NIGERIA — A new report highlights the alarming scale of rising violence in Nigeria as terrorists attempt to Islamise the nation — Much of that violence is directed against Christians. Andrew Boyd reports. Release International has warned that Nigeria is fast becoming a persecution hotspot. And Open Doors estimates more Christians are killed there than… Continue reading Alarming Rise in Islamist Violence Against Christians in Nigeria
Results for "Persecution"
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Gideon’s Imprisonment – Eritrea
BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA — In 2019, Abraham* and Joel’s* church was attacked by jihadists in a village in Burkino Faso in West Africa. The two young men survived, but the horror of what happened has traumatized them. Open Doors provides trauma care counseling for many people impacted by attacks like these. Gideon:* “There are… Continue reading Gideon’s Imprisonment – Eritrea
Joel and Abraham Survive Jihadist Attack in Burkino Faso
BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA — In 2019, Abraham* and Joel’s* church was attacked by jihadists in a village in Burkino Faso in West Africa. The two young men survived, but the horror of what happened has traumatized them. Open Doors provides trauma care counseling for many people impacted by attacks like these. Abraham*: “That Sunday,… Continue reading Joel and Abraham Survive Jihadist Attack in Burkino Faso
Religious Freedom Eroding Fast, Warns U.S. Group
EASTON, MD — A U.S. media ministry warns religious freedom is under increasing pressure — fast reaching a tipping point it describes as “situation critical.” Globally, an estimated 80% of people of all faiths face restrictions on freely expressing their religious beliefs, says SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org), a Christian media broadcaster in the Middle East and… Continue reading Religious Freedom Eroding Fast, Warns U.S. Group
Iraqi Christian Mother Separated from Family
QARAQOSH, IRAQ — When Islamic State captured the Christian-majority city of Qaraqosh, Iraq, Sana and her family were trapped in their home for almost three weeks. When they were discovered, Sana and her daughter were separated from Sana’s husband and two sons. Sana never saw them again. But Sana has not given up on God.… Continue reading Iraqi Christian Mother Separated from Family
Church Planters See Building Destroyed in Mexico
SAN ANDRÉS YAÁ, MEXICO — When Adolfina and her husband Imeldo returned to their hometown of San Andrés Yaá to plant a church, opposition from the community grew. The couple eventually had to leave the town but received support from Open Doors. “The only thing I ask of Open Doors and the brothers all over… Continue reading Church Planters See Building Destroyed in Mexico
Ukrainian Christians Harassed by Russian Separatists
UKRAINE — As the front lines of war in Ukraine keep shifting, Christians from a number of Protestant churches in areas now under Russian separatist control are reporting harassment from soldiers and officials. Some say they have been forced to leave their buildings. Church leaders believe the Russians regard all Protestant churches as planted by… Continue reading Ukrainian Christians Harassed by Russian Separatists
Eritrean Christian Mother is Left Alone While Husband is Imprisoned
ERITREA — Twenty years ago, the Eritrean government brought in restrictions that allowed only Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran churches. When Yael* was 8 months pregnant, her husband was imprisoned for belonging to another Christian denomination. But even during that time of trial, Yael knows that she was sustained by God and by the prayers of… Continue reading Eritrean Christian Mother is Left Alone While Husband is Imprisoned
IRF Summit 2022 Convenes Civil Society Congress to Innovate and Develop Solutions for Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON — In recent years levels of persecution and restriction based on faith or belief have increased around the world. This is despite a growing movement of people who are committed to protecting this fundamental human right. It is time to think big for religious freedom. The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit 2022 will convene… Continue reading IRF Summit 2022 Convenes Civil Society Congress to Innovate and Develop Solutions for Religious Freedom
Persecuted Religious Groups Speak up for Each Other on Capitol Hill, Urges Congress to Protect Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON — On June 27, one day ahead of the International Religious Freedom Summit 2022, the summit is hosting a Congressional Advocacy Day to encourage convening organizations to present their causes and discuss religious freedom concerns with members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill. The day will kick off with a breakfast meeting… Continue reading Persecuted Religious Groups Speak up for Each Other on Capitol Hill, Urges Congress to Protect Religious Freedom
Expert Helps Christian Journalists, Aid Workers ‘Understand Each Other’ in a Crisis
CHARLOTTE, NC — One of the nation’s leading experts in Christian media and crisis communications will help faith-based journalists and humanitarian aid workers decipher each other’s roles at a groundbreaking “crisis summit” this month. Veteran journalist and crisis communications specialist Palmer Holt, founder of InChrist Communications (ICC, www.inchristcommunications.com), will speak on “Getting the Best News… Continue reading Expert Helps Christian Journalists, Aid Workers ‘Understand Each Other’ in a Crisis
Helping North African Persecuted Women Stay Strong
NORTH AFRICA — Sarah* in North Africa has twice been thrown out of her home, simply because she loves Jesus. As a woman, she is particularly vulnerable – throwing her out endangered her. Around the world, millions of women from religious minorities face persecution for their faith and their gender. Find out her story and… Continue reading Helping North African Persecuted Women Stay Strong
Nigerian Church Bigger Than Before Despite Extremist Attacks
NIGERIA — When Pastor Andrew’s community in North East Nigeria was attacked by Boko Haram, he courageously chose to stay and rebuild his church. Now, there are more Christians in the community than before. Find out how Open Doors helped Pastor Andrew to impact his village despite the devastation. Pastor Andrew: “I went out and… Continue reading Nigerian Church Bigger Than Before Despite Extremist Attacks
Ministry Defends Girls, Women Amid Surge in ‘Honor Killings’ in Iran
EASTON, MD — A Christian media network in the Middle East is highlighting the value of women’s lives after a 17-year-old Iranian girl was beheaded by her husband in a so-called “honor killing,” one of hundreds every year. According to SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org), Mona Heydari, a child bride at age 13, was beheaded by her husband,… Continue reading Ministry Defends Girls, Women Amid Surge in ‘Honor Killings’ in Iran
Social Media Targets Christians in New Kind of Genocide — Noel Yeatts | NewsMax
Noel Yeatts, President of World Help, an international, Christian humanitarian organization serving the needs of the impoverished around the world, discusses the suffering that Christians face, even by those who use social media as a tool to fan the flames of persecution. When you look at lists of the most dangerous places to be a… Continue reading Social Media Targets Christians in New Kind of Genocide — Noel Yeatts | NewsMax
The International Religious Freedom Summit Returns to DC June 28-30
WASHINGTON — On June 28-30 religious freedom leaders, advocates and activists from around the world, spanning a wide range of faith traditions and political affiliations, will gather in Washington, D.C., for the second annual International Religious Freedom Summit. The Summit will highlight increasing threats to freedom of religion, conscience and belief, and it will once… Continue reading The International Religious Freedom Summit Returns to DC June 28-30
How a Smuggled Bible Changed Dhea’s Life
SOUTHEAST ASIA — Dhea in South East Asia didn’t want the Bible that a missionary gave her. She tried to destroy it. But something stopped her – and when she started reading it, she chose to follow Jesus. As a Christian and as a woman, she has faced extreme persecution – but remains hopeful and… Continue reading How a Smuggled Bible Changed Dhea’s Life
Lorena’s Loss – Mozambique
MOZAMBIQUE — Since 2017, the Islamist insurgency in Mozambique is thought to have claimed at least 2,500 lives. *Lorena’s* husband was one of its many victims; Lorena has also been displaced by the violence. Thanks to help from Christian charity Open Doors, Lorena has received emergency food aid and spiritual support to help her stand… Continue reading Lorena’s Loss – Mozambique
Isolated Christians in Middle East Turn to New Streaming Service
EASTON, MD — Isolated Christians in the Middle East, including many struggling to survive, are using their smartphones to connect with other believers on the region’s first-ever faith-based video-on-demand service. Since launching a year ago, SAT-7 PLUS — a Netflix-type service of faith-based programs 24/7 in Arabic, Farsi and Turkish across the Middle East and… Continue reading Isolated Christians in Middle East Turn to New Streaming Service
Gulshan: Secret Christian From Afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN — It’s now more than six months since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. While tens of thousands have fled Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021, those who remain continue to watch, wait and suffer. The United Nations recently released a report which stated that 400 civilians have… Continue reading Gulshan: Secret Christian From Afghanistan
Nigerian Mother Gives Trauma Counseling to Forgive Attackers
GUYAKU, NORTHERN NIGERIA — Support from Christian charity Open Doors is helping believers like Charity from Nigeria. She was able to receive trauma healing after her village, Guyaku in northern Nigeria, was attacked by Islamic militants Boko Haram. And now, she herself is shining a light for others who have suffered trauma by offering them… Continue reading Nigerian Mother Gives Trauma Counseling to Forgive Attackers
Christian Aid Mission Helps Desperate Single Mother in North Africa
AFRICA — A single mother of three in dire need, Shahd* was desperate when she called the national missionary supported by Christian Aid Mission. The missionary responded with compassionate aid and support, providing Shahd with the means to establish her own business and empowering her to provide for her family. According to the mission organization,… Continue reading Christian Aid Mission Helps Desperate Single Mother in North Africa
Finding Jesus After Fleeing North Korea
NORTH KOREA — Timothy* grew up as an orphan in North Korea at the time of the 1990s famine. As a teenager, he decided to cross the Tumen River into China in a bid for survival. This is how coming across a safe house, run by Open Doors partners in China, set him on the… Continue reading Finding Jesus After Fleeing North Korea
Elias Chooses to Stay in Palestinian Territories
BEIT SAHUR, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES — Elias lives in the Christian-majority town of Beit Sahur, close to Bethlehem. He shares why, even though the number of Christians in the area is declining, he and his family are determined to stay.
Afghanistan Tops Open Doors 2022 World Watch List
WITNEY, ENGLAND — Afghanistan is now the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian, according to figures released today in the 2022 World Watch List (WWL). Afghanistan replaces North Korea at the top of the list after 20 years – this despite persecution also rising there this year. The WWL, which records… Continue reading Afghanistan Tops Open Doors 2022 World Watch List
Life as a Persecuted Christian in North Korea: Bae’s Story
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… Continue reading Life as a Persecuted Christian in North Korea: Bae’s Story
Christian Kids and Youth Cling to ‘Digital Lifeline’ in Afghanistan and Iran
EASTON, MD — Children as young as 4 are risking their lives in Afghanistan because they want to “meet Jesus” and talk to other Christians, even as they hide from the Taliban. Desperate for hope, thousands of young children and teens – often the only Christians in their families – are turning to a Middle… Continue reading Christian Kids and Youth Cling to ‘Digital Lifeline’ in Afghanistan and Iran
Afghanistan the Most Dangerous Place to be a Christian
WITNEY, ENGLAND —Open Doors has revealed that Afghanistan has replaced North Korea as the most dangerous country to be a Christian in their 2022 World Watch List. Christian men are facing almost certain death if their faith is discovered. Women and girls may escape death but may be married to young Taliban fighters who want… Continue reading Afghanistan the Most Dangerous Place to be a Christian
How Do Children of the Persecuted Church Celebrate Christmas?
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… Continue reading How Do Children of the Persecuted Church Celebrate Christmas?
Nigerian Boy’s Dream to be a Doctor
PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA — Sele was very young when his father was murdered for his faith. It was part of a wave of violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State. Now Sele is 13, and has hope for the future to save lives a doctor through schooling paid for by Open Doors partners. For many Christian children… Continue reading Nigerian Boy’s Dream to be a Doctor
Giving Hope this Christmas to Iraqi Girl Who Lost Her Father
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… Continue reading Giving Hope this Christmas to Iraqi Girl Who Lost Her Father
Sabina Movie Set to Inspire the Power of Forgiveness
ROMANIA — Great character is sometimes forged amid great turmoil. Sabina: Tortured for Christ, the Nazi Years is the story of how God’s love transformed an ambitious, atheistic hedonist into one of the greatest Christian women of the 20th century. GNA reporter Peter Wooding spoke to Voice of the Martyr’s Todd Nettleton to find out… Continue reading Sabina Movie Set to Inspire the Power of Forgiveness
Open Doors Helps Fadi who fled Boko Haram in Cameroon Several Times
CAMEROON — Fadi is a Christian from Cameroon who has been repeatedly displaced from her home by Boko Haram violence – but has now received much-needed emergency aid from Open Doors partners. Fadi – Cameroon Christian: “When I was in my village Barawa in 2013 Boko Haram came to attack our village. They came by… Continue reading Open Doors Helps Fadi who fled Boko Haram in Cameroon Several Times
Syrian Refugee’s Life-Changing Move to Lebanon
LEBANON — The civil war forced a Syrian, Jouan and his family to flee Syria to live as a refugee in Lebanon. But while there his cousin Pastor Nihad led him to faith in Christ. Watch his powerful story here. Jouan – Syrian refugee: “We used to live in a nice house. We had our… Continue reading Syrian Refugee’s Life-Changing Move to Lebanon
Serving Christ Along the Silk Road
GREENVILLE, SC – Silk Road Catalyst is a Multi-National family of Disciple-Makers engaging the Gospel-Deprived in and from the Silk Road Region through a Presence of Legitimacy. The original Silk Road was a network of trade routes connecting China and the Far East with the Middle East and Europe during the Han Dynasty in 130… Continue reading Serving Christ Along the Silk Road
Afghan Girls ‘In Terror’ of Becoming Taliban Brides
EASTON, MD — Young Christian women and girls in Afghanistan are living in terror of being abducted as child brides for Taliban fighters — and they’re turning to a unique ministry for help. “(We) are terrified,” 16-year-old Nisha told satellite and online Christian broadcaster SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org). “Everyone is afraid and scared of the Taliban. I… Continue reading Afghan Girls ‘In Terror’ of Becoming Taliban Brides
Open Doors USA Reacts to Missionary Kidnappings in Haiti
SANTA ANA, CA — Christian persecution watchdog, Open Doors USA released a statement today regarding the news of 17 American missionaries who were abducted in Haiti this weekend. According to several sources, the abductors are also responsible for the kidnappings of five priests and two nuns earlier this year. “We are deeply concerned for the… Continue reading Open Doors USA Reacts to Missionary Kidnappings in Haiti
Filipino Siblings Continue Persecuted Father’s Ministry
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… Continue reading Filipino Siblings Continue Persecuted Father’s Ministry
Is Your Church Ready for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church?
FALLS CHURCH, VA — Christian Freedom International (CFI) has designed a free church Prayer Kit to equip churches for the “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.” This annual event — held on the first Sunday in November — unites churches to pray for Christians worldwide who face persecution. “The catastrophe in Afghanistan — with Christians… Continue reading Is Your Church Ready for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church?
In Chains for Christ in Laos
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.”… Continue reading In Chains for Christ in Laos
Afghanistan: Christians Face Even More Opposition
CANADA — Long time humaritarian worker in Afghanistan John Weaver talks about the opposition and challenges Christians face in Afghanistan, now that the Taliban has taken over, but how the current situation may actually see more Afghans turn to Jesus. And CEO of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Floyd Brobbel, explains how they’re supporting… Continue reading Afghanistan: Christians Face Even More Opposition
Afghanistan: ‘Christian Taliban’ Ask to ‘Meet Jesus’
EASTON, MD — Despite the threat of persecution, Afghans are turning to Christianity in growing numbers — and creating a wave of “Christian Taliban,” a ministry to Afghanistan reports. “The word ‘Taliban’ actually means ‘student,’” said Dr. Rex Rogers, president of Christian media ministry SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org), “and right now increasing numbers of Afghans are… Continue reading Afghanistan: ‘Christian Taliban’ Ask to ‘Meet Jesus’
Open Doors USA Invites Christians to March for the Martyrs
WASHINGTON — As Christians in Afghanistan pray to stay alive, this Saturday, US Christians are being called to D.C. for a first-of-its-kind large-scale march of solidarity for martyrs and persecuted Christians. March for the Martyrs aims to raise awareness about the plight of persecuted Christians by bringing together believers across all denominations to stand in… Continue reading Open Doors USA Invites Christians to March for the Martyrs
The Nations are Coming to Us
BAKERSFIELD, CA – We have seen the desperation of the Afghan people trying to escape as Taliban forces take over Kabul. The US Air Force C-17 plane was packed with 640 precious lives as countless others clung to the outside of the plane—risking life and limb to leave Afghanistan. As we process this grave situation,… Continue reading The Nations are Coming to Us
As Christians in Afghanistan Struggle for Their Lives, US Christians to March, Pray in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON — More than 340 million people around the world suffer persecution for practicing their Christian faith – making it the largest persecuted religious group. In solidarity with them, and to help raise awareness, the 2nd annual March for the Martyrs will take place in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25, 2021. It’s the first time… Continue reading As Christians in Afghanistan Struggle for Their Lives, US Christians to March, Pray in Washington, D.C.
Christian Lawyer’s Legal Clinic for Persecuted Iraqi Believers
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.… Continue reading Christian Lawyer’s Legal Clinic for Persecuted Iraqi Believers
Nigerian Widow Experiences Power of Forgiveness
NIGERIA – In Nigeria persecution is on the increase and so the trauma believers suffer is increasing. However through Open Doors partners working in trauma care, Christians are receiving hope and healing. Anuhu* (name changed for security reasons) who leads the trauma care programme shares the story of how a Nigerian widow, one of the… Continue reading Nigerian Widow Experiences Power of Forgiveness
‘The Glenn Beck Program’ Listeners Raise over $32 Million to Rescue Christians Trapped in Afghanistan
DALLAS — As the world watched Afghanistan fall to the Taliban, multi-media personality and humanitarian Glenn Beck enlisted the help of loyal “The Glenn Beck Program” listeners to raise funds in an attempt to rescue thousands — mainly women and children — trapped in the country. While hosting the Premiere Networks-syndicated radio program on Wednesday,… Continue reading ‘The Glenn Beck Program’ Listeners Raise over $32 Million to Rescue Christians Trapped in Afghanistan
Christian Media Director Supports Vulnerable Women in Afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN – As the underground church of Afghanistan faces the continued threat of attacks by the Taliban who are going door to door in search of believers, the Director of the Christian run Middle East Women’s Leadership Network is calling for the international community to stand with the many vulnerable women working in the media… Continue reading Christian Media Director Supports Vulnerable Women in Afghanistan
Centre of Hope Transforms Life of Persecuted Syrian Christian
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… Continue reading Centre of Hope Transforms Life of Persecuted Syrian Christian