Search here:

Litdp Banner No Text

IDOP 2026

Across the world today, countless Christians live out their faith in places of danger and hostility. Some are forced to worship in secret, while many others face suffering, hardship and loss.
However, in that darkness, our brothers and sisters continue to live for Jesus. They show his compassion, they forgive, they share the good news. They are Christ’s light in the darkest places.

THEIR STORIES

In Eritrea, Dr Kiflu Gebremeskel has spent more than 20 years in the darkness of a prison cell. He was a senior leader in the Eritrean church and one of the first targets of the country’s authoritarian regime. Despite severe pressure he has never denied his faith in Christ.

Dr Kiflu Gebremeskel - Eritrea
'phouang'

In rural Laos, Pastor Phouang has devoted his life to sharing the gospel with a minority people group. Many have come to faith in Jesus but they face strong opposition from the authorities. To avoid being detected, they are forced to meet together outside their village after dark to pray.

Pastor Phouang - Laos
Nig Luka Abba 03

In Nigeria, Luka experienced one of the darkest nights of his life when militants attacked his village and killed his wife, parents and children. After going through trauma counselling Luka has committed to forgiving the attackers and using his life to bless others.

Luka - Nigeria
Severa Khaled 6

In Pakistan, many people consider it shameful to be associated with Christians. Severa faces deep-rooted discrimination at university where she is made to sit in the back row of lectures and other students physically distance themselves from her. Despite this rejection, her faith is strong and she has started a group to encourage other Christian students.

Severa - Pakistan
Iraq Rev Faiz 03

In Iraq, sectarian tensions are high, Christians are treated as second-class citizens, and violent attacks are a continual risk. Rev Faiz leads a church in Baghdad which is committed to serving the Christian community and shining Christ’s light into this troubled city.

Rev. Faiz - Iraq
20250611 131138

In Nigeria, thousands of Christians have been killed and many more forced to leave their homes. The violence has created profound suffering and loss. But Rev Mark Mukan will not allow this awful darkness to have the last word. He is committed to pastoral care and training more Christian leaders to reach out with the transforming light of the gospel.

Rev. Mark Mukan - Nigeria
Lwc Logo (1)

LIGHT WALK CHALLENGE

Inspired by the courage and steadfast faith of our persecuted brothers and sisters, Release International CEO Paul Robinson is taking a step  out into the literal dark.

Learn More Here.
Pexels Hoffman11 28529890

CHURCH LIGHT WALK

You might not be able to hike up Scafell Pike in the middle of the night like Paul Robinson and his team, but could you organise your own local Light Walk to raise the voice of persecuted Christians?

Click here to find out more.
Pexels Arina Krasnikova 5418297

PRAYERS IN THE DARK

In many parts of the world Christians have to meet together in secret. Often this involves gathering under the cover of darkness. For example, in Laos, Pastor Phouang’s church have to meet outside their village after dark to avoid being detected by the authorities. Could you identify with them by organising your own Prayers in the Dark?

To find out more click here
Orthodox,christian,worshiper,holds,candles,during,an,easter,vigil,mass