Underground Churches Continue to Flourish Despite Violence in This Troubled Nation

Faith Facts

• Despite Haiti’s government collapse and gang violence, Christians reported 149 new believers and three new Churches of Christ in just three months
• Nearly 1,000 Christian women gathered in Nicaragua for a national fellowship event organized entirely through grassroots fundraising over one year
• In Kenya, 41 people were baptized in a single day after studying through World Bible School correspondence ministry

Across the globe, Christian communities are experiencing remarkable growth even in the face of persecution, poverty, and political instability. From the gang-torn streets of Haiti to the casino capital of Macau, believers are finding creative ways to share the Gospel and strengthen their faith.

In Haiti, where the government has collapsed and gang violence has torn the nation apart, the church continues its steady march forward. The International School of Theology, meeting near Port-au-Prince, reported extraordinary results during the first quarter of 2026.

One hundred forty-nine new believers were baptized, and three new Churches of Christ were established. Many congregations now meet in small groups as a safety precaution, church members said. The perseverance of these faithful Christians demonstrates that the Gospel cannot be stopped by earthly chaos.

In Kenya, the power of patient evangelism bore visible fruit. Daniel Gaines, director of Tanzanian Missions, shared a powerful photograph showing 41 people waiting in line to be baptized in a pond in the village of Bunjosi in western Kenya. The World Bible School correspondence ministry played a crucial role in these conversions, proving that simple, faithful teaching methods remain effective in reaching souls.

The small island nation of Bermuda presents a different challenge entirely. Missionary Larry Waymire explained the unique obstacle facing evangelists there.

“Because Bermuda is a wealthy island, many feel they do not need God,” Waymire said. “Students at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Bermuda are reaching out to show the importance of trusting God’s Word rather than the word of man, man-made religions or the riches of this world.”

The school recently completed its first year with 16 students. Despite the demanding schedule—classes for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and four hours on Saturdays—the commitment remains strong.

“Most of the students work full-time jobs and have families,” Waymire said, “yet they and their families make the sacrifice to attend class.”

The school’s director, Keithlyn Fleming, serves as an elder of the Brighton Hill Church of Christ in Devonshire. Fleming works two jobs in addition to his church and school duties, exemplifying the kind of dedication that builds lasting ministries.

“Pray for our students as they continue preparing to bring lost souls to Christ,” Waymire said. “It may be your prayer that opens the next door to a searching heart.”

In Macau, a special administrative region of China known as the gambling capital of the world, Filipino immigrants have established a thriving Church of Christ. The casino industry there is several times larger than Las Vegas, yet in the midst of this spiritual desert, believers gather regularly for worship services and singing practices. The congregation recently welcomed ministry interns from Heritage Bible School in Baguio City, Philippines.

Perhaps one of the most inspiring stories comes from Nicaragua, where nearly 1,000 Christian women gathered for the Church of Christ National Women’s Fellowship. The theme, “Women of Impact: Shining to Edify,” was based on Matthew 5:14-16. Josefina Sánchez of the León Church of Christ in Managua served as keynote speaker.

The National Ladies’ Committee organized the event, with Gaby Medrano, a committee member from Masatepe, sharing details of the year-long effort.

The committee worked tirelessly for a year to raise funds, Medrano said, so that participants wouldn’t be asked for “a single córdoba (Nicaragua’s currency) in payment.”

“The Word of God was present from morning until late afternoon,” she added, “and God’s presence was palpable. I believe the event was a resounding success, evidenced by the fact that sisters traveled from every department (state) of the country to attend.”

An international women’s conference is scheduled for October in Nicaragua.

Even in war-torn Ukraine, the church continues to grow. More than 40 women attended “God’s Garden,” an event hosted by a Church of Christ in Kyiv twice each year. In addition to studying Scripture and participating in a talent show, attendees spent time “sharing life, supporting one another and just enjoying the day,” organizer Natalia Maliuga said.

Maliuga serves as administrative director for the Ukrainian Bible Institute. She reflected on the growth since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

“I am truly grateful to God for every sister, for every woman, who comes to our community in search of truth and meaning,” Maliuga said. “It’s especially valuable to realize that many of us met after 2022. Back then, in the spring, our hall was almost empty. And today we see the Lord blessing and growing our community.”

In Zambia, Bible college students are using their vacation breaks for ministry. Vincent Simwanza, a student at the Southern Africa Bible College in Benoni, South Africa, returned home during a recent break to care for his ailing mother. He also spoke at three churches—the Riverside Church of Christ in Livingstone and the Luanshya Central and Kamfinsa Churches of Christ in Zambia’s Copperbelt province.

The Kamfinsa congregation has a particularly encouraging story.

“The church had closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, with members dispersing and the building eventually being taken over by a denomination,” Simwanza said. “However, in 2024, by God’s grace, the building was reclaimed by the church. There are now two evangelists actively serving and ministering to the congregation.”

These reports from around the world demonstrate that faithful Christians are advancing the Kingdom regardless of circumstances. Whether facing wealth that breeds complacency, violence that threatens safety, or war that scatters congregations, believers continue to gather, teach, and baptize new converts.

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