. North Korea 11. India 21. Laos 31. Oman 41. Dem Republic of Congo 2. Somalia 12. Syria 22. Cuba 32. Ethiopia 42. Indonesia 3. Libya 13. Saudi Arabia 23. Mauritania 33. Tunisia 43. Cameroon 4. Eritrea 14. Mali 24. Morocco 34. Colombia 44. Brunei 5. Yemen 15. Algeria 25. Uzbekistan 35. Vietnam 45. Comoros 6. Nigeria 16. Iraq 26. Bangladesh 36. Bhutan 46. Tajikistan 7. Pakistan 17. Myanmar 27. Niger 37. Mexico 47. Kazakhstan 8. Sudan 18. Maldives 28. Central African Republic 38. Egypt 48. Jordan 9. Iran 19. China 29. Turkmenistan 39. Mozambique 49. Malaysia 10. Afghanistan 20. Burkina Faso 30. Nicaragua 40. Qatar 50. Turkey
