Christians made up an estimated 47% of all people living outside their country of birth as of 2020, the latest year for which global figures are available, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of United Nations data and 270 censuses and surveys.

Populous countries and strong population growth are most often associated with Asia today. But as data by the United Nations shows, come the turn of the century, the balance will be less clear cut.

The First Lausanne Congress in 1974 brought together 2,700 church leaders from over 150 countries, who affirmed their shared conviction that the whole church must take the whole gospel to the whole world. Following the First Congress, the global church did more to collaboratively accelerate worldwide evangelization than at any other period in history, resulting in unprecedented growth of the church, as millions in previously unreached regions embraced the gospel and experienced its transforming power.

Pope Francis on Monday set off on a 12-day Asia trip, including visits to four countries and 30,000 kilometers covered by air. According to the Guardian, the visit shows the importance of Asia to the Catholic Church despite not having many traditionally Christian populations. However, the continent is known for its growing populations, growing number of believers and is home to many Christians, among them Catholics, due to its sheer size.

Nations like China, North Korea, and Iran have long censored free speech, often targeting Christians for speaking out about or practicing their faith. In recent years, countries in the West, like Ireland, Scotland, and Finland, have followed suit and begun processes to stifle free speech, sparking concern among Christians as biblical worldviews have been condemned as hate speech.

When Central Asian states gained their independence in 1991, the expert consensus predicted a high likelihood of war among them. Thirty-three years later, not only has that war not occurred, those states have also visibly stepped onto a trajectory of regional integration and peace.

Over the last decade and a half, Pew Research Center has conducted religion-focused surveys all around the world. One question we have asked in each of these surveys is “How important is religion in your life?” Another one we’ve asked repeatedly is “How often do you pray?”

In the last century, Asia along with Africa and Latin America have experienced explosive church growth. In a complex and challenging context with Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Communism, various folk religions, and 5,300 unreached people groups, the church in Asia is now entering a new era of global missions.

We apologize for any concerns that it may have raised and do appreciate your kind understanding in this matter. Thank you for your continued support.

Today’s economic and political disruptions frequently position Asia at the forefront, as its economy has officially surpassed any other region in the world, bringing in a new era of Asian leadership.