Persecuted Christians often face a terrifying choice: stay in their home and risk their lives, or flee and lose everything they know. When persecution forces believers to run, Help The Persecuted stands ready to help them find safety, hope, and healing through a network of Safe Houses.
For many, these homes are the first place they have ever felt secure enough to rest, pray, and begin rebuilding their lives in peace.
What is a safe house?
At Help The Persecuted, Safe Houses are the front line of our mission to rescue, restore, and rebuild lives for persecuted believers.
Each safe house is a typical, rented apartment, usually two or three bedrooms, located within ordinary neighborhoods across the Islamic World. Locations are intentionally unremarkable to keep residents safe from discovery. Today, our network includes 19 safe houses, along with The Haven in Lebanon, a former hotel that can host up to 40 believers, largely Syrian converts who fled after the regime change, at a time.
When someone arrives, our local team ensures they are met with dignity and care. Residents receive food, clothing, and medicine, along with spiritual and emotional support. Every believer signs a short agreement that outlines expectations for cleanliness, cooperation, and security. This agreement anchors a shared commitment to protect one another and the refuge itself.
Each stay begins with a three-month term, long enough to stabilize and begin recovery. For those still in danger, suffering illness, or recovering from trauma, the stay can be extended another three months. During that time, Field Ministers and our Pastoral Care Team walk with each person to plan next steps, such as finding employment, reuniting with family, or beginning a new life.
Safe houses serve as the bridge between crisis and stability. They are a temporary refuge that becomes a turning point toward restoration.
WHO STAYS IN SAFE HOUSES?
Safe Houses are designed for believers facing severe persecution. These are often Muslim-background converts who have fled threats or violence because of their faith in Jesus.
Some arrive after being beaten or imprisoned. Others come from families who have disowned them for leaving Islam. Often there are women escaping abusive marriages or domestic abuse because of their decision to follow Jesus.
Khalil, a young father from Syria, arrived in Lebanon after surviving both war and persecution. His family had lost everything, including their home, and his faith made it impossible to return. At The Haven, Help The Persecuted’s largest Safe House, he found safety, community, and belonging.
“After witnessing unspeakable horrors in Syria. I arrived broken in Lebanon. Stepping into The Haven, I found more than a shelter; I found belonging. I truly felt like I was with family again.” —Khalil, Syria
Sakina, from Syria, endured intense persecution after leaving Islam to follow Jesus. Her family threatened to kill her, and word spread through her conservative neighborhood. Help The Persecuted relocated her and her family to one of our safe houses, where they were able to recover, secure employment, and begin rebuilding their lives. Today, Sakina works and worships freely while continuing her discipleship journey through our pastoral care team.
In Lebanon, Dalal fled her abusive husband, who persecuted her for her faith in Christ. With her young daughter constantly in and out of the hospital, Dalal had nowhere to go. Through the compassion of our field ministers, she found a Safe House where she could rest, receive medical assistance, and begin again.
“I have peace here. For the first time, I can pray without fear.” —Dalal, Lebanon
Each story represents a believer who has endured extraordinary loss and found refuge through the body of Christ. Safe Houses are where those stories begin to turn from fear to faith, from survival to strength.
WRAP-AROUND CARE FOR THE PERSECUTED
Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
That verse defines the heart behind every Safe House. We believe refuge must be holistic, it must reach every part of a person’s life.
In our Safe Houses, believers receive wrap-around care that includes physical, financial, spiritual, and emotional needs. Field Ministers bring groceries, ensure medical needs are met, and provide Bibles and discipleship lessons. Pastoral Care Teams visit regularly, offering prayer and trauma counseling. Many residents finally able to study Scripture freely for the first time since their persecution began.
The goal is not only to protect, but to restore. Safety allows healing to begin; healing makes discipleship possible; discipleship produces courage to share the gospel again.
Each believer leaves knowing they are seen, valued, and loved by their Father in heaven.
Why Safe Houses Matter
Across the Middle East and North Africa, the demand for Safe Houses continues to grow. Persecution is rising, and new believers often face immediate threats after baptism or conversion. Many flee quickly in the cover of night with only what they can easily carry.
Through the generosity of partners around the world, Help The Persecuted continues to meet this urgent need. Every safe house represents a sanctuary of faith, a sign of God’s care in the midst of suffering.
From The Haven in Lebanon to quiet apartments scattered across North Africa, persecuted Christians are finding the courage to rebuild their lives and continue their witness.
How You Can Help
Every Safe House begins with someone’s “Yes.”
Will you bring the Father’s love to believers fleeing persecution today? Your gift helps open new Safe Houses, provide food and medicine, and offer discipleship that restores faith and hope.
Be part of the rescue. Be part of the restoration. Be part of the sanctuary.
Or join our Prayer Network to lift up believers finding safety and renewal through these homes of refuge.