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
Results for "Widows"
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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’
Christmas Russia Outreach on Target to Reach 50,000 Children
RUSSIA — An annual event launched by Slavic Gospel Association in 2002 — is on target to distribute Christmas gifts, children’s Bibles, and personalized ornaments to 50,000 Children in Russia. Despite lockdown restrictions SGA church partners are reaching out into hospital, orphanages and the homes of vulnerable children as part of their Immanuel’s Child outreach.… Continue reading Christmas Russia Outreach on Target to Reach 50,000 Children
Secret Field Worker Supports North Korean Christians
CHINA — Since 2002, North Korea has been the place where Christians face the most extreme persecution. In response Open Doors secret fieldworkers are supporting Christians who’ve managed to flee to China, through underground networks. Across the river from North Korea, in China, they run secret safe houses for North Korean Christians who have managed… Continue reading Secret Field Worker Supports North Korean Christians
Mozambique Pastor Opens Up Home to Feed Refugees
MOZAMBIQUE — When Reverend Romeno Carico saw the thousands of refugees fleeing to his community in Northern Mozambique to escape the conflict with Islamic militants he knew he had to do something to help. With what little resources he has he opened up his home to feed families traumatised after losing family members in the… Continue reading Mozambique Pastor Opens Up Home to Feed Refugees
Amputee boys in Central African Republic Receive COVID-19 Aid
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC — Open Doors partners recently delivered Covid relief aid to over 4,500 Christians in Central African Republic. Beneficiaries included widows, believers from Muslim backgrounds, church leaders, other vulnerable Christians and orphans. Among those helped were the families of Jeovani, Steven and Dieu Fera, who Open Doors have been supporting ever since their… Continue reading Amputee boys in Central African Republic Receive COVID-19 Aid
What Matters
COLORADO SPRINGS – “What Matters” is an interesting phrase. Devoid of punctuation, it could be a statement, a question, or an exclamation. Regardless, it is important that we all know what matters . . . what really matters. What Matters Ministries and Missions is the faith-based organization founded by Ivan and Kim Tait in 1997.… Continue reading What Matters
Urgent Call to Pray for Release of Kidnapped Schoolboys in Nigeria
NIGERIA — Christian charity Open Doors is calling for people to urgently pray for the release and safety of 300 kidnapped schoolboys still missing following a raid by gunman on their school last weekend in Western Katsina State, Nigeria. Boko Haram reportedly carried out the kidnappings. Many Christians have also been targeted in this region… Continue reading Urgent Call to Pray for Release of Kidnapped Schoolboys in Nigeria
U.S. Christians Help ‘Save Christmas’ for Russia’s Hurting Children
LOVES PARK, IL — One of the biggest evangelical missions to Russia is calling on America’s Christians to help “save Christmas” for children in dire need in the COVID-ravaged former Soviet Union. Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) has launched a Christmas gift blitz across 11 time zones, stretching from eastern Europe to Siberia. Thousands… Continue reading U.S. Christians Help ‘Save Christmas’ for Russia’s Hurting Children
Illinois-based Humanitarian Organization Leads Huge COVID-19 Relief Effort in Russia, Former Soviet Union
LOVES PARK, IL — An Illinois-based, international organization is leading a major humanitarian effort to feed hungry families and orphans struggling due to the economic devastation caused by COVID-19 in Russia and the former Soviet Union. Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) has served its grassroots network of 6,350 local evangelical church partners in the vast… Continue reading Illinois-based Humanitarian Organization Leads Huge COVID-19 Relief Effort in Russia, Former Soviet Union
Open Doors Shelters Colombian Boy Who Turned Down Guerrilla Gang
COLOMBIA — Timóteo’s family found Jesus, and converted from the beliefs of their tribe in Colombia. That made them targets for persecution – and made Timóteo a target for guerrilla gangs. You’re 11 years old, and you’re walking home from school. A man carrying a gun calls you over to him. What do you do?… Continue reading Open Doors Shelters Colombian Boy Who Turned Down Guerrilla Gang
KP Yohannan: The World Is In Turmoil, But Do ‘One Thing’ for God
WILLS POINT, TX – KP Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, to help the poor and deprived worldwide — shares on the influence and impact of Dr. John Haggai, the one thing we should do… Continue reading KP Yohannan: The World Is In Turmoil, But Do ‘One Thing’ for God
Secret Worshippers in Colombia
COLOMBIA — Believers and worshipers from Colombia face persecution if members of their indigenous community find out that they are Christians. It’s Sunday morning in the village of San Pedro de la Victoria, Colombia. Gabriel – an indigenous Christian whose name has been changed to protect his identity – wakes up to prepare a service… Continue reading Secret Worshippers in Colombia
Churches ‘Race Against Time’ to Save Children in War Zone
LOVES PARK, IL — Courageous churches on the edge of an active war zone are in a race against time to save the lives of children as bitter winter weather looms. Members of evangelical churches near the disputed mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh — straddling Armenia and Azerbaijan — are acting as frontline responders as heavy… Continue reading Churches ‘Race Against Time’ to Save Children in War Zone
Open Doors Helps Persecuted Christian Families Celebrate Christmas
BANGLADESH — Ten-year-old Bijli from Bangladesh already knows the cost of following Jesus. Because of her faith, she is bullied at school and her family are ostracised in their Muslim-majority village. Bijli’s father, Badol, became a church leader after receiving biblical training through Open Doors partners. He was worried that his Muslim neighbours wouldn’t accept… Continue reading Open Doors Helps Persecuted Christian Families Celebrate Christmas
No Father for Daniela this Christmas in Colombia
COLOMBIA — Christmas is likely to look different for all of us this year. Some of us will be celebrating the birth of Jesus without our friends and family closest to us. You may have even lost somebody you love this year, and this will be your first Christmas without them. Daniela from Colombia is… Continue reading No Father for Daniela this Christmas in Colombia
CityServe: Illuminating Hope in the Darkness
BAKERSFIELD, CA – CityServe is a faith-based organization that enlists and mobilizes local churches to expand a church’s capacity to minister to a specific initiative, empower more people to be a light in their community, and offer Biblical solutions to the broken people in the community. Farmers to Families Food Box Program The organization engages… Continue reading CityServe: Illuminating Hope in the Darkness
Fighting Extreme Poverty with Ideas & Education that Imparts Values
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by KP Yohannan, issued this Special Report on the massive challenge of reducing extreme poverty worldwide, mainly through providing education, transmitting values. In my original special report for Gospel for Asia (GFA) titled Solutions to Poverty-line Problems of… Continue reading Fighting Extreme Poverty with Ideas & Education that Imparts Values
Hope for Nigerian Widow Abigail During COVID-19
NIGERIA — Following the death of her husband in an attack by militant Fulani herdsmen in April – during which most of the family’s belongings were burnt – Abigail* not only faced the grief of losing a loved one but the anguish of not knowing if there was enough food the next day to feed… Continue reading Hope for Nigerian Widow Abigail During COVID-19
U.S. Ministry Brings Christmas Joy to Russia’s ‘Forgotten’ Children
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based evangelical mission that partners with local churches to serve orphans, widows, and others in need across Russia and the former Soviet Union aims to share the true meaning and hope of Christmas with 50,000 needy ‘forgotten’ children this year. From Russia’s capital Moscow to the Siberian wastelands — and… Continue reading U.S. Ministry Brings Christmas Joy to Russia’s ‘Forgotten’ Children
Rewriting the Tragedies of Girlhood
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by KP Yohannan, issued this Special Report on the horrific realities girls face, child marriage, human trafficking, abuse & exploitation, and the restoration & redemption that God brings to their lives. Nearly 173 years ago, on October 16,… Continue reading Rewriting the Tragedies of Girlhood
375 Million Children in ‘Crushing Poverty’ Says Gospel for Asia
WILLS POINT, TX — Around 375 million children worldwide — including nearly one-in-six children in the U.S. — live in crushing poverty, says a new report coinciding with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Oct. 17. The staggering global number — equal to the entire populations of the U.S. and Canada combined —… Continue reading 375 Million Children in ‘Crushing Poverty’ Says Gospel for Asia
Standing with Displaced Christians in Burkina Faso
BURKINA FASO — Following an escalation in violence against Christians in Burkina Faso in West Africa since June 2019, countless believers have been forced to flee leaving them in desperate need of food supplies. Churches have been attacked by radical Jihadists, with at least 50 Christians murdered and thousands more displaced. Open Doors has responded… Continue reading Standing with Displaced Christians in Burkina Faso
Mathi Returns Home to Iraq’s Nineveh Plains
QARAQOSH, IRAQ — When the so-called Islamic State (IS) took over their town, Qaraqosh in northern Iraq, Mathi and his family had no choice but to flee. He, his wife Nazik and their six children fled to safety – they knew that their Christian faith made them extremely vulnerable. Five years later, thanks to support… Continue reading Mathi Returns Home to Iraq’s Nineveh Plains
North Korean Escapee: Nation Facing COVID
NORTH KOREA — North Korea is on the verge of a catastrophic meltdown according to reports reaching Open Doors from North Korean Christians. “North Korea faces a major crisis with multiple causes,” says Timothy Cho, North Korean escapee. “Covid-19 lockdown, catastrophic flooding, and international sanctions.” Although the North Korean Government has claimed that they have… Continue reading North Korean Escapee: Nation Facing COVID
Making Hope Visible for Persecuted Christians in Syria
QAMISHLI, SYRIA — Pastor George Moushi leads a church in Qamishli, northern Syria. His church responded when the region was invaded by Turkish forces last autumn, providing vital aid for many vulnerable Syrians. Support from Open Doors has kept them going as they faced a very visible threat – bombs, soldiers, Islamic extremists and now… Continue reading Making Hope Visible for Persecuted Christians in Syria
Opens Doors Provides Change for Women in Iraq
IRAQ — Dalia is a woman of remarkable spiritual strength and fortitude. Her life was threatened by so-called Islamic State and her home in the Ninevah plains was ransacked, but with support from Open Doors she has overcome these difficulties to become a leading figure in her local church. In 2014 the so-called Islamic State… Continue reading Opens Doors Provides Change for Women in Iraq
Gospel for Asia Provides Solution When Mandatory Masks Highlight Inequality for Asia’s Poor
WILLS POINT, TX — Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing how many NGO and charity organizations, such as Gospel for Asia , have sought to fill the gap between resources and needy communities who don’t have access to them as mandatory masks… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Provides Solution When Mandatory Masks Highlight Inequality for Asia’s Poor
Nigerian Widow Last in Line for COVID 19 Food Aid
NIGERIA — Living in Plateau State in the middle band of Nigeria, Rose is in one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. Nigeria is number 12 on Open Doors World Watch List, but it’s at the top of the list for Christians murdered because of their faith. And on… Continue reading Nigerian Widow Last in Line for COVID 19 Food Aid
Coreluv’s Calling to Orphaned Children
WILLIS, TX – Mike Reiszner and his wife, Mandy, were living “the American ministry ideal.” Mike had held a secure position as a youth pastor in a vibrant, growing church in Houston for 10 years. Their future and the future of their youth ministry was bright and promising. Two things happened in 2009 that would… Continue reading Coreluv’s Calling to Orphaned Children
Gospel for Asia Brings Love to“The Least of These” During the Pandemic
INDIA — Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing those suffering unseen in the pandemic and how GFA workers are bringing them relief and aid and letting them know that they are seen and cared for in the midst of it all. As… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Brings Love to“The Least of These” During the Pandemic