An estimated 380 million Christians face persecution each year for their faith. Yet in some countries where following Christ can bring arrest, imprisonment, or even death, churches continue to grow.

Iran provides one of the clearest examples.

Converts from Islam can face arrest and imprisonment, while house churches operate through hidden networks and believers use online evangelism to reach others. Yet the International Christian Concern (ICC), a non-profit that runs the Global Persecution Index, describes Iran as having “one of the fastest-growing Christian populations in the world.”

Reports from the ground show how costly that growth can be. Iran Alive Ministries reported that at least 33 Christian ministers connected with the underground church movement had been killed and more than 130 believers had been detained by mid-2026. Some of those detained remain imprisoned and face death sentences.

Yet the ministry also reported 5,849 known conversions this year alone and said the actual number is likely much higher.

Even prison has not stopped believers from witnessing. “Christian prisoners consider prison as their place of ministry, and they are leading many people to Christ,” Iran Alive founder Hormoz Shariat said.

Christian radio also continues despite efforts to stop it. In July, Iran officially banned Christian broadcasts and made listening to them a crime. In obedience to God rather than man, Iran Alive continues broadcasting, and people continue listening.

The Global Underground Church Persists

In China, Christians continue meeting in private homes and through online gatherings despite extensive government monitoring.

In India and Pakistan, underground Christian networks report continued conversions and discipleship. Believers gather quietly in private homes, remote villages, and online fellowships. “… amid repression, faith continues to grow,” ICC researchers wrote.

Perhaps nowhere are Christians forced further underground than in North Korea. ICC describes small church networks operating “entirely in darkness.” Believers risk severe punishment for practicing Christianity, yet secret churches continue meeting, Christian radio broadcasts continue, and discipleship materials are smuggled across the border.

The Cost Can Be High

In Myanmar, Baptist pastor Rev. William served his congregation for more than 25 years. His church in Chin state had already faced persecution in 2021 when it was looted and burned.

Then, in May 2026, William and another Christian were arrested. William was put to death on June 4 while in military custody. He left behind a wife and five children. Around the same time, Christian churches and facilities throughout Myanmar were raided, looted, burned, and destroyed in repeated attacks.

Perhaps against all odds, “…the clandestine church persists,” the ICC reports.

Hostility Reaches Europe

Even Europe has seen a continuing pattern of attacks against churches, Christian symbols, and worshipers.

The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians (OIDAC) in Europe documented 40 anti-Christian hate crimes during July 2026 alone, including 18 cases of vandalism, eight arson-related attacks, and seven desecrations.

Fifteen of those incidents were attributed to Germany and France had 10. In one French church, vandals scattered communion wafers across the floor and left excrement near the entrance. At another church, someone left a threatening message declaring, “The only church that illuminates is the one that burns.”

OIDAC said the incidents demonstrate a “persistent pattern of attacks” against Christian places of worship, communities, and expressions of the Christian faith.

Still Growing

Church buildings can be destroyed, Christian broadcasts outlawed, and Christians imprisoned, yet these things cannot stop the spread of the gospel. Throughout history, persecution has proven to be a fan that fires the flame of the gospel.

Where persecution rises, the church grows. When governments and persecutors try to stamp Christianity out, new believers keep coming to Christ.

While many of us live in relative safety and security, thousands of Christians around the world risk everything to share the gospel. It’s up to us to stand with them and share the gospel as far and wide as we can, while we still have freedom to do so.