North Korea. Region Source of Persecution Population Christians Main Religion Leader Score

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1 01 North Korea Asia Dictatorial Paranoia 25,405, ,000 Juche Supreme Kim Jong Un 94/100 64% 100% National 100% Community Family 100% 100% Private 100% The Hardest Place To Follow Jesus This has been the most dangerous country to be a Christian for 17 years. North Koreans are forced to worship the Kim dynasty, and nothing else. Anyone with links to Christianity is arrested, tortured and even killed. Despite this, the underground church is growing, with an estimated 300,000 in North Korea. Pray for Kim Jong Un to know Jesus and have a change of heart towards. Pray for to hold on to their faith in Jesus, whatever the cost. Pray for parents who can t tell their children about their faith. Pray for wisdom and the right words to share the gospel with the next generation.

2 02 Afghanistan Central Asia ic Oppression 34,169,000 Thousands President Ashraf Ghani 93/100 60% 100% National 100% Community 100% Family 100% Private 100% Risking Everything For Jesus Afghanistan is a Muslim country. The ic State and the Taliban control over 40 percent of the country. The only local are converts. New are considered to be insane for leaving. If they don t recant, they may end up in a psychiatric hospital, be beaten or have their houses destroyed. Believers lose their lives if they follow Jesus openly. Pray for secret believers, that they will be encouraged to live out their faith and share the gospel, regardless of the cost. Pray for God to help secret believers overcome their fear as the level of violence increases. Pray they know the comfort and peace of God. Pray for the freedom to follow Jesus.

3 03 Somalia Africa ic Oppression 11,392,000 Hundreds President Mohamed Abdullai Mohamed 91/100 62% 98% National 98% Community 96% Family 97% Private 96% No Place For Somalia is one of the most hostile countries for. is the state religion. Muslims suspected of becoming are targeted by extremists. In 2017, 23 people suspected of converting to Christianity were killed by al-shabaab. In a country with only hundreds of, this shows how hard it is to follow Jesus. Pray for protection for as they share the gospel in Somalia. Pray that God reveals himself to many Muslims. Pray they will be bold enough to accept Jesus regardless of the cost. Pray can find safe ways to read the Bible and gather together.

4 04 Sudan Africa ic Oppression 42,166,000 1,996,000 President Omar al-bashir 87/100 72% 96% National 93% Community 86% Family 87% Private 85% A Country Divided In 1983, Sudan became an ic Republic. Civil war followed. In 2011, the country was divided in two: Sudan and South Sudan. Many fled to South Sudan. In Sudan, leaving is punishable by death. Many are too afraid to share the gospel with Muslims for fear of being accused of blasphemy against. Pray for God to help the government know the true teachings of Christianity. Pray for the church to be faithful despite pressure from the government and ic extremists. Pray for the people to see that Sharia (ic) law leads to more harm than good.

5 05 Pakistan Asia ic Oppression 196,744,000 3,938,000 President Mamnoon Hussain 86/ % 78% National 90% Community 83% Family 81% Private 86% Against Believers Pakistan is the most violent country for. ic extremists attack churches, with increased attacks around religious holidays like Easter and Christmas. are abducted, forced to marry Muslims and even killed for their faith. Many are forced into hiding. The government doesn t usually intervene. Pray for to love and forgive those who persecute them. Pray for converts from, that they will not be afraid of the cost of following Jesus Pray for Christian women with Muslim husbands. Pray they will lead their families to Christ.

6 06 Eritrea Africa Dictatorial Paranoia 5,482,000 2,540,000 / Christianity President Isaias Afwerki 86/100 56% 91% National 96% Community 95% Family 87% Private 91% The North Korea Of Africa Eritrea is one of the most repressive states in the world. es face ongoing discrimination. While the official Orthodox has some religious freedom, its leader has been under house arrest since Hundreds of were arrested in 2017 and many more remain imprisoned. Some are even locked in metal shipping containers. Pray for freedom of religion. That believers will be able to gather together, read the Bible and attend church. Pray for God to protect and sustain those imprisoned in labour camps. Pray for families to have access to basic needs without breaking the law, and the ability to earn a living.

7 07 Libya Africa ic Oppression 6,409,000 41,700 Prime Minister Fayez al-sarraj 86/100 62% 93% National 94% Community 85% Family 92% Private 91% Anarchy And Persecution Libya has not had a fully functioning government since the Arab Spring in are vulnerable as various extremist groups, including the ic State, fight for control. Persecution and violent attacks against have increased. In 2017, many Christian migrants were kidnapped and sold as slaves. Pray that the cruel acts by the ic State will only make more people search for a loving God. Pray for Libyan to find the strength to live every day for Jesus. Pray for new who come to faith through Arabic websites and TV shows. Pray for them to find support and the ability to access God s word.

8 08 Iraq Middle East ic Oppression 38,654, ,000 President Fuad Masum 86/100 68% 90% National 89% Community 89% Family 88% Private 88% Persistent Extremism Even before the rise of the ic State, were regularly kidnapped and attacked. Now as the ic State is being driven out, the same old persecution returns. Many have fled but some are returning to rebuild their homes. The Iraqi church has existed since the birth of Christianity but its numbers have been decreasing since the 1990s. Pray for many who are coming to faith in Iraq. Pray they will learn to walk with Jesus, even through hardships. Pray for God to help returning rebuild the church. Pray for the worldwide body of Christ to support Christian workers who are keeping hope alive in Iraq.

9 09 Yemen Middle East ic Oppression 28,120,000 Thousands President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi 85/100 16% 100% National 99% Community 98% Family 99% Private 100% Extremism And A Humanitarian Crisis Like other Yemenis, are suffering the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Extremist groups utilise the chaos caused by civil war to grow their influence. can t meet together and their faith must be kept secret. The only four churches in the country have all been damaged by the conflict, but even before that they were only used by foreigners. Pray for the gospel s message of love to change hearts of ic extremists. Pray secret believers strengthen and encourage each other and reach out to the lost. Pray God provides for who don t receive relief aid because of their faith.

10 10 Iran Middle East ic Oppression 80,946, ,000 Supreme Sayyed Ali Hoseini Khamenei 85/100 60% 98% National 95% Community 87% Family 84% Private 84% A Crime Punishable By Death Iran is under Sharia (ic) law and the decision to follow Jesus is punishable by death. New believers worship in secret and many risk losing their family, job, and inheritance. Despite this, the church in Iran is one of the fastest growing churches in the world. Even children of political and Muslim leaders are coming to Christ. Pray for imprisoned to show love towards prison guards and their inmates. May it lead them to Christ. Pray that the law will allow freedom of religion for all. Pray for Muslim families to value love over the shame it brings when family members convert to Christianity.

11 11 India Asia Religious Nationalism 1,342,513,000 63,970,000 Hindu Prime Minister Narendra Modi 81/100 86% 77% National 88% Community 79% Family 76% Private 75% Evangelism Is A Crime In India, there are anti-conversion laws in six states. Life is extremely hard for those who leave Hinduism to follow Christ. If they refuse to return to Hinduism, they re often physically assaulted, hospitalised and even killed. The homes of evangelists are raided and anything found to do with Christianity is destroyed. Pray can love their enemies. Pray for Christian children persecuted by their families. Pray they will be bold in sharing the gospel. Pray for God s blessings on the church, that they continue to lead people to Christ even in states with anti-conversion laws.

12 12 Saudi Arabia Middle East ic Oppression 32,743,000 1,406,000 King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-saud 79/100 25% 98% National 93% Community 85% Family 82% Private 89% Birthplace Of Saudi Arabia is home to Mecca, the birthplace of. The only church buildings in the country are in ruins and there is no religious freedom. Converting to Christianity is the biggest sin a Muslim can commit. It is punishable by death. There is high pressure from the family, with new believers risking honour killings if their faith is discovered. Pray in Saudi Arabia can grow in their faith through Christian websites and TV programs. Pray for believers to find ways to share Jesus with their family members. Pray for God to help His children stay faithful to Him, even in a nation where it is so difficult to follow Him.

13 13 Maldives Asia ic Oppression 376,000 Thousands President Abdulla Yameen 78/100 7% 100% National 95% Community 81% Family 93% Private 91% Muslim Or Not Maldivian Every Maldivian must be a Muslim. Anyone who leaves loses their citizenship. Converting to Christianity is illegal and gathering as a church is virtually impossible. There is no religious freedom in the Maldives, nor any completed Bibles in the local language. Because of the pressure, many flee the country. Pray for God to help secret believers in the Maldives find one another for fellowship and encouragement. Pray for to find creative ways to read the Bible, despite it being banned. Pray for the many Maldivians who want to leave because of their lack of freedom. Pray that they will find freedom in Jesus.

14 14 Nigeria Africa ic Oppression 191,836,000 88,906,000 / Christianity President Muhammadu Buhari 77/100 72% 73% National 73% Community 78% Family 69% Private 71% Divided In Two While the south of Nigeria is majority Christian, the 12 northern states are governed by Sharia (ic) law. Christianity here comes at a high cost. In recent years Boko Haram has killed and displaced thousands of believers. The northern government denies basic access to things like medical care, education and humanitarian aid. Pray for protection for Christian women in danger of being kidnapped and forced into marriage. Pray for joy and strength as the church works to help thousands of displaced. Pray for God to provide for Christian communities in need of clean water and medical aid.

15 15 Syria Middle East ic Oppression 18,907, ,000 President Bashar al-assad 76/100 22% 88% National 87% Community 84% Family 86% Private 86% Half The Christian Have Fled The in Syria has been around since the times of the New Testament. today live in the midst of a complex civil war. and persecution can come from extremist groups and families of Christian converts. Since 2011, over half of the Christian population have fled the country. Pray for God to restore peace as the people have suffered so much from the war. Pray for God to continue to provide for the many displaced people and refugees from Syria. Pray for the church to remain encouraged and strengthened to stay and share the gospel with others.

16 16 Uzbekistan Central Asia Dictatorial Paranoia 30,691, ,000 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev 73/100 21% 96% National 78% Community 78% Family 72% Private 93% Trapped And Intimidated In Uzbekistan, a Christian can be fined just for having Christian songs on their smartphone. are regularly dragged into police stations and intimidated. If their faith is discovered at work, they can be fired on the spot. Even if they want to escape, need an exit visa, which they are rarely granted. Pray for God to help Uzbek leaders see that are good and kind. Pray for believers who are threatened, fined and arrested, that they will not stop believing in God. Pray for Christian women forced to marry against their will. Pray for their unbelieving spouse to find Christ.

17 17 Egypt Africa ic Oppression 95,215,000 9,521,500 President Abdel Fattah el-sisi 70/100 74% 57% National 70% Community 73% Family 77% Private 68% ic State s Next Target The in Egypt is under constant pressure. The ic State has named Egypt their next target and regularly attacks churches. Attacks are especially frequent around religious celebrations like Easter and Christmas. Believers are discriminated against by their communities, their land is stolen and dispossessed, and they live under repressive laws imposed by the state. Pray for new to experience God s care when rejected by their families for leaving. Pray for God to reveal himself to leaders of ic extremist groups. Pray that Jesus will help them see Him as the only Way. Pray for discriminated to learn to trust and hope in God for all situations.

18 18 Vietnam Asia Communist Oppression 95,415,000 8,368,000 Atheism President Trần Đại Quang 69/100 44% 83% National 85% Community 76% Family 50% Private 74% A Communist Community In Vietnam, are persecuted by their local communities and the government. They can be imprisoned, beaten and exiled from their villages because of their faith. All of this stems from the Communist culture set by the government. meetings are regularly disrupted, and sometimes not allowed to meet at all. Pray for the government to see that Christianity is not a Western influence but a blessing from God. Pray for ethnic minorities who are coming to faith in rural areas, that their numbers will continue to grow. Pray for family members of converts to find Christ through their testimonies.

19 19 Turkmenistan Central Asia Dictatorial Paranoia 5,503,000 69,900 President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow 68/100 11% 91% National 77% Community 77% Family 62% Private 91% Atheism, And Christianity Turkmenistan has a majority Muslim population, but is also deeply rooted in atheism. There is no freedom of religion for. The government is also one of the most restrictive in Central Asia. are always being watched. Their Sunday services are raided and they are regularly interrogated and beaten. Pray for the government to have a change of heart towards and to allow freedom of religion. Pray for protection for those who have left to follow Jesus. Pray for strength as they resist pressure. Pray for to be fearless and bold in sharing the gospel. Pray that the church grows.

20 20 Laos Asia Communist Oppression 7,038, ,000 Buddhism President Bounnhang Vorachith 67/100 21% 89% National 83% Community 81% Family 51% Private 77% Communist And Anti-Christian Laos is one of the last five communist countries in the world. Christianity is seen as a threat. If a Christian won t deny Jesus and become Buddhist, they experience physical violence and discrimination. Persecution can be so intense; some believers are forced to flee and live in the jungle. Pray for wisdom as share the gospel with Buddhist family members and friends. Pray can have access to the word of God and be part of their local church. Pray for children who are discriminated at school for their faith. Pray they understand God s love and forgiveness.

21 21 Jordan Middle East ic Oppression 7,877, ,000 King Abdullah II 66/100 26% 78% National 65% Community 69% Family 80% Private 80% Increasing On Converts have relative religious freedom as long as they don t share the gospel. The ic State is increasingly influential, placing at a greater risk. Government officials monitor churches and place pressure on them to stop their activities. Despite this, the number of new believers continues to grow. Pray for the church to reach refugees in need and share the gospel. Pray for Muslims to be drawn to Christ through the churches love for the poor and suffering. Pray for persecuted believers to find fellowship and encouragement with other believers.

22 22 Tajikistan Central Asia Dictatorial Paranoia 8,858,000 62,200 President Emomali Rahmon 65/100 26% 77% National 71% Community 71% Family 68% Private 80% The Consequence For Christ Living out your faith as a Christian in Tajikistan isn t easy. Believers can be locked up and beaten for the gospel. services, baptisms and weddings have been raided by local authorities. Reading the Bible has to be done in secret. Owning other Christian materials is taking a personal risk. Pray for the government to be more tolerant of Christianity. Pray for pressured to renounce their faith and that they will remain faithful. Pray for God to provide for believers and their families if they lose everything.

23 23 Malaysia Asia ic Oppression 31,164,000 2,865,000 Prime Minister Najib Razak 65/100 23% 56% National 74% Community 77% Family 89% Private 72% Malaysian And Muslim The influence of Sharia (ic) law is making life difficult. Converting to Christianity is illegal for Malay Muslims. They can be monitored, harassed and some just disappear. If their new faith is discovered, they could be sent to an ic purification centre a camp where they are pressured to deny Jesus. Pray for Pastor Raymond who was abducted last year. Pray for comfort for his family. Pray for secret believers to be able to meet together and find the strength to remain faithful to Jesus. Pray from rural tribes don t convert to for financial support. Pray they can trust in Jesus.

24 24 Myanmar Asia Religious Nationalism 54,836,000 4,369,000 Buddhism President Htin Kyaw 65/100 47% 66% National 62% Community 79% Family 66% Private 69% War And Religion Myanmar is in the midst of the world s longest-running civil war (1948-present). are targeted by Buddhist extremists and the military. More than 100,000 live in Internally Displaced Person camps and are denied access to aid, food, water and medicine. Buddhist monks even raid churches and build shrines inside. Pray for to be able to help rebuild the country and see an end to the civil war. Pray for the church to reach Buddhists with the gospel whilst conversion is still allowed. Pray for the church to help suffering Muslim Rohingya s and bring them to Christ.

25 25 Nepal Asia Religious Nationalism 29,187,000 1,172,000 Hindu President Bidhya Devi Bhandari 64/100 28% 74% National 69% Community 64% Family 71% Private 75% Between Two Powers India and Nepal are two of three countries in the world with a Hindu majority, and both have increased drastically in persecution. Support from India is provoking Hindu radicals in Nepal. face attacks from local Hindu priests, Hindu radical groups and even their own communities. Pray that will continue to be bold amidst new laws limiting evangelism. Pray for many Hindu s to discover Jesus as their only Saviour. Pray for the political future of Nepal, and for the church to continue to grow.

26 26 Brunei Asia ic Oppression 434,000 54,800 Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 64/100 5% 81% National 61% Community 64% Family 85% Private 86% No Public Christianity Brunei is incredibly wealthy as the world s third-largest oil producer, but are treated as second-class citizens. Christmas is banned and importing Bibles is illegal. Simply wearing a cross or singing worship songs in public could result in five years behind bars. Leaving to follow Jesus is a crime punishable by death. Pray that will share the gospel with Muslims, despite the consequences. Pray for God to help new who have to flee the country. Pray they find safety and refuge outside the country. Pray that don t live in fear now that Sharia (ic) law dictates the way the live.

27 27 Qatar Middle East ic Oppression 2,338, ,000 Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani 63/100 0% 84% National 68% Community 70% Family 77% Private 80% Only In Qatar, there is no acceptable faith other than. Every aspect of society is dictated by Sharia (ic) law. Converting to Christianity is forbidden. Many people who choose to become a Christian do so outside of the country. In Qatar, they must adhere to public dress codes, cannot drink alcohol or say anything against. Pray for Christian migrant workers to respond with love and forgiveness towards those who are cruel to them. Pray for wisdom for new as they share their faith with Muslim family members. Pray for God to draw many Qataris to Christ, using whatever mediums available in the country.

28 28 Kazakhstan Central Asia Dictatorial Paranoia 18,064,000 4,580,000 President Nursultan Nazarbayev 63/100 22% 82% National 73% Community 61% Family 60% Private 77% Religion Restricted While there is some religious freedom, locals believe to be Kazakh is to be Muslim. This makes life hard for those who leave to follow Jesus. They re often attacked or placed under house arrest for refusing to deny God. Life may also get harder for believers when hundreds of ic State fighters return home. Pray for God to soften the hearts of those in government. Pray that they meet Jesus for themselves. Pray for who are persecuted for leaving, that they will continue to stand strong. Pray for peace for church leaders. Ask God to give them wisdom on how to lead their congregations.

29 29 Ethiopia Africa ic Oppression 104,345,000 61,956,000 Christianity President Mulatu Teshome 62/100 62% 63% National 65% Community 65% Family 60% Private 59% And State Persecution is growing as ic extremism has spread from neighbouring countries. face violent attacks and many church leaders end up living in hiding. Laws enforced by the government make it difficult for to meet in public or train missionaries. Despite being a Christian majority, there has been a decline in religious freedom. Pray for the church to help the authorities recognise that they are not a threat. Pray for to see each other as brothers and sisters, especially those from different churches. Pray for the Lord to provide for the needs of who face discrimination for their faith.

30 30 Tunisia Africa ic Oppression 11,495,000 23,800 President Beji Caid Essebsi 62/100 23% 72% National 64% Community 63% Family 79% Private 71% Concealed Christianity Christian converts struggle to have their conversion recognised by law and could lose their jobs for their faith. Persecution is often hidden behind closed doors. It commonly comes from a relative or spouse. New believers are under constant pressure to deny Jesus. Converting to Christianity is a choice with consequences in Tunisia. Pray for the Lord to turn what the enemy has planned for evil into good for the church in Tunisia. Pray for God to show young that they still have a hope and a future, despite the persecution. Pray for to be bold and share Jesus with Muslims.

31 31 Turkey Middle East ic Oppression 80,418, ,000 President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 62/100 52% 57% National 70% Community 59% Family 58% Private 75% Consequences For Converts In Turkey, nationalism and dominate society. While the government doesn t persecute directly, it enforces a culture that does. Converting is not illegal, but does have consequences. New believers can be forced into divorce and may lose their inheritance. Believers often practise their faith in secret. Pray for the church to have great hope in Jesus, despite growing ic extremism. Pray for persecuted believers, that their faithfulness will lead many to Christ. Pray for Muslims and to build bridges of friendship with one another.

32 32 Kenya Africa ic Oppression 48,467,000 39,409,000 Christian President Uhuru Kenyatta 62/100 56% 70% National 47% Community 60% Family 65% Private 72% From Radical Groups In Kenya, over 80 percent of the population identify as followers of Christ. Muslims make up a mere 10 percent of the population, however, many ic extremist groups have formed in response to their minority status. There have been reports of these radicalised groups going from house to house, finding and taking their lives. Pray for to experience joy and hope in the midst of pressure. Pray for ic extremists, that they will meet Jesus and find repentance. Pray for Christian politicians to have the courage to speak out against corruption and persecution.

33 33 Bhutan Asia Religious Nationalism 793,000 20,000 Buddhism Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay 62/100 7% 78% National 68% Community 74% Family 69% Private 71% Bhutan & Buddhism Bhutan has been a Buddhist nation for centuries. are the minority and are watched with suspicion. Converting to Christianity is forbidden. Distributing the gospel or inviting someone to church can be grounds for arrest. are often denied access to loans and job applications, making everyday life difficult. Pray for unity in the Bhutanese church in times of persecution. Pray for Christian converts to be joyful in the face of pressure to recant their faith. Pray for the Lord to turn the hearts of the country s Buddhists and make them receptive to the gospel.

34 34 Kuwait Middle East ic Oppression 4,100, ,000 Emir Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah 61/100 2% 74% National 65% Community 69% Family 75% Private 80% Struggling With Sharia Law Life is hard for in Kuwait. Around 70 percent of the population is Muslim and Sharia (ic) law governs the country. The ic State also has a large presence and people are increasingly hostile towards. A bill was announced to forcefully eliminate all churches in Kuwait. Many have already been destroyed. Pray for God to change the government s opinion of and allow religious freedom. Pray for to love and forgive Muslims who discriminate against them for their faith. Pray for Christian converts in Muslim families. Pray that their transformation leads many to Christ.

35 35 Central African Republic Africa ic Oppression 5,099,000 3,772,000 / Christianity President Faustin-Archange Touadéra 61/100 96% 53% National 53% Community 60% Family 49% Private 54% Rising Tensions Although there is a Christian majority, the civil war has led to being regularly persecuted by ic militant groups. es and pastors have been targeted. Anyone who leaves to follow Jesus is alienated from his or her community. The conflict has made new vulnerable to violence. Pray for God to help rebuild the friendship between and Muslims. Pray for ic extremists to experience forgiveness that will lead them to Christ. Pray for the church to experience peace in the midst of chaos.

36 36 Palestinian Territories Middle East ic Oppression 4,928,000 67,700 President Mahmoud Abbas 60/100 7% 75% National 63% Community 64% Family 77% Private 72% The Middle Of Conflict The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict causes many challenges. face restrictions from the Israeli side, while their faith makes them a minority in the Palestinian community. The influence of radical is growing. The Christian population is shrinking as more travel to find better prospects in other countries. Pray for the war to end and that conflicting parties will start to work for peace in the Middle East. Pray for believers to be ambassadors for Christ and to share the gospel with Muslims. Pray that believers will live out their faith despite the increasing pressure they face.

37 37 Mali Africa ic Oppression 18,690, ,000 President Ibrahim Boubacar Keїta 59/100 57% 55% National 49% Community 67% Family 57% Private 68% No Normal In The North Life in northern Mali is difficult for because of ic extremist groups like al-qaeda. In the north, those who leave for Christianity are isolated from their families and community. Normal church life isn t possible without persecution. es have been attacked and burnt down. Pray for believers to experience God s peace in the midst of increasing violence. Pray that terrorist attacks will fail to instil fear but will drive more Muslims to the love of Christ. Pray for Christian girls forced to marry Muslim men that. Pray that they will lead their spouse to Christ.

38 38 Indonesia Asia ic Oppression 263,510,000 31,925,000 President Joko Widodo 59/100 41% 56% National 60% Community 69% Family 66% Private 62% No Guarantee Of Safety Indonesia has the largest population of Muslims in the world. Many church buildings have been closed down. The law states that a church can only operate if they have at least 90 members, the consent of 60 non- Christian neighbours and the approval of the regency chief. Even then, they are not guaranteed approval or protection. Pray for religious tolerance in the wake of increasing ic extremism. Pray for converts to reach Muslims for Christ. Pray for Christian children who face discrimination in schools. Pray that they can trust God for their future.

39 39 Mexico Latin America Organised Corruption 130,223, ,869,000 Christianity President Enrique Peña Nieto 59/100 62% 58% National 64% Community 72% Family 46% Private 50%, Corruption And Tradition Persecution varies based on location. In the south, are harassed by those with tribal beliefs. In areas with a high drug trade, are opposed violently. In particular, churches sharing the gospel with drug addicts are targeted by gangs due to the impact this has on their criminal operations. Pray for change, justice and equality in a country known for organised crime and drug cartels. Pray for God to provide for believers banished and denied access to basic needs. Pray for believers to reach criminals and drug lords with the gospel of Christ.

40 40 United Arab Emirates Middle East ic Oppression 9,398,000 1,206,000 President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan 58/100 1% 71% National 62% Community 60% Family 73% Private 81% Conversion = Danger has a grip on all areas of life. Converting from to Christianity is punishable by death so is evangelism. are often forced to disguise themselves as Muslims. Foreigners are free to worship in private but have to refrain from public expressions of their faith. The government does not allow them to worship, preach or pray in public. Pray for the government to see the importance of allowing true freedom of religion. Pray for God to strengthen converts who are afraid to reveal their faith to others. Pray for God to help find and disciple new believers.

41 41 Bangladesh Asia ic Oppression 164,828, ,000 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 58/100 63% 45% National 57% Community 68% Family 53% Private 62% Willing To Suffer Persecution comes from all sides. Citizens are demanding Sharia (ic) law, which would prohibit converting to Christianity. The ic State has increased its attacks in Bangladesh. are forced to meet in homes and regularly receive death threats. Despite this, many Muslims willingly risk persecution to discover Jesus. Pray for to stand firm despite suffering. May their persecutors see that this is God at work. Pray for a stronger Christian influence in politics. Pray that our projects help believers receive the assistance they need.

42 42 Algeria Africa ic Oppression 41,064,000 68,500 President Abdelaziz Bouteflika 58/100 12% 74% National 62% Community 45% Family 78% Private 74% Dangerous Business Almost all in Algeria are converts from. They re forced to keep a low profile for their own safety. Blasphemy laws make sharing the gospel risky. Evangelists can spend up to two years in jail for sharing the gospel. Despite this, Christianity is growing fast in Algeria. Praise the Lord that the church is growing. Pray for new believers to grow stronger in their faith. Pray for converts from a Muslim background to be bold and share why they choose Jesus over. Pray for young to find work and purpose. Pray that those who are homeless are provided for.

43 43 China Asia Communist Oppression 1,388,233,000 97,200,000 Atheism President Xi Jinping 57/100 54% 80% National 64% Community 48% Family 43% Private 55% A Changing Country The overarching goal of China s Communist Party is to maintain power through national unity and limiting outside influences in any way possible. If the government decides the church is a threat, life will get much harder for. The church continues to grow and has pledged to send out 20,000 missionaries by Pray for the government who wants to control the church. Pray that they understand true freedom in Christ. Pray for local Chinese to reach out to minority groups in Xinjiang and Tibet. Pray that young would understand the value of Christ above all else.

44 44 Sri Lanka Asia Religious Nationalism 20,905,000 1,925,000 Buddhism President Maithripala Sirisena 57/100 41% 60% National 68% Community 63% Family 46% Private 66% Local In Sri Lanka, all religions are considered inferior to Buddhism. This makes everyday life difficult for those who leave Buddhism to follow Jesus. Converts to Christianity are considered national traitors. Village monks and local authorities monitor their activities. are even denied access to water and electricity. Pray for those who show hatred will encounter God s love for themselves. Pray for church leaders to draw strength from the Lord whenever they feel weary. Pray the local church is bold in sharing the gospel with their persecutors.

45 45 Azerbaijan Middle East Dictatorial Paranoia 9,974, ,000 President Ilham Aliyev 57/100 14% 74% National 67% Community 56% Family 54% Private 78% Suspicion And Spies Even though the constitution states there is freedom of religion, life is hard for in Azerbaijan. There is a lot of distrust amongst believers. es are filled with spies. Nobody is willing to admit that they are persecuted. Believers fear what might happen to them as a result of speaking out. Pray for house church leaders forced to operate without permission. Pray for their protection and boldness to continue sharing the gospel. Pray people can get access to the word of God, despite all the restrictions around importing and selling Bibles. Pray for persecuting to discover the love of God for themselves.

46 46 Oman Middle East ic Oppression 4,741, ,000 Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said 57/100 7% 75% National 56% Community 59% Family 73% Private 72% Low, High is the state religion and dominates society, politics and the legal system. It s assumed that all citizens are Muslims. All state schools teach. While Oman has very low violence against, pressure is high. are interrogated. If they don t stop meeting they can lose their jobs and homes. Pray for the church. Even though they are small, they can be used mightily in Oman. Pray for to continue to serve the Lord under difficult circumstances. Pray for new believers to be disciplined to walk with Jesus through suffering.

47 47 Mauritania Africa ic Oppression 4,266,000 10,000 President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz 57/100 0% 66% National 73% Community 66% Family 68% Private 69% On Converts dominates all aspects of life in Mauritania. Over 99 percent of the country s population is Muslim. The government is unwilling to recognise the presence of, let alone allow anyone to become one. For anyone who leaves to follow Jesus, the punishment is death and they have three days to deny their faith. Pray for reconciliation in places of conflict and that can be examples of forgiveness and love. Pray for believers who can t read the word for themselves. Pray they will find a way to understand God s word. Pray for believers in need to trust God and see his provision.

48 48 Bahrain Middle East ic Oppression 1,419, ,000 King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa 57/100 1% 62% National 59% Community 61% Family 78% Private 77% Considered Not Free Bahrain is a Muslim majority country. There are only 19 registered churches. They cannot advertise their services in Arabic and must share a building with many other churches. It is illegal to share the gospel with a Muslim. The rise of ic extremism is only expected to make life harder for in the future. Pray for those in leadership to grant religious freedom, not just in theory but in practice. Pray for those who ve been rejected by their families for their faith. Pray that they will find a bigger family in God. Pray for to have the courage and boldness to reach out to Muslims.

49 49 Colombia Latin America Organised Corruption 49,068,000 46,657,000 Christian President Juan Manuel Santos 56/100 71% 51% National 51% Community 71% Family 46% Private 47% Legacy Of Corruption Colombia s long running war on drugs has resulted in major issues of corruption and violence. who stand up to the drug cartels are extremely vulnerable. Many church leaders have been kidnapped or received death threats because they ve helped victims of the drug trade, Pray for the government to be more open to Christianity. Pray for pressured to renounce their faith, that they will remain faithful. Pray for God to provide for believers and their families when they have lost everything.

50 50 Djibouti Africa ic Oppression 911,000 11,100 President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh 56/100 0% 70% National 59% Community 62% Family 73% Private 73% Power At Any Cost is the state religion and is deeply rooted in society. Djibouti s dictatorship wants to remain in power, at any cost. are viewed as a threat to them, and are therefore persecuted. Djibouti is also surrounded by other volatile, highly persecuted countries like Eritrea, Somalia and Yemen. Pray for ic leaders to be changed by the love of God and love of. Pray for the Lord to provide for who have lost their jobs and are denied access community resources. Pray for persecuted to experience joy and strength in the midst of suffering for Jesus.