Persecuted Yet Persevering

Posted on October 07, 2025

On the subcontinent of South Asia, a paradox of growth and persecution is underway. In 2023 India became the most populous country with 1.3 billion people, surpassing China which had held the record for the last 75 years. This region is home to 2,445 unreached people groups and also ranks #19 out of 177 countries for Christian persecution (https://stratus.earth/en/). It is a “hard place!”

That is exactly why Global Action is dedicated to equipping leaders in South Asia. Jesus warned His followers that persecution for His name’s sake is expected and also brings eternal reward (Matthew 5:11-12). The field is ripe for the harvest, and the church needs leaders who have been well-equipped to faithfully navigate hardship and shepherd their churches through opposition, especially when many of their flock are first-generation Christians. To respond to this need, Global Action is investing in leaders for His kingdom in India, Bhutan, and the Andaman Islands in spite of all the challenges.

As Dr. Patrick Fung of OMF International encourages the global church: “God has used persecution repeatedly as a means of growing the Church. For persecution never kills the church, but a compromised gospel will,” (ChristianDaily.com). The potential for the future of the church in South Asia is immense, and by investing in the church’s leaders we are sowing the seeds of that future together.

Below, we hope you’ll be encouraged by stories of such leaders as they invest in their theological education through Global Action. Local leaders such as Elisabeth and Sabin are courageously sharing the gospel, making disciples, and planting churches, all with scriptural fidelity and rigorous doctrinal application.

Global Action is committed to equipping local church leaders who stand in the midst of persecution, unwavering in their commitment to the truth of Jesus Christ. Thank you for investing in the persecuted church in South Asia!

In Christ,

Dr. Rick Thompson

President

Global Action