Join us for 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, February 18-March 19. Order the war room prayer book for screen-free quiet times, or join the Prayer Wall by entering your email below, and receive the daily posts in your inbox each morning.
Open Doors’ World Watchlist reports 4,849 Christian martyrs worldwide in 2025, 4,491 of whom died in sub-Saharan nations, including 3,490 in Nigeria. As high as that count is, other sources report some 7,000 Christians martyred in Nigeria last year.
At least 4,712 Christians were arrested or imprisoned for following Jesus in 2025, and 224,129 were forced from their homes, an increase of nearly 20,000 from 2024.
Deadly violence against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa continues to rise, with 14 countries making the Top 50 list of most dangerous in the world. Three of these nations hold the highest possible score in terms of violence: Sudan, Nigeria and Mali.
In fact, more than 388 million Christians undergo high levels of persecution for their faith: 1 in 7 Christians worldwide, 1 in 5 in Africa, and 2 in 5 in Asia.
This year’s top ten most dangerous countries for those who love Christ:
- North Korea – Christians face the death sentence
- Somalia – Muslim extremist group al-Shabab seeks to eradicate Christians
- Yemen – Tribal punishment for denouncing Islam can mean death or banishment
- Sudan – Hundreds of churches closed or destroyed, and Christians kidnapped, raped
- Eritrea – Christians face imprisonment and torture to renounce Christ
- Syria – Rising radicalism and resistance to convert from Islam
- Nigeria – Most of last year’s martyrs worldwide died here, murdered by Fulani, Muslims
- Pakistan – Mosque leaders incite thousands of Muslims to attack Christians
- Libya – Lawless attacks on Christians make church life nearly impossible
- Iran – Converting from Islam is illegal, Christians detained, tortured
Lord, we ask You for Christians all throughout the world who are undergoing persecution at this time. Give them strength and courage to endure, forgive, love, and proclaim Your good news, even in the face of great hardship. Give them wisdom every moment to know what to do, where to go, what to say; and empower them, Lord, to be lights in the darkness, pointing every heart to the glory of Your love.
For those who are imprisoned or facing imprisonment or torture, rescue them and their families, please, Lord, by Your merciful hand. Deliver them in such miraculous ways their persecutors will fall to their knees in worship of the One True God. May Your Kingdom come, Lord, here on earth, as it is in Heaven.
And for those of us throughout the world who are facing each of our own difficulties and hardships, make us bold witnesses. Anoint and empower us to share Your love every moment in ways that will spark deep hunger in the hearts of the lost around us to know the God of Love.
For the day has come now, Lord, where You are bringing the nations to our own neighborhoods. Give us courage to reach out and love. Tear down every barrier, and bring the lost to You. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
For the prayer devotional 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, Volume 2, the deep Bible study workbook in Chinese and English, A Strong and Courageous Life, and other resources for all ages on overcoming trials and walking in Christ’s freedom, visit MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com
Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the buttons below:
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