A Church on the run: Where is God?
Land is not merely a resource – it is deeply tied to identity, culture and survival for countless communities all over the world. For those living in countries on the World Watch List, land represents more than physical space – it is the heart of cultural identity, economic sustenance and social cohesion. The loss of land, whether through conflict or religious persecution, can lead to entire communities being profoundly destabilised. It often marks the beginning of a longer, harrowing journey filled with loss and uncertainty. – Open Doors Advocacy Report 2025
According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, internal displacement broke new records in 2023, with 75,9 million people living in internal displacement. Over 68 million people are living in internal displacement as a result of conflict and violence. The figure has increased by 49% in five years, fuelled by escalating and protracted conflict in Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Ukraine.1
Regionally, sub-Saharan Africa hosts 46% of the world’s internally displaced people (IDPs), says the Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024.
According to the Open Doors Advocacy Report, the Sahel region has become a hotspot for forced displacement driven by a combination of extremist violence, environmental crises and socio-political instability. In recent years, displacement has reached unprecedented levels, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including Christian communities.
Two of the top 5 countries with the biggest displacement numbers are in sub-Saharan Africa.
The fighting that started in April 2023 in Sudan has given way to the world’s largest displacement crisis – and, as a result, the world’s largest hunger crisis. The situation appears hopeless.
Sadly, a displacement crisis is occurring across our continent. Although the actors, setting and persecution narrative that often drives displacement in parts of sub-Saharan Africa differ, the conclusion is much the same.
“As we speak now, we are really hungry. We need food … All those children here, they are all hungry … It’s hunger that brought them here,” shares Alia*, a displaced mother in Sudan.
The situation is dire, and with any outsider visiting the camp, there is a desperate hope that the visitors have brought food.
It can easily feel as though they’ve been abandoned not only by the global Church but by God. In the midst of the suffering, it can be tempting to ask: “Where is God?”
Suffering and tragedy are great mysteries beyond our understanding. Does it mean God has forsaken us or doesn’t care about our pain? Satan certainly would like us to believe that.
Yet, the truth is that God isn’t distant. He is not detached from our pain. The Saviour of the world suffers alongside us, including those who are displaced.
Psalm 34:17-18 reminds us:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
He delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
In our darkest moments, He draws near to us, offering us comfort and peace. But also hope where there shouldn’t be any.
After all, Christ is acquainted with our human suffering as shown in Isaiah 53:3-4: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem. Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted.”
So we hold onto what we know to be true: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
“We’ve put everything to God, the Creator of heaven and earth. We are hopeful that God will bring blessings. We also pray for you, that God may use you to help us, because we are defeated and our hearts are broken,” says Alia.
So, where is God?
He is ever near to us, bringing light into the darkest places and circumstances. We can trust that He is with us, no matter what we face.
Praise God for our persecuted family who continue to cling to Him amidst such difficult circumstances. Let’s cry out to God on behalf of our brothers and sisters – that despite their dire circumstances, they will proclaim Christ’s Name and that He will be with them on the run, in displacement and amid persecution.
*Name changed for security reasons.
Source: 12024 Global Report on Internal Displacement, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre.
Walk with them
Right now, persecuted Christians are living in fear because they’ve been forced from their homes and nowhere is safe. Imagine having to flee, not just once, but again and again. Our brothers and sisters need your support.
Our goal is to raise R125 000 for displaced believers.
Will you walk the road to hope and healing with them?
Every R410 could give emergency shelter to a Christian driven from their home.
Every R680 can sustain a displaced believer with food, clothing and medical care.
Every R1 470 could give a month of education to a displaced child, to give them a future.