WORLD - Global Struggle for Christian Survival
Persecution often takes root amid broader social, political, and ethnic conflicts. In Sudan, civil strife has led to the destruction of more than 165 churches since 2023, illustrating how political wars can morph into attacks on religious communities.
In regions such as Myanmar and China, persecution is driven not only by religious hatred but also by ethnic animosities—Uyghurs and Rohingya face genocidal campaigns fueled by both ethnic and religious hostility.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s territorial ambitions in Armenia have led to the deliberate destruction of dozens of Christian heritage sites. As ICC’s report demonstrates, Christians frequently become targets in these overlapping crises.
Wherever armed groups, authoritarian regimes, or radical militias step in, violence against Christians and vulnerable minorities tends to follow.
Ironically, persecution often dovetails with remarkable church growth. Despite government crackdowns and terror campaigns, Christianity remains the fastest-growing religion in Asia.
Social stigma—especially in countries like Egypt—further reinforces persecution, pushing Christians to the margins. Attacks on churches and discriminatory legal codes persist, creating an environment of chronic insecurity.
Religious nationalism in South Asia has grown so potent that many Christians practice their faith in secret for fear of reprisals from neighbors and the state alike.
Despite this repression, Christianity continues to make significant progress. Some studies even describe it as the fastest-growing religion in East and Southeast Asia.
-www.riotimesonline.com, 15 January 2025
Arno's Commentary
Prophetically, persecution goes hand-in-hand with the proclamation of the Good News—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
From Acts, we learn that it was the religious authorities in Jerusalem that threatened the believers: “Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us” (Acts 5:28). Yet, in the next chapter, we read: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).
Here is what the Bible says: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
John 15:18: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”
Romans 8:35: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8).
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Many other Scriptures testify to the persecution of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
From these few excerpts we publish, we particularly note the statement: “Despite government crackdowns and terror campaigns, Christianity remains the fastest-growing religion in Asia.”
And the article concludes: “Despite this repression, Christianity continues to make significant progress.” In plain words, the Lord continues to build His Church regardless of geopolitical circumstances. As believers, let us continue to steadfastly remember our brethren who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake.
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
