“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” –Matthew 5:10 ESV
Persecution takes many forms. For some Christians, it means discrimination and rejection. For others, it means years of imprisonment, displacement, or separation from family. And in some of the countries most hostile to Christians, it can mean physical torture or even death.
According to Open Doors International, more than 388 million Christians around the world suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. That’s 1 in 7 believers.
Behind those numbers are our brothers and sisters—each with a story. Here are three of them. Though we can’t show you their faces or tell you their real names, we can share their stories, offering a glimpse of what Christians around the world endure for their faith.
Remembering the Persecuted
*These are all real stories of believers who have suffered persecution for the sake of Jesus. We’ve changed their names for safety, but we encourage you to pray for them—and for all persecuted Christians—today.
Sami
At just eight years old, Sami* and his two sisters were forced to flee their country after their father was kidnapped and murdered by a religious extremist group. Throughout the dark hours of the night Sami remembers clinging to his Bible and praying for God’s protection: “I don’t want to die.”
Hassan
Hassan* was brutally tortured and killed for sharing his faith.
“We looked for him for three days,” says his now-widow. “We searched for him in hospitals and everywhere else, and then we went to the police.”
They eventually found Hassan’s body with signs of the physical violence he endured before losing his life.
His wife remembers the conviction that guided him: “He used to say, ‘Woe to me if I do not share the Gospel.’”
Malaya
Malaya*—only sixteen years old—is constantly looking over her shoulder as she shares her faith, afraid of what the police and government officials might do this time. “They’ve threatened to imprison me. I have been beaten and scolded. They have taken away my Bible and all related materials before,” she says.
Each of these stories bears witness to deep suffering and steadfast faith. Despite displacement, fear, physical violence, and even the loss of loved ones, these individuals hold fast to their convictions, bravely risking their lives to share the hope of the gospel with those around them. Each one feels that sharing this hope remains a priority, even amid their suffering.
Together with these believers, we cling to the assurance Jesus gives us in John 16:33 (CEV): “But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” And we look forward to the promise of a future day when God will wipe away our tears and “there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain” (Revelation 21:4 CEV).
November 1st Is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
November 1st is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a day when believers around the world come together to remember, honor, and intercede for the hundreds of millions of Christians facing persecution.
With Sami, Hassan, and Malaya at the top of your mind, we invite you to pray with us today and throughout the entire month of November.
Pray With Us
As you intercede for the persecuted, we encourage you to pray however God leads you. We’ve provided this guided prayer to help you get started:
Almighty Father,
Today we humbly come before you on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their faith.
We know that all over the world people are being rejected, beaten, displaced, imprisoned, and even killed for believing in the saving power of Jesus. We also know that you love and care deeply for each one of them.
We lift them up to you and ask that you would ease their suffering. Give them avenues to connect with other believers nearby. Comfort those who are grieving the loss of loved ones martyred for their faith. Strengthen and equip church leaders who are so bravely sacrificing their safety to share the gospel. Protect them. Provide for them. And in times of great trial, give them the power they need to endure until the end.
In your Son’s holy and precious name we pray, Amen.
Support the Persecuted Church Alongside American Bible Society
For more than 200 years, American Bible Society has brought the hope of God’s Word to people persecuted for their faith.
Together with our supporters and partners, we have provided Bibles in countries where Scripture was banned, launched Bible-based trauma healing ministry among persecuted communities, and shared digital Scripture in places where owning a Bible can lead to imprisonment.
Thanks to believers like you, this work continues—helping Christ followers in some of the world’s most hostile places find strength and encouragement in every trial.
