NEPAL — In rural Nepal, thousands of Nepalese Christian converts like Shanti* suffer discrimination and even violence. When Shanti’s husband reacted angrily to her decision to start following Jesus, she found support from another believer. Shanti*: My life was sorrowful before I came to Christ, but it became more difficult after I came to Christ….
MATAMOROS, MEXICO — Thousands of migrants continue to arrive at the United States border seeking asylum. In an improvised migrant camp in Matamoros, Mexico, a gifted Bible changes the life of a Venezuelan child. Joseph Rendón: I learned that if one has confidence in God, everything is possible. The faith in Christ Jesus reaches the…
EL SALVADOR — Yolo didn’t know Family Retreat could bless her family. She first got involved with Joni and Friends by encouraging another family to attend Family Retreat. After hearing the story of Alex’s family and the challenges they face navigating life with his autism, she decided to help raise funds to give them the…
BURKINA FASO — Almost two million people in Burkina Faso have been displaced by extremist violence. Many are Christian widows and orphans. Traore* (17) is one of them. He moved to a safer area after a jihadist attack brought tragic loss to his family. Traore*: Sometimes, my heart is broken when I think about my…
IRAQ — Farah was just one of around 70,000 Christians who fled to Erbil to escape the advancement of so-called Islamic State in 2014. When she returned, Open Doors partners helped her to restore her home and business in Nineveh Plains. Farah can well recall the day in 2014 when her family fled their home…
LOVES PARK, IL — Ten-year-old Maryna kneels beside her bed and prays for the war in Ukraine to end. For Maryna, the horrors of war have already left lifelong scars. Surgeons had to amputate her crushed leg after a shell exploded next to her home. Now she wears a prosthetic. Any loud noise brings her…
SOUTHERN LAOS — In a remote part of southern Laos, 40-year-old Peto* has been following Jesus for over ten years as a Christian. But his Christian faith was opposed by the village authorities who considered it a foreign religion. In a remote part of southern Laos, 40-year-old Peto has been following Jesus for over 10…
CÚCUTA, COLOMBIA — Samaritan’s Purse is in Colombia helping Venezuelan migrants living in areas where there are limited resources. In these neighborhoods, they are teaching children how to read and write, and sowing seeds of the Gospel into their hearts. Tom Ovington – Samaritan’s Purse: Venezuela started to have extreme economic issues. And a lot…
COLOMBIA — As a young woman in Colombia, Reina joined the guerrilla movement and was taught that religion was the opium of the people. She fully committed to serving as a guerrilla fighter, but after being hospitalized during a patrol, she cried out to God for help and underwent a transformation and became a Christian….
GREENSBORO, NC — Out of the Garden Project (OOTGP), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating hunger in North Carolina, is proud to announce that it has been honored with an esteemed award, received two local substantial donations, and welcomed new members to its dedicated board of directors. These remarkable achievements further underscore Out of…
NEW YORK — Concern Worldwide provides critical humanitarian support as the world’s displacement crisis reaches an all-time high, with 1 in every 78 people on earth forced to flee their homes and 32.5 million refugees – that is, people who have fled the country – globally. In Chad, Concern is responding to the immediate needs…
PROVO, UT — Angel Studios, a platform and studio empowering filmmakers to crowdfund, create, and distribute films and TV series globally, backed by thousands of Angel investors, is announcing its July cumulative-to-date and second weekend results for its Jim Caviezel-driven film SOUND OF FREEDOM. Angel Studios is projecting over $85 million total cumulative box office…
EGYPT — In Baher’s* community in Egypt, Egyptian Christians are only offered dangerous jobs in the quarry. After two terrible accidents, Baher felt hopeless and alone. An Open Doors partner is helping him see lasting hope. *Name changed for security reasons. Baher’s*: I started working as a quarryman when I was 13. That was a…
AFGHANISTAN —A special needs school in Kabul in Afghanistan is using play, sports and arts to help heal traumatized kids who have lost their childhoods. The project is supported by Christian charity CRY. A school project supported by Christian charity Cry is restoring the lost childhoods of special needs kids in Kabul in Afghanistan. Cry’s…
BOLIVIA — A young Bolivian mother and her daughter suffered from the same fatal heart condition. With only years to live, they received lifesaving surgery through the Children’s Heart Project run by Samaritan’s Purse. Fatima Ramos Cardozo – Children’s Heart Project Recipient: It is very difficult to learn your child is very sick. Especially…
BENTON, AR — The 11th annual Amplify Music Festival takes place August 18-19 in Benton, AR. The event will include a message of hope by Evangelist Nick Hall and feature Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, and many others. With expenses paid by local businesses, churches, and community members, tickets are free, so anyone can…
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND — UK charity Human Appeal called on the World community to support an urgent integrated humanitarian intervention in Somalia. This comes as part of Human Appeal’s ongoing humanitarian work in Somalia where millions are on the verge of famine due to repeated rainy season failures and conflict. The worst hunger levels in three…
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…
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…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Today, Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch releases a milestone 100th podcast episode. The special installation was recorded at the North Carolina mountain home of host Cissie Graham Lynch’s grandparents, Billy and Ruth Graham. Their home, which was also where her father, Franklin Graham, was raised, holds special memories for Lynch that she…
BENTON, AR — The 11th annual Amplify Music Festival takes place August 18-19 in Benton, AR. The event will include a message of hope by Evangelist Nick Hall and feature Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, and many others. With expenses paid by local businesses, churches, and community members, tickets are free, so anyone can…
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…
SIERRA LEONE — As Sierra Leone faces extreme poverty and high rates of illiteracy, Christian school Destiny Grace Academy is teaching hundreds of children, who’ve been rescued from the slums of the capital city of Freetown, to be the country’s next generation of leaders. A Christian-run school in war-torn Sierra Leone has provided life-changing education…
UGANDA — At least 37 schoolchildren have been killed in an attack in Uganda by militants linked to the Islamic State terror group. Militants linked to Islamic State have carried out a massacre at a boarding school in western Uganda, killing and kidnapping students. It’s been described as the deadliest attack in Uganda since 2010….
NORTH TEXAS — A businessman on a missionary trip asked for a glass of water and discovered a disturbing reality: the majority of people in the world do not have access to clean water. At that moment, Chris Beth heard the Lord speak to him for the first time in his life. Ten years later,…
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…
KLAMATH FALLS, OR — Several years of prayer and preparation led to more than 50 churches in Klamath County, Oregon coming together for Greater Klamath CityFest with Andrew Palau this past Memorial Day weekend. Working to serve the region and proclaim a powerful message of hope in Jesus, this historic effort brought together thousands of…
FOREST, VA — This World Refugee Day (June 20), Virginia-based nonprofit World Help is recognizing and remembering the struggles of over 32.5 million people living as refugees worldwide. In Ukraine alone, over 8 million people have fled the war-torn country to neighboring countries. Most men had to stay behind, so women and children still make…
NORTH TEXAS — A businessman on a missions trip asked for a glass of water and discovered a disturbing reality. Most people in the world don’t have access to safe drinking water.At that moment, Chris Beth heard the Lord speak to him for the first time in his life and it was two words: ‘Help…
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…
UKRAINE —Samaritan’s Purse food distributions in Ukraine are accomplishing so much more than simply providing nutritious food that is in short supply. More than 161 million pounds of groceries have been given out so far, and Mariya, for one, has given her life to the Lord as a result. When the war left her with…
LATIN AMERICA — Domestic violence is a widespread problem in the region, and evangelical churches are actively working to combat it in their communities. Many ministries in Latin America are carrying out initiatives and programs to prevent it, as well as to support the victims Domestic violence is a serious problem in many Latin American…
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…
KYIV, UKRAINE — The war between Ukraine and Russia does not prevent this congregation from joyfully celebrating the biblical festival of Purim. Celebrating joy and happiness is one of the commandments of Purim. This year, the Jewish-Messianic congregation of Kiev celebrated the biblical feast for the second time in the course of the war on…
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…
WILLS POINT, TX — A new three-month campaign aims to help some of the poorest families in Africa and Asia “sew their way out of poverty” — one stitch at a time. Texas-based mission GFA World’s “Sewing Their Way Out of Poverty” campaign aims to provide 500 new sewing machines and vocational training for 500…
MICHIGAN – Joni and Friends Family Retreat specifically focus on families navigating the challenges of disability. They strive to create a rich, Christ-centered environment at each Family Retreat that is safe and accepting for each member of the family. Find out how life-transforming this was recently for the Rojas family. Gerardo Rojas: Our idea of…
NEW YORK — Christian pastor and author Timothy J. Keller died this morning at age 72. Timothy Keller was the son of William B. Keller and Louise A. Clemente Keller. He was born and grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, receiving his B.A. from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Seminary in S….
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…
BOGOTÁ — In Colombia, the “March for Life” was held, which reaffirms the country’s friendship with the Jewish people and rejects any type of anti-Semitism. Thousands of people attended this event, which took place in Bolivar Square. The March of Life began in 2007 when grandchildren of the authors of the Holocaust against the Jewish…
NAMIBIA — As God works through Operation Christmas Child to reach the remote Himba tribe in Namibia, southwest Africa, they are hearing, believing, embracing, and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pastor Rizera Hipakua – Volunteer: Jesus Christ is my Savior. He’s my personal Savior. I really love Jesus. I want to follow Jesus…
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA — Joni and Friends works to equip and mobilize churches to welcome and embrace people with disabilities by removing barriers and creating a church culture that sees all people as indispensable parts of the body of Christ, created in God’s image, and worthy of dignity and respect. Parent 1: Our experience with…
NORMAN OK — A crowd of approximately 16,000 people converged on Oklahoma Memorial Stadium April 29 for “Fill the Stadium” (FTS). This Christian outreach included award-winning recording artists Chance the Rapper, Kari Jobe, and Chandler Moore and a message from Evangelist Nick Hall. The first-of-its-kind student-led event successfully reached a total of 50,000, including nearly…
ALBANIA — Christian leaders from 30 countries across Europe gathered in Albania recently for a conference to be equipped, inspired and pray for a move of God across the continent. GNA reporter Peter Wooding was there to find out more about the impact of this event. More than 120 believers who head up various ministries…
LOVES PARK, IL — The Ukraine war and growing desperation in hard times are driving a surge in the number of children expected to flock to Bible camps this summer across the former Soviet Union, a region once steeped in atheism. Amid fears the Ukraine conflict could escalate at any moment, Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association…
GRAND GEDEH, LIBERIA — Samaritan’s Purse is helping mothers and children in Liberia where malnutrition and infant mortality rates are high by providing access to safe delivery rooms and critical maternal healthcare training. Daniel Ruiz – Samaritan’s Purse: The needs for mother and children across Liberia are many. Malnutrition rates are high. Maternal and infant…
COLOMBIA — 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….
WILLS POINT, TX – KP Yohannan, founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia), whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide — shares on the impact of George Verwer, his life and ministry, radically changing lives….
CHAMPAIGN, IL — Helping mothers whose children are dying and honoring church members’ own mothers is a both/and. In a world where more than 1 million children under the age of five are expected to die this year, there are many grieving mothers. Many of their children will die from treatable causes. The leading causes…
NAPLES, FL — Biglife, a non-profit that empowers indigenous Christians to reach and disciple their local communities, has identified over 600 families — 8,500+ individuals, 80% of whom are women and children — under death threat by the Taliban because of their faith. Biglife aims to raise $4.5 million to secure the evacuation of these…
