BURKINA FASO — Almost two million people in Burkina Faso have been displaced by extremist violence. Many are Christian widows and orphans. Traore* (17) is one of them. He moved to a safer area after a jihadist attack brought tragic loss to his family. Traore*: Sometimes, my heart is broken when I think about my… Continue reading Traore’s Story – Surviving a Jihadist Attack Fatherless in Burkina Faso
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Ukraine: ‘Kids of War’ Grapple with Trauma, Life-Changing Injuries
LOVES PARK, IL — Ten-year-old Maryna kneels beside her bed and prays for the war in Ukraine to end. For Maryna, the horrors of war have already left lifelong scars. Surgeons had to amputate her crushed leg after a shell exploded next to her home. Now she wears a prosthetic. Any loud noise brings her… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Kids of War’ Grapple with Trauma, Life-Changing Injuries
Ukraine Dam Catastrophe: Churches Rush to Help in Flood Zone
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S. mission is rushing to support Ukrainian churches racing to help families impacted by the catastrophic dam collapse in southern Ukraine as a counter-offensive gets underway. “People are desperate for water, food, and a way to charge their phones as flood waters surround them and the counter-offensive goes on,” said… Continue reading Ukraine Dam Catastrophe: Churches Rush to Help in Flood Zone
Ayuba’s Path to Peace After Losing His Father to Boko Haram
NIGERIA — Ayuba’s* father was killed by Boko Haram militants in 2020. Ayuba swore to take revenge on the man who had betrayed his father to the militants – but has found healing through a trauma centre, supported by Open Doors. *Ayuba is portrayed by an actor and his name has been changed for security… Continue reading Ayuba’s Path to Peace After Losing His Father to Boko Haram
Inspiring Real-Life Stories from Former Soviet Countries ‘Will Give Americans Hope’
LOVES PARK, IL — A one-of-a-kind podcast featuring inspiring stories from Ukraine, Russia, former Soviet countries and Israel will give Americans the hope they’re looking for, its producers say. “We’re delivering an entirely new type of podcast,” said Michael Johnson, president of Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) that produces “Encountering Hope – The Podcast.” “They’re… Continue reading Inspiring Real-Life Stories from Former Soviet Countries ‘Will Give Americans Hope’
Ukraine: Desperate Times Lead to Surge in Summer Bible Camps
LOVES PARK, IL — The Ukraine war and growing desperation in hard times are driving a surge in the number of children expected to flock to Bible camps this summer across the former Soviet Union, a region once steeped in atheism. Amid fears the Ukraine conflict could escalate at any moment, Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association… Continue reading Ukraine: Desperate Times Lead to Surge in Summer Bible Camps
Trauma Healing Provided for Religious Abuse Victims in East Africa
EAST AFRICA — Munah* is a young woman from east Africa and one of only a handful of Christians in her strictly Muslim tribe. Her family’s choice to forsake the beliefs and practices of their people group came at the considerable cost of isolation.But an Open Doors trauma care programme is helping her in healing… Continue reading Trauma Healing Provided for Religious Abuse Victims in East Africa
Body Armor-Wearing Pastors Risk All to Deliver Aid to Ukraine Frontline
LOVES PARK, IL — Courageous pastors, some wearing bulletproof vests, are risking everything to deliver life-saving aid to desperate people living near the frontline of the war in Ukraine. “Jesus used to go where there was pain, where it was difficult, where people needed him,” said armor-wearing Pastor Vlad, as he and church members distributed food… Continue reading Body Armor-Wearing Pastors Risk All to Deliver Aid to Ukraine Frontline
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Spotlights ‘Hidden Epidemic’ of Missing Women
WILLS POINT, TX — Mission agency Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is challenging people to “pray tenaciously for the world’s vulnerable women like never before” — including the more than 250,000 women and girls who’ve disappeared without a trace in the U.S. As the annual International Women’s Day takes place in March, the Federal Bureau of… Continue reading Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Spotlights ‘Hidden Epidemic’ of Missing Women
Nadia Sees Prayer as Spiritual Bridge to Others in the Arabian Peninsula
ARABIA — In the Arabian Peninsula, with its predominantly Islamic faith and culture, choosing to follow Christ can be costly. Nadia* struggled with loneliness and isolation when she became a Christian – but she has seen the impact of prayer. *Name changed for security reasons. Nadia*, name changed for security purposes: If I look back… Continue reading Nadia Sees Prayer as Spiritual Bridge to Others in the Arabian Peninsula
Persecuted Iranian Christian Opens Refugee Center in Turkey
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.… Continue reading Persecuted Iranian Christian Opens Refugee Center in Turkey
Iranian Christian Woman Helps Other Persecuted Believers in Turkey
TURKEY — When Sahar became a Christian in Iran, she lost everything – her husband, her children and her freedom. But she never let go of God, and now she lives in Turkey, ministering to women who are going through similar situations for their faith. *Name changed for security purposes. Sahar* – Iranian Christian: I… Continue reading Iranian Christian Woman Helps Other Persecuted Believers in Turkey
Russia, Ukraine Orphans ‘At Risk of Organized Crime Recruitment’
LOVES PARK, IL — Thousands of abandoned and unwanted orphans in orphanages across Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet countries are highly vulnerable to recruitment by organized crime groups, a U.S. mission agency says. “When children turn 18 they age out of the orphanages and have to fend for themselves,” said Michael Johnson, president of… Continue reading Russia, Ukraine Orphans ‘At Risk of Organized Crime Recruitment’
YWAM Emerge’s Aquaponics Program Has Global Impact
COLORADO SPRINGS— YWAM Emerge’s aquaponics program, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is creating a global model that is being replicated throughout the world. The program helps local ministries to generate income and a healthy food source that is sustainable and reproducible. Josh Emhoff – director of YWAM Emerge: When my wife and I decided to… Continue reading YWAM Emerge’s Aquaponics Program Has Global Impact
Ukraine War Accelerates Orphan Crisis
LOVES PARK, IL — The war in Ukraine is accelerating an orphan crisis in the embattled nation and neighboring Russia, a U.S. mission agency says. Children are being swept up in the turmoil in Ukraine and taken to overcrowded orphanages miles away across borders, often separated from family members desperately searching for them, says Illinois-based… Continue reading Ukraine War Accelerates Orphan Crisis
North Korea Tops Open Doors World Watch List
NORTH KOREA — More than 360 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith – that’s a staggering 1 in 7 believers. Open Doors has launched this year’s World Watch list highlighting the 50 countries where faith costs the most, with North Korea returning to number one as the world’s… Continue reading North Korea Tops Open Doors World Watch List
Ukraine ‘Heat and Hope’ Project Gets Underway as Winter Crisis Nears
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based mission has launched a massive ‘heat and hope’ project to rush generators and critical supplies of firewood, coal and thermal blankets to local churches helping Ukrainian families facing a brutal and potentially deadly winter. The Ukraine Winter Heat and Hope Project, organized by Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org),… Continue reading Ukraine ‘Heat and Hope’ Project Gets Underway as Winter Crisis Nears
Revisiting Syrian Widow Jina
SYRIA — In 2019, Open Doors visited Jina, whose husband Rober had been kidnapped by extremists early in the Syrian civil war. Jina has been raising their son, Apo, alone since then – but she continues to be supported by Open Doors. In 2019 Open Doors visited Jina, whose husband Rober had been kidnapped by… Continue reading Revisiting Syrian Widow Jina
U.S. Charity Aims to Bring Hope to 60,000 Children, Orphans in Ukraine, Russia This Christmas
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based Christian charity is ramping up its efforts to bring hope to more than 60,000 children and orphans across Ukraine, Russia and the former Soviet Union this Christmas – 10,000 more children than last year. The huge-scale, church-led Immanuel’s Child outreach supported by Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) gives… Continue reading U.S. Charity Aims to Bring Hope to 60,000 Children, Orphans in Ukraine, Russia This Christmas
Ukraine War Kids, ‘Forgotten Children’ to Taste Joy at Summer Camps
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based mission to the former Soviet Union aims to help give 50,000 disadvantaged boys and girls a “life-changing” summer camp experience this year, including children suffering because of the war in Ukraine. Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) partners with thousands of local churches across the vast region to provide… Continue reading Ukraine War Kids, ‘Forgotten Children’ to Taste Joy at Summer Camps
Jumagul’s Story: Overcoming Persecution in Central Asia
CENTRAL ASIA — Jumagul’s* story is one of amazing redemption: after becoming a Christian, she was beaten and abused by her husband. But God heard Jumagul’s prayers and transformed her husband – and her marriage. After her husband’s death, Jumagul continues to follow Jesus – despite persecution from her local community. Jumagul* lives in a… Continue reading Jumagul’s Story: Overcoming Persecution in Central Asia
U.S. Christians Help Power ‘Church Aid Machine’ in Ukraine, Poland
LOVES PARK, IL — American Christians are helping thousands of people experiencing the horror of war in Ukraine through a local church-powered humanitarian aid machine. The grassroots relief network delivers food, hygiene items and other supplies to desperate families that other aid agencies can’t reach in war-torn regions and remote villages across Ukraine. In less… Continue reading U.S. Christians Help Power ‘Church Aid Machine’ in Ukraine, Poland
Ukrainian Widow Returns Despite Home Being Bombed
CHERNOBYL REGION, UKRAINE — When the Russian invasion first began in Ukraine Christian worker and widow Natalia saw her home completely destroyed in a bomb attack in the Chernobyl region. A volunteer driver with the charity Mercy Projects Ken Gratton quickly evacuated her and her two children from the country. But within three weeks she… Continue reading Ukrainian Widow Returns Despite Home Being Bombed
GFA World Shares a Surprising Antidote to World Poverty: Farm Animals
WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide, issued this Special Report on a surprising antidote and solution to world poverty: farm animals. Recent decades have seen a general trend toward prosperity in much of… Continue reading GFA World Shares a Surprising Antidote to World Poverty: Farm Animals
Churches Rush to Aid Heartbroken Ukrainian Refugees
LOVES PARK, IL — Heartbroken refugee women and children are saying a tearful goodbye to their husbands and fathers at the Ukrainian border, but local churches are coming to the families’ aid. “Many Ukrainian families are being separated at the border,” said Eric Mock, vice president of ministry operations at Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org).… Continue reading Churches Rush to Aid Heartbroken Ukrainian Refugees
Young Victims Remain Hidden in Pandemic’s Shadow
WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide, issued this Special Report update on girls facing decreased opportunity and increased violence, the young victims who remain hidden… Continue reading Young Victims Remain Hidden in Pandemic’s Shadow
Serving the Widow: Helpful Tips for the Local Church
Crissy Sanchez-Cochran, Executive Director of Communications of City Serve discusses The Widow — A Compassion Initiative — a biblical template for how the local church can care for the widow in their sadness and loss. It is often the case that ministries are led most effectively by those who have a heart for a particular… Continue reading Serving the Widow: Helpful Tips for the Local Church
U.S. Ministry Readies for ‘Marathon’ of Aid to Ukrainians
LOVES PARK, IL — Ukrainian refugees lodging at evangelical churches across Eastern Europe are reporting atrocities scarring psyches, crucial needs for water and food, and desperate attempts to escape the war zone by car and foot. Julia reached a seminary that Slavic Gospel Association aids in Warsaw, Poland, only after a harrowing escape from the… Continue reading U.S. Ministry Readies for ‘Marathon’ of Aid to Ukrainians
Standing with Ukrainian Churches in Ministry to Refugees
UKRAINE — Slavic Gospel Association is continuing to help resource churches across Ukraine as they provide vital aid and transportation to rescue countless families trapped in the conflict there. SGA’s President Michael Johnson explains how they’re standing with the Baptist Union of Churches of Ukraine. As the conflict continues to devastate countless lives across Ukraine,… Continue reading Standing with Ukrainian Churches in Ministry to Refugees
Ukraine – Russia: Local Churches Launch Brave Aid Effort in War Zone
LOVES PARK, IL — “Unstoppable” local churches in Ukraine and Russia are launching a large-scale humanitarian outreach across Ukraine as war erupts around them and many suffer. Supported by U.S.-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org), the church-driven emergency response will provide food, winter clothes, blankets and medicines for thousands of at-risk people, including orphans, abandoned… Continue reading Ukraine – Russia: Local Churches Launch Brave Aid Effort in War Zone
Life as a Persecuted Christian in North Korea: Bae’s Story
NORTH KOREA — North Korean Persecuted Christian Bae* was sentenced to a lifetime of backbreaking labour and starvation rations – just for having a Bible. If you were to see Bae* during the day, you’d assume that her work was picking crops. Every morning in the village she’s forced to live in, Bae spends the… Continue reading Life as a Persecuted Christian in North Korea: Bae’s Story
Arsonic Attack on Chernobyl Church Fails to Prevent Christmas Celebrations
CHERNOBYL, UKRAINE — A fire – called a desperate act of arson – didn’t stop the Church congregation in the village of Mlachivka – on the edge of the Chernobyl radiation “exclusion zone from holding a special service outside in the snow and bitter cold, as local firefighters and police looked on. Later, children received… Continue reading Arsonic Attack on Chernobyl Church Fails to Prevent Christmas Celebrations
How Do Children of the Persecuted Church Celebrate Christmas?
SYRIA — How do children of the persecuted church celebrate Christmas? Despite conflict and persecution, children around the world are determined to celebrate Christmas. What are you doing for Christmas this year? It’s a question many of us are asking around the world. For children living in countries where believers are persecuted, it’s a question… Continue reading How Do Children of the Persecuted Church Celebrate Christmas?
How to Practice Thanksgiving in an Unthankful World
During the last two months of the calendar year, Americans can often indulge in a celebratory season of self-absorption. All the while, a nucleus of God-fearing folks try to retain the spirit of the holidays as they were meant to be – as opposed to the socially acceptable events that they have become. As we… Continue reading How to Practice Thanksgiving in an Unthankful World
Giving Hope this Christmas to Iraqi Girl Who Lost Her Father
IRAQ – This Christmas, there will be an empty chair at the table for Rafif’s family in Iraq. Everything Rafif knows about her dad she has heard from her mum, and other people who knew him. Because when Raddif ran towards that bus filled with Christian students, warning them of the planned bombing, he saved… Continue reading Giving Hope this Christmas to Iraqi Girl Who Lost Her Father
Send Me Where No One Wants to Go
BRADENTON, FL – The Lord answered that fervent title prayer from Carole Ward in 2001. As soon as she knew that He wanted her to go to Northern Uganda and South Sudan, she began to feel the pushback and resistance from well-intentioned church leaders and government officials. Entirely operated by indigenous leaders of Uganda and… Continue reading Send Me Where No One Wants to Go
Filipino Siblings Continue Persecuted Father’s Ministry
PHILIPPINES — In the Philippines, 15 years on from the murder of their persecuted father, Pastor Mocsin, we hear an update from siblings Emelyn and Jun-Jun. Emelyn: “I miss those times when we went to church together as a family. Then, during church services, we were complete. We would lead the praise and worship. Then… Continue reading Filipino Siblings Continue Persecuted Father’s Ministry
Churches Confront ‘Raw Trauma’ in Shadow of ‘Forgotten’ War
LOVES PARK, Ill – Churches in the first-ever country to adopt Christianity as its national religion are confronting “the rawest imaginable trauma” in the wake of a “forgotten” war. With the news dominated by Afghanistan — and the recent focus on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in the U.S. — the victims of the lesser-known… Continue reading Churches Confront ‘Raw Trauma’ in Shadow of ‘Forgotten’ War
In Chains for Christ in Laos
LAOS — Last year, three Christians in Laos, Southeast Asia were arrested because of their faith. Here, they recount their experiences – and how they knew God was with them. As one of them told an Open Doors partner, “Even when I was in prison, I felt I was not alone. I felt your prayers.”… Continue reading In Chains for Christ in Laos
The Nations are Coming to Us
BAKERSFIELD, CA – We have seen the desperation of the Afghan people trying to escape as Taliban forces take over Kabul. The US Air Force C-17 plane was packed with 640 precious lives as countless others clung to the outside of the plane—risking life and limb to leave Afghanistan. As we process this grave situation,… Continue reading The Nations are Coming to Us
Christian Lawyer’s Legal Clinic for Persecuted Iraqi Believers
IRAQ — Iraqi law forbids a person from changing their religion from ‘Muslim’ to ‘Christian on their official ID. Believers who find themselves in this situation can be extremely isolated, treated with suspicion by the Christian community while also rejected by Muslims. Mr Youhanna* gives legal counsel to Christians like Matti* who suffers this discrimination.… Continue reading Christian Lawyer’s Legal Clinic for Persecuted Iraqi Believers
Nigerian Widow Experiences Power of Forgiveness
NIGERIA – In Nigeria persecution is on the increase and so the trauma believers suffer is increasing. However through Open Doors partners working in trauma care, Christians are receiving hope and healing. Anuhu* (name changed for security reasons) who leads the trauma care programme shares the story of how a Nigerian widow, one of the… Continue reading Nigerian Widow Experiences Power of Forgiveness
Centre of Hope Transforms Life of Persecuted Syrian Christian
SYRIA — Anwar, a Syrian Christian was persecuted and thrown out when he became a Christian – he didn’t have a home or family, but he had the incredible hope of life lived with Jesus. Thanks to Open Doors, a Centre of Hope was able to give him somewhere to live, and the chance to… Continue reading Centre of Hope Transforms Life of Persecuted Syrian Christian
All Things Possible – Marine Turned Missionary
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – “There are times that bad stuff is going to happen, no matter how much you try and prevent it. It’s what you do afterward that makes a difference.” – excerpt from the opening of the documentary movie, “Triggered.” All Things Possible is a unique faith-based organization founded by Victor Marx. Marx… Continue reading All Things Possible – Marine Turned Missionary
Rescuing Children from Slavery in Pakistan: One Organization’s Fight to Give Housing and Hope to Girls Rescued from Bonded Labor
NASHVILLE – In May 2019, One by One – a UK-based global missions organization with a heart for the poor and broken across the Third World – opened King’s Children’s Home, near Lahore in Pakistan, to rehouse and give hope to children rescued from brick factory bonded labor in that country. The home opened with… Continue reading Rescuing Children from Slavery in Pakistan: One Organization’s Fight to Give Housing and Hope to Girls Rescued from Bonded Labor
Sewing Machine from Gospel for Asia Was Truly a Gift from God
SOUTH ASIA – Lalita is a widow who was struggling to make ends meet after her husband passed away. Through its Christmas Gift Catalog GFA World (Gospel for Asia) gave her a sewing machine which enabled her to earn a living through tailoring work. How one simple tool provided income for a family in desperate… Continue reading Sewing Machine from Gospel for Asia Was Truly a Gift from God
Open Doors Revisits Nigerian Widow Rose
NIGERIA – Last summer, Open Doors shared the story of Rose from Nigeria. Her husband, a pastor, had been murdered by Fulani militants. Their partners recently visited her again and she told them, despite her troubles: “The Lord has not forsaken me.” When Open Doors met Rose in June 2020, we found a woman who… Continue reading Open Doors Revisits Nigerian Widow Rose
Persecuted Iranian Christian Opens Refugee Center in Turkey
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.… Continue reading Persecuted Iranian Christian Opens Refugee Center in Turkey
Gospel for Asia Cites Growing Tragedy of COVID ‘Widow-Maker’
WILLS POINT, TX — COVID-19 is making a heart-wrenching situation even worse for abused and outcast widows around the world, says a new report released surrounding International Widows Day, June 23, an annual awareness event. The pandemic is a widow-maker for thousands of the world’s most vulnerable women, causing them an “unbearable level” of sorrow… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Cites Growing Tragedy of COVID ‘Widow-Maker’
Media ‘Daredevil’ Focuses on ‘Courageous Faith’ in Middle East
EASTON, MD — A veteran Christian media pioneer who lived through rocket attacks and car bombings in war-torn Beirut, Lebanon, says Christians in the Middle East have never been more willing to risk everything to put their faith on display. After decades of isolation and “underground” church meetings, Middle East Christians are now using the… Continue reading Media ‘Daredevil’ Focuses on ‘Courageous Faith’ in Middle East