Many Southeast Asian countries are ruled by authoritarian governments that view Christianity as a threat to their power. As a result, they oppress Christians and seek to control churches. In some countries in the region, the majority religion is tied to national identity. This leads to discrimination against Christians and limits religious freedom. Governments in the area are increasingly surveilling Christian activity. Some have laws that criminalize blasphemy, which can be used to persecute believers.

Through it all, Christians in Southeast Asia remain committed to the way of God’s kingdom.

Light for the Underground Church (Where Most Needed)

The underground church — also called house churches or small house groups — often meets in secret due to government restrictions or intense pressure. These churches operate in Muslim-majority nations, under Communist regimes, or countries dominated by nationalist religious ideologies (e.g., Buddhist or Hindu). Their members include converts from other religions, local pastors, and evangelists who risk everything to follow Christ.

ICC is actively supporting underground churches across Southeast and East Asia. Christians and pastors face church closures and the denial of permits, which prevent believers from worshiping publicly. By the end of 2026, our goal is to equip 5,000 underground Christians with the tools and support needed to grow in faith and fellowship.

Supporting Hidden Workers (Gospel)

In Southeast and East Asia, where Christianity is often restricted or outlawed, hidden workers are believers who serve the church behind the scenes and under the radar. These are local pastors, evangelists, and ministry partners working in environments where openly sharing the gospel can lead to arrest, violence, or expulsion from their communities. We partner with these hidden workers to support the underground church — providing tools, support, and encouragement to sustain ministry in the most dangerous regions.

Supplying Sacred Scripture (Gospel)

A major ICC initiative in Southeast Asia is distributing Bibles, particularly among house churches and small groups. Christians are regularly denied the right to gather freely, build churches, and evangelize. It is a privilege to supply God’s Word and good Bible teaching materials to house churches and persecuted believers. With donor support, ICC has distributed and gifted many Bibles in Southeast and East Asia this year.

A Haven for Refugees (Emergency Relief)

Many Christian refugees seek asylum in Southeast Asia due to escalating religious persecution in their home countries. Many of these individuals come from nations where Christianity is suppressed, and believers face harassment, imprisonment, or violence for practicing their faith. We plan to serve more than 4,000 refugees by the end of 2026 through support programs and outreach efforts.

Help for Recent Converts/MBBs (Emergency Relief)

ICC recently served Muslim Background Believers (MBBs) to complete their Bible college training. ICC’s work in Southeast and East Asia aims to equip house church groups with meaningful Bible teaching and pastoral and ministry training. ICC also supports Christian children’s clubs, many of which are made up of MBBs.

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