“For China’s Christians, these are desperate times.” That was a comment made by U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence in October 2018 in a speech where he described the Chinese Communist Party as “avowedly atheist.” Perspective Magazine, which covers U.S. foreign policy from a Christian perspective observed that “in 2018, China’s religious repression has reached ‘a sustained… Continue reading Christians & Muslims Persecuted as ‘Enemies’ of Chinese Nationalism
Results for "Christian Persecution"
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Christian Nonprofit Celebrates 8,000 Church Projects Internationally
HAMPTON, VA — International Cooperating Ministries (ICM) in Hampton recently approved its 8,000th building project to assist Christians in difficult areas. With a vision to establish a healthy church within walking distance of everyone in the world, the 33-year-old charity is currently operating in 91 countries. The 8,000th church project will provide hope for one of Egypt’s… Continue reading Christian Nonprofit Celebrates 8,000 Church Projects Internationally
Christian School Global Summit Addresses Key Issues for Faith-Based Education Movement
Worldwide gathering in San Antonio Jan. 30-Feb. 1 to tackle ‘challenges and opportunities’ facing private Christian school movement COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Global leaders in the private Christian school community are convening next month to look for ways to reshape their movement and continue offering distinctive, faith-based education in an increasingly pluralistic and post-religious world. Around 1,000… Continue reading Christian School Global Summit Addresses Key Issues for Faith-Based Education Movement
London Mayor: “Learn Kindness from Christians”
LONDON – Sadiq Khan is the Mayor of London, England. He had been a Member of Parliament since 2005. He is also a devout Muslim. However, whether politically motivated or out of sincerity, he has proven to be kind to Christians. Just a few days ago on December 16th, he addressed a crowd of 10,000… Continue reading London Mayor: “Learn Kindness from Christians”
What Christian Leaders are Saying about Gospel for Asia
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a nonprofit founded in 1979 committed to serving “the least of these” in Asia. GFA supports national field workers who in turn bring the love of Christ to those living in rural and under-served areas. Whether it’s providing the opportunity for a brighter future for a child in Asia… Continue reading What Christian Leaders are Saying about Gospel for Asia
Insight into Being an Outsider – Christians in Myanmar
RANGOON – Most Western people still know Myanmar as Burma – a country somewhere in South Asia. Situated east of the Bay of Bengal, Myanmar borders Bangladesh, India, China, and Thailand. Myanmar, then Burma, was evangelized in the early 1800s by Adoniram Judson who also completed the first Burmese language Bible. In 1950, there were… Continue reading Insight into Being an Outsider – Christians in Myanmar
The Silent War Against Christianity in Scotland
EDINBURGH – While nearly the whole of Christendom is aware, at least to some extent – of the persecution being wrought upon the followers of Christ in many countries, the same are blissfully unaware of the attacks upon the church by humanism and secularism. These twin threats to the faith once delivered the saints are… Continue reading The Silent War Against Christianity in Scotland
DHS Comes to Aid of Stranded Iranian Christians
WASHINGTON DC – The subject of immigration has become a tinderbox of contention among many Americans as well as Europeans and Australians. The substance of immigration issues is often obscured by a fog of conflicting opinions between personal compassion and the government’s responsibility to ensure the general welfare and domestic tranquility of its current residents.… Continue reading DHS Comes to Aid of Stranded Iranian Christians
You’ll Be Amazed to Learn Where Most Christians Live
HAMILTON, MA – The estimated total population in the world is between 7.3 and 7.6 billion people. (It’s hard to keep an exact count. The number keeps changing!) It is probably even more difficult to assess how many Christians there are and where they live. First, by the time a count is determined, it has… Continue reading You’ll Be Amazed to Learn Where Most Christians Live
UK Parliament Considers Call for UN International Day Commemorating Victims & Survivors of Religious Persecution
LONDON – British MP (Member of Parliament), Fiona Bruce tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM 1478) on 03 July 2018 proposing that the UK develop better mechanisms for tracking incidents of religious persecution and that it develop “strategic action plans” to prevent the escalation of those incidents into “mass atrocities.” Further, the motion calls upon… Continue reading UK Parliament Considers Call for UN International Day Commemorating Victims & Survivors of Religious Persecution
9 Things Christians Need to Know About Korea
SEOUL – North and South Korea have made a lot of headlines in the past year, including North Korea’s ballistic missile tests and nuclear potential, South Korea’s hosting of the Winter Olympics, and the historic meeting between North Korea’s Kim Jung Un and U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore. While the complete denuclearization of North… Continue reading 9 Things Christians Need to Know About Korea
International Christian Concern Helps Egyptian Widower Rebuild His Life
ALEXANDRIA – A terrorist attack on two Coptic Christian churches on Palm Sunday 2017 left more than 40 people dead and 125 injured. It also made several men, women, and children widows, widowers, and orphans. One of the deceased was Hanan Dreas, a wife and mother of two children ages six and 10. Her husband,… Continue reading International Christian Concern Helps Egyptian Widower Rebuild His Life
Christians Concerned About Turkish Presence in Syria
Turkish Army Takes Afrin, Syria from Kurds AFRIN, Syria – Turkish forces have overtaken the Syrian town of Afrin, driving the Kurdish forces out. To most readers in the Western Hemisphere, this news has little relevance. Most us have no idea who’s who or what is where in the conflict in Syria. The situation for… Continue reading Christians Concerned About Turkish Presence in Syria
Syrian Christians Displaced But Helping Others in Need
Syrian Christians are part of one of the oldest churches in the world. They used to be one of the major political forces in Syria , until ISIS started coming after Christians because they believe in an all Islamic state, also known as a Caliphate. BBC explains, “The founder of the Baath Party, which has ruled… Continue reading Syrian Christians Displaced But Helping Others in Need
Chinese Persecution of Religious Groups Getting Worse
Photo by TonySKTO President Xi Jinping came to power in China late 2012. In this time, religious persecution has increased. Per CNN, “Since President Xi Jinping came to power in late 2012, Freedom House said, the scale of religious oppression has increased at all levels of society, despite widespread resistance from believers of all stripes.”… Continue reading Chinese Persecution of Religious Groups Getting Worse
Facing Rejection in Nepal After Choosing Christ
NEPAL — Pramila* has faced rejection by her family and her husband in Nepal several times since becoming a Christian, but she won’t let go of her faith in Jesus. But she has received support from Open Doors to move on with her life including help to start her own shop. Pramila* – Nepal: I… Continue reading Facing Rejection in Nepal After Choosing Christ
Iraqi Woman Faces House Arrest and Forced Marriage
IRAQ — When she became a Christian, Sara* experienced a miraculous escape after her father put her under house arrest and arranged a forced marriage to a Muslim man for her. Thanks to support from Open Doors, Sara knows her true value in Christ as she serves others. Open Doors’ vision is that every persecuted… Continue reading Iraqi Woman Faces House Arrest and Forced Marriage
Parents of Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls Gather for 10th Anniversary Service
NIGERIA — It’s been 10 years since the Chibok Nigerian schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria. More than 90 of the young women are still missing. On 14 April, parents of the girls gathered for a service to pray for the missing women. Yakubu Nkeki – Chibok, Nigeria: My name is Yakubu… Continue reading Parents of Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls Gather for 10th Anniversary Service
Iraqi Woman Faces House Arrest and Forced Marriage
IRAQ — When she became a Christian, Sara* experienced a miraculous escape after her father put her under house arrest and arranged a forced marriage to a Muslim man for her. Thanks to support from Open Doors, Sara knows her true value in Christ as she serves others. Open Doors’ vision is that every persecuted… Continue reading Iraqi Woman Faces House Arrest and Forced Marriage
FRC Publishes New Edition of Hostility Against Churches Report Indicating a Doubling of Attacks
WASHINGTON — Family Research Council (FRC) recently released the newest edition of its Hostility Against Churches report, updated to include hostility incidents from calendar year 2023. The report’s findings suggest that the rise in hostility against U.S. churches that were identified in FRC’s inaugural December 2022 report has neither slowed nor plateaued; rather, it has… Continue reading FRC Publishes New Edition of Hostility Against Churches Report Indicating a Doubling of Attacks
Nigerian Pastor Receives Trauma Counselling Following Family Loss
NIGERIA — In May 2023, Pastor Zachariah returned home to find his wife and son had been killed in an attack by Fulani militants. His home had also been burnt to the ground. To help him deal with his devastating loss, Nigerian Pastor Zachariah received trauma counselling and practical support from Open Doors partners. It… Continue reading Nigerian Pastor Receives Trauma Counselling Following Family Loss
Several Churches Were Affected by the Fires in Chile
CHILE — In the midst of the most devastating fires in Chile’s recorded history, with hundreds of fatalities and thousands of hectares consumed, the Christian community is facing an unprecedented situation. Churches and parsonages in Chile have been completely destroyed, but they find hope in faith and solidarity in the reconstruction. Chile Faces the Most… Continue reading Several Churches Were Affected by the Fires in Chile
Open Doors’ World Watch List for 2024
NORTH KOREA — The Open Doors World Watch List 2024 ranks the countries where Christians count the highest cost for following Jesus. These are the 5 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Could praying put you in danger? Could going to church risk your life? Could following Jesus cost you your job, your… Continue reading Open Doors’ World Watch List for 2024
Mike Pence to address IRF Summit 2024
WASHINGTON — Mike Pence, the 48th Vice President of the United States, will speak during the afternoon plenary at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The IRF Summit is the world’s premier annual gathering of international religious freedom advocates and activists. The Summit’s convening co-chairs, former U.S. Ambassador at Large for… Continue reading Mike Pence to address IRF Summit 2024
Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament
NORTH KOREA — Longstanding Christian communities could disappear in parts of sub-Saharan Africa through a double blow of violent instability and authoritarian control. Christian minorities across east and west Africa face twin existential threats: violent disorder exploited by radical jihadists and autocratic governments backed by larger powers outside the region.This is one of the disturbing… Continue reading Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament
Former Muslim becomes Homeless after Accepting Christ
PAKISTAN — Former Muslim, Abdul spent several years hiding on the roof of his family’s house because he had nowhere else to sleep. His family had completely rejected him after he chose to follow Christ. Abdul grew up under the Sharia in Pakistan. When he wondered where eternity would go, his uncle told him that… Continue reading Former Muslim becomes Homeless after Accepting Christ
Following Jesus in North Korea, Despite Poverty and Danger
NORTH KOREA — Ji Ho* in North Korea counts the cost of following Jesus every day. Her father was taken away by police agents when his Bible was discovered, and she has to keep her faith secret – or face terrible consequences. *Name changed for security. Ji Ho*: I didn’t know what the book was,… Continue reading Following Jesus in North Korea, Despite Poverty and Danger
Help The Persecuted Provides Safe Refuge in Lebanon to Those Fleeing Middle East Conflict
MIDDLE EAST — As the war in the Middle East intensifies and the region faces a devastating surge of violence, Help The Persecuted is on the ground as their teams minister to those fleeing into Lebanon. Neighboring Israel and Syria, Lebanon is the most open country in the Middle East to Christianity. Many persecuted believers… Continue reading Help The Persecuted Provides Safe Refuge in Lebanon to Those Fleeing Middle East Conflict
Colombian Boy Survived FARC Attack, then Comes to Christ and Shares God’s Love with Rebels
COLOMBIA — At the age of 10, Luis survived an attack by the FARC on his village in one of the “red zones” of Colombia. After accepting Christ at the age of 13, he knew that God was calling him to serve villages like his own. This is a report from The Voice of the… Continue reading Colombian Boy Survived FARC Attack, then Comes to Christ and Shares God’s Love with Rebels
China’s Communism Strategy for Churches
CHINA— China has pledged to change the face of world Christianity at a conference for pastors of state-controlled churches. China’s Communism Strategy aims to export a Communist-Christian hybrid around the world. This report is from Andrew Boyd. China’s been trying to compel churches to adopt the atheist ideology of the Communist Party which denies the… Continue reading China’s Communism Strategy for Churches
Farah’s Return to the Nineveh Plains
IRAQ — Farah was just one of around 70,000 Christians who fled to Erbil to escape the advancement of so-called Islamic State in 2014. When she returned, Open Doors partners helped her to restore her home and business in Nineveh Plains. Farah can well recall the day in 2014 when her family fled their home… Continue reading Farah’s Return to the Nineveh Plains
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
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
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
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
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
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
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