BARTLESVILLE, OK — Four more African countries have been added to the list of the world’s most dangerous and difficult places to follow Christ. The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) added and designated Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique and Niger as “hostile” nations in their annual 2023 Global Prayer Guide. VOM added… Continue reading The Voice of the Martyrs’ 2023 Global Prayer Guide Says Four African Nations Hostile to the Gospel
Results for "Religious Freedom"
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Afghan Convert Shares Story of Fleeing Taliban
CENTRAL ASIA — Forty-year-old Abdulla*, his wife Nilufar* and their three children fled Afghanistan when the Taliban came to power in August 2021. Now living as a refugee in Central Asia, he shares his story about what life is like for Afghan people – and Christians – remaining in the country. *Name changed for security… Continue reading Afghan Convert Shares Story of Fleeing Taliban
Open Doors International Announces Lisa Pearce as the New CEO of Open Doors U.S. Office
SANTA ANA, CA — Open Doors, which for more than 65 years has supported persecuted Christians worldwide and awakened the global church to “strengthen what remains,” has appointed Lisa Pearce as Interim CEO of the U.S. national base. Pearce assumes the role immediately following the departure of the previous CEO, David Curry, who is now… Continue reading Open Doors International Announces Lisa Pearce as the New CEO of Open Doors U.S. Office
SAT-7 Spotlights Top 5 ‘Evolving Crises’ in Middle East in 2023
EASTON, MD — A U.S. organization focused on the Middle East and North Africa is casting the spotlight on what it calls the region’s top 5 “evolving crises” at the start of 2023. With the world’s gaze fixed on Ukraine-Russia and muscle-flexing in China, “seismic events unfolding in the Middle East are simply off the… Continue reading SAT-7 Spotlights Top 5 ‘Evolving Crises’ in Middle East in 2023
Former Persecutor Finds Christ in Colombian Prison
COLOMBIA — Thirty-year-old pastor John used to persecute Christians after joining a paramilitary group to seek revenge for his father’s death. But it was while John was serving time in the Colombian prison that he met Jesus – and his whole life changed. John – Colombia: “When I was not a Christian, I was one… Continue reading Former Persecutor Finds Christ in Colombian Prison
Qatari Christians Call for Prayers During World Cup
QATAR — While Christian migrants are able to worship openly, native Qatari Christians are forbidden from having their own church or even entering one. Christians in Qatar are calling for prayers that the media coverage during the World Cup will provide an opportunity to reach more people. Qatar has been one of the countries participating… Continue reading Qatari Christians Call for Prayers During World Cup
Open Doors Urges Believers to Pray On ‘International Day of Prayer’ for Persecuted Christians, Nov. 6
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… Continue reading Open Doors Urges Believers to Pray On ‘International Day of Prayer’ for Persecuted Christians, Nov. 6
Open Doors Founder and Famed Bible Smuggler ‘Brother Andrew’ Dies at Age 94
SANTA ANA, CA — Anne Van der Bijl, the founder of international nonprofit Open Doors, and known around the world as “Brother Andrew,” died at the age of 94 at his home in the Netherlands, according to a family spokesperson. Brother Andrew was the founder of Open Doors, the oldest worldwide ministry to persecuted Christians.… Continue reading Open Doors Founder and Famed Bible Smuggler ‘Brother Andrew’ Dies at Age 94
New Open Doors Prayer App Connects American Believers with Persecuted Christians Around the World
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… Continue reading New Open Doors Prayer App Connects American Believers with Persecuted Christians Around the World
Women’s Ministry in the Republic of Moldova
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA — A women’s ministry was organized in the Republic of Moldova, which has verse 11 from Psalm 68 as its motto: “ The Lord giveth the word: the women that publish the tidings are a great host.” Women, regardless of denomination, of different ages and social status, are helped to grow in… Continue reading Women’s Ministry in the Republic of Moldova
Alarming Rise in Islamist Violence Against Christians in Nigeria
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… Continue reading Alarming Rise in Islamist Violence Against Christians in Nigeria
Ukrainian Christians Harassed by Russian Separatists
UKRAINE — As the front lines of war in Ukraine keep shifting, Christians from a number of Protestant churches in areas now under Russian separatist control are reporting harassment from soldiers and officials. Some say they have been forced to leave their buildings. Church leaders believe the Russians regard all Protestant churches as planted by… Continue reading Ukrainian Christians Harassed by Russian Separatists
Helping North African Persecuted Women Stay Strong
NORTH AFRICA — Sarah* in North Africa has twice been thrown out of her home, simply because she loves Jesus. As a woman, she is particularly vulnerable – throwing her out endangered her. Around the world, millions of women from religious minorities face persecution for their faith and their gender. Find out her story and… Continue reading Helping North African Persecuted Women Stay Strong
ChinaAid Releases Report Detailing Persecution and Key Findings for 2021
MIDLAND, TX — ChinaAid released its 2021 Annual Report, detailing persecution and key findings for the year. ChinaAid works closely with sources in China to expose abuses of human rights, religious freedom, and rule of law since 2002. While not an exhaustive list of cases, ChinaAid’s research represents one of the most comprehensive and accurate… Continue reading ChinaAid Releases Report Detailing Persecution and Key Findings for 2021
Ministry Defends Girls, Women Amid Surge in ‘Honor Killings’ in Iran
EASTON, MD — A Christian media network in the Middle East is highlighting the value of women’s lives after a 17-year-old Iranian girl was beheaded by her husband in a so-called “honor killing,” one of hundreds every year. According to SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org), Mona Heydari, a child bride at age 13, was beheaded by her husband,… Continue reading Ministry Defends Girls, Women Amid Surge in ‘Honor Killings’ in Iran
Gulshan: Secret Christian From Afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN — It’s now more than six months since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. While tens of thousands have fled Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021, those who remain continue to watch, wait and suffer. The United Nations recently released a report which stated that 400 civilians have… Continue reading Gulshan: Secret Christian From Afghanistan
Esther’s Pioneering Ministry to Central Asia
CENTRAL ASIA — Esther* was Open Doors’ first team missions leader in Central Asia. She first travelled to Uzbekistan in 1995, after the country regained their independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. There she met a lady who helped her to make contact with local believers – and the ministry began…… Continue reading Esther’s Pioneering Ministry to Central Asia
Elias Chooses to Stay in Palestinian Territories
BEIT SAHUR, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES — Elias lives in the Christian-majority town of Beit Sahur, close to Bethlehem. He shares why, even though the number of Christians in the area is declining, he and his family are determined to stay.
Afghanistan Tops Open Doors 2022 World Watch List
WITNEY, ENGLAND — Afghanistan is now the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian, according to figures released today in the 2022 World Watch List (WWL). Afghanistan replaces North Korea at the top of the list after 20 years – this despite persecution also rising there this year. The WWL, which records… Continue reading Afghanistan Tops Open Doors 2022 World Watch List
Christian Kids and Youth Cling to ‘Digital Lifeline’ in Afghanistan and Iran
EASTON, MD — Children as young as 4 are risking their lives in Afghanistan because they want to “meet Jesus” and talk to other Christians, even as they hide from the Taliban. Desperate for hope, thousands of young children and teens – often the only Christians in their families – are turning to a Middle… Continue reading Christian Kids and Youth Cling to ‘Digital Lifeline’ in Afghanistan and Iran
Afghanistan the Most Dangerous Place to be a Christian
WITNEY, ENGLAND —Open Doors has revealed that Afghanistan has replaced North Korea as the most dangerous country to be a Christian in their 2022 World Watch List. Christian men are facing almost certain death if their faith is discovered. Women and girls may escape death but may be married to young Taliban fighters who want… Continue reading Afghanistan the Most Dangerous Place to be a Christian
After U.S. Withdrawal, Afghanistan Becomes No. 1 Most Dangerous Place on Earth to be Christian, According to 2022 World Watch List Ranking by Leading Persecution Watchdog Open Doors
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… Continue reading After U.S. Withdrawal, Afghanistan Becomes No. 1 Most Dangerous Place on Earth to be Christian, According to 2022 World Watch List Ranking by Leading Persecution Watchdog Open Doors
Sabina Movie Set to Inspire the Power of Forgiveness
ROMANIA — Great character is sometimes forged amid great turmoil. Sabina: Tortured for Christ, the Nazi Years is the story of how God’s love transformed an ambitious, atheistic hedonist into one of the greatest Christian women of the 20th century. GNA reporter Peter Wooding spoke to Voice of the Martyr’s Todd Nettleton to find out… Continue reading Sabina Movie Set to Inspire the Power of Forgiveness
Open Doors USA Reacts to Missionary Kidnappings in Haiti
SANTA ANA, CA — Christian persecution watchdog, Open Doors USA released a statement today regarding the news of 17 American missionaries who were abducted in Haiti this weekend. According to several sources, the abductors are also responsible for the kidnappings of five priests and two nuns earlier this year. “We are deeply concerned for the… Continue reading Open Doors USA Reacts to Missionary Kidnappings in Haiti
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
Is Your Church Ready for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church?
FALLS CHURCH, VA — Christian Freedom International (CFI) has designed a free church Prayer Kit to equip churches for the “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.” This annual event — held on the first Sunday in November — unites churches to pray for Christians worldwide who face persecution. “The catastrophe in Afghanistan — with Christians… Continue reading Is Your Church Ready for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church?
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
Coptic Solidarity Commemorates the Deaths of 27 Copts at the 10th Anniversary of the Maspero Massacre
WASHINGTON — Ten years ago, on October 9, 2011, the Egyptian Army murdered 27 Copts and injured 327 others for peacefully protesting the destruction of a church, in what became known as the Maspero Massacre. Coptic Solidarity’s virtual Zoom program will honor the rally participants, heroes, and martyrs from that day. Register today to join… Continue reading Coptic Solidarity Commemorates the Deaths of 27 Copts at the 10th Anniversary of the Maspero Massacre
Afghanistan: Christians Face Even More Opposition
CANADA — Long time humaritarian worker in Afghanistan John Weaver talks about the opposition and challenges Christians face in Afghanistan, now that the Taliban has taken over, but how the current situation may actually see more Afghans turn to Jesus. And CEO of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Floyd Brobbel, explains how they’re supporting… Continue reading Afghanistan: Christians Face Even More Opposition
Afghanistan: ‘Christian Taliban’ Ask to ‘Meet Jesus’
EASTON, MD — Despite the threat of persecution, Afghans are turning to Christianity in growing numbers — and creating a wave of “Christian Taliban,” a ministry to Afghanistan reports. “The word ‘Taliban’ actually means ‘student,’” said Dr. Rex Rogers, president of Christian media ministry SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org), “and right now increasing numbers of Afghans are… Continue reading Afghanistan: ‘Christian Taliban’ Ask to ‘Meet Jesus’
Open Doors USA Invites Christians to March for the Martyrs
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… Continue reading Open Doors USA Invites Christians to March for the Martyrs
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
As Christians in Afghanistan Struggle for Their Lives, US Christians to March, Pray in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON — More than 340 million people around the world suffer persecution for practicing their Christian faith – making it the largest persecuted religious group. In solidarity with them, and to help raise awareness, the 2nd annual March for the Martyrs will take place in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25, 2021. It’s the first time… Continue reading As Christians in Afghanistan Struggle for Their Lives, US Christians to March, Pray in Washington, D.C.
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
‘The Glenn Beck Program’ Listeners Raise over $32 Million to Rescue Christians Trapped in Afghanistan
DALLAS — As the world watched Afghanistan fall to the Taliban, multi-media personality and humanitarian Glenn Beck enlisted the help of loyal “The Glenn Beck Program” listeners to raise funds in an attempt to rescue thousands — mainly women and children — trapped in the country. While hosting the Premiere Networks-syndicated radio program on Wednesday,… Continue reading ‘The Glenn Beck Program’ Listeners Raise over $32 Million to Rescue Christians Trapped in Afghanistan
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
How Will Afghan Christians Survive Under the Taliban?
EASTON, MD — With Afghanistan in the news, interview a daring 50-year Christian media pioneer in the Middle East — and hear his surprising take on cultural and religious shifts in the red-hot region. Middle East Christian media pioneer Terence “Terry” Ascott, founder of SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) and author of the new book Dare to Believe!… Continue reading How Will Afghan Christians Survive Under the Taliban?
Christian Orphanage Invaded and Destroyed
MIANGO, NIGERIA – Sunni Muslim Fulani Herdsmen invaded the Christian orphanage in Miango, Nigeria and burned every building. The 147 children and staff evacuated a few hours before the August 2, 2021 attack. The children were made orphans in previous attacks by Sunni Muslim terrorists such as the Boko Haram. As Fulani herdsmen advance in… Continue reading Christian Orphanage Invaded and Destroyed
ChinaAid Releases 2020 Annual Persecution Report
MIDLAND, TX — Today, China Aid Association released its 2020 Annual Persecution Report documenting the last year in state-mandated religious persecution of Chinese Christians. The report covering January-December 2020 points to an ongoing escalation of harassment of Christians by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Under the direction of President Xi Jinping, Chinese officials carried out… Continue reading ChinaAid Releases 2020 Annual Persecution Report
Russian Opposition Leader Seeks Eternal Answers
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… Continue reading Russian Opposition Leader Seeks Eternal Answers
North Korea: Balloons with Bibles Banned
NORTH KOREA — Earlier this month the South Korean goverment passed a law that makes it illegal to send anything considered anti-North Korean into the so called “Hermit Kingdom”. This new law will have a direct impact on The Voice of the Martyrs Korea’s ministry of using balloons to get Bibles into North Korea. Since… Continue reading North Korea: Balloons with Bibles Banned
Violent Attacks and Abductions Continue in Northern Nigeria
NIGERIA — According to reports from Christian Solidarity Worldwide armed men attacked the Karji suburb of Kaduna City in Northern Nigeria last month and abducted five daughters of a local church pastor and two other individuals, one of whom had been displaced by violence. The attacks are the most recent in increasing violence in southern… Continue reading Violent Attacks and Abductions Continue in Northern Nigeria
Nonprofit Organization Brings Christmas Presents to 2,000 Recently Displaced Armenian Children
NEWPORT BEACH, CA — In an effort to bring joy and Christmas to the displaced suffering Armenian children, For The Martyrs, a 501c3 organization will bring Operation Christmas to Armenia. Operation Christmas will provide wrapped Christmas boxes that are full of gifts such as toys, dolls, clothing, and more for children so they can have… Continue reading Nonprofit Organization Brings Christmas Presents to 2,000 Recently Displaced Armenian Children
U.S. Christians Urged ‘Be Vigilant’ as Church Closures Hit Algeria
EASTON, MD — As America’s churches face tough new COVID-19 restrictions on worship and gatherings, churches in one North African country have been totally closed down amid fears they might never be allowed to re-open. “What is happening to churches in Algeria is alarming and should alert us in America to be vigilant about our… Continue reading U.S. Christians Urged ‘Be Vigilant’ as Church Closures Hit Algeria
‘The Touch of God’: Greg Laurie Back in the Pulpit, John Hagee Recovering from ‘COVID Pneumonia’ | CBN News
Pastor Greg Laurie, the senior pastor of the Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California is back in the pulpit after battling COVID-19. Pastor Laurie announced on Oct. 5 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, but felt well and was in quarantine. Laurie told CBN News, “The truth is I was thankfully never terribly… Continue reading ‘The Touch of God’: Greg Laurie Back in the Pulpit, John Hagee Recovering from ‘COVID Pneumonia’ | CBN News
Trafficking of Coptic Women and Girls in Egypt Revealed by Coptic Solidarity
WASHINGTON — Coptic Solidarity recently published a report, ‘Jihad of the Womb’: Trafficking of Coptic Women & Girls in Egypt, which addresses the widespread practice of abduction and trafficking of Coptic women and girls in Egypt and how they are a particularly vulnerable group to exploitation. The report has been submitted to the office of… Continue reading Trafficking of Coptic Women and Girls in Egypt Revealed by Coptic Solidarity
Coptic Solidarity Urges EFA Sponsors to Stop Supporting Discrimination
WASHINGTON – Coptic Solidarity (CS) strongly urges all corporate sponsors of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Premier League to end their sponsorship of Egypt’s national football team and league teams until they take immediate steps to end rampant discrimination against Coptic and other minority faith footballers. CS recently sent letters to the corporate… Continue reading Coptic Solidarity Urges EFA Sponsors to Stop Supporting Discrimination
Christian Prisoners Released in Eritrea
LONDON, ENGLAND — There are believed to be around 500 Christian prisoners of faith in Eritrea, many imprisoned indefinitely under appalling conditions. However recent reports indicate a growing number of them have been released. A trusted contact of Release International says the government has set free 27 prisoners, most of whom have been behind bars… Continue reading Christian Prisoners Released in Eritrea
No Protests, No Speeches … Just Prayer for America | One News Now
WASHINGTON, DC — Evangelist Franklin Graham says for believers, the most important weapon is prayer – and that’s what he and thousands of his brother and sisters in Christ were doing in America’s capital today: praying … for America. The focus of Prayer March 2020 from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol – a… Continue reading No Protests, No Speeches … Just Prayer for America | One News Now
Millions of Americans Pray Daily for America, the President, and the Military
SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Discussing religion and politics at a neighborhood barbeque may be considered bad form, but a new two-dimensional survey commissioned by the non-profit and non-partisan Presidential Prayer Team (PPT), first to the general public of Americans (reflected here) and second to the vast prayer team membership, shows that the mixing of prayer and… Continue reading Millions of Americans Pray Daily for America, the President, and the Military