Worship at any cost: Where persecuted Christians find hope

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker” (Psalm 95:6).

The words of the psalmist remind us of God’s command to His people to gather and worship. We see it throughout Scripture. While David is surrounded by enemies, he worships (Psalm 27). In a dark prison cell, Paul and Silas praise and sing hymns to God (Acts 16:25).

And we can see that same response in persecuted Christians today. For believers living in the most difficult places to follow Jesus, worship can be a risky act.

In countries like Iran, Somalia, Afghanistan, China, Nigeria, India, North Korea, Mexico and many more, worship can bring police raids, extremist attacks, family rejection, social boycotts, arrests—even death.

And yet they continue to gather, sing, read Scripture and pray. Some meet quietly in homes. Others defiantly gather in secret locations or the unfinished church buildings they’re building with their own hands. For them, worship is an act of obedience, an expression of faithfulness—and a source of joy and strength in the midst of their suffering.

Here, through these recent videos captured by our field teams and local partners, we want to invite you into some of these places to experience the worship of believers—your brothers and sisters—as they praise God despite the challenges and risks.

Listen to their voices. Let their words sink in. We hope that as you watch this footage, their obedience, courage and joy will inspire and speak to you today.

Still gathering in Veracruz, Mexico

Despite opposition, isolation and an unfinished church building, these believers in an indigenous community in Veracruz, Mexico, continue to gather and worship Jesus—a beautiful moment of worship and prayer among Christians who face persecution rooted in clan oppression and denominational protectionism.

The community is governed by usos y costumbres (traditional customs and practices), which can create additional challenges for Christians.

Please pray that God will protect and strengthen these believers as they gather, give them perseverance in the face of opposition and make a way for them to complete their church building.

Lifted voices in Myanmar

In Myanmar where Christians are caught in the crossfire and churches are oppressed, Tedim Chin lay leaders and pastors sang this familiar hymn in their own language. They gathered for church leadership training and encouragement led by Open Doors local partners. Here, in this safe place, they could sing freely and loudly—a much different experience in their local churches where they must worship quietly, often in secrecy.

Please pray for these pastors, lay leaders and their churches. Ask God to protect them amid conflict and oppression, give them courage and wisdom as they lead, and strengthen them to remain faithful.

Strengthened to stand firm in Venezuela

More than 20 pastors in Venezuela came together for persecution survival training designed to strengthen their faith and resilience as they serve in challenging situations.

Led by Open Doors local partners, the pastors were equipped to remain steadfast in their calling and continue proclaiming God’s Word through practical training, spiritual encouragement and fellowship.

One of the most meaningful moments came as the pastors prayed for one another—and for Christians in countries where persecution is increasing. The gathering served as a reminder that, even amidst difficult circumstances, pastors can remain steadfast when they are strengthened by faith, supported by one another and committed to the calling God has placed before them.

Pray for these pastors as they return to their communities. Ask God to strengthen and encourage them, give them wisdom and courage in ministry, and use them to help their churches remain steadfast through every challenge.

Turning to prayer in Cuba

“As a church, we are gathered here this afternoon, proclaiming Your name, Lord, and believing, Father of Heaven, that You are able to change the times...

“In the name that is above all names. In the name of Jesus, we annul and cancel all times of war. We annul and cancel all bloodshed. In the name of Jesus, please establish Your laws, Lord. That there may be unity in the people of Cuba, Lord.”

Amid uncertainty in Cuba, these believers regularly come together to seek God, encourage one another and pray for their nation. In the face of an uncertain future, they are choosing faith over fear. Together, they trust Him for protection and guidance while faithfully lifting their country and its people in prayer.

Pray with these Cuban believers. Ask God to bring peace and restoration to their nation, give wisdom to its leaders and authorities, protect His people and strengthen the church in Cuba to be a source of hope in uncertain times.

Strong faith in India

For Kuki Christians in Manipur, India, worshiping together carries profound meaning. Since ethnic violence erupted in 2023, the predominantly Christian Kuki community has endured deadly attacks, displacement and the destruction of homes and churches.

Against this backdrop, Kuki believers recently came together for persecution preparedness training where they sang and praised God together—a powerful picture of resilient faith.

Pray with Kuki Christians in Manipur. Ask God to protect those vulnerable to violence, heal those carrying the wounds of conflict and use this persecution preparedness training to give believers courage, wisdom and strength to remain faithful to Jesus.

Thankfulness in Nigeria

A year after militant Fulanis attacked their community in Mangu, Plateau State, Nigeria, 280 believers returned to their village for a thanksgiving service—despite the ongoing threat of violence.

They met in their burned church while children met beneath a tree. Some walked more than an hour for an opportunity to gather with other believers.

Through tears, they remembered loved ones they lost, while singing in their Mwaghavul language. Their pastor encouraged them from John 16:33 (“One day Jesus will wipe away all the tears from our eyes”), strengthening them to remain courageous and hopeful because Christ has overcome the world. For these displaced Christians, returning to the site of their church to worship together was both an act of remembrance and a declaration of hope.

Please pray that God will comfort and protect your brothers and sisters across Plateau State and northern Nigeria. Ask Him to make a way for displaced Christians to safely return to their land and rebuild their lives.