“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”
– Romans 8:35
Christ-followers can be found in nearly every corner of the world. We all follow Jesus, but our daily lives and routines often look different. This is especially true for Christians experiencing persecution.
According to Open Doors International, more than 380 million Christians around the globe suffer high levels of persecution. Pressure, discrimination, and constant danger shape their lives, yet they still hold tightly to their faith.
Here’s what following Jesus looks like in different countries worldwide:
Nigeria
Christians in Nigeria are facing increasing violence, especially in the northern part of the country
Nigeria is ranked seventh in the world for Christian persecution overall, but it’s often considered the epicenter for violence against Christians. More Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in any other country in the world.
Islamic extremist groups like Fulani fighters and Boko Haram often target Christ-followers. Just this year, it’s estimated that more than 7,000 Christians have been killed for their faith, and thousands more have been abducted. Reports also estimate that close to 19,000 churches have been attacked in 2025.
Although Christians make up almost half of Nigeria’s population, they live under a constant threat of violent persecution. They need our prayers more than ever as persecution continues to spread from the north to the rest of the country.
Afghanistan
Ever since the Taliban took over the country, Afghan Christians must hide their faith
In 2022, shortly after the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan surpassed North Korea as the most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. While it’s no longer the most dangerous, being discovered as a Christian in Afghanistan under the Taliban’s rule can still be a death sentence.
Under Sharia law, converting from Islam to Christianity is punishable by death. That means any Christian living in Afghanistan faces incredible pressure and must practice their faith in secret. Women are especially at risk of violent persecution due to the continuous erasure of women’s rights under the Taliban.
Christians in Afghanistan live in hiding under the constant threat of persecution, and need our prayers for strength and protection as they risk their lives every day to follow Christ.
China
Christians in China are facing more restrictions targeting their faith
Christian persecution in China has been increasing in recent years as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) cracks down on religious freedom. Practicing Christianity is not technically outlawed, but churches and religious leaders must comply with increasingly strict restrictions.
Churches not registered with the CCP are considered illegal, and those that are registered are closely monitored by the government to ensure nothing they teach contradicts the party’s ideology. Religious leaders can be summoned for “tea” by authorities, where they are susceptible to questioning and potential imprisonment.
Because of the increasingly strict regulations, many Chinese churches that could practice more openly a few years ago have had to move underground and meet in secret. Chinese Christ-followers must constantly remain vigilant as religious freedoms continue to erode.
India
Although Christians make up a small percentage of India’s population, they often face severe persecution
Only about five percent of India’s population identifies as Christian. In this Hindu-majority nation, converting to another religion like Christianity and Islam is frowned upon and can carry serious consequences.
Many states have anti-conversion laws in place, and Hindu nationalist groups often threaten Christians and churches with violence. In recent years, many Christian communities have been attacked and displaced.
But even if Indian Christ-followers don’t face violent persecution, they will almost certainly face immense social pressure if they share their faith. If they refuse to convert back to Hinduism, they may be ostracized by their family and community and face poverty and isolation.
As a result of persistent persecution, India is considered one of the most unreached countries in the world. But God is still moving, with more and more Indians deciding to follow Jesus every day.
North Korea
Christians in North Korea often end up in prison camps or worse if their faith is discovered
Being a Christian in North Korea is effectively a death sentence. If they’re not killed upon discovery, Christ-followers are sent to labor camps. Conditions in these camps are nothing short of horrific, and few people make it out alive.
When Korea was divided after World War II, the leader of North Korea, Kim Il Sung, established Juche — an ideology that requires citizens to worship the country’s leaders instead of practicing Christianity or any other religion.
As a result, the country’s estimated 400,000 Christ-followers must hide their faith. Many don’t even have Bibles to comfort and encourage them. Instead, they must write Scripture verses on scraps of paper and hide them in clothing or bury them in the ground.
To make matters worse, North Korea is also facing an ongoing food shortage. Christians aren’t just suffering persecution — they’re also starving.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is on Nov. 2. During this special day, Christians around the world lift up prayers for their suffering brothers and sisters in Christ. This year, will you commit to praying for the persecuted church?
If you’d like to give financially, every $24 will provide critical items like food, clean water, and copies of God’s Word to TWO persecuted Christians or others in need around the world.
For someone risking their lives to follow Christ, your gift will be a lifeline and a reminder that they’re not alone.
Click the button below to provide help and hope to persecuted Christians today.