IRAN: The plight of imprisoned pastors like Saeed Abedini make headlines, but the world's No. 9 persecutor of Christians is also seeing record conversions. Last year, 228 former Muslims participated in what Elam Ministries calls the Iranian church's largest baptism in centuries. Elam expects thousands more as the Islamic government's crackdown on Christianity backfires, making the faith more intriguing to Iranians disillusioned with theocracy. In other words, Jesus—the enemy of their enemy—is becoming their friend.
Latest report on Christian persecution finds Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa the epicenter of jihadist violence, while China leads effort to redefine religious rights.
Q&A with evangelical organizer Tori Goebel on the difference 10 years makes and how a rising generation of Christians is looking for “avenues for action.”