The Most Dangerous Places to follow Jesus
Voices of Faith Under Fire
1️⃣ THE WORLD WATCH LIST 2025: TOP 10 DANGEROUS COUNTRIES (10 minutes)
Each year, Open Doors publishes the World Watch List, ranking the 50 most difficult places to follow Jesus. In 2025, the Top 10 are:
1. North Korea
Christians are viewed as enemies of the state.
Discovery often leads to death or being sent to labor camps.
Faith must be practiced in absolute secrecy—even children are taught to report Christian relatives.
2. Somalia
Belief in Jesus is considered a betrayal of clan and Islam.
Converts are hunted and often executed by extremists or family members.
There are virtually no public churches in Somalia.
3. Yemen
Ongoing civil war and deep Islamic control make Christian faith nearly impossible to live out.
Humanitarian crisis compounds suffering.
Converts are considered apostates and face torture or execution.
4. Libya
Without a stable government, Christians—especially migrants and converts—are vulnerable to slavery, abuse, and murder.
Extremist groups operate freely.
5. Sudan
Political upheaval and Islamic extremism continue to fuel violence.
Churches are destroyed, and believers are arrested under new anti-conversion laws.
6. Eritrea
Known as “Africa’s North Korea.”
Thousands of Christians have been detained indefinitely without trial.
Conditions in prisons are inhumane—metal containers, starvation, and torture.
7. Nigeria
The most violent country for Christians in terms of killings.
Boko Haram, Fulani militants, and ISWAP target Christian villages.
Girls are kidnapped, churches burned, entire communities wiped out.
8. Pakistan
Blasphemy laws are abused to persecute Christians.
False accusations can lead to mob violence or death sentences.
Many Christians live as second-class citizens.
9. Iran
Conversion from Islam is illegal.
House churches are raided, leaders are imprisoned.
Surveillance is high-tech and oppressive.
10. Afghanistan
The Taliban’s return to power has created a nightmare for secret believers.
All known Christians live underground or have fled.
Exposure often results in execution.
“These aren’t just political headlines—these are real places, with real people, living under constant pressure and threat because they love Jesus.”
2️⃣ AFRICA IN FOCUS – A HOTBED OF VIOLENT PERSECUTION
Let’s take a moment to zoom in on a key reality: Half of the top 10 countries are in Africa.
“Africa is no longer just a mission field—it’s a mission frontline.”
Why Africa?
Islamist Militancy: Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and other jihadist groups target Christian communities.
State Oppression: Eritrea and Sudan criminalize Christian activity.
Tribal Loyalty and Cultural Pressure: In places like Somalia, converting is seen as betrayal.
Lawlessness and Conflict: Countries like Libya lack functioning governments to protect minorities.
📌 Real Example:
A Nigerian pastor shared this:
“We’ve rebuilt our church three times. Every time they burn it, we pray and rebuild. We won’t stop worshipping.”
📌 In Eritrea:
Believers are imprisoned in metal shipping containers. Some have been locked away for over 10 years—no trials, no lawyers, no charges.
Yet the Church in Africa is not just surviving—it is growing. Secret fellowships, house churches, and courageous leaders are emerging in the fire.
3️⃣ FAITH IN THE FIRE: SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE
How do we respond to all this darkness? With biblical clarity and hope.
In Matthew 5:10–12, Jesus said:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake… Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven…”
And 1 Peter 4:16 says:
“If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
Despite persecution, the gospel is advancing. The Church is being purified and strengthened. These believers show us what it means to treasure Christ above comfort.
4️⃣ HOW TO PRAY COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY
As we prepare for IDOP 2025, consider committing to a 10-week prayer journey, one nation each week. Here’s how to pray:
North Korea: For protection of secret believers and release of prisoners.
Somalia: For isolated converts to find safe fellowship.
Yemen: For peace and access to humanitarian aid.
Libya: For freedom from violence and trafficking.
Sudan: For boldness and church planting in hostile areas.
Eritrea: For the release of prisoners and healing from trauma.
Nigeria: For an end to violence and comfort for grieving families.
Pakistan: For justice reform and safety for Christian women.
Iran: For strong discipleship in secret house churches.
Afghanistan: For supernatural protection and spiritual hunger.
🙌🏾 PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Here’s what you can do this week:
🔹 Choose One Country
Learn about it using resources from Open Doors or IDOP.
Commit to pray daily for that nation.
🔹 Share What You’ve Learned
Post a fact or testimony from one of these countries on social media.
Start conversations that raise awareness.
🔹 Encourage Your Church
Begin preparing for IDOP 2025.
Create a prayer map, plan a focused Sunday, or include these countries in intercession.
🙏 Prayer Prompt:
“Father, let our hearts break with what breaks Yours. Stir us to stand with Your children around the world who suffer for the name of Jesus.”
The Cyber Hitchhiker