7 Dangerous Places in the World to be a Christian

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 “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’
 If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20).

It’s hard to understand the magnitude of suffering that happens every day because believers refuse to deny their faith in Jesus Christ. The persecution of believers happens in the home, school, workplace, and in the church. We must lift up in prayer those who have given up freedom, wealth, education, family, and worldly possessions because of Christ. Read of our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray and support them in their journey of faith:

#7  Maldives

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

In the midst of the tropical beauty of Maldives lurks an ugliness hidden from its tourists—all citizens are forced to be Muslims whether they believe it or not. It is the one country in the world which claims all its citizens are of Islamic faith. Yet the Spirit of the Lord has no boundaries to building up the kingdom of God. The believers in this area of the world need our prayers for strength and wisdom in the midst of an oppressive environment.

#6  Saudi Arabia

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).

Since its existence, Saudi Arabia has been under the rule of a royal family. Even though their citizens aren’t allowed to convert from Islam, many of those who work in the country keep their Christian faith…as long as it’s a secret. Many believers have been tortured or killed especially those who’ve no power or justice in their favor. Yet there is a King who will appear one day and every knee will bow to Jesus Christ. Pray for our spiritual family that continues to grow and thrive under the monarchy of the Saudis.

#5  Afghanistan

“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Mark 13:7).

There are at least 3 generations of Afghans that have never known peace because of constant power struggles. Believers make up a small population of this vast mountainous nation. Because of strict Islamist laws and the ever-threatening Taliban movement, Christians are persecuted or forced out of the country. A time of peace is coming to Afghanistan, but not because of international or domestic negotiations. Rather it’s a heavenly intervention of prayer and intercessions that brings a peace that passes all understanding.

#4  Iraq

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

The Apostle Thomas established churches in the ancient land of Iraq.

History records that one of the twelve disciples, Thomas, established churches in the ancient land of Iraq. After many wars, rulers, and injustices—the Christian church still survives even though the numbers of believers have significantly decreased. Those who remain face uncertainty every day and must seek out the Lord for wisdom, patience, and faith in their homeland. Pray for their endurance and courage in the midst of many threats.

#3  Syria

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ and be found in him” (Philippians 3:7-9).

Because of civil war, Syrian believers are fleeing the country in great numbers. Many of these people were living fairly calm lives before everything turned upside down. They are hard pressed between a ruthless dictator and compassionless Islamists. They can’t turn to either one of them for deliverance, but rather turn upwards to Christ. The Lord hears the cries of His people and provides His amazing grace to sustain them through their struggles.

#2  Somalia

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

Somalian believers live in the prevailing fear of being discovered and betrayed by family, neighbors, co-workers, etc… They stay on guard against the government soldiers as well as fellow countrymen who carry out killings of Christians without fear of reprisal. There may not be many Somalian Christians; however, it doesn’t take but a couple of them praying to bring in an outpouring of God’s intervention on their country.

#1  North Korea

“He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations” (1 Chronicles 16:15).

Under the brutal dictatorship of North Korea, our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer tremendously in prison camps. A believer caught with a Bible can be killed and his or her spouse, children, and parents can all be thrown in prison. These places are ripe with the stench of torture, pain, and death. Amazingly…the church still grows! No matter how the worldly powers try to stomp out the Christian faith, it keeps blossoming in the hearts of the North Korean people. God knows how to keep His own people throughout the generations.

1 Peter 5:9 “..because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings”

When believers find themselves crouched in a cell—cold, hungry, destitute, and without an encouraging word—it is the assurance and presence of the Holy Spirit that keeps them. Many are without Bibles, preachers, regular fellowship, or comforting Christian music. They have to dig deeper than the ordinary comforts of life and believe that God is moving on their behalf even though they can’t see it. We must lift them up in intercessory prayers and seek God’s wisdom on how we can help them in their plight.

Pray for them: 10 Powerful Prayers for Strength

Resource – New International Version Bible, The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblca, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide

Tagged as: dangerous places Christian, Missionary