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
Results for "Persecution"
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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
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
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
Francis Chan Says Life ‘Totally Shaped’ by Gospel for Asia Founder
WILLS POINT, TX — Former California megachurch pastor and bestselling author Francis Chan — who has moved to Asia to serve the poor — has revealed how his view of “true” faith was turned upside down by Gospel for Asia founder and mission pioneer Dr. K.P. Yohannan. Chan says his dramatic shift from well-known pastor… Continue reading Francis Chan Says Life ‘Totally Shaped’ by Gospel for Asia Founder
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
Introducing a New FBO – PAK7
GREENVILLE, SC – PAK7 is a brand-new faith-based organization that is preparing for Christian ministry in Pakistan, the fifth largest country in the world by population. More than 90% of the population, of which 70% are under age 35, are Muslim. Pakistan is also ranked as the 5th most dangerous nation for the persecution of… Continue reading Introducing a New FBO – PAK7
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
Wycliffe Associates Provides Technology to Keep Projects Moving Forward Despite Coronavirus Restrictions
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, is providing computer tablets and virtual tools to help mother-tongue translators continue their work in spite of COVID-19 and oppression from anti-Christian authorities. “Several Christians traveled from a dangerous country to… Continue reading Wycliffe Associates Provides Technology to Keep Projects Moving Forward Despite Coronavirus Restrictions
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
Gospel for Asia Canada Ponders Community Life During COVID-19 Isolation
STONEY CREEK, ON — GFA World (Gospel for Asia Canada) – When the COVID-19 outbreak first began, for most of us it was just an unknown disease, in far off China. For me, it didn’t affect my day-to-day life, so I dismissed it, until suddenly, I could not ignore it anymore because it was right… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Canada Ponders Community Life During COVID-19 Isolation
Wycliffe Associates Leverages Virtual Bible Translations Workshops
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has developed a virtual rendition of its MAST (Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation) methodology. MAST is a collaborative translation method that involves local churches as translation teams and builds on the natural… Continue reading Wycliffe Associates Leverages Virtual Bible Translations Workshops
ICON Launches New Report Proving Nigerian Genocide
WASHINGTON — The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a nonprofit working to secure a future for all Nigerians, launched a new Data Tome (“report”) today proving the religious persecution and genocide that has been occurring in Nigeria over the last 20 years. The report includes recent testimonies of some of the more than 60,000 victims… Continue reading ICON Launches New Report Proving Nigerian Genocide
Christians Face Ultimatum – Abandon God Or Be Refused COVID Aid
LONDON — COVID aid is being refused for Christians in some countries unless they refuse to renounce their faith in Christ. In response, Open Doors is mobilizing its partners in some of the worst-hit countries to provide vital emergency food supplies. Persecution watchdog Open Doors UK & Ireland says it is “inundated” with reports of… Continue reading Christians Face Ultimatum – Abandon God Or Be Refused COVID Aid
USCIRF Expresses Outrage at the Killing of U.S. Citizen in Pakistan
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today mourns the death of Tahir Ahmad Naseem, a U.S. citizen who was shot in a courtroom in Peshawar, Pakistan on July 29, 2020. The assailant claimed to have shot Naseem because he had belonged to the Ahmadiyya faith. “Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are… Continue reading USCIRF Expresses Outrage at the Killing of U.S. Citizen in Pakistan
SAT-7 KIDS Stages Live Facebook Event; airs kids’ videos to calm fears
EASTON, MD — SAT-7 Kids in a media ministry to hildren living in a “world of fear” in the Middle East. Through a live Facebook event, they are helping kids to conquer their deepest anxieties — by sharing their own uplifting faith with others on satellite television and social media. Entangled in wars, social unrest,… Continue reading SAT-7 KIDS Stages Live Facebook Event; airs kids’ videos to calm fears
Open Doors Still Standing with the Persecuted Church After 65 Years
LONDON — It’s 65 years since Brother Andrew started taking Bibles to persecuted Christians in Eastern Europe. The work of Open Doors, the organization he founded, has changed significantly in its scope and methods – but at the heart of it is the same God and the same mission. As persecution watchdog Open Doors reached… Continue reading Open Doors Still Standing with the Persecuted Church After 65 Years
Feeding Thousands in Persecuted Nations & the USA
CHARLOTTE, NC — CMM thanks partners who helped send thousands of dollars weekly the last two months for feeding starving brethren in many nations in Africa and Asia. CMM works closely with known, trusted, indigenous missionaries in 70 nations. We have known many of these dear friends for years in India, Nigeria and Pakistan are… Continue reading Feeding Thousands in Persecuted Nations & the USA
Christ in Youth – Limited Only by God’s Power
JOPLIN, MO – In 1968, Bob Stacy, a professor at Ozark Bible College, was inspired to create a way to present the Gospel message to young people in a way that was contemporarily and culturally relevant. That’s not only difficult to do. It’s even more difficult to sustain. Kids today are not even remotely interested… Continue reading Christ in Youth – Limited Only by God’s Power
2020 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC – Its 2020 Annual Report on international freedom of religion has been made available to the public by the USCIRF. Various media reports have created confusion concerning the publication, with some referring to it as “the 2019 report” and others as “the 2020 report.” For clarification, the title of the 104-page document is… Continue reading 2020 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
Honoring Modern Day Christian Martyrs
BARTLESVILLE, OK— Some 4,000 Christians are killed for their faith each year. To commemorate them – and to stand with the suffering church – believers across the world took part in the Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29. Organizations like Voice of the Martyrs and Release International honored some of the true heroes… Continue reading Honoring Modern Day Christian Martyrs
USCIRF Urges Thailand, Malaysia to Protect Rohingya Muslim Refugees Stranded at Sea
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on the governments of Thailand and Malaysia to admit boats carrying Rohingya Muslim refugees stranded at sea. “Thai and Malaysian authorities must recognize their obligations under international law to refugees fleeing ethnic and religious violence,” USCIRF Chair Gayle Manchin stated. “USCIRF urges… Continue reading USCIRF Urges Thailand, Malaysia to Protect Rohingya Muslim Refugees Stranded at Sea
Attacks on Turkish Churches as Some Blame Christians for COVID-19
EASTON, MD — A satellite television broadcaster in the Middle East is using its unique platform to show that Christians are not a threat as angry protesters attack churches and some blame Christians for COVID-19. After a recent arson attempt on a church in Istanbul — Turkey’s largest city — the suspect told police that… Continue reading Attacks on Turkish Churches as Some Blame Christians for COVID-19
The USCIRF Urges Administration to Enforce the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act
WASHINGTON, DC – The USCIRF (U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom) released the following statement urging the Administration to immediately enforce the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, which was signed by President Donald Trump: “Along with Congress, the official communication and policy of this administration has been unambiguous in expressing both concern and outrage over… Continue reading The USCIRF Urges Administration to Enforce the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act
Open Doors Feeds Displaced Nigerian Community
NIGERIA — Last year attacks by nomadic Fulani herdsmen forced an entire Christian community in Naka, Nigeria to flee their homes. But in February this year, Open Doors was able to deliver vital aid to 1,500 families before Covid-19 travel restrictions were introduced. Pastor Sunday shares his appreciation for the impact this crucial help has… Continue reading Open Doors Feeds Displaced Nigerian Community
World Refugee Day Report: 80 Million Displaced – 40 Million Are Children
NEW YORK — June 20 is observed annually as World Refugee Day. The United Nations defines a refugee as “someone who fled his or her home and country owing to “well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.” While that definition seems to be… Continue reading World Refugee Day Report: 80 Million Displaced – 40 Million Are Children
U.S. Advancing Religious Freedom Issues in Nigeria
WASHINGTON — The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a nonprofit working to secure a future for all Nigerians, released a statement today, applauding a new executive order signed by President Trump advancing international religious freedom. The order directs the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to take action to… Continue reading U.S. Advancing Religious Freedom Issues in Nigeria
Pakistan Minorities Commission Enacts New Religious Freedom Law
The long-awaited National Commission for Minorities, now inaugurated in Pakistan on 5 May, has been welcomed as “an important step” in the country’s “continuing journey towards the protection of religious freedom” by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Commissioner Johnnie Moore added that the formation of the minorities commission is “undoubtedly a… Continue reading Pakistan Minorities Commission Enacts New Religious Freedom Law
USCIRF Welcomes Establishment of Pakistan’s National Commission for Minorities as a First Step
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomed the Pakistani government’s recent establishment of the National Commission for Minorities to oversee religious minorities’ rights.. In a June 2014 ruling, the Pakistani Supreme Court directed the government to form a commission “to monitor the practical realization of the rights and safeguards provided… Continue reading USCIRF Welcomes Establishment of Pakistan’s National Commission for Minorities as a First Step
Chinese Pastor Refusing to Join Communist Controlled Church Arrested for ‘Subversion’ | The Christian Post
A house church pastor in China’s Hunan province has been arrested for “inciting subversion of state power” after he refused to join the ruling Chinese Communist Party’s Three-Self Patriotic Association. Radio Free Asia reports that pastor Zhao Huaiguo, the founder of Bethel Church, was arrested on April 2 in China’s Hunan province, after being criminally… Continue reading Chinese Pastor Refusing to Join Communist Controlled Church Arrested for ‘Subversion’ | The Christian Post
Missing Lawyer Wins Award — Receives Human Rights Prize
MIDLAND, TX — A panel of judges unanimously chose to grant the annual Lin Zhao Freedom Award to disappeared lawyer Gao Zhisheng. As an attorney, Gao served people prosecuted by the Chinese Communist Party for decades. For his work, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. China, however, targeted him, and he spent years… Continue reading Missing Lawyer Wins Award — Receives Human Rights Prize
The Incredible Work of CFK in North Korea
BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC – Frankly, I was surprised to learn of a Christian ministry actively working in North Korea. Then, I discovered CFK (not to be confused with KFC), Christian Friends of Korea. I was amazed by how the Lord has opened doors for CFK and how much He has accomplished through them in the… Continue reading The Incredible Work of CFK in North Korea
He’s Alive! Myanmar Pastor Presumed Dead Returns Home to Family
WILLS POINT, TX – A national pastor in Myanmar supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) was forcibly removed at gunpoint from his home by five men on January 19, 2019. The men are believed to have been members of a rebel army that has been seeking control… Continue reading He’s Alive! Myanmar Pastor Presumed Dead Returns Home to Family
Persecuted Christians at Higher Risk as Coronavirus Halts Daily Life Worldwide
“Our ability to act quickly is critical.” — Open Doors USASANTA ANA, CA — Living conditions for Christians and other religious minorities worldwide are rapidly worsening due to the Coronavirus outbreak, says Open Doors USA, an organization working with persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries. “Their situation is going from bad to worse,” said… Continue reading Persecuted Christians at Higher Risk as Coronavirus Halts Daily Life Worldwide
Streaming Your Sunday Service Isn’t Enough — Justin Murff Op-ed
WASHINGTON — Rev. Justin Murff, FRSA, Executive Director of the MENA Collective, submits the following and is available for comment: With all of the uncertainty surrounding the (current coronavirus outbreak crisis), one thing churches and pastors can be sure about is that streaming your online service is simply not enough. As ministers of the Gospel,… Continue reading Streaming Your Sunday Service Isn’t Enough — Justin Murff Op-ed
USCIRF Says Hazara Shi’a Scapegoated in Pakistan Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today expressed its concern over reports of the provincial government of Balochistan, Pakistan targeting Hazara Shi’a for the spread of COVID-19 amid the Coronavirus lockdown. “We are troubled that government officials in Balochistan are scapegoating the already vulnerable and marginalized Hazara Shi’a community… Continue reading USCIRF Says Hazara Shi’a Scapegoated in Pakistan Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Emergency Field Hospital to NYC; Adding Life-Saving Medical Surge Capacity
International Christian Relief Organization Responds at the Epicenter of the Coronavirus in the U.S. BOONE, NC — Samaritan’s Purse deployed its Emergency Field Hospital to New York City, New York, where the local medical infrastructure is severely overwhelmed. In cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), New York state officials, and local hospital authorities,… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Emergency Field Hospital to NYC; Adding Life-Saving Medical Surge Capacity
Ohio Pastor Publishes New Bible in Burmese and New Book of Faith Stories from Myanmar
ORIENT, OH — An Ohio pastor publishes a New Testament in Burma in a language where there has never been a Bible, and few Westerners have ever been, and the same week, he publishes his own book about the incredible move of God going on there in the midst of great persecution. Pastor and Mission… Continue reading Ohio Pastor Publishes New Bible in Burmese and New Book of Faith Stories from Myanmar
‘Good News Across the Web’ Launched in Response to COVID-19 School Closures
WARRENTON, MO — Child Evangelism Fellowship operates over 99,000 after-school clubs around the world. GOOD NEWS CLUBS feature Bible teaching, music, games and snacks for children once a week. When schools and churches closed for weeks in South Korea due to COVID-19, a plea went to CEF International Headquarters in Missouri for help with an… Continue reading ‘Good News Across the Web’ Launched in Response to COVID-19 School Closures
Samaritan’s Purse Opens Emergency Field Hospital in Northern Italy; Bringing Life-Saving Surge Capacity
BOONE, NC — Today, the Samaritan’s Purse Emergency Field Hospital, specially equipped with a respiratory care unit, opened in Cremona, Italy. The 68-bed unit was airlifted to Italy on March 17 using the relief organization’s DC-8 cargo plane to provide critical surge capacity to an overwhelmed hospital. The tent facility began receiving patients as soon… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Opens Emergency Field Hospital in Northern Italy; Bringing Life-Saving Surge Capacity
Pakistani Orphanage Receives Rickshaw & Sewing Machines Via Crowdfunding Efforts
CONROE, TX— Good Shepherd Ministry – Pakistan has recently purchased a rickshaw to start a taxi service, as well as 5 sewing machines to launch their sewing center with funds garnered via crowdfunding efforts on the new TentMakers platform. Good Shepherd Ministry – Pakistan provides shelter & care for 45 orphans near Multan, Pakistan, an… Continue reading Pakistani Orphanage Receives Rickshaw & Sewing Machines Via Crowdfunding Efforts
Activists Press Trump Administration to Aid Embattled Nigerian Christians | The Washington Times
The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) launched a campaign Wednesday titled the “Silent Slaughter” to raise awareness about the estimated more than 60,000 Nigerians who have died as a result of religious conflicts since 2001. Already this year, ICON reports more than 400 Nigerians were killed because of their Christian faith, with thousands more displaced.… Continue reading Activists Press Trump Administration to Aid Embattled Nigerian Christians | The Washington Times
Iranian TV Viewers See ‘Living Hope’ Amid Coronavirus Crisis
IRAN — In the eye of the coronavirus storm, anxious viewers in the Middle East and North Africa are looking to live Christian TV for reassurance — desperate to see “living hope” amid the escalating coronavirus crisis. As nations introduce strict measures to curb the coronavirus, SAT-7 Christian satellite TV becomes ‘channel of calm’ across… Continue reading Iranian TV Viewers See ‘Living Hope’ Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Good News for Sudanese Christians and Churches
KHARTOUM – The nation of Sudan has been a veritable poster child for the persecution of Christians. Recent news, however, indicates that things may be about to change. The World Watch List 2020, published by Open Doors, ranked Sudan as the seventh most dangerous country for Christians, mainly due to extremely high levels of violence.… Continue reading Good News for Sudanese Christians and Churches
ChinaAid Releases 2019 Annual Report
MIDLAND, TX — ChinaAid released its 2019 Annual Report on Friday, detailing persecution and key findings for the year. The report covers the period from January-December 2019 and provides information on the targeting of Chinese Christians. Throughout the year, ChinaAid observed escalated instances of religious oppression, driven by the government’s campaign to develop “religion with… Continue reading ChinaAid Releases 2019 Annual Report
Wife of Abducted Malaysian Pastor Raymond Koh Honored as ‘Woman of Courage’ by State Dept. | The Christian Post
WASHINGTON D.C. – The wife of a Malaysian pastor who was abducted in 2017 was among 12 women honored Wednesday with the U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Award. Susanna Liew, the wife of pastor Raymond Koh, was honored by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and first lady Melania Trump for fighting on behalf… Continue reading Wife of Abducted Malaysian Pastor Raymond Koh Honored as ‘Woman of Courage’ by State Dept. | The Christian Post
Evangelical Christians Persecuted in Chiapas, Forced to Become Refugees
CHIAPAS, Mexico – Five Christian families recently lost their homes and fields in southern Mexico for not participating in traditional religious festivals. Requests for government intervention were ignored, and nearby churches are providing the displaced believers with emergency supplies and lodging. Evangelical Christians from indigenous communities in southern mexico, are often persecuted simply because they… Continue reading Evangelical Christians Persecuted in Chiapas, Forced to Become Refugees
Nigeria’s Government Agrees: Islamist Terrorists Target Christians | Christianity Today
NIGERIA – The Nigerian government now agrees with what church leaders have been complaining for years: Christians are the target of jihadist terrorism. “In the wake of a renewed onslaught by our tireless military against Boko Haram and their ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) allies in recent times, the insurgents have apparently changed their… Continue reading Nigeria’s Government Agrees: Islamist Terrorists Target Christians | Christianity Today
Does Anyone Give a Damn About the Innocents Dying Every Day in West Africa?
ADAMAWA, Nigeria – More than 100 members of the Islamic State of West Africa, also known as Boko Haram, recently swarmed northern Adamawa, a state in northeast Nigeria, and set at least five churches ablaze while they opened fire and indiscriminately killed residents, according to Sunday reports. The violence targeting Christian churches in northern Nigeria… Continue reading Does Anyone Give a Damn About the Innocents Dying Every Day in West Africa?
Liberty Counsel Assisting UPS Employees Harassed for Praying
MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Liberty Counsel is a Christian ministry that “proclaims, advocates, supports, advances, and defends” religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and the biblical model of marriage and family. The Orlando-based ministry maintains offices in Virginia and Washington, DC. The ministry is best understood as it is self-described on the Liberty Counsel… Continue reading Liberty Counsel Assisting UPS Employees Harassed for Praying