By Lisa Navarrette, ICC Fellow 

In many parts of the world, Christians worship in secret, hide their Bibles in fear, and risk their lives simply by gathering for prayer. While many believers in the West enjoy the freedom to worship openly, more than 380 million Christians live under conditions where their faith exposes them to harassment, imprisonment, violence, or even death.(1)  

Amid this widespread suffering, International Christian Concern (ICC) has become a critical advocate and lifeline for the global persecuted church. Since its founding in 1995, ICC has served persecuted Christians by providing emergency aid, long-term development, international advocacy, and awareness campaigns. 

Unlike broader humanitarian groups, ICC is one of the few organizations with a mission solely focused on Christian persecution. With operations in more than 60 countries, ICC steps into some of the world’s most dangerous environments to stand with those who suffer for following Christ. 

Christian persecution takes many forms-some visible, others more insidious. It includes physical violence, discrimination, false imprisonment, forced conversions, and the destruction of churches and homes. In countries like Nigeria, believers are often targeted by extremist groups like Boko Haram. In India, Christians have been beaten and expelled from their villages for refusing to participate in Hindu rituals. In Iran, underground pastors are regularly arrested without trial. In Egypt, young Christian girls are kidnapped and coerced into forced marriages for their conversion. According to Open Doors, more than 4,476 Christians were killed for their faith in 2024 alone, with many more harassed, detained, or driven from their homes. These tragedies often go unreported in international media, but they are the daily reality for millions. 

ICC provides tangible support during these crises. When believers are attacked or displaced, ICC offers immediate relief in the form of food, medical care, shelter, and legal assistance. For example, after militants burned villages in Northern Nigeria, ICC provided survival kits and trauma care to Christian survivors. When Christians in Pakistan were falsely accused of blasphemy, ICC funded legal teams to secure their defense. This hands-on approach often makes the difference between despair and survival. In one testimonial, a Nigerian survivor stated, “We thought the world had forgotten us. But ICC came. They gave us hope.” 

Yet ICC’s work doesn’t stop at crisis response. They are also committed to long-term support that helps Christians not only survive but rebuild. This includes microloans for persecuted widows to start small businesses, education for displaced children, and vocational training for Christians trying to start over after imprisonment or forced relocation. In Iraq, ICC has helped families return to Christian-majority villages devastated by ISIS by rebuilding homes and restoring community infrastructure. These programs help ensure that Christian communities are not erased from regions where they have existed for centuries. 

In addition to direct aid, ICC is highly active in political advocacy, particularly in the United States. Their team works with lawmakers and government officials to promote religious freedom and hold persecuting nations accountable. ICC has been instrumental in lobbying for the U.S. Department of State’s designation of Countries of Particular Concern — nations known for severe violations of religious freedom. The organization also played a key role in securing the release of high-profile prisoners like Pastor Andrew Brunson in Turkey and Asia Bibi in Pakistan. This kind of advocacy not only brings relief to individuals but sends a powerful message to oppressive regimes that religious persecution will not go unnoticed. 

Another core aspect of ICC’s mission is raising global awareness. Through its website, social media, podcasts, and publications — including its annual Global Persecution Index — ICC educates the public about the realities of Christian persecution.(2) These efforts inform and mobilize Western Christians who might otherwise remain unaware of the suffering endured by their global brothers and sisters. By sharing stories, statistics, and prayer needs, ICC builds bridges between the free church and the persecuted church. In doing so, it strengthens the unity of the global Body of Christ and fulfills the call of Hebrews 13:3 to “remember those in prison as if you were bound with them.” 

The impact of ICC’s work is both measurable and deeply personal. In 2023, the organization reported helping more than 10,000 individuals through direct aid, while reaching thousands more through its development programs and advocacy efforts. Dozens of persecuted Christians have been released or legally defended, and entire communities have been rebuilt after attacks. In one such case in Laos, a young woman named Kanya was imprisoned for sharing her faith. After her release, ICC provided her with the resources to start a tailoring business. “They didn’t just give me money,” she said. “They gave me a future.” 

ICC’s work is grounded not only in compassion but in biblical obedience. Scripture calls believers to stand with the oppressed and to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, Paul reminds the church that “if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” And in Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” That same redemptive truth is evident today as ICC helps transform stories of suffering into testimonies of hope, perseverance, and restoration. 

Supporting ICC is more than a charitable act — it is a declaration of solidarity with the persecuted Body of Christ. Every gift given, every prayer offered, and every story shared helps break the silence surrounding Christian persecution. It sends a message to suffering believers that they are not alone. In a world increasingly hostile to the gospel, the persecuted church needs advocates who will not look away. ICC is one such advocate, but they cannot do it alone. You can help by donating, advocating, praying, and spreading awareness. Visit www.persecution.org to learn how you can stand with them. 

The early church grew through persecution, not in spite of it. Today, the witness of suffering believers continues to water the soil of faith. Let us not be indifferent. Let us not be silent. Let us rise with the persecuted and proclaim with boldness that what the enemy meant for evil, God is using for good. 

References 

1. Open Doors. (2025). World Watch List 2025. Retrieved from https://www.opendoors.org 
2. International Christian Concern. (2025). Global Persecution Index. Retrieved from https://www.persecution.org/gpi/ 

To read more stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email [email protected].