6 . Nigeria In Nigeria , more Christians are killed for their faith each year than everywhere else in the world combined — making Nigeria the epicenter of targeted violence toward Christians . The stories we hear are brutal , involving property destruction , forced displacement , abductions , sexual violence , torture and death by Islamic extremist groups . The government ’ s failure to protect and punish these groups has only emboldened their terroristic movement . Despite these challenges , the church in Nigeria is resilient , understanding what it means to rely on their Savior for every breath .
7 . Pakistan Last year ’ s devastating attack on 20 churches and 100 Christian homes in Jaranwala city was a sobering reminder of the hostile environment that many of our Pakistani sisters and brothers face — and another distorted use of Pakistan ’ s notorious blasphemy laws . A quarter of all blasphemy accusations target Christians , who make up 1.8 % of the population . Christian girls and women also face increasing risk of abduction . Still , God is growing the church in Pakistan .
8 . Sudan The violent conflict between the military and rebels erupting in April 2023 has continued to catch the Sudanese church in the crossfire , halting any progress toward religious freedom . The crisis stems from a power struggle between the National Army and the Rapid Support Forces ( RSF ) that has displaced nearly 6 million people and closed or destroyed more than 165 churches . In the midst of these physical and spiritual battles , Christian men and women are resolved to follow Jesus whatever the cost .
9 . Iran In Iran , conversion from Islam to Christianity is illegal , viewed as a threat to national security . Anyone found converting , sharing the Christian faith or attending a house church is at high risk for arrest , facing severe torture and abuse in prison . Those who convert from Islam experience constant social pressures from their Muslim families and communities , including excommunication , forced marriages and divorce . But God is still working and moving among His people there and continues to grow the church in Iran .
10 . Afghanistan Since the Taliban ’ s takeover of the Afghan government in August 2021 , minority groups have experienced heightened persecution . In efforts to wipe out the Christian faith , house churches have been forcibly closed , pressuring believers into exile . The Taliban continues sentencing to death Christians they discover — or torturing them to extract information about groups of underground Christians . The national government of Afghanistan also supports this notion
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