Pakistan has the world’s third-largest Muslim population. Its political and economic systems are greatly impacted by hosting millions of refugees, primarily from Afghanistan, and the presence of many radical Islamists. At least 48 terrorist and extremist groups – including the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and IS – find a home in Pakistan. The notorious blasphemy laws have had devastating consequences for Christian Believers, who experience more violence than almost anywhere else. This year 25 churches were attacked and damaged, and some were burned down entirely after mobs of Muslims attacked following claims that a Qur’an was desecrated. Deep and long-standing cultural boundaries between Muslims and Christians prevent many Christians from sharing their faith with Muslims so most Christians are former Hindus or from low castes. Despite obstacles and overcoming fear, the Church continues to grow.

Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a country in the Horn of Africa. The bordering countries are Ethiopia in the west, Djibouti in the Northwest, the Gulf of Aden in the north, Indian Ocean in the east and Kenya in the southwest. It is Somalia that has vast coastline on Africa’s mainland. Churches and the Christian Believers are continuously suffering extreme persecution in this country. They are constantly living in situations of threats and hardship for the sake of following Jesus Christ. Faith professing Christians in the country are at risk as Islamic militants, and clan leaders are trying all the time to harm them and kill them. Christian Believers from Muslim background are constantly monitored by elders and family members and also the movements of Christian converts they suspect. Islamic militants are vigorously intensifying their hunt for Christian leaders to eliminate them and the situation is worsening every day. For instance, even Christmas celebration is banned in the country of Somalia.