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
Results for "Widows"
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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
Salamata’s Pain After Extremist Attack on Her Church in Burkino Faso
BURKINO FASO — For 19-year-old Salamata* from Burkina Faso in West Africa, life has been incredibly difficult. She witnessed an extremist attack on her church and struggles to see God’s hand on her life. Open Doors has provided her with an aid package and trauma counselling but she still has many unanswered questions. Salamata*: “Our… Continue reading Salamata’s Pain After Extremist Attack on Her Church in Burkino Faso
Central Asia: Anastasia’s Church Ministry
CENTRAL ASIA — Anastasia* who came to Christ 20 years ago is a house church leader living in Central Asia. The authorities told her they thought she was retired, but she still teaches six times a week and preaches on Sundays! Her passion for the gospel is infectious. In this Open Doors report Anastasia, who… Continue reading Central Asia: Anastasia’s Church Ministry
Transforming Lives Through Farming in Democratic Republic of Congo
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — Samaritan’s Purse is providing tools, seeds, and agricultural training to farmers living with disabilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nicole Solvig, Samaritan’s Purse: We’re heading to one of our farmer’s fields to see the progress of their work. This is a group of farmers who are all living… Continue reading Transforming Lives Through Farming in Democratic Republic of Congo
Lifting Up the Vulnerable in Sudan and South Sudan
NEW YORK – Lift Up the Vulnerable (LUV) leads the only indigenously-directed anti-human trafficking network spanning Sudan and South Sudan. Overview of Sudan and South Sudan The residents of the two countries have suffered decades of instability, military conflict, food scarcity, and economic hardships. Nearly four million South Sudanese have been displaced as a result… Continue reading Lifting Up the Vulnerable in Sudan and South Sudan
Ministering to Muslim Background Chinese Christians
CHINA — When Muslims becomes Christians in China they become alienated from their people group and family. They are often socially marginalized, disowned by their family and rejected by their friends. In response Open Doors workers Philip and Pearl* take great to risk their own safety to visit and encourage these Muslim background believers or… Continue reading Ministering to Muslim Background Chinese Christians
Middle East ‘Secret Believer’ Refuses to Deny Jesus
MIDDLE EAST — *Taher and his family were secret believers in a closed country in the Middle East. When their faith was discovered, Taher was arrested and ruthlessly interrogated by the secret police – but he refused to give up the names of fellow believers. In many other countries in the Middle East, worshiping in… Continue reading Middle East ‘Secret Believer’ Refuses to Deny Jesus
U.S. Ministry Supports Christian Kids Camp in ‘Shadow of Chernobyl’
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based mission to the “forgotten children” of the former Soviet Union is aiming to give an “unforgettable summer” to children still suffering from the lingering effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster that shook the world 35 years ago on April 26. Supported by Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org), Camp… Continue reading U.S. Ministry Supports Christian Kids Camp in ‘Shadow of Chernobyl’
Gospel for Asia Announces its First-Ever Mission in Rwanda, Africa
WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World 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, one of the largest mission agencies in the world, is launching compassion projects in Africa (http://www.gfa.org/press/intoAfrica) for the first time — a… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Announces its First-Ever Mission in Rwanda, Africa
Healing for Nigerian Widow Hajaratu
CHIBOB, NIGERIA — In the Middle Belt of Nigeria, militant Fulani herdsmen kill and displace Christians and take over their farmland. Hajaratu, a widow from Chibob, Nigeria, has suffered immeasurable grief after fleeing from one of these raids. Find out how Open Doors is helping more women like Hajaratu to heal. Hajaratu: “I woke up… Continue reading Healing for Nigerian Widow Hajaratu
All in for America’s Kids
WASHINGTON — In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, CityServe, along with churches around the nation will be observing a National Day of Prayer, referred to as Blue Sunday, this April 25th. This day reminds faith communities to intercede in prayer for abused and neglected children and to open their doors to provide good homes… Continue reading All in for America’s Kids
Vietnamese Christian Woman Refuses to Deny Jesus Despite Attacks
VIETNAM — Chu is a courageous Christian woman in Vietnam whose husband tried to force her to deny Jesus. He had come under pressure from his local community leaders who threaten to demote or retire tribal leaders if they allow Christianity into their villages. However even though he beat her there was no turning back… Continue reading Vietnamese Christian Woman Refuses to Deny Jesus Despite Attacks
Pastor Helps Syrians During Decade of Civil War
SYRIA — This month marks the 10th anniversary of the first demonstrations that sparked the Syrian Civil War. In that time, the Christian population decreased from two million in 2010 to under 700,000 today. Ten years of civil war in Syria have made life much harder for persecuted Christians – but Open Doors has been… Continue reading Pastor Helps Syrians During Decade of Civil War
Russia Gospel Surge ‘Is COVID Silver Lining’ as Thousands Hear About Christ
LOVES PARK, IL — Christians in Russia going door-to-door in the bitter cold reached thousands more children and families with the Gospel over the past few months than ever before — largely because of COVID-19. Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association’s (SGA, www.sga.org) Christ Over COVID campaign and Immanuel’s Child Christmas outreach helped Russian Christians and their… Continue reading Russia Gospel Surge ‘Is COVID Silver Lining’ as Thousands Hear About Christ
Khalid’s Story: Ethiopian Christian Excluded by Muslim Family
ETHIOPIA — Like so many believers in Ethiopia, when Khalid became a Christian he was excluded by his Muslim relatives. Forced to leave he was left with no food, shelter or source of income. But persecution charity Open Doors stepped in to help him establish his own business. Khalid: “Persecution is tough. You are separated… Continue reading Khalid’s Story: Ethiopian Christian Excluded by Muslim Family
Supporting Persecuted North Korean Christian Women
NORTH KOREA — The persecution of Christian women and girls around the world is hidden, complex and violent. They are vulnerable for both their gender and their faith. As part of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Open Doors has been sharing stories of those who’ve been persecuted simply because they are Christian women. The… Continue reading Supporting Persecuted North Korean Christian Women
Ethiopian Widow Receives Vital COVID-19 Support
ETHIOPIA — When Abebu’s husband was killed in Ethiopia for his faith in 2013 Christian charity Open Doors stepped in to support her family. But seven years later when Covid-19 restrictions again left her unable to feed her children, the charity provided vital help to her as well as thousands of other families across Africa… Continue reading Ethiopian Widow Receives Vital COVID-19 Support
Pathway Learning – Equipping Christian Leaders Around the World
WINTER PARK, FL – Pathway Learning was born in the heart of Dr. Steve Childers when after leading a training session for church leaders in Africa. His lesson included the matter of serving widows and orphans in the communities represented at the conference. None of the churches represented were doing anything. Steve immediately realized that… Continue reading Pathway Learning – Equipping Christian Leaders Around the World
COVID-19 Fuels ‘Hidden Pandemic’ of Abuse Towards Christian Women
SOUTH ASIA — Covid-19 is fuelling a growing, hidden, “shadow pandemic” of gender-based violence, abduction and trafficking, directed towards Christian women and girls around the world. This is one of the findings of a new report commissioned by Christian persecution charity Open Doors, released on International Women’s Day (Mon Mar 8). Global Gender Persecution Specialist… Continue reading COVID-19 Fuels ‘Hidden Pandemic’ of Abuse Towards Christian Women
GLO: A Light Shining in Burundi
CHARLESTON, SC – I am going to assume that you know as much about Burundi as I did before I began to investigate the benevolent work of GLO (aka Great Lakes Outreach). So, before I can introduce you to GLO, I need to familiarize you with the African nation of Burundi. Burundi Burundi occupies less… Continue reading GLO: A Light Shining in Burundi
The Story of Prisoner 42 in North Korea
NORTH KOREA — This story is based on a real-life account of a North Korea Christian sent to prison and then to a re-education camp. Other details have been added from other prison accounts. Open Doors has heard stories like this from numerous North Korean believers – and, disturbingly, the details are all eerily similar.… Continue reading The Story of Prisoner 42 in North Korea
Mass killings in the Democratic Republic of Congo a ‘Neglected Tragedy’
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — Following the latest attacks by Islamists that claimed the lives of at least 100 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors is calling on the international community to act urgently to protect the largely forgotten people of DRC. The mass killings of civilians in eastern… Continue reading Mass killings in the Democratic Republic of Congo a ‘Neglected Tragedy’