missions
Christians in Southeast Asia experience persecution and poverty
By Katey Hearth at Mission Network News
· June 18, 2026
· 3 min read
Southeast Asia (MNN) — Persecution varies by region within one country in Southeast Asia. To protect believers there who partner with FARMS International, we won’t name the country. But Caleb* says the oppression can be intense. “We've had reports of houses being burnt down and death threats to cert
Key takeaway But Caleb* says the oppression can be intense.
Why this matters
The persecution and poverty faced by Christians in Southeast Asia highlights the complex challenges of ministering in regions where faith can be a significant barrier to social and economic support. The fact that being a Christian can be harder than being poor in this country underscores the need for faith-based organizations like FARMS International to provide targeted assistance. By offering microloans and oversight from local church members, FARMS helps believers overcome poverty and regain stability, ultimately creating opportunities for ministry and witness. The impact of such programs can be seen in the stories of individuals who have started small businesses, such as the two women who opened a tailoring shop, and are now able to support their families with dignity and confidence. As these believers regain their footing, they can also serve as a bridge between their communities and others, fostering greater understanding and reconciliation.
About this story
Original reporting by Mission Network News . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: missions ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: Mission Network News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Southeast Asia (MNN) — Persecution varies by region within one country in Southeast Asia. To protect believers there who partner with FARMS International, we won’t name the country. But Caleb* says the oppression can be intense. “We've had reports of houses being burnt down and death threats to cert
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by Mission Network News and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Katey Hearth at Mission Network News. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more missions coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .