ALEPPO, SYRIA — After the earthquake struck Syria Open Doors partner Pastor Abdalla immediately opened up his church in Aleppo to provide help for the survivors. He shares what it was like the day of the disaster and how they are providing support to their community. Pastor Abdalla – Open Doors Partner in Aleppo, Syria:…
GARLAND, TX — “You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world” is the rallying cry surrounding a timely new resource, designed to empower the Church “to raise up a new vanguard of civil servants in the area where you live.” For such a time as this, “Salt and Light:…
UKRAINE — Elizabeth Groff praises God for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift she received while living in an orphanage in Ukraine. It softened her heart for the Gospel to take hold. Elizabeth Groff: When I was about one year old, my father was killed. After his passing my mom just really could not deal…
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…
CENTRAL ASIA — Forty-year-old Abdulla*, his wife Nilufar* and their three children fled Afghanistan when the Taliban came to power in August 2021. Now living as a refugee in Central Asia, he shares his story about what life is like for Afghan people – and Christians – remaining in the country. *Name changed for security…
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…
EASTON, MD — A U.S. organization focused on the Middle East and North Africa is casting the spotlight on what it calls the region’s top 5 “evolving crises” at the start of 2023. With the world’s gaze fixed on Ukraine-Russia and muscle-flexing in China, “seismic events unfolding in the Middle East are simply off the…
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…
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…
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…
SURINAME — Charahja began teaching the discipleship course The Greatest Journey to other children in her native Suriname on the northeastern coast of South America. When she was just 14 years old. Working with her mother, the two are passionate about seeing children reached with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Charahja Van Broekhoven –…
UKRAINE — Winter is coming to Ukraine. Russia has bombed Ukraine’s power grids and heating infrastructure. To survive this winter thousands of families, mothers and children need a heater. In response, Great Commission Media Ministries has been distributing hundreds of families with wood-burning stoves for heating and for cooking but they say thousands more are…
HALESOWEN, ENGLAND — For 60 years, OM has been ministering in the UK. Over the years, tens of thousands of people have been inspired and equipped to engage in mission work around the world. And today, by the grace of God, OM has over 275 missionaries from the UK living out His love in over…
QATAR — This year, Qatar will become the first Arab nation to ever host the World Cup. But behind the polished veneers of the sparkling stadiums things in Qatar aren’t as pristine as they seem, according to Christian charity Open Doors. Since winning hosting rights for the World Cup more than a decade ago they…
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based mission has launched a massive ‘heat and hope’ project to rush generators and critical supplies of firewood, coal and thermal blankets to local churches helping Ukrainian families facing a brutal and potentially deadly winter. The Ukraine Winter Heat and Hope Project, organized by Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org),…
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,…
WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide, issued this Special Report on Child Sponsorship — Does it Lift the Young Out of Poverty? In existence for many years, child sponsorship has been adapted by…
BAKERSFIELD, CA — As an energy crisis unfolds in Europe, Ukrainians may face the inability to heat their homes, or lack the resources to do so. Consequently, CityServe International is partnering with over 6,700 churches in their church network in Eastern Europe to help deliver generators and C-train homes to Ukrainian families to ensure they…
FORT MYERS, FL — Cissie Graham Lynch, daughter of Franklin Graham, lives with her family in Fort Myers, Florida, one of the areas slammed by Hurricane Ian. The state’s deadliest storm in 87 years claimed well over 100 lives, destroyed businesses, washed away homes, and tossed boats against houses, into trees, and along the roads….
ALPHARETTA, GA — iDisciple Publishing is pleased to announce the release of its latest book, “Born for Rescue,” by President of Crisis Aid International, Pat Bradley. Crisis Aid, an organization that shows up in “no-go zones” where starvation, disease, and danger are a part of everyday life, has provided millions of pounds of food to…
BAKERSFIELD, CA — CityServe Florida had teams on the ground before Hurricane Ian struck, and has provided life-saving assistance immediately to distressed residents in Southwest Florida. So far they have provided over 5,000 hot meals to residents, along with 200 pallets of water, produce, non-perishable food, and cleaning supplies. CityServe’s church network is helping Florida…
FORT MYERS, FL — While in Lee County, Florida, Franklin Graham noticed the streets lined with furniture after people’s homes were flooded in Hurricane Ian. “It just breaks your heart,” he said. “But the chaplains are encouraging them, loving them, praying with them.” As homeowners endure the aftermath of the Category 4 storm, crisis-trained chaplains…
SENEGAL — Edouard Ndecky realized how much God loved him when he received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift when he was growing up in Senegal. Now, Edouard lives in the U.S. and encourages others to prayerfully pack shoeboxes so that other boys and girls in need will receive a tangible expression of God’s love…
BRIDGEPORT, CT — After years of preparation and prayer, CT CityFest with Andrew Palau culminated in a free, 2-day, evangelistic festival at Seaside Park in Bridgeport on August 27 and 28. Hosted by the Luis Palau Association and more than 175 churches, businesses, and nonprofits, this region-wide campaign has been focused on serving Southwest Connecticut…
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….
SOUTH WEST CONNECTICUT — Many people were reached with a message of hope through CT CityFest. Evangelist Andrew Palau led multiple outreaches and gatherings throughout South West Connecticut during “festival week,” including a gathering for young professionals and civic and business leaders, a youth worship and prayer night, and two gatherings for women led by…
MONTANA — Healings on social media, deliverance from addictions and turning to Jesus Christ. Christian Revival is sweeping across parts of Native America. The leaders of the Crow Tribe have even passed a resolution to ‘Proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord of the Crow Indian reservation.’ CBN News Reporter Mark Martin travelled to Montana to bring…
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA — A women’s ministry was organized in the Republic of Moldova, which has verse 11 from Psalm 68 as its motto: “ The Lord giveth the word: the women that publish the tidings are a great host.” Women, regardless of denomination, of different ages and social status, are helped to grow in…
BUCHANAN, VA — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are working in Buchanan County, Virginia, where floodwaters left neighborhoods waterlogged and hundreds of residents fleeing their homes after more than 8 inches of rain fell on the area in a matter of hours, Tuesday, July 12. More than 100 homes in the flood zone of the nearby Dismal…
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…
KANSAS CITY, MO — On Saturday, May 14th, Christ for All Nations (CfaN), Lead Evangelist and President Daniel Kolenda, preached to a crowd of thousands at The Send, Kansas City. The day-long event brought tens of thousands of primarily young people together at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Evangelist Daniel Kolenda is one of…
CENTRAL ASIA — Jumagul’s* story is one of amazing redemption: after becoming a Christian, she was beaten and abused by her husband. But God heard Jumagul’s prayers and transformed her husband – and her marriage. After her husband’s death, Jumagul continues to follow Jesus – despite persecution from her local community. Jumagul* lives in a…
OCNA-MUREȘ, ROMANIA — The Carpenter’s House from Ocna-Mureș, Romania, has been organizing for several years meetings for men out of a desire to encourage them to live a life according to a model the Scripture gives us. This three day event takes place at the end of the week and it encompasses messages from the…
QARAQOSH, IRAQ — When Islamic State captured the Christian-majority city of Qaraqosh, Iraq, Sana and her family were trapped in their home for almost three weeks. When they were discovered, Sana and her daughter were separated from Sana’s husband and two sons. Sana never saw them again. But Sana has not given up on God….
ALBA LULIA, ROMANIA — Across all of Romania, many initiatives support the refugees from Ukraine. Volunteers, humanitarian aid organizations and Romanian churches understood that this cause needs everyone to help. They joined forces so they might give a hand to those fleeing from Ukraine. We found such a project in Alba Iulia, that started in…
POLAND — Natalia, a Ukrainian refugee who fled the conflict in her country, praises God for the food, housing, and spiritual hope she received from Samaritan’s Purse and partner organization Remar S.O.S. after she and her child arrived in Poland. Natalia Ignatenko – Ukrainian Refugee: I am from Ukraine, from the Kyiv region, Bucha district….
KYIV, UKRAINE — As the war rages in Ukraine, the chaplain’s ministry has become an essential part of the Kyiv Jewish Messianic Congregation. Recently, KJMC chaplains visited Ukrainian soldiers near the front line. They brought a diesel-electric generator, shovels, food, tactical gloves and PPE glasses, coffee, and sweets. But most importantly they brought the Word…
UKRAINE — Samaritan’s Purse is distributing tons of food in Ukraine to displaced families through a multitude of church partners in the country. Hobie Smith – Samaritan’s Purse: My name is Hobie Smith, and I’m with the Samaritan’s Purse response here in Ukraine. Not far from here, just a few short miles, fighting is going…
WEST AFRICA — Ijanada was a teenager when she was kidnapped by the Islamic militant Boko Haram. When she returned home in West Africa, her community rejected her. Thanks to Open Doors partners she is going through a healing process through trauma care. Ijanada, Boko Haram Survivor, 2019: I faced so much suffering, hunger, mistreatment…
UKRAINE — As the front lines of war in Ukraine keep shifting, Christians from a number of Protestant churches in areas now under Russian separatist control are reporting harassment from soldiers and officials. Some say they have been forced to leave their buildings. Church leaders believe the Russians regard all Protestant churches as planted by…
SEMINOLE COUNTY, OK – Samaritan’s Purse has deployed to Oklahoma, where severe storms on May 4 spawned numerous destructive tornadoes. A twister ripped through Seminole and damaged as many as 100 homes. Their teams are on the ground working with local officials, emergency management, and church partners to assess needs. They have established a base…
ERITREA — Twenty years ago, the Eritrean government brought in restrictions that allowed only Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran churches. When Yael* was 8 months pregnant, her husband was imprisoned for belonging to another Christian denomination. But even during that time of trial, Yael knows that she was sustained by God and by the prayers of…
UKRAINE — Samaritan’s Purse is distributing hundreds of tons of food each week to conflict-torn families in Ukraine. Ryan Cain, Samaritan’s Purse: My name is Ryan Cain with Samaritan’s Purse here in central Ukraine, where Samaritan’s Purse is heavily prioritizing food distribution as a result of the conflict. There is a massive need throughout the…
NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN — Billy Chang was a pastor who helped to subdue the gunman in the Laguna Woods church shooting. One person was killed and five others were injured during a luncheon for the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church at Geneva Presbyterian Church in California. Dr. John Cheng was the deceased victim, who is…
UKRAINE — Samaritan’s Purse is working through a network of over 2,000 partner churches in Ukraine to provide food, medicine, and other critical relief items to displaced people all across the country in Jesus’ Name. Ken Isaacs – Vice President of Programs & Government Relations Samaritan’s Purse: My name is Ken Isaacs, and I’m speaking…
UVALDA, TX — Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Chaplains are on the ground and praying with the community of Uvalde in Texas as they process through grief and trauma from the recent school shooting. As the community is devastated by this tragedy that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, Billy Graham RRT…
WILLS POINT, TX — Young people need to experience God in a way that’s worth “giving their life to” if they’re to stop leaving America’s churches in droves, a group of global mission leaders says. Nearly two-thirds of 18–29-year-olds in the U.S. who grew up going to church have dropped out, saying they’re bored and…
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — A Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 airlift has landed in Ethiopia with life-saving equipment and supplies to help hospitals devastated by recent violence. Armed conflict in one northern area of the East African nation has left medical facilities unable to provide critical services for some 350,000 people. Vulnerable people, including the sick, wounded,…
WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) 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, issued this Special Report update on girls facing decreased opportunity and increased violence, the young victims who remain hidden…
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND — Namthan has cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. She cannot walk or even sit on her own and has a permanent shunt surgically implanted in her brain. Raised Buddhist, Namthan’s parents believed that bad karma caused Namthan’s disability. But when Joni and Friends brought Namthan a wheelchair through our Wheels for the World…
