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Persecuted, yet Faithful to the End

Anti-Christian persecution affects over 280 million Christians worldwide. The International Day of Prayer (IDOP) is an opportunity for Christians in free nations to unite in solidarity and pray for those who are suffering persecution because of their faith.

by William L. Nowell

International Day of Prayer (IDOP) 2025

  • Mark your calendars:
    • International Day of Prayer (IDOP): Sunday, November 2, and Sunday, November 9, 2025
Church building set ablaze
Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

The International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for the Persecuted Church is upon us once again. This annual event focuses on praying for Christians who face persecution because of their faith. According to Open Doors International, over 380 million Christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination for their beliefs. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and they urgently need of our prayers and tangible support. Let us come together to uplift them in this critical time.

Each year, Open Doors compiles a World Watch List of the top 50 nations where Christians suffer the most severe persecution for their faith No less than 40 nations listed on the World Watch List lie within the 10/40 Window. The 10/40 Window is the rectangular geographical area approximately between 10°N and 40°N latitude. It encompasses parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

10/40 Window map

Don't let the map deceive you; anti-Christian persecution reaches beyond the borders of the Eastern Hemisphere and is a global reality. For instance, the USA's southern neighbors, Cuba and Mexico, rank 26 and 31, respectively, on the World Watch List. This is in addition to Nicaragua and Colombia.

The Bible urges followers of Yeshua (Jesus) to have compassion and empathy for those who suffer for their faith. Specifically, it states that "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26), and "remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering" (Hebrews 13:3). The ongoing plight of persecuted Christians must no longer be ignored the church in the West.

Nigeria: the Epicenter of Christian Martyrdom

An alarming 90% of all Christian persecution deaths worldwide happened in Nigeria in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, 70% of all the Christians martyred worldwide lost their lives in northern Nigeria. Additionally, between January and October 2025, attackers have killed over 7,000 Christians in Nigeria; that averages out to roughly 23 Christians per day. Shocking statistics such as these explain why Open Doors labels Nigeria as the most dangerous place to be a Christian.

The rise of the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram in 2009 sparked a wave of unprecedented violence against Nigerian Christians. Currently, there are approximately four million refugees, most of whom are Christians, due to this violence. The emergence of Boko Haram was the catalyst for more extreme terrorists to further attacks on Christian communities.

Muslim Fulani militants and criminal gangs account for about 80 percent of Christian deaths in Nigeria. Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are responsible for another 15 percent. The attacks are outrageously vicious. Islamic extremists slaughter men without mercy and kidnap and sexually assault women.

The Father's Day Massacre

Islamic Fulani militants killed an estimated 200+ Christians in a devastating overnight attack in Yelwata village, Benue State, Nigeria, on June 13–14, 2025. Around midnight, attackers stormed the farming village of Yelwata armed with rifles, machetes and fuel. Survivors recall attackers setting homes ablaze, burning families alive. Gunmen and machete wielding jihadists slaughtered helpless victims throughout the night.

Advocacy Groups/Ministries to the Persecuted

Related Articles

Below is a list of previous IDOP articles and related topics.

Remember the Persecuted

The Book of Hebrews encourages us to remember those who are persecuted for Christ (Hebrews 13:3). One way to remember persecuted believers is by lifting them up in prayer on this International Day of Prayer. Our prayers can make a tremendous difference. Let us not forget what James, the brother of Yeshua (Jesus), said: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

In addition to our prayers, we can also offer practical help using our unique skills to support those who are suffering. Our creativity and empathy are our only limits. Christians globally face persecution; may we never forget them when we pray and work towards their well-being.

Three Crosses