Photo by Rexness In late March, Cyclone Debbie hit New South Wales, Australia, causing flooding. Per BBC, “In many towns floodwaters are continuing to rise after the category four cyclone saw some areas experience three times their average monthly rainfall on Thursday alone.” Several towns were declared disaster zones. News.co.au explains, “Several flood-affected northern NSW…
Photo by Ben Bowes In March, there was flooding in Colombia which devastated Mocoa, a capital city of one of the states in Colombia. Per ABC News, “Colombian authorities scrambled to deliver aid and return basic services like electricity and water to the wreckage of Mocoa, a city of 40,000 people devastated by floodwaters…
By DXR In early April, there was a series of storms in Alabama that was severe. Governor Brentley called a state of emergency. Per WVTM 13, “Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday declared a statewide State of Emergency in anticipation of severe weather moving through Alabama on Wednesday.” For those schools that were open (not…
http://www.ccfhr.noaa.gov/news/ophelia In October of 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit the shore of North Carolina. According to CNN, “The storm’s US death toll climbed to 21 on Monday, with North Carolina reporting 11 deaths, Florida reporting four, and three each in South Carolina and Georgia.” Those in the Southeast were ordered to evacuate. Fox News explains, “An…
More than 13 people from Alabama to Texas have died in August flooding. Louisiana caught the brunt of the damage as more than 30 inches fell in some parts of the state. “It is way worse … more widespread” than even Hurricane Katrina, said Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Chad McCann, a member of…
Torrential rains fell in West Virginia beginning June 23, claiming 23 lives, damaging more than 1,200 homes and causing power outages for 30,000 homes and businesses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) called the flooding a “historic” tragedy. The flash flooding washed out roadways and building structures. Many homes were swept off their foundations. Severed…
Rwanda’s rainy season has caused higher than normal landslides that the nation’s disaster relief officials say have mostly claimed the lives of children among the 53 dead. Between January and April, landslides killed 67 others Rwandans. Rwanda incurred one of history’s greatest genocides in 1994 when 800,000 people died in about 90 days as rivals…
The “Beast,” Canadian wildfires that are larger in land mass than New York City, has forced the evacuation of Fort McMurray in the oil-rich sand reserves of northeast Alberta and is now reaching toward the province of Saskatchewan as it burns vast acres of forest. The oil-sand reserves are one of Canada’s major energy sources…
Violent spring weather has continued to wreak havoc on the nation’s midsection with a series of recent tornadoes stretching from Oklahoma to Kentucky. Seven tornadoes struck mostly rural Oklahoma communities, killing two people and leaving about five towns with 25-30 damaged homes each. One tornado registered as a powerful EF4, which can have winds up…
BAGMATI, NEPAL — In the aftermath of devastating landslides caused by relentless heavy rains in recent times, the Archdiocese of Kathmandu extended a lifeline to 200 affected families in the remote villages of Rangcha and Singdel, located in Bagmati Province, Nepal. Both villages, which rely heavily on agriculture and husbandry as their primary sources of…
BOONE, NC — Every Christmas season, hundreds of thousands of Americans pack gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need around the world. Samaritan’s Purse delivers these shoebox gifts—packed with personal care items, school supplies, and fun toys—to boys and girls through its project, Operation Christmas Child. Volunteers work year-round to share God’s love in this tangible…
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are bringing relief to homeowners in Savannah, Georgia, following torrential rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby that led to massive flooding. Raven Walker – Samaritan’s Purse: Samaritan’s Purse is here in Savannah, Georgia, due to Hurricane Debby, which has caused widespread damage across this area. We are seeing lots of…
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Since 2019, food crisis around the world has steadily increased–and is expected to continue growing in 2024. The far-reaching impact of hunger on child development makes it an area of focus for Compassion International, which is responding to immediate and long-term needs for some of the world’s hungriest children. Between July…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
NORTH KOREA — In North Korea, saying the word “Jesus” can be a death sentence. Hea-woo is a persecuted Christian, one of the prisoners in North Korea. Although her mother was a Christian, she only heard about Jesus through her husband. To maintain her faith, the Christian fled to China, but there she was discovered…
BEVERLY HILLS, CA — A remarkable evening unfolded on September 21 as The Salvation Army Southern California proudly hosted the prestigious 2023 Finding A Way Gala. Sponsored by Payden & Rygel, the event drew an array of renowned celebrities, including the likes of retired NBA star Olden Polynice, Annalynne McCord, Erica Ash, and Tisha Campbell,…
BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Salvation Army Southern California is set to host its highly anticipated Finding A Way Home Gala at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on Sept. 21. Sponsored by Payden & Rygel, the extraordinary event will honor Sarah Michelle Gellar with the Judge Harry Pregerson award while showcasing an ensemble…
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S. mission is rushing to support Ukrainian churches racing to help families impacted by the catastrophic dam collapse in southern Ukraine as a counter-offensive gets underway. “People are desperate for water, food, and a way to charge their phones as flood waters surround them and the counter-offensive goes on,” said…
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…
BAKERSFIELD, CA — On Saturday, March 25, CityServe International officially launched CityServe Costa Rica in Carrillo Canton. In partnership with the Mission in Action Foundation, CityServe Costa Rica has hit the ground running with a robust plan to resource a network of local churches to help impoverished communities. CityServe Costa Rica opened with 8 containers…
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…
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….
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…
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…
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with Ukraine local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, is supplying essential aid to Ukrainian national Bible translators. Through its Emergency 911 Fund, Wycliffe Associates supplies practical help, including food, clean water, shelter, and even evacuations, to Bible translators…
BOMET, KENYA — Pediatric surgeon Dr John Fitzwater, travelling alongside his wife and children, serves as a short-term volunteer at Tenwek Hospital through World Medical Mission. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals support and strengthen the work of Samaritan’s Purse partner hospitals around the world. Russ White, MD – Chief of Surgery, Tenwek Hospital: Just last…
NORTH KOREA — North Korean Persecuted Christian Bae* was sentenced to a lifetime of backbreaking labour and starvation rations – just for having a Bible. If you were to see Bae* during the day, you’d assume that her work was picking crops. Every morning in the village she’s forced to live in, Bae spends the…
SYRIA — How do children of the persecuted church celebrate Christmas? Despite conflict and persecution, children around the world are determined to celebrate Christmas. What are you doing for Christmas this year? It’s a question many of us are asking around the world. For children living in countries where believers are persecuted, it’s a question…
IRAQ – This Christmas, there will be an empty chair at the table for Rafif’s family in Iraq. Everything Rafif knows about her dad she has heard from her mum, and other people who knew him. Because when Raddif ran towards that bus filled with Christian students, warning them of the planned bombing, he saved…
PHILIPPINES — In the Philippines, 15 years on from the murder of their persecuted father, Pastor Mocsin, we hear an update from siblings Emelyn and Jun-Jun. Emelyn: “I miss those times when we went to church together as a family. Then, during church services, we were complete. We would lead the praise and worship. Then…
LAOS — Last year, three Christians in Laos, Southeast Asia were arrested because of their faith. Here, they recount their experiences – and how they knew God was with them. As one of them told an Open Doors partner, “Even when I was in prison, I felt I was not alone. I felt your prayers.”…
IRAQ — Iraqi law forbids a person from changing their religion from ‘Muslim’ to ‘Christian on their official ID. Believers who find themselves in this situation can be extremely isolated, treated with suspicion by the Christian community while also rejected by Muslims. Mr Youhanna* gives legal counsel to Christians like Matti* who suffers this discrimination….
SYRIA — Anwar, a Syrian Christian was persecuted and thrown out when he became a Christian – he didn’t have a home or family, but he had the incredible hope of life lived with Jesus. Thanks to Open Doors, a Centre of Hope was able to give him somewhere to live, and the chance to…
SAMARITAN LODGE, ALASKA – Through Operation Heal Our Patriots, Marine Gunnery Sergeant David Mercado learned that God could heal their marriage and give them real hope. David Mercado, Gunnery Sergeant, USMC, Ret.: I did one deployment in Afghanistan. We used to do a lot of security details. You name it, they stuck us on it….
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….
BURKINO FASO — For 19-year-old Salamata* from Burkina Faso in West Africa, life has been incredibly difficult. She witnessed an extremist attack on her church and struggles to see God’s hand on her life. Open Doors has provided her with an aid package and trauma counselling but she still has many unanswered questions. Salamata*: “Our…
CENTRAL ASIA — Anastasia* who came to Christ 20 years ago is a house church leader living in Central Asia. The authorities told her they thought she was retired, but she still teaches six times a week and preaches on Sundays! Her passion for the gospel is infectious. In this Open Doors report Anastasia, who…
CHINA — When Muslims becomes Christians in China they become alienated from their people group and family. They are often socially marginalized, disowned by their family and rejected by their friends. In response Open Doors workers Philip and Pearl* take great to risk their own safety to visit and encourage these Muslim background believers or…
MIDDLE EAST — *Taher and his family were secret believers in a closed country in the Middle East. When their faith was discovered, Taher was arrested and ruthlessly interrogated by the secret police – but he refused to give up the names of fellow believers. In many other countries in the Middle East, worshiping in…
WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide, issued this Special Report update on Malaria making a comeback amid the worldwide impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic. It’s a back-and-forth battle growing…
CHIBOB, NIGERIA — In the Middle Belt of Nigeria, militant Fulani herdsmen kill and displace Christians and take over their farmland. Hajaratu, a widow from Chibob, Nigeria, has suffered immeasurable grief after fleeing from one of these raids. Find out how Open Doors is helping more women like Hajaratu to heal. Hajaratu: “I woke up…
VIETNAM — Chu is a courageous Christian woman in Vietnam whose husband tried to force her to deny Jesus. He had come under pressure from his local community leaders who threaten to demote or retire tribal leaders if they allow Christianity into their villages. However even though he beat her there was no turning back…
SYRIA — This month marks the 10th anniversary of the first demonstrations that sparked the Syrian Civil War. In that time, the Christian population decreased from two million in 2010 to under 700,000 today. Ten years of civil war in Syria have made life much harder for persecuted Christians – but Open Doors has been…
