Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ if indeed we share in his sufferings that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:17,18

More Christians have been and continue to be detained in China than in any other country in the world. Population: In December 2010, Chinese authorities launched a crackdown on unregistered house churches. Population: 1,336,718,000 Christian: 7.3% Christian: Actual numbers are between 80 and 130 million. Many cannot register with the government. Others refuse. The government says there are 28.6 million Christians in China.

Christians in China face arrests, heavy fines, forced closures, and the destruction of their church buildings. The very persecution meant to destroy the Church has instead served only to purify her. Such persecution is only evidence of the government’s fear of the church.

77,891,200Population: 98.6% Muslim: Christian: 0.51% Iran is an Islamic state.Its legal system is Shariah law. Almost all Christian activity is illegal. Persecution has been intensifying since Christians from Muslim backgrounds are especially singled out. Crackdowns on house churches has led to the arrest, interrogation, and beating of hundreds.

On May 21, security authorities arrested a pastor of Tehran’s largest persian- speaking church in the middle of a worship service. Two days later, pressure from security forces effectively shut down the church.

Flag Credits: Grunge Background: “Outside the Fray”