Last year was the worst year for persecuted Christians in contemporary history as beatings, rapes, kidnappings, and killings all increased.
The situation has only worsened in 2015. Even Christian-majority countries are seeing increases in discrimination, exclusion, and violence.
The advancement of the Islamic State group and totalitarian governments like North Korea has contributed to the rise in persecution.
November 1 marks the annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. In preparation Open Doors USA is hosting a live webcast, Friday, October 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. PT (8 p.m.-10 p.m. ET).
During the live webcast, Open Doors USA will provide expert commentary and give viewers the chance to ask questions of persecuted Christians from Iraq and Kenya through a live chat.
There will also be a rare interview with a North Korean woman who spent several years in a prison camp for her faith in Christ.
According to Open Doors President and CEO David Curry, the greatest need expressed by the persecuted may surprise most American Christians.
"Time and time again, those living under persecution and those who are refugees from it tell us that their greatest need is hope--hope found in their faith and hope born of the knowledge that Christians in the free world are remembering them in prayer," Curry said.
For more than 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world's most oppresive countries, providing bibles, training prayer and support for persecuted Christians.
"We need to be praying every day for the persecuted church. We need to take action to find where your passion lies and connect in ways to serve the persecuted church like you've never done before. I believe, I really believe that this is going to be the issue that we're really challenged with in the next decade," Curry said.
You can also join the webcast by logging on to CBNNews.com on Friday, Oct. 30.
From the Middle East to Nigeria, from the U.S. to Germany, Christians across the globe are standingin the face of persecution. Here are some of their stories:
Unafraid of ISIS, Iraqi Girl's Faith Beyond Viral
ISIS has brutalized, raped, and murdered thousands. But the unshakeable faith of young Maryam Behnam, who had to flee from the terrorist group, has encouraged Christians in Iraq and around the world.
Miracle Survivors Tell of Boko Haram's Unspeakable 'Evil'
As ISIS continues to grab the global spotlight, Boko Haram operates under the radar, seizing parts of Nigeria. Those fortunate to survive their wrath testify to unspeakable horrors.
Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis Goes Free. What's Next?
Six days after a judge threw Kim Davis in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the Kentucky county clerk woke up a free woman Wednesday morning.
'Brave German Woman' Rebukes Islam's Lie
Islam continues to grow in power and influence across Europe. But in Germany one Christian woman has decided to stand up and declare Christ alone as Lord over her country.
Widow's Joy: He Didn't Deny Christ When Beheaded
The amazing response of the Egyptian Christians whose loved ones were recently beheaded by ISIS has inspired a solidarity movement for those suffering for Christ in the Middle East.
