VIETNAM —To avoid being imprisoned, Pastor Foom spent two days hiding in the mountains near his village. However, in the end they caught him. In 2002, Pastor Foom Chao opened his eyes after the prayer. At the alarming scene of the police waiting to arrest him, he was arrested for taking Bibles to the jungles…
UKRAINE — Hundreds of churches have been forced to close in the occupied territories of Ukraine by Russian troops and there are reports that at least 70 pastors have been killed. In response Christian charity Mission Eurasia is providing support to the churches that have remained open in the region. As the war in Ukraine…
MOORESVILLE, NC — KP Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) — founder of missions agency GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia) who died May 8 — once said to me: “I’m just a skinny kid from India who grew up to be a follower of Jesus.” Genuine humility was the mark of the man — a man whom…
CHARLOTTE, NC — On Thursday, May 16, a statue of the late Rev. Billy Graham—representing the state of North Carolina—will be unveiled in the U.S. Capitol. The sculpture, created by Charlotte-based artist Chas Fagan, depicts Graham gesturing toward an open Bible in his hand. The seven-foot bronze statue stands on a pedestal engraved with verses…
US —In a world where adventure and faith intertwine, we meet Bob Cornuke, a real-life modern Indiana Jones. His mission is not to seek lost treasures, but to prove the accuracy of the biblical scriptures by uncovering forgotten locations. With a background that blends the police intrigue of the FBI and the bravery of an…
CULVER CITY, CA — Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films, Provident Films and the beloved Kendrick Brothers release their official trailer today as they gear up to launch their newest film, THE FORGE, exclusively in theaters nationwide beginning August 23rd. THE FORGE is a bold, inspirational drama about the power of mentorship that takes place in the…
LOVES PARK, IL — Kids’ War Art is ‘Window to Their Souls’ as Pain Grows — Children in Ukraine, for whom death and destruction has become part of life, are expressing themselves through “war art” — giving a heart-wrenching window into their young minds and souls. Eleven-year-old Sophia’s wartime artwork shows missiles raining down while…
BOLIVIA — The Children’s Heart Project organizes critical heart surgeries for children and girls in countries where access to them is difficult. Congenital Heart Disease are defects in the heart. Therefore, these children do nothave a long life expectancy. Once they have had surgery, you can see the ompact it has on their families. Daniela…
PAKISTAN —Last summer violent mob attacks on churches in the Punjab province in Pakistan hit the headlines. Sadly attacks like these are continuing. Recently another church was severely damaged when Islamist mobs poured caustic chemicals on a church and set it aflame. However Help The Persecuted was quick to respond by providing emergency support to…
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…
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…
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…
IRAN — Simin* from Iran has experienced hostility from the authorities, her work and even her own family. But her faith in Jesus is undiminished. Today, helped by Open Doors, she’s found a way to channel her experiences into helping other women back in her homeland, Iran. Simin*: With nothing but a little cash in…
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…
SYRIA — In Uganda, fear and attacks from Islamic ADF militants are increasing. But thanks to your prayers, local Open Doors partners are supporting affected Christians with trauma counselling and spiritual support. *Names changed for security reasons Edward Bamcwanira – Retired Bishop, East Rwenzori Diocese: We are living in fear. And whoever says there is…
CALIFORNIA — Evangelist Franklin Graham traveled to the United States-Mexico border to share a message of God’s love. The final stop of the tour took place in Chula Vista, California, on Saturday, March 9. The God Loves You Border Tour visited 10 cities, starting in the Gulf of Mexico and ending in the Pacific. Franklin…
SYRIA — Ani was horrified when her baby girl Maria was caught up in a bomb attack in Syria in 2014. In Ani’s survival story, Maria survived thanks to the prayers of the church – and Ani realised she needed to make Jesus her sure foundation. *Name changed for security reasons Ani*: “There are a…
COLOMBIA — In Viviana’s* community, meeting together as Christians is impossible. But God has blessed believers with courage and creativity to help them gather – which means church in Colombia looks a little bit different. *name changed and voice adjusted for security reasons Viviana* – Colombia: We do not have a church and we cannot…
CALIFORNIA — Franklin Graham went to the U.S.-Mexico border to share a message of God’s love. The final night of the tour took place in Chula Vista, California, on Saturday, March 9. The God Loves You Frontera Tour visited 10 cities, starting at the Gulf of Mexico and going all the way to the Pacific….
ROMANIA — Philadelphia Church in Baia Mare in Romania is concerned with fulfilling the mandate that the Lord Jesus Christ left to the apostles, but also to Christians today, namely to preach the Gospel, to heal the sick and to set free the demonized.Another dimension that is emphasized is praise and worship, according to pastor…
ISRAEL — When Pastor Oleg miraculously survived rocket attacks from Hamas at his home in Ashkelon near the Gaza border, instead of fleeing for his life, he chose to stay and minister to many fellow Ukrainians who have fled war in their own country to Israel. Thanks to support from Slavic Gospel Association Pastor Oleg…
NIGERIA, AFRICA — On the sixth anniversary of Leah Sharibu’s kidnapping in Nigeria, friends of kidnapped share how they’ve been encouraged by her courageous faith – and how they’re hopeful they’ll one day see her again. Leah Sharibu’s Friends: Leah is like a sister to me, a very good friend. At the boarding school, we…
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA — At the invitation of dozens of local churches in Panama, the Palau Association shared the Good News of Jesus Christ in Panama City, from February 26 – March 2, 2024, through numerous outreach events and a 2-day family festival in the heart of the city. Thousands gathered for the festival on…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Jean Graham Ford, wife of evangelist Dr. Leighton Ford and younger sister of the late Rev. Billy Graham, died at Carolinas Medical Center Thursday morning, Feb. 29, at the age of 91. Jean spent her childhood in Charlotte on the Graham dairy farm, located a few miles from the current location of…
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…
SAN DIEGO — Last week, Dr. David Jeremiah, the founder and host of Turning Point with Dr. Jeremiah, was awarded a Milestone award and a digital media award at the National Religious Broadcasters Association Annual Convention. The awards were presented at two different gatherings during the 2024 Convention held in Nashville, TN, where broadcasters and…
SYRIA — One year on from the devastating earthquake in Syria/Turkey in February, 2023, large numbers of people are still mourning, recovering or rebuilding their lives. Open Doors highlights some of the Christians who were directly impacted. Kamal – Latakia, Syria: It’s terrifying and sad to remember the night of the 6th of February. I…
SAN DIEGO — “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” This verse from the New Testament book of Galatians has been one of the guiding principles for the growth of David Jeremiah’s broadcast ministry, Turning Point with David Jeremiah. In January…
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…
UGANDA— Today an estimated 1.3 billion people in the world live with a disability. Many of these people are in developing countries where they have limited access to medical care and mobility equipment. And too often, poverty and discrimination intensify the difficulties of living with a disability.That’s why the Joni and Friends program—Joni’s House—is committed…
WASHINGTON — Family Research Council’s Center for Religious Liberty today published an updated edition of its report “Free to Believe? The Intensifying Intolerance Toward Christians in the West,” which seeks to provide a better understanding of religious freedom violations perpetrated by Western governments against Christian individuals, organizations, and churches. Between January 2020 and December 2023,…
LOVES PARK, IL — A Ukrainian couple facing their own life-and-death battle with advanced cancer are helping others suffering from anxiety and despair on the frontline of the Israel-Hamas war. Ukrainian-born Jew Yura, 51, and his wife Luda, 53, who has undergone major surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy to treat Stage 4 cancer, left…
NIGERIA, AFRICA — On Christmas Eve, Islamic militants attacked several Christian villages in Plateau State, Nigeria. The attacks went into the early hours of Christmas Day, and at least 113 people were killed. Many more were injured or have lost their homes. In this video, recorded by Open Doors local partners in the region, Nigeria…
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…
EASTON, MD — Christians in North Africa, where less than 1% of the population follows Christianity, are facing a new year of escalating persecution in the shadow of the Holy Land conflict. There are only a handful of evangelical churches still open in Algeria, where the government is raiding and systematically shutting down Christian places…
NORTH KOREA — Christian freedom in the world is marked by a deterioration that seems to be getting worse. This is reflected in reports and statistics, such as those collected by the organization Open Doors. That entity has just published the World Persecution List 2024, with data related to the period between January and October…
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…
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, welcomes short- and long-term volunteers at its Florida-based headquarters and even offers an on-site RV park to accommodate long-term volunteers. Some volunteers spend between two and four months during the winter…
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…
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,…
IRAN — Those Christians who are Iranian who want to live their faith in Jesus freely are often sent to prison, where they are frequently tortured and interrogated. They flee the persecution that plagues the country, becoming refugees in other nations. Kouroush is one of them. Kouroush: I had to leave everything behind. My country,…
SPAIN — According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 22% of American adults consider themselves ‘spiritual but not religious’. This group views organized religion as divisive or propagating intolerance, which aligns with the decline of some traditional religious practices. A quarter of adults in the US consider themselves ‘spiritual, but not religious’…
BOLIVIA — Children’s Heart Project arranges critical cardiac surgeries for boys and girls in countries where the operations are not readily available. Children and parents in Bolivia tell how their lives have been transformed through the ministry. Congenital Heart Disease are defects in the heart. Therefore, these children do not have a long life expectancy….
BELLINGHAM, WA — Logos, the most widely used Bible study and sermon preparation platform available, today released its highly anticipated new version, Logos 10. With a sleek and modern design and lightning-fast speed, Logos 10 is designed for the global Church and includes multiple new features geared to help readers engage more deeply with the…
YEMEN — In Yemen, Christian believers like Saleh* risk arrest, beatings and death threats when they choose to follow Jesus. But despite these dangers Saleh is encouraging and discipling believers across the country. Saleh*: My name is found on the radicals’ wanted list. They have my picture. Sometimes they watch me going from place to…
CAMAGÜEY, CUBA — In the vibrant city of Camagüey, Cuba, the impactful “Bible Event” took place, an evangelistic campaign that gathered more than 10,000 people. With the participation of various Christian denominations, including the Baptist Church and the Assemblies of God in the province, the event was marked by a message preached by a Russian…
VIETNAM — When Xuan* converted away from tribal, animistic beliefs, her Hmong community told her she could be a Christian, as long as she didn’t evangelise. But Xuan visits houses in Vietnam in the dead of night as a Brave Witness to tell people about Jesus… Xuan*: There are no churches in my area. We…
CHINA — In a context of growing digital surveillance in China, Ming, a faithful Christian, faces increasing challenges in sharing the Gospel. As persecution intensifies, constant monitoring, and restrictions on religious freedom, Ming finds himself at a crossroads between his faith and the threats posed by the regime. Ming: I feel like I’m being watched….
NIGERIA, AFRICA — Mary*, 20 years old, was in church when Fulani militants attacked. In her village in northwestern Nigeria, there is always the threat of attacks from Islamic extremists. However, this does not prepare the community for the reality of experiencing an attack. Mary*: They attack Christians because we worship Jesus and they want…
WASHINGTON — Prison Fellowship International’s flagship in-prison program, The Prisoner’s Journey® (TPJ) has reached its 10-year anniversary. This program, launched in South Africa and Nigeria in 2014, now runs in 35 countries across six continents. TPJ takes those in prison on a journey of self-discovery through the Gospel of Mark where they encounter Jesus the…
