People in our network in nations like Iran and China are being arrested, detained, and tried for sharing the truth of Jesus.
You can help carry their burden.
Pastors across nations hostile to the Gospel are facing increasing persecution.
For example, for years we’ve worked to meet the growing hunger for truth in Iran—smuggling over 380,000 Bibles into the hands of searching Muslims. These Bibles open doors for house church leaders to build relationships, answer questions, and disciple new believers.
But this bold work comes with great risk.
Over the last few years, multiple pastors have been arrested, detained, and are now awaiting trial. In recent months, authorities have increased arrests and lengthened prison sentences for evangelism.
Region: Iran
Charges: “Forming” and “membership” in a group or association with the aim of disrupting national security
Facing: Two-year prison sentences
Story: Cyrus and Yasmin were arrested along with five others from their house church and later sentenced to two years in prison.
Cyrus leaves behind his wife and daughter. His daughter is now working to support the family, but her income is not enough to cover rent and the monthly medicine the family depends on.
Yasmine, who is single, came to faith through the underground church and began serving faithfully. She helped her house church coordinate the distribution of Bibles across Iran, supporting pastors and new believers in remote regions. After her arrest, other church leaders described her as courageous and deeply committed to the Gospel.
Their church was raided during the Christmas season and forced to disperse as everyone attending is now being watched by local officials. Because Cyrus and Yasmin were identified as the leaders, they received the sentencing.
Their imprisonment has placed a heavy burden on their family and church community.
Region: China
Charges: Leading an illegal religious gathering; disrupting public order
Facing: Ongoing detention of family members; surveillance and restrictions
Story: Li Mei and her family pastor a house church in Xi’an. Over the years, the church grew steadily, moving from gatherings in a basement to meeting in a rented office space. Then authorities raided the church. Li Mei’s father-in-law, her husband, and another minister were arrested and taken into custody. To this day, all three remain imprisoned.
During the raid, Li Mei’s young son was present and witnessed the violence firsthand. He saw his father beaten until his body was swollen and red. He watched as his grandparents and both of his parents were placed in handcuffs. At just eight years old, he was left standing alone, overwhelmed by fear and confusion.
After Li Mei was later released, her son told her that while she was gone, he cried constantly in the home of a church member who cared for him. The trauma has deeply marked him. Once outgoing and joyful, he became withdrawn and rarely smiled at school. Eventually, he packed up his belongings and told his mother he did not want to return.
Li Mei now carries the responsibility of caring for her wounded child while her husband and father-in-law remain behind bars. With limited income and ongoing surveillance, the family faces profound emotional and practical challenges. Their church community has been scattered, and the weight of persecution continues to press heavily on their home.
Region: Iran
Charges: Leading house churches and online Christian gatherings
Facing: Awaiting trial; under ongoing government surveillance
Story: Ali was arrested for leading underground house churches and hosting online gatherings for believers. Ali is a leader of leaders – as he has overseen multiple house churches and online gatherings.
He spent several months in prison before being released on bond. While there, his wife did not know where he was being kept or how to contact him. Many of his church members were interrogated by officials to gain more information on Bible whereabouts and other gatherings in the wake of his arrest. While he was away, they continued to meet discreetly both in person and online – changing locations and times to stay out of the view of those surveilling them.
While incarcerated, Ali shared the Gospel with fellow inmates and led three radical Muslims to faith in Christ. One of the men who received Christ was on Death Row. He mentioned: “I have eternal life now, so Death Row does not matter.” This is an example of the boldness and courage shown by these persecuted pastors – changing hearts and winning souls even while chained.
As a result of his arrest, both his phone and job were taken. Yet, he continues to quietly coordinate small gatherings of believers while under close government watch. His trial is still pending, and the threat of re-arrest remains constant.
Region: Iran / Displacement
Charges: Possession and distribution of Christian materials
Facing: Risk of forced return to Iran and imprisonment
Story: Soran fled Iran after authorities discovered he was in possession of thousands of Bibles. Because of how he was sharing his faith and ministry ties to Bible distribution, returning to Iran would almost certainly result in imprisonment—and potentially death.
Soran has continued to lead online gatherings of believers in Iran – even while out of the country. He is looking to find asylum in a safer country than the one he is hiding in right now.
He is currently in danger of being sent back and urgently needs assistance to reach a safe location where he can live without immediate threat and continue his life in Christ.
Distributing Bibles in Iran is seen as a threat to national security for spreading propaganda against the ruling regime. The help and coordination that he has provided within our network of pastors in helping to provide and distribute Bibles has made Soran one of the most wanted men in our network to the nation of Iran.
While pastors are detained, families still need housing, food, medicine, and school fees.
Support for urgent needs—relocation, safe houses, transportation, or protective resources.
Help the underground church continue discipleship amid persecution.
Every gift—large or small—meets urgent needs for persecuted pastors and their families.
“In prison, I felt the prayers of the church around the world. I was never alone.” — Former Persecuted Pastor (Name Withheld)
World Compassion Terry Law Ministries d/b/a World Compassion and its affiliates are not a part of nor associated with Compassion International. Your gift will be used for these projects and many other outreaches of World Compassion.
God has empowered His people, including you, to change the world.
You can help empower a Christian in a nation restricted to the message of Jesus from right where you are.
Your giving is what helps transform the spiritual and physical lives of people around the world.
