Today, the countries with the highest persecution rates is being shared by Open Doors.

Topping the World Watch List is North Korea, followed by Afghanistan and Somalia. Many of the countries on the watch list are from the central region of the Middle East or are Asian countries. This list is determined by Open Doors by evaluating how many people are experiencing or have experienced physical violence within the past year because of their faith, and how their lives are affected by external pressures.

The other top 10 most dangerous countries are:

4: Libya

5: Pakistan

6: Eritrea 

7: Sudan

8: Yemen 

9: Iran

10: India

For the past 60 years, Open Doors has been compiling a list of the most dangerous countries for Christian citizens. This year's announcement stated that as many as 260 million Christians are currently experiencing high levels of persecution for their faith. Open Doors says an average of 23 Christian women are assaulted, and eight people killed each day for their faith.

Countries qualify as a persecuted nation by Open Doors using their worksheet highlighting the most common ways people can experience issues in their faith. It looks at the personal. national, and church life of Christians. Open Doors claims "Christians are one of the most persecuted religious groups in the world." Their organization is trying to make others aware of Christians suffering around the world. There are three countries on many people's minds as the report was released.

NORTH KOREA

North Korea is once again the country with the highest levels of Christian persecution. For the past 18 years, Open Doors has ranked this country at the top of their list. Slightly more than than one percent of their country identifies as Christian, but the organization has identified North Korea as having extremely high levels of pressure and more than two-thirds of Christians are facing violence.

Open Doors is sending supplies through its own channels to aid Christians in the area. They would not reveal how they bring supplies but Open Doors says North Koreans "proudly love their country and each other" and "they want to love Jesus too."

Their latest report finds 99.9% of believers in North Korea are experiencing pressure in all aspects of their daily lives, including church and private life.

NIGERIA

Nigeria placed as the 12th-most dangerous country for Christians, but it is identified as the most violent by Open Doors. Christianity is one of the country's most popular religions, yet 99.9% of believers are facing violence under extremist groups such as Boko Haram.

"We have to acknowledge that the brutality is at exceptionally high rates," said David Curry, CEO and President of Open Doors.

Over Christmas, 11 men were kidnapped and killed by a terrorist group, and a second group took and slain an entire bridal party in a separate incident. Open Doors says the number of deaths has decreased this year, but it is still ranked highest in violence because of other violent tactics such as kidnapping and violence.

CHINA

There is a rising concern in China and their faith community. China is ranked in spot 23, but Open Doors is worried about rising tensions and the relationships it has with the United States. 

"Friends don't let friends commit human rights abuses," Curry says.

Open Doors clams China distributes more Bibles than anywhere else on Earth even though the sale of Bibles is bein restricted.

Global Christian leaders such as Pastor Wang Yi were mentioned during the event, calling to the importance of speaking up during a time of persecution.

Another Chinese pater, Pastor Jian Zhu was present at the event to share what it is like for Christians living in China.

"They do everything to pressure Christians," Jian Zhu. He also adds that surveillance is churches and in the public is adding to the current tensions. 

FINDING HOPE

Open Doors says it is their goal to "Stand with Christians" and  empower countries to "connect with their citizens." The organization notes that "real Christians" are speaking out against the injustices they are facing. 

"It is time for religious persecution to stop once and for all," Bob Destro, the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor in the United States says. "That is a long-term proposition."

Open Doors has shared ways that others can pray for Christians in these countries.