In northern Nigeria, Christians are cautious with outreach to Muslims as thousands of Christians have been murdered by Islamists. “Many churches in northern Nigeria do not reach out to Muslims and are even reluctant to allow Muslim converts into their churches,” said a front-line worker. He added that while this kind of attitude should change, we should not judge them but “seek to understand the great amount of pressure they are under and pray for them. They are truly in the lion’s den.” For example, Fatima, a Muslim student, approached a Christian teacher, Jonathan, wanting to know more about Christ.
Read MoreRegional instability has created an environment causing some Syrians to be more receptive to the gospel. “Syria is at a turning point,” said a front-line worker, telling how Islamist attacks against an Alawite community in March 2025 led some Alawites to question their faith and be more open to Christ. Additionally, battles between Sunni Bedouins and Druze militias in July 2025 also resulted in disillusionment with Islam. “We need to pray for the church to be ready for the harvest,” said the worker.
Read MoreAccording to an announcement issued by the Xi’an Civil Affairs Bureau on July 29, 2025, Xi’an Living Spring Church was determined by the government to be an illegal social organization and banned. Because of the government’s coercive efforts for total control, many house churches do not register, making them highly vulnerable to crackdowns from authorities. Such incidents usually occur out of public view, so it is difficult to accurately estimate the number of churches affected.
Read MoreOn Oct. 12, 2025, three families in a remote area of Laos were driven from their homes while villagers demolished their houses and confiscated their land and livestock. This attack followed weeks of growing aggression that included the chaining of a local Christian leader, Lom, to a house post for four days; Lom’s family was among those driven from their home. Since the attack, the families have been forced to live under a lean-to in the center of the village, closely watched and prohibited from seeking help.
Read MoreDespite its long presence in the area, a Kazakh church was fined for holding an unauthorized gathering. In the 20th century, the Soviet Union attempted to quash Russian churches, often by arresting and imprisoning pastors and church members. Some of the imprisoned Russian Christians stayed in what is now Kazakhstan after they were released and formed an independent church in 1970, which has continually faced opposition. “This church is definitely battle-tested and knows how to endure persecution,” a front-line worker said.
Read MoreTwo young women have been rejected by their families for placing their faith in Christ. Nathalie’s conversion to Christianity three years ago angered her Muslim parents, who then tried to force her to marry an older Muslim man. She escaped the arranged marriage by running away from home and enrolling in a trade school, but her parents found her and have continued trying to force her to return to Islam. “I have no intention of turning away from Christ,” Nathalie said. Another young woman, Daniela, has also faced family pressure to renounce Christ since she became a Christian two and a half years ago.
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After traveling to a large Indian city to study God’s Word for several days, a group of young Christians returned to their predominantly Muslim village emboldened in their Christian faith. The youth, all of whom were related as either siblings or cousins, had come to know Jesus Christ through the witness of older relatives. After studying God’s Word, something impossible for many of their parents who cannot read, they learned firsthand the cost of following Christ in their Muslim community. But when everything seemed hopeless, the Holy Spirit led them and others to boldly stand for Jesus. False Accusations While the youth were away for Bible training, neighbors questioned their parents about where the children had gone. Soon, various rumors began to spread through the community, including allegations of sexual abuse that made their way to the ears of Islamists. As a small minority in the area, Christians must keep their faith secret. Believers often hide their Bibles, understanding that their discovery by Muslim neighbors could result in violence. “We know people from this community who have had their house burned down, been beaten, been kicked out of their home and kicked out of their family,” said Aarav, a front-line
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Shahrokh came to know Jesus Christ while struggling with drug addiction. After overcoming his addiction and placing his trust in Christ, the former Muslim began leading his own addiction-recovery group, walking participants through a 12-step program that acknowledges a higher power without mentioning God or Jesus. In Iran, where it is illegal to leave Islam, that’s the only way he can operate. Group leaders like Shahrokh know that if they are caught leading Muslims to Christ they can be charged with “acting against national security,” a common charge against Christians in Iran. So when an Iranian security official suddenly summoned Shahrokh to his office to discuss his work, Shahrokh had a good idea of what to expect. The security official knew Shahrokh had become a Christian and wanted to prevent him from sharing his faith with others. He tried to corner Shahrokh with his questions during the interrogation, but the Holy Spirit gave Shahrokh the right words to say. Surprised by His Boldness Acknowledging his role as a group leader in the city, Shahrokh told the official that he maintains regular contact with group members as they work to overcome their addiction. And he reminded the official that the group
Read MoreIn a village in northern Laos, five Christian families have faced increasing persecution because they will not return to spirit worship. The village head confiscated their family registration books, which contain vital records including birth and marriage certificates, residence permits and education and professional records. This village head has refused to register births, issue marriage licenses and legally register a motorbike. Without registration books, some members have had difficulty getting medical care. The village head also decreed that Christians must be excluded from all village activities.
Read MoreA young Christian woman is being pressured to leave the country. Her father, a pastor, is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for leading a house church. The Iranian government views such Christian fellowships as “enemy groups” and as threats to national security. A front-line worker met with Narine, 20, in another country where she is safe for the time being. “She’s quite stressed and alone,” said the front-line worker.
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