Who are the persecuted Gen Z Christians?

Recent data from the Pew Research Center shows that a decades-long decline in adults identifying as Christians in America has stalled. As has long been the case, young people are less religious than older adults. Still, as Axios reported, “Gen Z-ers—especially Gen Z men—are actually more likely to attend weekly religious services than millennials and even some younger Gen X-ers.” 

“We’ve seen the plateau of non-religion in America,” political scientist Ryan Burge told Axios. “Gen Z is not that much less religious than their parents, and that’s a big deal.”

The persecuted church and Christian youth in the West

If young people did become more interested in religion, what would that mean for the relationship between Generation Z in the West and the global persecuted church? 

Could passion for the persecuted inspire a revival in America? Gen Z is known not only for valuing safety and kindness but also for caring deeply about the well-being of others. Galatians 6:10 says that Christians are called to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Jesus also tells us in Matthew 25:37-40 that serving the “least of these” is serving Him directly.

We know that God is always moving in every generation. We have an opportunity to encourage compassion and spiritual growth among young people by spreading awareness of the plight of the persecuted.

Furthermore, America’s youth can learn important lessons from our persecuted Gen Z brothers and sisters around the world—and pray for for them. In countries like Nigeria and India, where Christians are persecuted minorities, many young believers are forced to live with rejection from their families and violence from hateful extremists. They’ve seen loved ones murdered and houses and villages destroyed. Their difficulties would be overwhelming for someone with more life experience, but many of the persecuted Gen Z Christians GCR has met have responded to their persecution with grace, courage and strength—and wisdom beyond their years.

Resilience

As a persecuted Gen Z believer, Milka was only 12 years old when the terrorists attacked. Militants from Boko Haram stormed her Nigerian village, forcing Milka and her siblings to flee as fast as they could. The children spent three harrowing days together on the run before reuniting with their parents. The family then found safety in a camp for displaced people.

Yet despite the fear that filled Milka’s heart, the hopelessness she felt and the horrors she witnessed at such a young age, Milka has turned what was meant for evil into something good. After graduating from college, the now 20-year-old began to work in a medical clinic that serves displaced people in camps across northern Nigeria, just like the one where her family lives.

“When I see them become well and healthy, it makes me very, very happy,” she said.

God has used Milka to help those hurt by the same persecutors who drove her out of her home. Despite her youth, she has become a source of spiritual and physical healing. Pray that Milka will continue to shine a light in her community and that her testimony will be a source of hope to others.

Courage

In India, three siblings converted to Christianity from Hinduism. Suman, her brother Bima and their sister Bindu. Bima was ill and in desperate need of a miracle. Having exhausted all other options, Bindu suggested taking her brother to a church to ask for help. God answered their prayers. Bima was healed, and the three siblings gave their lives to Jesus along with their immediate family.

“No matter how many troubles I face, I found life in Jesus,” Suman said.

Some of Suman, Bima and Bindu’s relatives were angered that these three had led their family away from Hinduism. Oone year ago, Suman received a call from her brother that would change her life: their Hindu uncle and cousins had attacked and murdered Bindu, sending a clear message that Christianity was not welcome in their family.

Bindu left her mark on the world as a teacher who showed the young children in her village how to pray to God. She was fearless, and her siblings now follow in her footsteps with their own unwavering faith.

“My life has changed,” Suman said. “I wouldn’t think of turning back.”

For these three siblings, breaking longstanding tradition and resisting familial pressure to abandon their faith in Christ took tremendous courage. It cost Bindu her life. Pray that Bima and Suman would also remain strong in their examples as young believers.

Wisdom

Much like Milka, Esther has experienced the fear that follows terror attacks and displacement. After she and her family fled Boko Haram, they moved from village to village, seeking out peace and safety. Esther survived their traumatic journey, but tragically, her father did not.

“We had lost everything,” Esther said. “I almost completely gave up.”

But by God’s grace, Esther and her family found shelter in a camp for displaced Nigerians. Through a youth empowerment program, Esther finished her education and gained a new sense of purpose—and a new heart toward her persecutors.

After finishing school, Esther returned to the camp as a middle school teacher to educate and empower the middle school students who live there. “I’m trying to give [my students] first the word of God,” she said. “I want them to have hearts of forgiveness.”

As a young person, Esther has been able to share her love for Jesus with the children she teaches. She’s a beacon of light and hope in her community. Pray that God will continue to use her to reach the youth in her camp and bless her family.

Each of these stories of persecuted Gen Z believers can remind us of Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” While we hope and pray for the youngest generations in America to turn to Christ, let us also remember the young believers around the world who desperately need our prayers.

About the author

Chandler Peterson is a writer and editor for Global Christian Relief where she shares stories of Christian persecution. Read the latest Christian persecution stories on our website and learn more at GlobalChristianRelief.org.