The 2019 World Watch List has just released. If you’re not familiar with it, the Open Doors’ World Watch List is a comprehensive report ranking the 50 most dangerous countries to be a Christian. Their researchers spend months tracking the data, pouring over reports and numerous hours preparing this in-depth information.
Get the World Watch List report.
Unfortunately, this year’s list reveals some disturbing realities.
For one, global persecution against Christians is increasing, intensifying and spreading. More than 245 million people—up from last year’s 215 million—are highly persecuted for their choice to follow Jesus where they live. And worldwide, 1 in 9 Christians suffer high levels of persecution for their faith—up from 1 in 12 last year. In the top 50 countries during the reporting period, some 4,136 Christians were killed because they follow Jesus. On average, that’s 11 Christians killed every day.
But the numbers don’t tell the full story.
Behind each statistic is the story and life of a real person with family and work responsibilities, dreams and goals just like you and me. The World Watch List numbers represent fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters who every day make the dangerous choice to believe in and trust Jesus.
As you check out the list and report, I hope you intentionally remember to pray with your brothers and sisters in Christ in these countries. You’ll also want to explore our website and watch country-focused videos as well as read new articles we’ve prepared to help you connect with persecuted believers in these areas.
I encourage you to download the mobile prayer app to receive exclusive prayer requests from persecuted believers. Also, take a minute to leave your prayer on the newest Prayer Wall devoted to praying for the church in China. Let these believers know you’re standing with them.
Original content from opendoorsusa.org
