Recent unrest has seen a spike in the abduction and killing of Christians.
bottom"[My uncle] gathered my clothes and threw them in the garbage, and he asked me to leave his house. I had nowhere else to go. I begged to stay, but he took a big stick and chased me out of his compound.”
Malloum*, a convert from Islam in central Chad
Chad faces immense challenges due to its proximity to countries struggling with radical jihadist groups, and occasionally the presence of those groups within Chad’s borders. Boko Haram and other extremist groups operate in Chad, and displacement crises from surrounding countries (especially Sudan) have contributed to instability. In such an environment, being a Christian comes with significant risks, particularly in rural areas where fear often keeps believers from even attending church.
In regions dominated by Islam, individuals who convert to Christianity are especially vulnerable, and are often forced to practise their faith in secret to avoid violent backlash from their families or communities. Although Chad’s constitution promises religious freedom, it can be difficult to convert legally and to register churches.
Christians living in areas where attacks from Boko Haram are prevalent are most at risk of violence. Believers, especially converts from Islam, are also at greater risk in areas where extremist Muslim religious leaders are active.
Persecution takes various forms, including economic harassment in terms of business, employment, and work opportunities, as well as military conscription or service that goes against the conscience of believers.
– Ask God to protect Christians who live in areas vulnerable to Boko Haram attacks.
– Pray for God to encourage Christians in Chad, particularly converts from Islam.
– Pray for believers in Chad to be safe and strengthened as they meet.
Open Doors works through the local church in Chad to provide important resources such as persecution preparedness training, discipleship, economic empowerment, and care for new believers.
