AFRICA — London-based Christian Surgeon, Mr Leo Cheng, received an Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff University on 15th July for over twenty years of voluntary service to the international health charity, Mercy Ships. Mr Cheng has used his annual leave to serve on board the Anastasis, the Africa Mercy and Global Mercy once or twice a…
VIETNAM— Thirty years ago, Pastor Barnabas* set up a secret Bible school in Vietnam with the help of Open Doors partners. Since then, he’s helped to train thousands of Christians in Vietnam who have gone on to share the gospel in their communities! Pastor Barnabas* – name changed for security reasons: I don’t have any…
SALT LAKE CITY — Parker Migliorini International (PMI Foods) just announced a renewed partnership with City of Refuge to provide crucial assistance to thousands of the most vulnerable members of our society. PMI Food’s recent donation of 5,000 pounds of prime ribs will provide thousands of meals to victims of human trafficking, homeless individuals, and…
TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA —The Samaritan’s Purse project Tesfa for Tigray has created a safe haven for children who have fled ongoing conflict in Ethiopia. My city is Humera. It is my favorite city and a wonderful city. I miss my hometown Humera the blessed city. The sun rises from Western Tigray. Because of her children the…
SAN DIEGO —Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Over 200 years ago Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence and declared to the world, along with 55 other men, that “all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among those are life, liberty and the pursuit…
ROMANIA — The “March for Life” 2024, with the theme “Building Together for Life,” took place recently in various cities across Romania and in the Republic of Moldova. In Cluj, Napoca, the event was organized with the blessing of His Eminence Andrei, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Cluj, and took place in Avram Iancu Square, in…
WASHINGTON, DC— The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), the world’s largest association of Christian communicators, is pleased to announce the addition of 15 organizations and individuals as NRB members in the second quarter of 2024. “We are delighted to welcome these fifteen new members into the NRB family,” said President & CEO Troy A. Miller. “There’s…
WASHINGTON —Coptic Solidarity hosted its 12th Annual Conference The Coptic Problem: Hate Based on Religion in Washington, D.C., June 13-14. This leading policy event unites legislators, academics, policy professionals, and activists to discuss the situation of human rights and democracy for Copts in Egypt as well as other indigenous minorities in the region. The Policy…
WILLS POINT, TX — A global mission organization is lifting the veil on the incredible suffering of millions of “invisible” widows around the world — many even cast off by their own families. In many places, widows face extreme hardships, abuse, exploitation and sexual violence. Even their own families show them “little or no mercy,”…
MEXICO— José Alfredo is a lawyer in Mexico who helps Christians like Guadalupe, who was threatened with expulsion by his indigenous community, to understand their legal rights and settle disputes so that they can continue to worship God freely and without fear. Gaudalupe – Mexico: Since we follow Christ who saved us, they harass us,…
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC — In March 2023, a militant Muslim group attacked Pastor Samuel’s* village in southern Central African Republic (CAR). Most of the Christians – including Pastor Samuel – fled. But through support and prayers from Christian charity Open Doors, he and many of his church have returned to rebuild their lives. Gérard* –…
IRAN —Islam and the regime in Iran have destroyed the identity of women,” says Simin*, a Christian in the Middle East who participated in a training by Open Doors on discipleship. Today, in addition to helping other women overcome the pain of persecution, she also prepares them to serve God When Simin decided to follow…
HAITI — Three people, a Haitian man and an American couple who all worked for a Christian mission organization, were killed by gang members near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Thursday night (May 23). The group had reportedly been kidnapped earlier in the evening after leaving a youth event hosted at a church. Natalie and Davy Lloyd…
WILLS POINT, TX — The public viewing for the late Dr. K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) on May 15 in Dallas, Texas, was attended by approximately a thousand mourners, including presidents of national Christian organizations; former dignitaries of the Indian parliament; bishops, priests and leaders of various Christian denominations; and many men and women who grew…
SUDAN —Samaritan’s Purse is providing food, medical care, and hygiene instruction to refugees in Sudan who have fled their homes due to ongoing violence in their country. Miriam Ngamu – Samaritan’s Purse: When this bomb came, she was just in the house doing her own things and found herself already in the hospital. She did…
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…
USA —Sanities on social networks, liberation from addictions, and conversion to Jesus Christ. The revival is spreading in some Native American territories. In some aspects, the situation of Native Americans has not changed. They face problematic circumstances ranging from substance abuse to a massive impact of COVID and an alarming number of missing and murdered…
TENNESSEE, NC — Just before Mother’s Day Weekend, May 9-10, The Light FM hosted its annual “Heart of Hope” campaign raising enough funds to provide 2,196 mothers-to-be with ultrasounds and faith-based support for their pregnancies. The station partnered with 28 area pregnancy centers across North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to raise awareness about their…
SUDAN —Samaritan’s Purse is rushing food and relief to displaced people in Kordofan, Sudan, before spring rains make roads to the region inaccessible. They are providing much-needed food and hygiene training to those who fled to the region to escape war. “The needs are enormous,” said Collins Enabu, a Samaritan’s Purse staff member. “We’re running…
SANTA YNEZ, CA — Together with Faith of a Child Foundation, Damali Mirembe, the director of the Sonrise Baby Home, recently started construction on a new hospital to serve the Kayunga District of Uganda. The new hospital will include a maternity ward, a pediatric ward, a fully equipped laboratory, emergency care and several in-patient beds….
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…
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…
DENVER, COLORADO — Alaska alumni were encouraged and strengthened together by the power of God’s Word during the 2024 Operation Heal Our Patriots Reunion in Colorado. This year’s reunion was the largest ever, with more than 700 military couples attending. The weekend event included worship, fellowship, and workshops on marriage and spiritual renewal. Is your…
ORLANDO, FL — Every day, many women and children in the toughest places walk 1-2 hours–and often much more–to locate clean drinking water for their families.* To highlight this issue on World Water Day recently, compassionate Americans from coast to coast waited two hours after waking up before taking their first drink. Humanitarian organization Unto…
CUBA — “Cuba Crucis” is a documentary directed by Cuban journalist Yoe Suárez. This documentary gathers testimonies and stories about how the lack of individual freedoms under the communist regime in Cuba affects the religious community and hinders the full practice of faith. The 52-minute documentary “Cuba Crucis” presents impactful testimonies from religious leaders and…
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…
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC — Water Mission is partnering with Compassion International on a global safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) alliance through a pilot project initiating in Chimwenje, Malawi. The alliance will strive to bring holistic care to children and families experiencing poverty through safe water access. The newly piloted program will reach Chimwenje’s more…
ACAPULCO — Thousands of Venezuelans enter Colombian territory daily. Many continue their journey towards other countries, but most settle in major cities within Colombia. In Medellín, Venezuelan immigrants discover more than just material assistance at churches. Diego and Luis are two Venezuelan pastors who arrived in Medellín, Colombia, several months ago, despite being foreigners themselves,…
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…
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…
EGYPT — Throughout the Middle East and North Africa when Christians come to faith they face extreme persecution including losing their jobs. Christian charity Help The Persecuted is empowering many of these persecuted believers in Egypt by providing them with opportunities to start their own businesses. GNA reporter Peter Wooding got to see the impact…
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…
KERN COUNTY, CA — Meet Ofelia Flores. She’s a living miracle. See her today and you’d never know she is anything but blessed, and living out the American dream. A bookkeeper by trade, she’s a successful mother of five in Kern County, Calif. She volunteers at church, cares lovingly for her grandkids, and even helps…
MIAMI — The Elevate Prize Foundation announced Matt Damon as the latest recipient of its Elevate Prize Catalyst Award in recognition of his long-standing advocacy and work with Water.org, a global nonprofit working to bring safe water and sanitation to the world. The award was presented to Damon by the Elevate Prize Foundation’s founder, Joseph…
SEATTLE — From the Maui wildfires to devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, along with cyclones in Mozambique and Myanmar, Christian humanitarian organization World Vision has been at the forefront of extensive humanitarian response efforts worldwide, supporting communities in crisis. In 2023, World Vision responded to 78 disasters and humanitarian crises in 59 countries around…
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…
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…
LOS ANGELES — Thousands of homeless and underprivileged children in Los Angeles are set to experience the magic of Christmas at one of the biggest Christmas celebrations in the city on Saturday, December 16th, 2023. Generously donated by compassionate individuals, over 7,000 new toys will bring smiles to the faces of approximately 2,000 children in…
UGANDA — After Waswa’s* mother was poisoned by relatives because of her decision to follow Jesus, Waswa and his siblings became orphans. But after receiving care and support from local Open Doors partners, Waswa now runs an orphanage in Uganda, caring for many isolated children in his community and sharing his faith with them. When…
