In the last decade, two countries have stood out for church growth, even amid political hostility. And now, in recent weeks, both countries seem to be on the brink of major transitions with uncertain implications.

Xi Jinping solidified his hold on China after declaring victory this week in his third term as president. Unfortunately, history suggests that repression of the growing Christian church will continue. In a recent interview, I asked about the theology of suffering that sustains Chinese house-church leaders amid pestilence and persecution. Union with Christ is the daily bread of jailed pastors.

Meanwhile, protests against the Islamic leaders of Iran fuel hope for change. Nima Alizadeh, who leads TGC Farsi, says Christians are scared, worried, and angry. They don’t know what to do.

“They grieve and mourn for the many people who have been killed,” he wrote. “They cry out to God for an end to this evil and for a better government.”

TGC Council member Afshin Ziafat wrote last week that oppression is nothing new for the church. Amid frustration with their Islamist rulers, many Iranians have turned to Christ. In fact, Iran has the fastest-growing evangelical movement in the world.

“There’s a long history of harassment, persecution, and even martyrdom for Christians in Iran,” Ziafat wrote. “But the gospel has spread despite this.”

Amid revolution and repression in two of the world’s most venerable, ancient civilizations, what would be more typical of our God than to send revival?