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…
AFGHANISTAN – As the underground church of Afghanistan faces the continued threat of attacks by the Taliban who are going door to door in search of believers, the Director of the Christian run Middle East Women’s Leadership Network is calling for the international community to stand with the many vulnerable women working in the media…
AUSTIN, TX – All national surveys point to the fact that 50% to 70% of students involved in the church today are walking away from an active faith in college. We can no longer afford for this to happen; they are needed to help shape their generation and catalyze students to Gospel movements on campus….
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…
ORLANDO, FL – Christ for all Nations (CfaN) is perhaps best known for the massive evangelism campaigns it hosts around the world, but most notably across the continent of Africa. The ministry has documented more than 80 million individual decisions to follow Christ at these CfaN events. In light of that long-standing reputation, it came…
HOUSTON – As the nation is crawling back to work, organizations are more than ever realizing the importance of building a post COVID team culture that will engage and retain top talent. Culture Conference, a free digital conference that provides practical talks from today’s top leaders, will help ministry leaders build thriving teams, cultivate inspiring…
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…
DALLAS — July 16 and 17 saw the dawn of a new era as Promise Keepers (PK), the men’s ministry founded in 1990 by Coach Bill McCartney and known for its massive stadium events, held its 2021 Conference for Men at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. The two-day event featured everything that men…
CEDAR HILL, TX – Elgin and Dorothy Taylor became the first African-American missionaries to Japan in 1959. Their 23 years on the island of Okinawa were merely the beginning of their 55 years of service in foreign missions. Following a brief retirement due to health reasons, the couple returned to missionary work, founding TEL 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….
TAMPA, FL – The vision for Heartbeat International formed when Federico Alfaro, a young doctor who had recently completed his residency at Baylor University, was in Guatemala and presented the case of a 17-year-old boy who had a serious heart block. A heart block occurs when the electrical signals that control your heartbeat malfunction. That…
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — On July 16 and July 17, Promise Keepers (PK), the men’s ministry founded in 1990 by Coach Bill McCartney and known for their massive stadium events, will hold its 2021 national conference at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. The event, believed to be the nation’s first mass Christian gathering…
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Some of us are old enough to remember when the late-evening local news was preceded by a voice asking, “It’s 11:00. Do you know where your children are?” The answer hoped for was, “Yes. They are home, safely tucked into their beds.” No reply was expected. The question was an early form…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Christian ministries and nonprofits are eager to “ramp up the conversation” with the post COVID generation, a new survey suggests. They’re looking to increase their online video and live-chat offerings to engage people who want “real relationships and genuine community” in the post-COVID world. The survey of Christian leaders — conducted last…
She called me Dad. Jessie had come home to celebrate her birthday—she was turning 68. “I know the routine, Dad” she reminded me. (I am 83 years of age.) And immediately, she began to jump in and help my wife, Karen, with tasks that needed doing around the house. My wife hates to run errands….
CHARLOTTE, NC — Christ’s Mandate for Missions, (www.cmm.world) formerly Correll Missionary Ministries, and CMM College of Theology (www.cmmtheology.org) are expanding globally as more people are hearing about their unique style of ‘team ministry’ empowering many to discover their God given identities we each have in Christ as we go higher and deeper in intimacy. During…
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…
HOUSTON, TX – Ananias House is a ministry dedicated to serving the Lord and sharing the Gospel in the Middle East and in North Africa. They equip communities with the training and resources to enable the church to be the place for restoration, healing, and hope. Although it is not a vision or mission statement…
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…
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…
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…
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Ken Harrison is joined by Os Guinness on the latest episode of “On the Edge with Ken Harrison.” Together they discuss Os’ unique childhood, today’s relationship between Church and state, and the need for American Christians to remain steadfast in an ever-growing secular society. Highlights of Guinness’ interview in the podcast…
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…
BAKERSFIELD, CA — CityServe announced today it has launched season two of The Influencers Podcast, www.cityserve.us/podcast. With co-hosts Dave Donaldson and Scott Young, the podcast provides practical resources and insights for how Christian leaders can influence the world around them. The Influencers Podcast is available on Charisma Podcast Network, Apple Podcast and Spotify. “Listeners will…
LOS ANGELES, CA — Evangelist Nick Hall, Pastor Greg Laurie and Rev. Samuel Rodriguez join President Joe Biden, former VP Mike Pence and other national faith leaders today in a celebration of the National Day of Prayer hosted by Pray.com. “I am praying right now at our Pulse headquarters in downtown Minneapolis, blocks away from…
COLORADO SPRINGS — Ken Harrison is joined by three-time New York Times bestselling author Rod Dreher on the latest episode of “On the Edge with Ken Harrison.” Together they discuss how the Soviets gained control over Russia and the Eastern Bloc, the Communist exploitation of people who lost their identity and were overcome with loneliness,…
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…
GLENDALE, AZ – The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University has released the second of its Worldview Inventory Survey reports for 2021. “Release #02: Introducing America’s Most Popular Worldview – Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.” Keep in mind that the first CRC report for 2021 revealed that an overwhelming 94% of Americans reject a Biblical worldview….
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…
NADI WESTERN DIVISION, FIJI – When you close your eyes and imagine an island encounter in the South Pacific, say in Fiji, what do you see in your mind’s eye? Let me guess. You see sun-splashed water, a quiet beach, and swaying palm trees. You can thank travel brochures for that. Let me ask you…
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…
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…
VIRGINIA BEACH — With his life and freedom on the line as he challenged Russia’s dictatorial regime, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny reached out to Christian leaders in a search for “eternal values,” a Christian minister to the former Soviet Union told CBN News. Sergey Rakhuba of Mission Eurasia, a ministry that supports the church…
SUNRISE, FL – People respond with a bit of je ne sais quoi when they learn that SONSHINE GLOBAL PARTNERS is headquartered in Sunrise, Florida. If that doesn’t happen immediately, it almost certainly will when they discover that SONRISE is located on Sunset Strip in Sunrise. This story is not about how or why SONSHINE…
MIAMI, FL – Just mentioning the word “Cuba” arouses a myriad of images in the minds of Americans. Those images may depend on the listener’s age, heritage, or location. Castro – Guantanamo – Havana – Missile crisis – Cigars – Miami. Any or all of those many come to mind unless you are one of…
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…
SACRAMENTO — Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), releases the following statement in reaction to the passing of evangelist Luis Palau: “When I think of how to describe Luis Palau, the first thing that comes to mind is his joy. His radiant smile, his enthusiasm, his energy came from…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – Dan and Rachel Smither sold their home, their cars, and their furniture to help raise funds to begin the Key of Hope ministry in Durban, South Africa, in 2007. One year later, they had boots – and 16 suitcases – on the ground. At the time, South Africa was ranked third…
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…
MERCER ISLAND, WA — Today, the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) honored 157 faith-based organizations as Certified Best Christian Workplaces for 2020. Says BCWI CEO and Co-founder Al Lopus, “Today, we honor extraordinary organizations whose leaders took a wise, courageous, and necessary step. Faced with the simultaneous challenges of managing remote workplaces, shrinking budgets and…
ORLANDO — Christ for All Nations (CfaN) is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Vice President, Peter Vandenberg, joining the team. Born and raised in Zimbabwe and trained in both engineering and ministry, Peter joined CfaN in 1981 after a chance encounter with the founder, Reinhard Bonnke. Peter was so moved by the then young evangelist,…
BORING, OR – InterAct Ministries is based in Boring, Oregon. Nothing about InterAct’s history or ministry, however, is boring. An Unusual Beginning It didn’t take long for John Gillespie and his wife, Nadine, after they arrived in Alaska in 1941, to realize that missionaries there were working toward the same goal, but not many were…
• Francis Chan, Pastor & Author » • Palmer Holt, President, InChrist Communications » • David Mains, Radio & TV Broadcaster » • George Verwer, Founder, Operation Mobilization » WILLS POINT, TX – K.P. Yohannan and Gospel for Asia (GFA World), the organization he founded in 1979, have served the Lord faithfully in 18…
GLENDALE, CA – No, this is not a list of 222 international ministries. It is an introduction to the faith-based 222 Ministries International founded in 1991 to take the Gospel to one of the most difficult places on earth: Iran. 222 Ministries’ Beginnings Lazarus Yeghnazar and his wife, Maggie, left their home country not long…
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States is about to undergo changes in leadership at multiple levels. We will soon have a new President and Vice President, a new Congress, and new Cabinet members, advisors, and department heads. Each of these people will face challenges, the weight of which is as yet unknown. The inauguration of…
