December 1, 2025
Around the world, far from headlines and political debate, people are suffering in silence for one reason: their faith. In too many places, simply gathering to pray can lead to surveillance, harassment, imprisonment, or worse. Churches are shuttered. Families are torn apart. Communities are pushed into the shadows.
In Eritrea, across Africa, and in parts of Asia, the pressure is relentless. Students are restricted from studying sacred texts. Churches are denied legal standing. Girls are abducted and forced into marriage. Families of prisoners bear stigma and financial ruin. And this darkness stretches across borders — from India to China and beyond, believers face constant risk because of what they believe.
Yet in these same places, sparks of hope can take hold.
At 21Wilberforce, we work alongside courageous leaders, churches, and advocates who refuse to let oppression have the final word. Together with partners around the world — and supporters like you — we are equipping communities with the tools they need not just to endure persecution, but to transform their nations with resilience and freedom.
What You Helped Make Possible in 2025
Strengthening Frontline Leaders in Nigeria
In September, more than 60 national and regional leaders gathered for advocacy and security workshops led by 21Wilberforce and local partners. These trainings are shaping a new generation of Christian leaders in the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria, and laying the foundation for a dedicated center for research, advocacy, and engagement.
Building Resilience Across Southeast Asia
Working with Baptist churches and local networks, we co-created a new advocacy and peacemaking toolkit designed for communities facing discrimination. Next year, this work will expand to workshops for youth and women leaders, equipping them to respond with wisdom, courage, and unity.
Expanding Hope for Burma (Myanmar)
As conflict and displacement intensify, our team visited the Mae La Refugee Camp and supported emergency food aid to sustain operations after critical funding cuts. We also joined the newly formed Burma Religious Freedom Consortium to amplify the voices of persecuted faith communities before international policymakers.
Developing Global University Partnerships
Through our three-week Human Rights Workshop — in collaboration with universities in Nigeria, India, and the United States — more than 25 emerging leaders were trained in advocacy, human rights, and campaign strategy. Four universities are now integrating religious freedom and peacemaking into their programs, with additional institutions in Indonesia and the Middle East seeking to join next year.
Advocacy With Impact
Across 2025, we helped equip more than 97 church and civil society leaders and over 150 young leaders through our global networks. We participated in or led seven advocacy campaigns on behalf of persecuted communities in Eritrea, Burma, the DRC, Rwanda, and more — ensuring that stories of suffering were heard by those in positions to act.
Sharing Resources That Mobilize Action
This year we launched a new suite of online tools — Stories, Reports, Preach, Teach, Pray, and Advocate — to equip individuals and congregations to stand with persecuted believers.
Mobilizing Prayer in the United States
Through a statewide Week of Prayer for Nigeria developed with Texas Baptists, churches across the region joined in intercession for persecuted Christians and deepened awareness of the crisis.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The need is urgent — but so is the opportunity.
In the coming year, 21Wilberforce will expand its advocacy and training centers in Nigeria and Southeast Asia, launch a university-based course on religious freedom advocacy, and continue building global networks that strengthen local communities in high-risk regions.
Every new hub, every training, every advocate equipped represents another light piercing the darkness.
Your Partnership Makes This Possible
As we launch our year-end fundraising effort, your generosity is more than financial support.
It is a statement of faith — that no one should suffer for their beliefs, that freedom belongs to every person, and that hope can outshine even the darkest night. We invite you to stand with us.
Together, we can bring light into places where fear has reigned for too long.
A generous donor has stepped forward with a matching gift of $25,000. That means your year-end contribution will go twice as far in helping us continue this work. Don’t miss the chance to double your impact.
Photo caption: Participants in the September Nigeria consultation coordinated by 21Wilberforce, whose president, Wissam al-Saliby, is in the front row, left of center, in the gray suit. Advocacy and training coordinator Trent Martin is fourth from left. Nigerian advocate Godwin Adeboye, quoted in the blog post below, is in the back row at right, behind the government representative in the gray jacket.