Religious persecution is nothing new.
As long as there have been majority and minority religions/ideologies practiced within cultures, communities, and peoples, the majority religion has tended to persecute, pressure, and discriminate against those who practice the minority faith. The prevalence of religious nationalism often promotes persecution when the majority religion is closely tied to government authority and national identity. We certainly see this dynamic in many (not all) Muslim-majority nations. But we also see it in Buddhist, Hindu, and atheistic contexts.
How then should a faithful follower of Christ respond to persecution?
What is the Most Persecuted Religion in the World?
Christianity!
In the latest Open Doors 2026 Global Index of Christian Persecution, they report that 1 in 7 Christians is persecuted worldwide. That number increases to 1 in 5 in Africa and 2 in 5 in Asia. “More than 388 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith,” according to Open Doors.
A Vietnamese Christian Leader Shares tThe Challenges of Ministry in Southeast Asia
Pastor Tuy heads a Christian ministry in Central Vietnam that faces many challenges. His organization has over 300 government-registered churches and has been a native missionary partner of ANM for five years. Recently, he visited ANM’s headquarters and spoke with Rebecca Olsen of our communications department.
Rebecca first asked Pastor Tuy about how his ministry trains the pastors they send to do church planting.
Pastor Tuy: “With the help of ANM and a lot of donors, we are helping to educate 400 Bible students at different [academic] levels, including about ten studying at the master’s level. We have to invite professors to come and teach at the master’s level because we don’t have enough professors for that. We don’t have a Bible institute or seminary where all 400 students can come together, so we have to spread out.”
Taking Pastoral Training to the Students
Rebecca: “So then, you must go to the students.”
Pastor Tuy: “Yes, we go to the students to teach them in a local church near where they live. We choose the churches that are registered with the government. We send the students to stay there for four to five days. They study for the whole day, have a meal in the evening, and then spend the night in the home of a believer. The students do contribute toward their food and transportation. Right now, we have only enough funds to pay the teachers who come from far away and for their transportation, and a small gift after the class is over.”
A New Law Challenges Pastoral Training
Pastor Tuy: “According to a new law, the government has the right to fire any pastor who is not [educationally] qualified. The students must have a diploma from high school to qualify for the bachelor’s-level training. This law will apply beginning in 2027. The population of Vietnam is more than 100 million people; 80% live in towns and cities. Most of the Christians [we work with] are tribal people who live in [isolated] highland areas. They don’t have a good chance to study and get a high school degree. This will be a big problem for us when the law applies. It will be a big challenge for us. We are trying to find a way for these tribal pastors to be [considered] qualified by the government.”
More Challenges for Church Planting
Pastor Tuy: “Church planting requires people to meet in homes. There are strict rules about strangers visiting villages and people’s homes. They are all reported. Long-term visiting to plant a church will bring attention. We want to register the new churches so that they are legal. Registration requires [legal] paperwork for the land. But these tribal people don’t have this kind of thing. We don’t want to make a problem for the local people. All of this is a challenging thing.”
Reaching the Unreached in Central Vietnam
Pastor Tuy: “So, coming back to the context of Vietnam. It is difficult to reach the unreached peoples [because of the challenges]. We call them unreached because they live very deep in the jungle in remote areas, and they don’t think much about [legal paperwork]. We talk about this a lot with the governors, and they say it is okay, but only for you to have worship among your people. We can do that, but we have to [maintain] a good relationship with the government, respect them, and humbly work and negotiate wisely. The paperwork issue is the biggest problem for church planting in tribal areas right now. It is no problem in the towns and cities.”
Some Good News!
Pastor Tuy: “People are beginning to understand more about the value of women missionaries and workers. Just this past summer (2026), there was a gathering of 1,000 women for three days. ANM helped with the funds. ANM also helped us to deliver Bibles in Vietnam. Bibles are expensive, and new believers often do not have Bibles.”
Rebecca’s interview with Pastor Tuy highlights how even low-level opposition and pressure can affect evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, especially among the unreached. It also highlights how we can pray for our native missionary partners in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia.
Returning to the Original Question
How then should a faithful follower of Christ respond to persecution?
First, understand that persecution comes in many forms and with varying levels of intimidation and pressure. Praying for proper paperwork may seem mundane, but without it, the work of reaching the unreached slows in Vietnam.
Second, pray specifically for Pastor Tuy, his ministry in Vietnam, and for native missionaries throughout Southeast Asia. Pray for wisdom and humility as he seeks to obey this new law that takes effect next year.
Third, read Psalm 91 and note how often words of protection are used (shelter, refuge, fortress). Write the names of countries experiencing persecution on cards and pray for one each day. Pray that believers in these countries will receive the promises of Psalm 91, especially v.16, “With long life I will satisfy them and show them my salvation.”
Finally, you can encourage and support native missionaries through ANM. Your financial support will encourage and equip them and help reach more people with the Gospel.
