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 this Christmas. “With God, nothing is impossible,” she says. “I know He can help me.”

Valentina:

For me the best Christmas is when I’m with my family.

Christmas is one of the only times when 15-year-old Valentina gets to spend time with her family.

Valentina:

We’ve had various threats against members of my family.

They face various threats from the guerrilla gangs and the indigenous community in Colombia because they are Christians. It’s not safe for Valentina to live at home.

Valentina:

I felt I had no freedom where I lived. School was taken away from us. I was saying ‘My God, I don’t know where I want to go, but I want to leave.’

Valentina’s parents sent her to the Open Doors Children’s Centre to keep her safe and to receive a Christian education.

Valentina:

I saw it as a response from God after so many things had happened. When I got here I said, ‘Thank you, God, because I didn’t have this in mind, but You brought me here.

I miss them (my parents), but I don’t want to go back.

I don’t know if I would exist. If I would still be alive. Lost, maybe?

This Christmas Open Doors wants to show many other courageous young believers like Valentina that they’re family and they’re not forgotten.

About Open Doors UK

For over 60 years, Open Doors UK has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement, and Christian Community Restoration.

Read more news on Christian Ministry, Christian Persecution, and Children’s Education.