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…
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…
BAKERSFIELD, CA – Billy Graham asked his close friend of 10 years, Don Wilton, to be his pastor and what followed was a privileged 25 years of sitting at the feet of one of God’s pillar servants—nurturing a friendship and seeing a personal side of Billy that most people have never known, until now. “My…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
EASTON, MD — With Afghanistan in the news, interview a daring 50-year Christian media pioneer in the Middle East — and hear his surprising take on cultural and religious shifts in the red-hot region. Middle East Christian media pioneer Terence “Terry” Ascott, founder of SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) and author of the new book Dare to Believe!…
WILLS POINT, TX — One of the world’s largest mission organizations – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is calling on Christians around the world not to carry on “like normal” while people in Afghanistan face terror, rape, and execution. “I pray that no church in the world worships and prays like it’s just another normal…
AFGHANISTAN – Christian charity Release International has issued an urgent call to pray for the underground church in Afghanistan as the persecution of Christians in the region is set to rise following the return of the Taliban regime. A Christian contact of one Release International partner describes the situation as ‘dire.’ Says ‘Micah’: ‘Our brothers…
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN — Underground Afghan Christians are fearing for their lives as the Taliban is going door to door looking for believers who have the Bible on their phones. In response SAT-7’s Persian language television station is providing special broadcasts to help the believers in this troubled region. SAT-7 PARS is also running emergency on-screen…
CYPRUS – When Jubal Band Ministries began in 2007, the concept was of a musical group producing online Christian worship videos. The group consisted of persecuted Iranian Christians living in Turkey. History By 2010, Jubal Band had added radio and television broadcasts in cooperation with existing Christian-owned networks and channels. 2013 was highlighted by the…
MIANGO, NIGERIA – Sunni Muslim Fulani Herdsmen invaded the Christian orphanage in Miango, Nigeria and burned every building. The 147 children and staff evacuated a few hours before the August 2, 2021 attack. The children were made orphans in previous attacks by Sunni Muslim terrorists such as the Boko Haram. As Fulani herdsmen advance in…
TONJ, SOUTH SUDAN – According to the World Watch List, the secession of South Sudan from Sudan in 2011 left both countries in chaos. This was especially true on a personal level for thousands of Christians who were starving, killed, injured, or displaced during attempts to force Sudan to become an Islamic state. Sabet Kuj…
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….
TUCSON, ARIZONA — When evangelist from Kenya Okongo Samson went on his first mission trip as a teenage boy he was kidnapped, tortured and raped by terrorists. But through a series of miracles he escaped. That didn’t stop him traveling the world to preach the Gospel despite being arrested and abused by his captors in…
WASHINGTON — Ahead of the International Religious Freedom Summit 2021 (IRF Summit), co-chairs Samuel Brownback and Katrina Lantos Swett, along with the Summit’s over 70 partner organizations around the world, have issued A Charter of Religious Freedom, calling for the protection of the universal human rights of religion, thought and conscience: A CHARTER OF RELIGIOUS…
MIDLAND, TX — The Wall Street Journal published an article titled “A Christian Congregation Fled Xi Jinping’s China, but Escaping Control Had a Price” that follows an exiled persecuted Chinese church who fled to Jeju, a South Korean island, in hopes of gaining asylum, but have faced harassment and an ongoing fear of repatriation to…
WASHINGTON — As part of International Religious Freedom Summit 2021, young leaders ages 15 to 35 are invited to participate in the Young Leaders Track, chaired by Nguyen Dinh Thang, president and CEO of Boat People SOS (BPSOS). The Young Leaders Track will take place Tuesday, July 13 through Thursday, July 15 virtually and at…
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, is assisting with printing and distributing newly translated Scriptures through its Print On Demand initiative. “Translation is the crucial first step,” says Interim President and CEO Tim Neu. “But when this…
HOUSTON, TX – Ananias House is a ministry dedicated to serving the Lord and sharing the Gospel in the Middle East and in North Africa. They equip communities with the training and resources to enable the church to be the place for restoration, healing, and hope. Although it is not a vision or mission statement…
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…
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia ACT is a Christian organization dedicated to serving Jesus Christ in and around the capital city of one of the most dangerous countries in Africa. Ethiopia ranks 36th on the Open Doors 2021 World Watch List, up three spots from 2019, but that list is focused primarily on the persecution of…
NEW YORK – Lift Up the Vulnerable (LUV) leads the only indigenously-directed anti-human trafficking network spanning Sudan and South Sudan. Overview of Sudan and South Sudan The residents of the two countries have suffered decades of instability, military conflict, food scarcity, and economic hardships. Nearly four million South Sudanese have been displaced as a result…
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…
Record numbers of Iranian citizens have been coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Wherever and whenever people become discontent, they search for something better. Ultimately, the issue is whether they can actually find that something that is better. The Iranian people are looking for some good news. The Iranian Christians News Agency is offering them…
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – It may come as a surprise to many Christians that we have an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem. Not the U.S. Embassy that was relocated to the capital of Israel in 2018. It’s the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, and it has been open for 40 years. The embassy was opened in…
COLORADO SPRINGS — Ken Harrison is joined by three-time New York Times bestselling author Rod Dreher on the latest episode of “On the Edge with Ken Harrison.” Together they discuss how the Soviets gained control over Russia and the Eastern Bloc, the Communist exploitation of people who lost their identity and were overcome with loneliness,…
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…
MIDLAND, TX — Today, China Aid Association released its 2020 Annual Persecution Report documenting the last year in state-mandated religious persecution of Chinese Christians. The report covering January-December 2020 points to an ongoing escalation of harassment of Christians by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Under the direction of President Xi Jinping, Chinese officials carried out…
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…
VIRGINIA BEACH — The Voice of the Martyrs is broadcasting a special program to highlight Christians who suffer for their faith and to encourage their brothers and sisters around the world to come to their aid in prayer. “Imprisoned for Christ” shares the persecution stories of three Christian workers who were put in prison for…
ETHIOPIA — Like so many believers in Ethiopia, when Khalid became a Christian he was excluded by his Muslim relatives. Forced to leave he was left with no food, shelter or source of income. But persecution charity Open Doors stepped in to help him establish his own business. Khalid: “Persecution is tough. You are separated…
NORTH KOREA — The persecution of Christian women and girls around the world is hidden, complex and violent. They are vulnerable for both their gender and their faith. As part of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Open Doors has been sharing stories of those who’ve been persecuted simply because they are Christian women. The…
SOUTH ASIA — Covid-19 is fuelling a growing, hidden, “shadow pandemic” of gender-based violence, abduction and trafficking, directed towards Christian women and girls around the world. This is one of the findings of a new report commissioned by Christian persecution charity Open Doors, released on International Women’s Day (Mon Mar 8). Global Gender Persecution Specialist…
SANTA ANA, CA — There is a growing, hidden, “shadow pandemic” of violence, abduction and trafficking directed towards Christian women and girls around the world, according to a new report from Open Doors USA. “Same Faith, Different Persecution,” published ahead of International Women’s Day, explores targeted Gender-Specific Religious Persecution (GSRP) over 12 months between October…
ALPHARETTA, GA – It takes only one visit to Elam Ministries’ website to see the evidence that God is writing a beautiful story for Iran. What is that story, and how can it be possible? Isn’t Iran ruled by the Muslin ayatollahs? Haven’t Iranian officials called the U.S. and Israel “Big Satan” and “Little Satan?”…
NORTH KOREA — This story is based on a real-life account of a North Korea Christian sent to prison and then to a re-education camp. Other details have been added from other prison accounts. Open Doors has heard stories like this from numerous North Korean believers – and, disturbingly, the details are all eerily similar….
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — Following the latest attacks by Islamists that claimed the lives of at least 100 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors is calling on the international community to act urgently to protect the largely forgotten people of DRC. The mass killings of civilians in eastern…
SANTA ANA, CA — Open Doors has today launched their 2021 World Watch list highlighting the 50 worst countries for persecution. Their report also found that rather than the spread of Covid-19 slowing down the rate of persecution, in many cases, it has been greatly intensified – in a variety of forms: Christians in numerous…
NORTH KOREA — Earlier this month the South Korean goverment passed a law that makes it illegal to send anything considered anti-North Korean into the so called “Hermit Kingdom”. This new law will have a direct impact on The Voice of the Martyrs Korea’s ministry of using balloons to get Bibles into North Korea. Since…
SANTA ANA, CA — This week, persecution watchdog Open Doors USA will announce the 2021 World Watch List, its anticipated annual ranking of the top 50 countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian – and provide a surprising update on significant shifts in the landscape of Christian persecution worldwide. Open Doors USA…
CHINA — Since 2002, North Korea has been the place where Christians face the most extreme persecution. In response Open Doors secret fieldworkers are supporting Christians who’ve managed to flee to China, through underground networks. Across the river from North Korea, in China, they run secret safe houses for North Korean Christians who have managed…
FALLS CHURCH, VA — As Christians face rising persecution worldwide, many of us are looking for ways to connect with those who suffer for their faith. Christian Freedom International – which helps persecuted Christians – has a few ideas. In hostile regions of the world, Christians risk beatings, imprisonment, discrimination, and death for their faith….
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Tent Schools International (TSI) demonstrates the love of Jesus Christ for displaced children “by making education accessible, exchanging chaos and loss for peace and opportunity.” The United Nations estimates that there are currently as many as 35,000,000 displaced children around the globe. They comprise half of the entire population of displaced…
NIGERIA — According to reports from Christian Solidarity Worldwide armed men attacked the Karji suburb of Kaduna City in Northern Nigeria last month and abducted five daughters of a local church pastor and two other individuals, one of whom had been displaced by violence. The attacks are the most recent in increasing violence in southern…
