In countries all over the world, secret Christians face a stark choice: remain hidden, or be attacked, abused or even killed.
In some places, Christians must hide both their identities and their faith. Sometimes, they will be targeted or even killed by the state because of their faith. Other times, the threat comes from family and community, and may include both attacks and intense pressure. If their secret faith is discovered by the wrong person, they could lose their livelihood, their home, their family or even their life.
While their stories and backgrounds are different, most of these secret Christians share the same reality: they are following Jesus alone or with a very small group of people. But the reality is they are not alone: they belong to a global body of Christ. And through Open Doors, our supporters can show secret believers they have a global family, and can encourage them through local and presence ministry.
Why do they have to keep their faith secret?
In many countries, the reason Christians have to keep their faith secret is because they’ve converted from Islam. This might be considered a shocking disgrace by family and community members, and in some places it is illegal – it can even come with a death penalty.
One of those countries is Afghanistan. Even before the Taliban takeover in 2021, it was extremely dangerous to convert from Islam to Christianity. Believers in the country now feel even more vulnerable, and there have been reports of the Taliban going door to door to find Christians.
“Since the Taliban takeover, Afghan Christians have encountered numerous challenges, including forced relocation, abduction by unknown gunmen, beatings by the Taliban and the tragic loss of beloved family members,” says a secret Open Doors fieldworker in Afghanistan. “Many Afghan Christians have had to leave the country, and those who remain must operate cautiously and underground.”
Secret – but sharing
Some secret believers can’t tell anyone at all about their faith. Others courageously seek God’s wisdom about whom they can share the gospel with – risking everything to help a friend, colleague or family member hear the good news of Jesus.
“Despite their hardships, their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ motivates them.”
Open Doors partner, Afghanistan
“Despite their hardships, their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ motivates them to operate covertly, spreading the good news among their fellow Afghans,” says the Open Doors fieldworker in Afghanistan. “They believe that only through God’s ways and His words can Afghanistan experience positive change and lasting peace.”
In contexts like this, the oppressive regime can even help encourage people to seek Jesus. “The Taliban enforce an extreme version of Islam, and they oppress the people who do not have the right to choose,” says the local fieldworker. “The people of Afghanistan are thirsty for love because, for decades, they have experienced war and misery. So when our servant leaders explain Christianity and the love of Jesus to them, it seems different to what they experience from the Taliban.”
He adds, “There is a visible shift in people’s beliefs, with some converting from Islam to Christianity, especially since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan. That’s why I feel optimistic for the future of believers in Afghanistan. I remain hopeful for the future of believers in Afghanistan and believe that one day we can bring about positive changes in the country’s overall culture.”
How do secret believers gather together?
Depending on the country context, secret Christians have to be wise about how they meet with each other or receive discipleship. Some might have Bibles hidden in their homes, or use audio or electronic Bibles.
“Although the situation is very difficult... they are trying to keep their faith alive by reading the Word every day”
Open Doors partner, Afghanistan
“Although the situation is very difficult for believers, they are trying to keep their faith alive by reading the Word every day,” says the Open Doors fieldworker in Afghanistan. “They don’t have a building, but they do find ways to support each other by meeting together, celebrating the Lord’s Supper, staying in contact and visiting one another.”
In some regions – including North Korea, Afghanistan and North Africa – Open Doors partners broadcast underground radio stations that help Christians stay connected with fellow believers, when this isn’t an option in-person. These can be broadcast from outside the country, and it can even sometimes be the medium through which people first hear of Jesus.
In these difficult contexts, this is an activity that can help reassure secret believers that they aren’t alone. Because that’s the reality. No Christian is alone: we are all part of a global body of Christ.
How can Open Doors supporters be part of this global body of Christ?
Your prayers and support can show secret believers that they have a global family. You can enable Open Doors partners to visit and minister to the underground church, as well as delivering these secret radio broadcasts.
"I remain hopeful for the future of believers in Afghanistan and believe that one day we can bring about positive changes."
Open Doors partner, Afghanistan
Even if it’s unlikely that you will ever meet these secret Christians during their earthly lives, you are still able to call them brothers and sisters. As Paul writes in Romans 12:5, “In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
Thanks to people like you, Open Doors supports partners both inside and outside of Afghanistan through various initiatives: Bible translation, livelihood projects, vocational training, radio broadcasts and supporting widows and orphans. Similar projects take place with secret believers around the world – providing Bibles, immediate relief and long-term support so that the underground church can flourish and grow.
