EGYPT — In Baher’s* community in Egypt, Egyptian Christians are only offered dangerous jobs in the quarry. After two terrible accidents, Baher felt hopeless and alone. An Open Doors partner is helping him see lasting hope. *Name changed for security reasons. Baher’s*: I started working as a quarryman when I was 13. That was a… Continue reading Restoring Hope to Persecuted Egyptian Christian
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The Testimony of Abdiwelli Ahmed Stands Out on the Day of the Christian Martyr
SOMALIA —According to the tradition of the Church, June 29th marked the martyrdom of the apostle Paul. This year, several Christians around the world took time on June 29th and throughout that weekend to honor the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives for the advancement of the Gospel.Abdiwelli Ahmed descended from a long line… Continue reading The Testimony of Abdiwelli Ahmed Stands Out on the Day of the Christian Martyr
Four Persecuted Christian Women Shared Powerful Stories During Hearts of Fire Virtual Event from The Voice of the Martyrs
BARTLESVILLE, OK — “I love you and I forgive you,” Anita Smith said to husband Ronnie’s murderers during a national TV interview. Her Christlike words riveted reporters and inspired believers worldwide as they saw her faith in action after her husband was killed while living and working in Libya on mission to show Christ. Anita’s… Continue reading Four Persecuted Christian Women Shared Powerful Stories During Hearts of Fire Virtual Event from The Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs Recognizes Somali Christian on 2023 Day of the Christian Martyr
BARTLESVILLE, OK — Christians around the world will observe Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29, 2023. In advance of Day of the Christian Martyr, The Voice of the Martyrs has released strategic prayer resources and a short video highlighting the life and legacy of Abdiwelli Ahmed, an ethnic Somali Christian killed for his… Continue reading The Voice of the Martyrs Recognizes Somali Christian on 2023 Day of the Christian Martyr
Susannah Koh Speaks Out on the Trial of Her Abducted Husband
MALAYSIA — More than six years after abducted husband, Pastor Raymond Koh, was kidnapped in Malaysia, his wife Susanna is pleased that a trial into the abduction has finally started. After two days of statements and questioning earlier this month, the trial resumed on June 20th. Susanna shares her reflections on the trial of… Continue reading Susannah Koh Speaks Out on the Trial of Her Abducted Husband
Ugandan School Massacre Claims 37 Lives
UGANDA — At least 37 schoolchildren have been killed in an attack in Uganda by militants linked to the Islamic State terror group. Militants linked to Islamic State have carried out a massacre at a boarding school in western Uganda, killing and kidnapping students. It’s been described as the deadliest attack in Uganda since 2010.… Continue reading Ugandan School Massacre Claims 37 Lives
Helping Sudanese Refugees in Egypt
EGYPT — Christian charity Help The Persecuted has helped more than 1000 Sudanese refugees who have fled the conflict in their country to start new lives in Egypt. As well as providing medical help, food and water they are sharing the hope of Christ and offering prayers for everyone they help. As thousands continue to… Continue reading Helping Sudanese Refugees in Egypt
Ayuba’s Path to Peace After Losing His Father to Boko Haram
NIGERIA — Ayuba’s* father was killed by Boko Haram militants in 2020. Ayuba swore to take revenge on the man who had betrayed his father to the militants – but has found healing through a trauma centre, supported by Open Doors. *Ayuba is portrayed by an actor and his name has been changed for security… Continue reading Ayuba’s Path to Peace After Losing His Father to Boko Haram
Helping Sudanese Refugees in Egypt
EGYPT — Christian charity Help The Persecuted has helped more than 950 Sudanese refugees who have fled the conflict in their country to start new lives in Egypt. As well as providing medical help, food and water they are sharing the hope of Christ and offering prayers for everyone they help. As thousands continue to… Continue reading Helping Sudanese Refugees in Egypt
Colombian Christian Leaves Behind Criminal Life
COLUMBIA — Like many of the youth in Colombia, Reina* was recruited to the illegal armed groups who fight to gain and control territory for drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Now according to Open Doors in her forties, Reina has found faith in Christ and left her old way of a criminal life behind.… Continue reading Colombian Christian Leaves Behind Criminal Life
Russia ‘Weaponizing Religion’ in Ukraine
UKRAINE — A new report from the Institute for the Study of War claims Russia is ‘weaponizing religion’ in its conflict with Ukraine. It says Russia is persecuting churches in the occupied areas. Here’s Andrew Boyd from Release International. The report says Russian forces have closed or taken over 76 places of worship, looted or… Continue reading Russia ‘Weaponizing Religion’ in Ukraine
K.P. Yohannan: George Verwer’s Invitation to ‘Come, Die, and Live’ Radically Changed My Life
WILLS POINT, TX – KP Yohannan, founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia), whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide — shares on the impact of George Verwer, his life and ministry, radically changing lives.… Continue reading K.P. Yohannan: George Verwer’s Invitation to ‘Come, Die, and Live’ Radically Changed My Life
Biglife Fundraises to Rescue 8,500+ Christians from Taliban Death Threats
NAPLES, FL — Biglife, a non-profit that empowers indigenous Christians to reach and disciple their local communities, has identified over 600 families — 8,500+ individuals, 80% of whom are women and children — under death threat by the Taliban because of their faith. Biglife aims to raise $4.5 million to secure the evacuation of these… Continue reading Biglife Fundraises to Rescue 8,500+ Christians from Taliban Death Threats
Displaced Christians in Komanda, DRC receive aid
KOMANDA — Violence is continuing to displace Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo – but believers have not been forgotten. Thanks to the charity Open Doors displaced Christians in Komanda have received food and other relief aid. Man: It’s clear that the displaced people suffer enormously. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, ADF, an… Continue reading Displaced Christians in Komanda, DRC receive aid
Ministering to Muslim-Background Believers
SOUTH EAST ASIA — Jade* is an Open Doors worker who supports Muslim-background believers in a country in south east Asia. Tragically, she lost her fiancé in an attack on a church. But despite the tragedy, it’s because of his example that Jade herself came to enter the ministry. *Name changed for security reasons Jade… Continue reading Ministering to Muslim-Background Believers
FoRB Women’s Alliance Releases ‘Women at the Table: Accelerating FoRB Capacity’
WASHINGTON — Women and girls worldwide face compound persecution and discrimination due to their religion or belief. Yet, until today there has been no global landscape analysis of the state of women and freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). FoRB Women’s Alliance’s Women At the Table: Accelerating FoRB Capacity is the first such global exploration… Continue reading FoRB Women’s Alliance Releases ‘Women at the Table: Accelerating FoRB Capacity’
K.P. Yohannan: Death Cannot Kill You
A good friend and well-known Christian theologian visited our work in Asia. He came to one of the leprosy colonies, filled with people who are in horrible pain and suffering. They are so alone, rejected by everyone, without any hope of relief. Then, he was invited to share something to those who had gathered, share… Continue reading K.P. Yohannan: Death Cannot Kill You
Warnings of Further Humanitarian Crisis in Nigeria
NIGERIA — As violence escalates in Nigeria, there are warnings of a humanitarian crisis in the making. Partners of UK-based Release International, which serves persecuted Christians worldwide, warn if the new government doesn’t stop the violence, Christians will leave the country in droves. According to reports more Christians are killed for their faith each year… Continue reading Warnings of Further Humanitarian Crisis in Nigeria
Trauma Healing Provided for Religious Abuse Victims in East Africa
EAST AFRICA — Munah* is a young woman from east Africa and one of only a handful of Christians in her strictly Muslim tribe. Her family’s choice to forsake the beliefs and practices of their people group came at the considerable cost of isolation.But an Open Doors trauma care programme is helping her in healing… Continue reading Trauma Healing Provided for Religious Abuse Victims in East Africa
Nadia Sees Prayer as Spiritual Bridge to Others in the Arabian Peninsula
ARABIA — In the Arabian Peninsula, with its predominantly Islamic faith and culture, choosing to follow Christ can be costly. Nadia* struggled with loneliness and isolation when she became a Christian – but she has seen the impact of prayer. *Name changed for security reasons. Nadia*, name changed for security purposes: If I look back… Continue reading Nadia Sees Prayer as Spiritual Bridge to Others in the Arabian Peninsula
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
Iranian Christian Woman Helps Other Persecuted Believers in Turkey
TURKEY — When Sahar became a Christian in Iran, she lost everything – her husband, her children and her freedom. But she never let go of God, and now she lives in Turkey, ministering to women who are going through similar situations for their faith. *Name changed for security purposes. Sahar* – Iranian Christian: I… Continue reading Iranian Christian Woman Helps Other Persecuted Believers in Turkey
Stories of Christian Martyrdom, Spanning 2000 Years, Documented in New Book by Johnnie Moore, Jerry Pattengale
WASHINGTON, DC — Inspired by the iconic martyrology, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Johnnie Moore and Jerry Pattengale spent more than five years researching, excerpting and adding to this iconic work in order to produce an entirely new book which artfully integrates the historic Foxe’s text and modernizes it for a new generation. The New Book… Continue reading Stories of Christian Martyrdom, Spanning 2000 Years, Documented in New Book by Johnnie Moore, Jerry Pattengale
Persecuted Christians in South Asia Bravely Translating Bible with Help from Wycliffe Associates
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, will participate in a New Testament dedication in South Asia nation (undisclosed for security reasons) this month, which is the first completed Bible translation project in a minority language. Local Bible… Continue reading Persecuted Christians in South Asia Bravely Translating Bible with Help from Wycliffe Associates
Laos Believers Strengthened by Literacy Training
LAOS —Khamsay* and his wife Mali* were attacked by their family and community in rural Laos, who follow local traditions and beliefs. Khamsay has taken part in literacy training run by Open Doors – now that he can read the Bible, he has been strengthened in his faith which he is keen to share with… Continue reading Laos Believers Strengthened by Literacy Training
Why Are so Many Christians Killed in Nigeria?
NIGERIA — More Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a vast humanitarian catastrophe, as a wave of religiously motivated violence nurtured in Nigeria has swept across the region, targeting Christian populations at an alarming rate in countries like Burkina Faso, Cameroon,… Continue reading Why Are so Many Christians Killed in Nigeria?
The Voice of the Martyrs’ 2023 Global Prayer Guide Says Four African Nations Hostile to the Gospel
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
North Korea Tops Open Doors World Watch List
NORTH KOREA — More than 360 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith – that’s a staggering 1 in 7 believers. Open Doors has launched this year’s World Watch list highlighting the 50 countries where faith costs the most, with North Korea returning to number one as the world’s… Continue reading North Korea Tops Open Doors World Watch List
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
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
Persecuted Christians in the Middle East Receive Vital Winter Supplies
MIDDLE EAST — As winter continues, persecuted Christians in the Muslim world are facing hunger and bitter cold. When humanitarian aid does make it to these areas for distribution, Christians are overlooked — intentionally left out by authorities because of their faith. They cling fervently to Christ despite all opposition and hardship.In response the Help… Continue reading Persecuted Christians in the Middle East Receive Vital Winter Supplies
You Si-kun, Highest-ranking Taiwanese Official Allowed in U.S., To Reject CCP Authoritarianism with Pro-democracy, Pro-religious Freedom Address at IRF Summit
WASHINGTON — The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit, the world’s premier annual gathering of religious freedom advocates and activists, will be held January 31–February 1. The Summit, usually held in the summer, has been moved several months earlier in 2023 and coincides with the start of the National Prayer Breakfast. IRF Summit 2023 will be… Continue reading You Si-kun, Highest-ranking Taiwanese Official Allowed in U.S., To Reject CCP Authoritarianism with Pro-democracy, Pro-religious Freedom Address at IRF Summit
ChinaAid Announces Recipient of 2022 Lin Zhao Freedom Award
MIDLAND, TX — China Aid Association is pleased to announce Ms. Xu Qin as the winner of the Lin Zhao Freedom Award 2022. Ms. Xu is a well-known activist who served as the secretary general of the civil organization “China Human Rights Watch” and a spokesperson for Rose Team (玫瑰中国), a group committed to promoting… Continue reading ChinaAid Announces Recipient of 2022 Lin Zhao Freedom Award
Iran Alive Ministries Partners with Channel One to Reach Even More Viewers in Iran
LOS ANGELES, CA — Iran Alive Ministries (IAM) has officially partnered with Channel One (Kanal Yek TV), a Persian TV channel broadcasting from Los Angeles, CA to viewers in Iran, to obtain a primetime slot for IAM’s Gospel-centric programming. “With this partnership, we will gain many new secular-minded audiences who have already rejected Islam, so… Continue reading Iran Alive Ministries Partners with Channel One to Reach Even More Viewers in Iran
Kenya Student Disabled Following Islamist Attack
KENYA — In 2015, Islamist terrorists attacked Garissa University in Kenya, leaving 148 people dead. Many victims were, like Ronald, Christian students who were singled out by the gunmen. Ronald shares some of the difficulties he has encountered since the attack. Ronald Moranga Magembe: “My name is Ronald Moranga Magembe a former Garissa University student,… Continue reading Kenya Student Disabled Following Islamist Attack
Ethiopian Convert Escapes Death
ETHIOPIA — When Ethiopian Daniel*, a staunch follower of Islam, came across a Bible, he decided to read it only so that he could disprove it. But encountering the gospel led him to convert and start following Jesus – and experience persecution from his family. *Name changed for security reasons. Daniel: “People noticed me… Continue reading Ethiopian Convert Escapes Death
Being Family for Valentina This Christmas
COLOMBIA — Valentina (15) in Colombia is one of many Christian children who face persecution for their faith. It isn’t safe for her to live at home, because of guerrilla gangs and indigenous groups. Thanks to Christian charity Open Doors in, she’s able to receive shelter and a Christian education at their Colombia Children’s Centre… Continue reading Being Family for Valentina This Christmas
Open Doors Enables Mimi’s Family to Stay in Iraq
IRAQ — Mimi (12) was very young when she fled her home in Bartella with her grandparents after so-called Islamic State invaded the Nineveh Plains. Until recently, Mimi’s parents were considering leaving Iraq – until they received a microloan to set up a farm through Open Doors partners. Mimi: “I love Iraq, because it is… Continue reading Open Doors Enables Mimi’s Family to Stay in Iraq
Revisiting Syrian Widow Jina
SYRIA — In 2019, Open Doors visited Jina, whose husband Rober had been kidnapped by extremists early in the Syrian civil war. Jina has been raising their son, Apo, alone since then – but she continues to be supported by Open Doors. In 2019 Open Doors visited Jina, whose husband Rober had been kidnapped by… Continue reading Revisiting Syrian Widow Jina
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
Global Prayer for the Persecuted
CANADA — Reverend Gary Stagg, Executive Director of Open Doors Canada, talks about the Global Day of Prayer where Christians around the world will pray for the persecuted church. A global prayer event is coming up November 6th, 5pm mountain time with Christians around the world praying for believers who are being persecuted for their… Continue reading Global Prayer for the Persecuted
What Does Life Look Like for a Christian in Afghanistan?
AFGHANISTAN — Baset, a SAT-7 viewer in Afghanistan sent this profoundly moving message describing both the famine and soaring prices affecting everyone in his country and the dangers for anyone suspected of leaving the country’s major religion. Baset: Our lives have changed in Afghanistan. My name is Baset and I am a teacher. But my… Continue reading What Does Life Look Like for a Christian in Afghanistan?
Wycliffe Associates Giving Essential Aid to Bible Translation Partners Devastated by War in Ukraine
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with Ukraine local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, is supplying essential aid to Ukrainian national Bible translators. Through its Emergency 911 Fund, Wycliffe Associates supplies practical help, including food, clean water, shelter, and even evacuations, to Bible translators… Continue reading Wycliffe Associates Giving Essential Aid to Bible Translation Partners Devastated by War in Ukraine
Celebrating the Life of Open Doors Founder Brother Andrew (1928-2022)
SANTA ANA, CA — Celebrating the life of Brother Andrew, Open Doors founder and God’s Smuggler who passed away aged 94. We honour his life, legacy and love of his Lord. In this video, he shares how he wanted to be remembered. Brother Andrew, the founder of Open Doors, has died aged 94, surrounded by… Continue reading Celebrating the Life of Open Doors Founder Brother Andrew (1928-2022)
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
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
Gideon’s Imprisonment – Eritrea
BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA — In 2019, Abraham* and Joel’s* church was attacked by jihadists in a village in Burkino Faso in West Africa. The two young men survived, but the horror of what happened has traumatized them. Open Doors provides trauma care counseling for many people impacted by attacks like these. Gideon:* “There are… Continue reading Gideon’s Imprisonment – Eritrea
Joel and Abraham Survive Jihadist Attack in Burkino Faso
BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA — In 2019, Abraham* and Joel’s* church was attacked by jihadists in a village in Burkino Faso in West Africa. The two young men survived, but the horror of what happened has traumatized them. Open Doors provides trauma care counseling for many people impacted by attacks like these. Abraham*: “That Sunday,… Continue reading Joel and Abraham Survive Jihadist Attack in Burkino Faso
Religious Freedom Eroding Fast, Warns U.S. Group
EASTON, MD — A U.S. media ministry warns religious freedom is under increasing pressure — fast reaching a tipping point it describes as “situation critical.” Globally, an estimated 80% of people of all faiths face restrictions on freely expressing their religious beliefs, says SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org), a Christian media broadcaster in the Middle East and… Continue reading Religious Freedom Eroding Fast, Warns U.S. Group