KAMPALA, UGANDA – Richmond’s childhood was a painful and challenging one, marked by extreme poverty, illness, loss and hopelessness. His family often went without food. He suffered from malaria almost a dozen times, and his father was murdered. When he was sponsored and began attending Compassion’s child development center at a local church, the healthcare,…
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…
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…
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Members of Compassion International’s Fill the Stadium team are extremely grateful and honor those who have participated in this life-saving initiative as they share remarkable news: this week, the $35 million goal has been surpassed for the Fill the Stadium effort, which has provided critical food, medical care and support for…
ORLANDO — The 20th Anniversary of the biennial Synergize Pastor and Leader Conference organized by the Global Church Network (GCN), will equip and network more than 700 influential international evangelists and church leaders from 40 countries representing more than 100 denominations for evangelistic ministry. Specifically, Synergize 2022 will highlight remaining priorities for FINISH: 2030, GCN’s…
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…
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…
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — In the United States, 24 million children live in homes without fathers, including 78% of African American children and 46% of Anglo-American children. This epidemic of fatherlessness, and the resulting “Father Wounds” are addressed in a revolutionary way by Promise Keepers with a new e-course entitled “Ending the Cycle of Father…
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…
SACRAMENTO — The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) has partnered with Asbury University in Wilmore, KY in an effort to make higher education more accessible for Hispanic youth. Founded in 1890, Asbury University is recognized as a premier Christian University in the liberal and applied arts that prepares and equips men and women through…
LANCASTER, PA — NationsWorship, a live worship experience with participants from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, will be held at Dove Westgate church in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, as well as live streamed across the world on November 19, 2021. Global Disciples, with partners in 62 countries, will host the worship event. Those interested in joining the…
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Promise Keepers (PK), leading men to fulfill their destiny as godly fathers and leaders, is launching a 14-Day Fatherhood Challenge to provide strong support to dads of all ages through a biblical lens. It all starts with a FREE one-hour kickoff event LIVE on Facebook and YouTube on November 10, 2021,…
LOS ANGELES — Pray.com, the world’s most popular faith-based mental and spiritual health resource, today announced a partnership with Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM), to help members and staff maintain their holistic health and well-being. UHSM is a faith-based health care nonprofit founded on Christian beliefs and values, and through this partnership, UHSM amplifies its…
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…
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.”…
LAFAYETTE, IN – Ratio Christi is observing its tenth year of ministry in the most hostile place for Christianity in the United States – at the university campus. The non-profit is a global movement that equips university students and faculty to give historical, philosophical, and scientific reasons for following Jesus Christ. The ministry was established…
LEESBURG, FL – The most important people in my life, as a demographic, have been my pastors. You probably feel the same. October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and the second Sunday in October is observed as Pastor Appreciation Day. It is fitting, therefore, that we dedicate at least one article to appreciating the men who…
MISSION, BC – The calling and thrust of Village Missions of Canada is to “Preach the Word & Love the People.” More than 60 million people live in rural areas of North America, including many of whom are isolated from major metropolitan areas. To that extent, we are not all that different than other regions…
CENTENNIAL, CO – Communitas International has been described as “a global missional movement focused on secular, “post-Christian,” and mostly urban communities.” The Mission Field When we think of the unreached, our minds gravitate toward a history of sending Christian missionaries to foreign countries where the people had never heard about Jesus and His great grace….
SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are in Southeast Louisiana tarping roofs, removing debris, and cutting downed trees for homeowners who were impacted by Hurricane Ida. But more volunteers are urgently needed to come alongside these hurting residents and let them know that God has not forgotten them. Debbie Anderson, Homeowner: This down here is…
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….
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…
