There was little hope for the speedy release of three believers who were recently imprisoned in a Southeast Asian country. Living out the Christian faith there—where less than two percent of the population follows Jesus—is risky at best and life-threatening at worst.
Months passed. The three remained in custody.
Samaritan’s Purse is working alongside the persecuted Church in nations like this one. Our local partners are on the ground passionately and sensitively sharing the Gospel. They also distribute food and other basic needs in places where believers are threatened. God uses your generosity to bless their efforts and bring relief.
In Southeast Asia, our partner runs workshops that gather together government officials, village police, and church leaders to discuss topics like religious freedom. God uses these conversations to address misconceptions and share the Good News.
Just two weeks after one of these seminars, the three Christians who had been arrested were freed. Praise God!
“That was a real step forward,” reported our partner. “Christianity is new in that province, and local authorities are just beginning to accept the presence of Christians.”
“Throughout this training, I have learned many new things,” said one official who attended a workshop. “I got to know others’ identities, values, and personalities. The most important thing is to build peace among us.”
There are now more persecuted believers in the world than at any other time in history. As their lives are threatened because they follow Jesus Christ, we must stand with them to encourage their faith—which is “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:7, ESV).
Samaritan’s Purse is passionate about serving local churches around the world, in particular those that are persecuted for their faith in Christ. Your gift will help protect Christians from persecution, and empower them to live out their faith in contexts that can be hostile toward the Gospel.