A group of people sits in a small, dimly lit room. The windows are closed and the curtains drawn. Everyone speaks in hushed tones, barely above a whisper. They’re reciting Scripture verses from a worn Bible … the only one in the room.
These are Christ-followers, and this is their worship service. They are part of the underground church — communities of believers in countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith.
Today, the underground church exists all around the world. It may look different in each country, but one thing is the same: Christ-followers are persevering in their faith despite heavy opposition.
Keep reading to learn what the underground church looks like worldwide:
Iran
Christ-followers in Iran are under intense pressure because of cultural traditions
Iran is one of only six countries around the world with an officially theocratic, or religious, government. As a result, the Islamic religion permeates nearly every corner of politics and society.
The government enforces Sharia law — the religious rulebook of Islam that dictates everything from personal conduct to family life to business matters. Under this law, converting from Islam to Christianity is an offense punishable by death.
As a result, the Islamic government views Christians as a threat. Very few churches are recognized by the government, and their members are often targeted and mistreated.
Despite intense opposition, Iran has a thriving underground church. In fact, it’s actually one of the fastest-growing churches in the world.
Iranian Christians often gather in house churches, where they pray, worship, and study God’s Word. These house churches are often the only refuge for believers in the face of intense persecution.
But they must keep these meetings a secret. If discovered, members could face fines, imprisonment, or even capital punishment.
Because of the constant risk, Christ-followers often meet in small groups of 10 to 15 people at a time. The meetings only last for an hour or two, and they rarely meet in the same place twice.
Even with the danger, Iranian Christians continue to meet and practice their faith in secret. They also work to spread the Gospel so more Iranians can hear the Good News of Christ.
China
The underground church in China is facing tightening restrictions
Ever since China came under communist rule in 1949, Christianity and other religions have been viewed as a significant threat to the government’s power. As a result, church operations have been severely restricted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over the last 60 years.
During the 1950s, the government established a state-run church called the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. It’s the only church allowed to openly operate in China, and it faces restrictions on preaching and evangelizing to keep it in line with communist ideology.
For Chinese Christians who want to practice their faith freely, the underground church is a vital community. But with freedom comes the constant risk of discovery.
China has one of the most advanced surveillance systems in the world, and Chinese Christians are constantly monitored. House churches are always in danger of being raided, and pastors are often arrested for overstepping the government’s restrictions.
In recent years, the CCP has continued to crack down on Christianity, driving many underground churches even deeper into hiding. Even so, Chinese believers are still finding ways to worship God and share their faith.
The explosion of technology has also allowed Christians to communicate privately and share resources online. Still, they must be careful to avoid monitoring by the government, which grows more advanced all the time.
North Korea
North Korean Christians face the constant risk of imprisonment and death for their faith
Christianity and all other religions are completely outlawed in North Korea. The Kim dynasty has ruled with absolute power since the country’s creation in 1948. It demands complete loyalty and devotion from its population on all levels.
Even saying the name of Jesus out loud can get North Korean believers arrested or killed.
Meeting in private is nearly impossible because of constant government surveillance. Christ-followers often hide their faith from their own family members for fear of being caught and reported. Many parents don’t even tell their children about Jesus until they’re old enough to understand the dangers.
As a result, North Korean Christians often worship by themselves or with a few other believers. Even then, the risk of discovery is high.
And since owning a Bible is illegal in North Korea, many Christians don’t have access to God’s Word. Instead, they either memorize or write Bible verses on scraps of paper and hide them.
Even though the North Korean underground church is isolated from the outside world, Christians often connect with outside sources to smuggle in communications, radio broadcasts, and copies of God’s Word.
Ultimately, the underground church in North Korea is an enduring example of the power of the Gospel and the strength of God’s faithfulness during the most difficult times.
Christ-followers in Iran, China, North Korea, and other countries around the world endure harsh persecution for their faith. But despite the danger, they continue to follow Christ and share the Gospel with the lost.
And right now, they need your help. These Christians not only face persecution, but many of them are also living in poverty. And it’s not just Christians who are suffering, either — countless people worldwide are suffering in the midst of poverty, crises, and conflict, and desperately need to experience the love of God.
Here’s the good news — you can be a lifeline for them right now.
Every $24 you give will provide two persecuted Christians or others in need with essentials like food, clean water, clothing, medical care, God’s Word, and more.
Today, you can be the hands and feet of Jesus where it’s needed most.