Of the 50 countries with a high rate of persecution for Christians, 40 are Muslim, and the others are Buddhist and dictatorial countries. The expansion of extremist Islam, religious nationalism and widespread hatred of Christianity are cited as the main causes of persecution. About 800 million Christians worldwide experience persecution, and 215 million are severely persecuted. Persecution is predicted to continue to increase. Nevertheless, pray that the work of leading those who oppose the Gospel to the Lord will continue. Pray that the courage and faith of Christians will become stronger.