SOMALIA —According to the tradition of the Church, June 29th marked the martyrdom of the apostle Paul. This year, several Christians around the world took time on June 29th and throughout that weekend to honor the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives for the advancement of the Gospel.Abdiwelli Ahmed descended from a long line…
OKLAHOMA CITY — In July 2008, Apple CEO Steve Jobs and YouVersion CEO Bobby Gruenewald had something in common: they were both surprised by their organization’s success on launch weekend of the App Store. After just three days, Jobs reported a staggering 10 million app installs, an average of 12,500 installs for each of the…
BARTLESVILLE, OK — Christians around the world will observe Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29, 2023. In advance of Day of the Christian Martyr, The Voice of the Martyrs has released strategic prayer resources and a short video highlighting the life and legacy of Abdiwelli Ahmed, an ethnic Somali Christian killed for his…
NIGERIA, AFRICA — Mary* from Nigeria was kidnapped by Fulani militants and experienced awful violence and sexual assault at their hands. After she was freed, Open Doors partners cared for her at a trauma care centre where she found peace. Sadly, shortly after Mary shared her story with us, she died from an unrelated illness…
PERRYTON, TEXAS — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are working tirelessly to help residents restore their damaged homes and to bring comfort to aching souls after a deadly tornado laid waste the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton. Derek Drum: We took a direct hit in the city of Barrytown. The tornado itself went six miles in 11…
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…
UKRAINE — A ministry team from Great Commission Media Ministries narrowly escaped with their lives while delivering aid supplies in the Donetsk region of East Ukraine. They came within just 100 metres of being hit by Russian missiles, but thanks to God’s protection they were able to continue with their aid supplies delivering food packs…
BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA — When she was 13 years old, Habiba* was kidnapped by Islamic extremists in Burkino Faso. She eventually escaped, but she is still haunted by the traumatic memories of the kidnapping. *Name changed for security reasons Habiba*: I still remember the scene.I can’t sleep at night. I have nightmares. Sometimes I…
ST. LOUIS — Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), one of the world’s leading child evangelism organizations, is reemphasizing its commitment to the Great Commission with a new slate of ambitious goals. CEF has been called by God to make it their highest priority to present the Gospel so children may be discipled in God’s Word. Their…
SPAIN — Several Christian entities presented a comprehensive study on how Adolescents perceive Jesus, the Bible, and justice in different countries around the world. According to a recent report, teenagers admire Jesus for his compassion, forgiveness, and interest in others. “The Open Generation” is an international research study conducted by the Barna Group. 46% of…
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — Stephanie* was 18 years old when members of the ADF, an Islamic extremists group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, targeted her town. After five months in captivity, she escaped and walked to freedom. Although she is still recovering from her ordeal, she can still see God’s provision in her…
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…
LOS ANGELES — Cooke Media Group announced its win of eight Telly Awards in the record-breaking 44th Annual Telly Awards. Honoring excellence in video and television across all screens, competing companies include major Hollywood studios Disney, Universal, Netflix, and Paramount as well as corporations such as Apple, Sony and Microsoft. Cooke Media Group’s Telly Wins…
LAKE MARY, FL — Stephen E. Strang released his newest book, “Spirit-Led Living in an Upside-Down World,” (Charisma House) on May 16, 2023. In this book, Strang explores the power that took the teachings of a young carpenter from Galilee and used it to turn the most ruthless empire of its era upside-down, overcoming the…
SPAIN — An increasing number of studies suggest that social media have a negative impact on the mental health of minors, which has led to concern among specialists and Christian parents. Christian families are showing concern about the adverse consequences that social networks are having on new generations. Young people are facing an increase in…
ORLANDO, FL — Paul Eshleman, best known for leading JESUS to become the most-translated film of all time, passed away the evening of Wednesday, May 24, in Southern California. He was 80 years old. Eshleman’s life was driven by the desire for everyone—everywhere—to hear the message of Christ. A graduate of Michigan State University with…
WASHINGTON — A new Baylor University study provides evidence of the virtuous effects of religion on mental health among prisoners, affirming the mission of Prison Fellowship International (PFI) in-prison program, The Prisoner’s Journey® (TPJ). “This study confirms what we have believed for a long time,” said David Van Patten, Chief Operating Officer of PFI. “That…
NIGERIA — In the 2014 Nigeria kidnappings, Boko Haram kidnapped over 270 girls from their school in Chibok in northern Nigeria. Nine years on, nearly 100 girls are still missing, and their parents are in agony. Open Doors speaks to those mothers and fathers as they continue to deal with the trauma of their children…
EXPORT, PA — According to the latest Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research report, 99% of evangelical Protestants believe praying, reading the Bible, and having a strong Christian faith all contribute to positive mental health. Only 1% of evangelicals do not believe this. Ninety-six percent (96%) believe a strong Christian faith contributes to positive physical…
NIGERIA — This month, Leah Sharibu from Nigeria turns 20. Her teenage years were spent mostly in captivity after bravely refusing to renounce Jesus after she was among more than 100 girls kidnapped in February 2018. Open Doors caught up with her mother, Rebecca, to find out how she and her husband are doing as…
COLUMBIA — Like many of the youth in Colombia, Reina* was recruited to the illegal armed groups who fight to gain and control territory for drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Now according to Open Doors in her forties, Reina has found faith in Christ and left her old way of a criminal life behind….
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…
LOS ANGELES — Author Ray Comfort, CEO and founder of Living Waters Christian ministry, is giving away 500,000 hard copies of his book “Defender of the Faith: Ten Weird Facts about the Coronation,” to U.S audiences interested in the events happening in London this weekend to celebrate King Charles III’s official coronation. According to Comfort,…
COLOMBIA — The Church Casa Sobre la Roca visited the women’s prison in the city of Armenia, Columbia, in alliance with the Colombian Prison Fraternity that supports people deprived of their freedom, the families of inmates, graduates of prisons, and victims of the Colombian armed conflict through various programs inside and outside prisons. Casa sobre…
LANCASTER, PA — After nearly four years of production, Sight & Sound® is thrilled to announce “DANIEL,” as the next brand-new original show premiering on their stage in Lancaster, PA, beginning in March 2024. Inviting audiences to witness one of the most powerful stories of the Old Testament, “DANIEL” carries a profound message of hope….
KOMANDA — Violence is continuing to displace Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo – but believers have not been forgotten. Thanks to the charity Open Doors displaced Christians in Komanda have received food and other relief aid. Man: It’s clear that the displaced people suffer enormously. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, ADF, an…
ROLLING FORK, MISSISSIPPI — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, are helping clean up properties after a fierce tornado swept through the area and damaged or destroyed homes. But mainly they are “loving on homeowners” as one volunteer said and sharing with them the hope of Christ. Daniel Gerardo – Volunteer: I’m Daniel with…
SOUTH EAST ASIA — Jade* is an Open Doors worker who supports Muslim-background believers in a country in south east Asia. Tragically, she lost her fiancé in an attack on a church. But despite the tragedy, it’s because of his example that Jade herself came to enter the ministry. *Name changed for security reasons Jade…
COLOMBIA — Christian music is a powerful tool for strengthening the faith of young evangelicals and conveying a message of love and hope. Recognized Christian musicians emphasize its positive impact on the spiritual life of young people. Christian music has become an important part of the lives of many evangelical young people. Young people are…
USA — Dr. Charles Stanley received the call to ministry at the age of fourteen. He passed away April 18th at the age of ninety. In his 65 years as a minister of the gospel, Dr Stanley served as a pastor, author, Bible teacher, and international Christian broadcaster through “In Touch Ministries”. In 65 years…
LONDON — Naz is a young Londoner who was angry, depressed and felt empty. He was among the 50% who don’t know a Christian. But thanks to the Body and Soul gym outreach at Word of Life Church in London, Naz gave his life to the Lord and now attends church twice a week, has…
COLOMBIA — María Alejandra, a Venezuelan migrant, praises God for her new community in Colombia and for the physical and spiritual help that the Christian organization Samaritan’s Purse has provided to her family and neighbors. María Alejandra: They are my two daughters. They are my reason to live, and because of them, I keep going….
CARY, NC — With the release of Beyond Sunday Morning, by Tony Carvalho, at a successful Book Release at Dallas Baptist University on April 4th, a new breed of Christian apologist has emerged blending apologetics, storytelling and humor — with everyday common wisdom. In every generation, people face challenges, questions, and concerns over the gospel…
UKRAINE — Throughout the war in Ukraine, Great Commission Media Ministries has coordinated the evacuating of many children and families from some of the worst-hit parts of the East of the country. Here’s just one story of how Hannu Haukka and his team rescued Andrei’s family and many others from near Mariupol and brought them…
NORMAN OK — Revival is set to continue through a major stadium event to take place on Saturday, April 29 at the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman, Oklahoma OU students Josh Robinson and Nathan Wong started praying for revival many months ago. They formed a core team that has now grown to over 150…
AFGHANISTAN — Sitara* was already studying in a different country when the Taliban forcibly took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Here she shares what life is like for the women who remain in Afghanistan. *Name changed for security reasons. Sitara* – Afghanistan Christian: Taliban took Afghanistan and everything changed, like the days changed to…
A good friend and well-known Christian theologian visited our work in Asia. He came to one of the leprosy colonies, filled with people who are in horrible pain and suffering. They are so alone, rejected by everyone, without any hope of relief. Then, he was invited to share something to those who had gathered, share…
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…
LOVES PARK, IL — Courageous pastors, some wearing bulletproof vests, are risking everything to deliver life-saving aid to desperate people living near the frontline of the war in Ukraine. “Jesus used to go where there was pain, where it was difficult, where people needed him,” said armor-wearing Pastor Vlad, as he and church members distributed food…
LATIN AMERICA — In the current digital era, technology is transforming many areas of our lives, including faith and spirituality. Religious leaders and organizations are adopting new digital tools such as chatbots and mobile apps to reach their communities and spread their message online. Artificial intelligence has increasingly significant ethical implications and impacts on Christianity…
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…
TURKEY — Kouroush* is an Iranian Christian now living in Turkey, after he fled to escape persecution, leaving everything behind. We hear how, with Open Doors’ support, he is now opening a Center of Hope to help care for fellow refugees. Kouroush*, name changed for security purposes: “I didn’t murder anyone. I didn’t steal anything….
POMPANO BEACH, FL — OneHope, an international Christian ministry, has crossed the threshold of sharing God’s Word with two billion children since 1987. To commemorate this incredible milestone, Bob Hoskins, OneHope’s founder, traveled to El Salvador, where OneHope’s programs launched in 1987. Watch the live recording of this special moment here. The vision of OneHope…
TURKEY — When Sahar became a Christian in Iran, she lost everything – her husband, her children and her freedom. But she never let go of God, and now she lives in Turkey, ministering to women who are going through similar situations for their faith. *Name changed for security purposes. Sahar* – Iranian Christian: I…
WASHINGTON, DC — Inspired by the iconic martyrology, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Johnnie Moore and Jerry Pattengale spent more than five years researching, excerpting and adding to this iconic work in order to produce an entirely new book which artfully integrates the historic Foxe’s text and modernizes it for a new generation. The New Book…
GREENSBORO, NC — Alex McFarland and Alex McFarland Ministries are proud to announce the upcoming “Truth for a New Generation” conference from April 19-23, 2023, at Tennessee Valley Community Church in Paris, Tennessee. Designed for pastors, youth, and families to learn more about how to separate God’s truth from the lies of this world, the…
LEXINGTON, KY — The Asbury Revival has drawn over 50,000 people from across the country and around the world to the auditorium of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. The New York Times calls it “the nation’s first major spiritual revival in decades — one driven by Gen Z.“ This is even more remarkable because Gen…
JACKSONVILLE, FL — As interest in faith-based films and TV shows grow thanks to the recent popularity of media productions like ‘Jesus Revolution’ and ‘The Chosen,’ MegaVoice celebrates the enduring impact of their partnership with Jesus Film Project. The Jesus Film was released in 1979. Filmed on location in Israel at authentic biblical sites, this…
SYRIA — In a recent video interview, Pastor Ibrahim from Syria discussed the challenges his community has faced following a devastating earthquake. In the interview, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing prayer during difficult times and fostering a deep relationship with God. Pastor Ibrahim shared how his church is helping the victims of the earthquake…
LEXINGTON, KY — The Asbury Revival has drawn over 50,000 people from across the country and around the world to the chapel of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. The New York Times calls it “the nation’s first major spiritual revival in decades — one driven by Gen Z.” This is even more remarkable because Gen…
