Along with the Middle East, Southeast Asia is one of the most dangerous mission fields for native believers. It is not uncommon for Christians in the countries of Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines to be imprisoned, brutally beaten or killed.

The southern Philippines is home to four Muslim rebel groups. In Cambodia, where the business of prostitution is worse than in any other country in the world, one out of every 25 people is infected with AIDS.

Christians in Vietnam and Laos, the eighth and ninth most persecuted nations, face intense, overt persecution. Believers are often arrested and forced to sign an affidavit renouncing Christianity. Those who refuse to sign are tortured or sent to labor camps.

In Burma, citizens are at the mercy of military soldiers who loot villages and force natives to labor without food or compensation on infrastructure projects.

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, is increasing its persecution of Christians. Islamists seek to eliminate Christianity from their country. Hundreds of churches have been destroyed.

Christian Aid supports brave native missionaries who share the gospel through a holistic ministry. Orphanages shelter abandoned children. Vocational training centers offer prostitutes a new life. The families of imprisoned pastors receive support.