SYRIA — In Uganda, fear and attacks from Islamic ADF militants are increasing. But thanks to your prayers, local Open Doors partners are supporting affected Christians with trauma counselling and spiritual support. *Names changed for security reasons Edward Bamcwanira – Retired Bishop, East Rwenzori Diocese: We are living in fear. And whoever says there is…
LOVES PARK, IL —It’s a surprise twist few would have imagined — Ukrainian and Russian Jewish Christians are playing a vital role delivering aid to suffering families on the frontline in Israel, 2,000 miles from the war in Europe. Recent immigrants to Israel include Ukrainian refugees who’ve added to the ranks of Israel’s small-but-growing evangelical…
LAKE MARY, FL —Brian Barcelona addresses the core issue negatively affecting our society: We are living as deconstructionists instead of disciples of Christ. In his book, Legends Die Young, Brian Barcelona highlights the truthful accounts of historical and modern martyrs. These Godfearing men and women exemplify what it means to die to self and live…
NIGERIA — Pastor Barnabas lives in one of many internally displaced people (IDP) camps in Nigeria, along with thousands of Christians who have been forced from their homes by Islamic extremist violence. Across sub-Saharan Africa, 16.2 million Christians have been forcibly displaced by violence and conflict. But most of the world doesn’t even know it’s…
BOONE, IOWA — The counter-offensive against Hezbollah’s terror network based in southern Lebanon is sending shockwaves through largely Christian communities caught in the crossfire. “We hear the (missile) strikes around us every day,” said Kamelia Jalbout, who lives in Olayaa, a mostly Christian village in south Lebanon, near the Israel border. “When my children play…
PLANO, TX — Prestonwood Baptist Church and Prestonwood Christian Academy are excited to host the 20th annual Biblical Worldview Conference September 22-24 in the Worship Center at the Plano Campus. BWC is the nation’s largest apologetics conference dedicated to equipping students, educators, and parents with a Christian worldview. This year’s conference theme, “Worldview Matters,” highlights…
BOONE, IOWA — A one-of-a-kind talk show aims to bring hope to desperate Afghan women as the third anniversary of the Taliban regime’s return to power looms on August 15. “Many women and girls in Afghanistan ask, ‘Is life worth living?’” said Rex Rogers, president of SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org), a Christian media group that broadcasts…
NAIROBI, KENYA —Organized by Christian children’s charity CRY the aim is to bring together local and native Christian African educators who have the best understanding of what young people need to further their lives and escape poverty. Christian children’s charity CRY recently hosted an educational forum for African educators in Nairobi in Kenya, which was…
LOS ANGELES — Based on a powerful true story of finding hope in the face of death, celebrated Christian filmmaker Tim Chey is bringing to theaters The Firing Squad, an inspiring movie about three convicted criminals, portrayed by acclaimed actors Kevin Sorbo (“God’s Not Dead” and “Let There Be Light”) and Cuba Gooding, Jr. (“Jerry…
JERUSALEM — Following the Iranian attacks on April 13 in which hundreds of drones and missiles were launched at Israel from Iran and its proxies, The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) announced today it has taken immediate action to approve $600,000 for emergency food and shelter boxes. Additionally, the organization is expediting…
NORTH KOREA — Christian freedom in the world is marked by a deterioration that seems to be getting worse. This is reflected in reports and statistics, such as those collected by the organization Open Doors. That entity has just published the World Persecution List 2024, with data related to the period between January and October…
JERUSALEM — To mark the 100th day of the Israel-Hamas War, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) today released details of its 2023 impact, which includes emergency aid support for those affected by the ongoing conflict. From October 7 through December 31, 2023, The Fellowship provided $19 million in emergency aid and…
CHIAPAS — In a testimony of faith, more than 20,000 Christians gathered in Tuxtla Gutiérrez for the Day of Thanksgiving to God for peace in Chiapas. This event, which began three decades ago, has become a symbol of hope and reconciliation in the region Recently, in Tuxla Gutierrez, the Day of Action of “Thank you…
CHICAGO — As Israel’s war with Hamas continues to intensify, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) announced this week the immediate release of 20 million shekels (more than $5 million) to be distributed to support those in need. Since the war began, The Fellowship has been actively working with partner organizations, the…
LOVES PARK, IL — Jewish Christians in Israel, including Russian-speaking immigrants who’ve fled the war in Ukraine, are delivering aid to traumatized Israeli families, even as rockets continue to rain down. Hamas continues to fire rockets at the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon, where many frightened families are huddled in bomb shelters. Partnering with Illinois-based…
WASHINGTON — Eight years ago, Coptic Solidarity launched an annual initiative, the Modern Coptic Martyrs Remembrance Day, in recognition of the increasing number of Copts being killed for their faith. Coptic Solidarity seeks to create greater awareness and action on behalf of the indigenous Coptic Christians who live under systematic discrimination by the Egyptian government…
PAKISTAN — Journey into the heart of Pakistan’s brick kilns, where resilient Christians labor under the harsh sun and the heavy yoke of modern slavery in the form of bonded servitude. This is more than a look into the world of brick-making, it’s a glimpse into the lives and faith of our brothers and sisters…
PAKISTAN — Christians in several communities in Pakistan have come under attack from angry mobs this week after two teenagers were accused of allegedly desecrating a Quran. Christian leaders and others said it was a false accusation. Nearly 30 churches were attacked, some being completely destroyed as hundreds of Bibles and Christian literature was burned….
ASHEVILLE, NC — On July 28-30, The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, will welcome Hispanic Christians for a Spanish-language seminar led by Guatemalan preacher and director of the ministry Legendarios, Chepe Putzu. “For decades, The Cove has welcomed people from around the world to be equipped with God’s Word…
BARTLESVILLE, OK — “I love you and I forgive you,” Anita Smith said to husband Ronnie’s murderers during a national TV interview. Her Christlike words riveted reporters and inspired believers worldwide as they saw her faith in action after her husband was killed while living and working in Libya on mission to show Christ. Anita’s…
LAKE MARY, FL — Stephen E. Strang released his newest book, “Spirit-Led Living in an Upside-Down World,” (Charisma House) on May 16, 2023. In this book, Strang explores the power that took the teachings of a young carpenter from Galilee and used it to turn the most ruthless empire of its era upside-down, overcoming the…
MICHIGAN – Joni and Friends Family Retreat specifically focus on families navigating the challenges of disability. They strive to create a rich, Christ-centered environment at each Family Retreat that is safe and accepting for each member of the family. Find out how life-transforming this was recently for the Rojas family. Gerardo Rojas: Our idea of…
NORTHERN IRAQ — In 2014 when ISIS entered Mosul persecuted Iraqi Christian Namir was forced to flee the city with his family and seek safety in Northern Iraq in Erbil. But he struggled to earn a living to feed his family until he received help from Christian charity Help The Persecuted to start up his…
COLOMBIA — María Alejandra, a Venezuelan migrant, praises God for her new community in Colombia and for the physical and spiritual help that the Christian organization Samaritan’s Purse has provided to her family and neighbors. María Alejandra: They are my two daughters. They are my reason to live, and because of them, I keep going….
ROMANIA — Christian business leaders can play an important role in transforming society and spreading the gospel. They need to understand how God can use their organizations to share His Word so that communities and people are changed. This was the purpose of the meeting organized in Bucharest by BAM Romania, which brought together international…
TURKEY — Kouroush* is an Iranian Christian now living in Turkey, after he fled to escape persecution, leaving everything behind. We hear how, with Open Doors’ support, he is now opening a Center of Hope to help care for fellow refugees. Kouroush*, name changed for security purposes: “I didn’t murder anyone. I didn’t steal anything….
RIDGELAND, MS — Did you know that there is an unreached people group in your neighborhood? Only 5-10% of the world’s disabled population are effectively reached with the Gospel. That makes people with disabilities one of the largest unreached people groups in the world! For Joshua and his mother, a welcoming church in Ridgeland, Mississippi…
SACRAMENTO —The NHCLC has received a grant of $1 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch “Equip2Impact,” an NHCLC initiative training active and aspiring pastors in fundamental preaching skills that will engage their churches, so they make a cultural impact in their community with conviction and compassion. The initiative is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s…
SANTA ANA, CA — This Sunday, November 6, Christians will pray for fellow believers around the world who are suffering for their faith during the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). According to Open Doors’ World Watch List, more than 360 million Christians – 1 in 7 globally – live in places…
AFGHANISTAN — Baset, a SAT-7 viewer in Afghanistan sent this profoundly moving message describing both the famine and soaring prices affecting everyone in his country and the dangers for anyone suspected of leaving the country’s major religion. Baset: Our lives have changed in Afghanistan. My name is Baset and I am a teacher. But my…
SANTA ANA, CA — A new mobile prayer app developed by Christian persecution watchdog, Open Doors USA, gives users the ability to connect with persecuted Christians suffering for their faith. Available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the Open Doors Prayer App was created to help strengthen and support Christian…
NIGERIA — A new report highlights the alarming scale of rising violence in Nigeria as terrorists attempt to Islamise the nation — Much of that violence is directed against Christians. Andrew Boyd reports. Release International has warned that Nigeria is fast becoming a persecution hotspot. And Open Doors estimates more Christians are killed there than…
QARAQOSH, IRAQ — When Islamic State captured the Christian-majority city of Qaraqosh, Iraq, Sana and her family were trapped in their home for almost three weeks. When they were discovered, Sana and her daughter were separated from Sana’s husband and two sons. Sana never saw them again. But Sana has not given up on God….
Noel Yeatts, President of World Help, an international, Christian humanitarian organization serving the needs of the impoverished around the world, discusses the suffering that Christians face, even by those who use social media as a tool to fan the flames of persecution. When you look at lists of the most dangerous places to be a…
EASTON, MD — Isolated Christians in the Middle East, including many struggling to survive, are using their smartphones to connect with other believers on the region’s first-ever faith-based video-on-demand service. Since launching a year ago, SAT-7 PLUS — a Netflix-type service of faith-based programs 24/7 in Arabic, Farsi and Turkish across the Middle East and…
ORLANDO, FL — Since the founding of Wycliffe Associates in 1967, volunteers have contributed thousands of hours of labor to propel the ministry forward in its mission to accelerate Church Owned Bible translation across the globe. And at the Wycliffe Associates international headquarters in Orlando, Florida, approximately 110 volunteers are staying for the winter season…
SANTA ANA, CA — For the first time ever, Afghanistan is the most dangerous place on the planet to be a Christian, according to Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List, which was released today. The World Watch List is a definitive, comprehensive research-based report that ranks the top 50 countries where it is most dangerous…
JERUSALEM — Winter storm Carmel has ravaged Israel, and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, has immediately responded to assist the vulnerable sectors of Israeli society – in particular, the elderly and people with disabilities living alone, the homeless, and impoverished families…
GERMANY — Millions of refugees fleeing war and economic hardships in the Middle East and Africa have made their way to Europe. They must learn a new language and learn how to deal with schools, transportation, banks and everything else. But a Christian foundation in Germany has created a unique housing project to help refugees…
WASHINGTON — As Christians in Afghanistan pray to stay alive, this Saturday, US Christians are being called to D.C. for a first-of-its-kind large-scale march of solidarity for martyrs and persecuted Christians. March for the Martyrs aims to raise awareness about the plight of persecuted Christians by bringing together believers across all denominations to stand in…
GLENDALE, AZ – The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University has published the sixth release in its series of American Worldview Reports for 2021. The report is entitled “What Does It Mean When People Say They Are Christian?” Each successive report issued over the past two years is a wake-up call for followers of…
AFGHANISTAN – Christian charity Release International has issued an urgent call to pray for the underground church in Afghanistan as the persecution of Christians in the region is set to rise following the return of the Taliban regime. A Christian contact of one Release International partner describes the situation as ‘dire.’ Says ‘Micah’: ‘Our brothers…
DALLAS – With over two million downloads in less than one year since its creation, the Christian Parenting Podcast Network, a leading online resource for parents from ChristianParenting.org, offers a podcast for every parent. Now featuring 16 shows with three more to release by December 2021, it all began with the well-known Pardon the Mess…
TURKEY — Kouroush* is an Iranian Christian now living in Turkey, after he fled to escape persecution, leaving everything behind. We hear how, with Open Doors’ support, he is now opening a Center of Hope to help care for fellow refugees. Kouroush*, name changed for security purposes: “I didn’t murder anyone. I didn’t steal anything….
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — If the results of a recent survey are any indication, it’s time for Christians to counteract the view of retirement as a season only for relaxation and leisure, says the author of the book that launched a movement. Bruce Bruinsma, 79, the founder of Retirement Reformation (https://retirementreformation.org/), says the popular outlook…
JERUSALEM — Due to continued rocket attacks across central and southern Israel, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), the largest Christian-funded provider of security and humanitarian aid in Israel, increased aid to affected citizens waiting out the conflict. “Last week, we immediately approved security measures like bomb shelters and protective vests to…
The keys to success in Christian missions are far different than they were during the greater part of the last three preceding centuries. Success in Christian missions today requires much more than a person packing their personal belongings in a trunk and heading off into the great unknown. At this unparalleled point in human history,…
ONTARIO, CANADA — As COVID-19 deaths continue to grow exponentially in India, one Canadian NGO is stepping up to help that country’s most vulnerable people access the life-saving jab. Effect Hope is a Canadian Christian global health organization that supports people with neglected tropical diseases. Effect Hope will help Indians affected by leprosy and lymphatic…
JERUSALEM — The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) will provide Passover assistance in the amount of approximately $6.2 million to Israeli families, children, elderly, new olim (immigrants), and soldiers, as well as $700,000 to help needy Jewish populations in the former Soviet Union (FSU). This more than doubles the amount of assistance…
SPRING LAKE, MI — Mercy Ships and CURE International announced a partnership to provide specialized surgical care to children living with disabilities across the continent of Africa. Both organizations provide hope and healing to children living with disabilities through surgical care in under-resourced countries. During a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has made access to specialized…
