Though evangelism is restricted in the isolated, majority-Buddhist country of Bhutan and believers face serious consequences when their faith is known, Christians continue to boldly share Christ. Front-line workers in Bhutan report that many children’s programs impact churches throughout Bhutan.
Read MoreSeveral years ago, a group of militant Fulani Muslims based in Burkina Faso crossed the border into neighboring Togo, raided numerous villages, and kidnapped a pastor.
Read MoreIn September 2008, one day before 19-year-old Kyung Jae Kim planned to escape from North Korea, security forces raided his home and arrested him. The raid was part of an operation to gather Christians who had been carrying the gospel secretly into North Korea for many years.
Read MoreIn April 2020, 13 churches in southern Burkina Faso were attacked and severely damaged or destroyed by followers of traditional religions. Many of the communities, including the village of Obire, have been planning to rebuild. On February 27, 2023, armed bandits attacked Obire again, killing three people.
Read MoreThe Indian state of Manipur is experiencing mass protests and fighting among indigenous tribal groups and ethnic Meiteis. The government is considering granting Meitei people the same government benefits as the tribal groups, which has led to widespread demonstrations and fighting.
Read MoreOn Feb. 13, 2023, village authorities gathered a group of 21 Christians from a minority tribal group in Laos, detaining them at the district meeting hall. The head of the village called them traitors for believing in a religion that does not belong to their ancestors and demanded they renounce their faith in Christ.
Read MoreOn Feb. 13, 2017, Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted off the streets of Malaysia. In 2019, Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission issued a report blaming the abduction on the “Special Branch” of Malaysia’s police. No one has since been held accountable, and Pastor Koh’s whereabouts and condition remain unknown.
Read MoreIn the kingdom of Bhutan, where Buddhism is regarded as the only acceptable religion, Christians are often refused citizenship cards and other official documents needed for employment, education and most necessities. Pastor Deki and her son, Ratno, have been denied citizenship cards because of their Christian work.
Read MoreThough Ethiopia is a majority-Christian nation, many Ethiopians lack access to Bibles in their native languages. VOM is working with front-line ministers to give Bibles to every Ethiopian Christian, including Bibles in native languages such as Amharic, Omoro and Tigrinya.
Read MoreSince the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, life for Christians is difficult. Most Afghan Christians fled, but some remained. “It is very challenging for the normal Afghan and very, very hard for Christians,” a front-line worker shared. “Persecution has escalated from the government, local religious authorities, family, and community, and it is still escalating.”
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