FRC Publishes New Edition of Hostility Against Churches Report Indicating a Doubling of Attacks

Photo by FRC.org

WASHINGTON — Family Research Council (FRC) recently released the newest edition of its Hostility Against Churches report, updated to include hostility incidents from calendar year 2023. The report’s findings suggest that the rise in hostility against U.S. churches that were identified in FRC’s inaugural December 2022 report has neither slowed nor plateaued; rather, it has… Continue reading FRC Publishes New Edition of Hostility Against Churches Report Indicating a Doubling of Attacks

Nigerian Pastor Receives Trauma Counselling Following Family Loss

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… Continue reading Nigerian Pastor Receives Trauma Counselling Following Family Loss

FRC Releases Updated Report Detailing the Intensifying Intolerance Toward Christians in the West

Photo by FRC.org

WASHINGTON — Family Research Council’s Center for Religious Liberty today published an updated edition of its report “Free to Believe? The Intensifying Intolerance Toward Christians in the West,” which seeks to provide a better understanding of religious freedom violations perpetrated by Western governments against Christian individuals, organizations, and churches. Between January 2020 and December 2023,… Continue reading FRC Releases Updated Report Detailing the Intensifying Intolerance Toward Christians in the West

Increased Persecution and Surveillance in China

CHINA — It’s the Chinese New Year, but for Christian families in China, the new year is set to bring increased surveillance and persecution. As Andrew Boyd from Release International reports, the state is homing in on Christian children. As China celebrates its New Year, which begins in February, Chinese Christians are braced for a… Continue reading Increased Persecution and Surveillance in China

Several Churches Were Affected by the Fires in Chile

CHILE — In the midst of the most devastating fires in Chile’s recorded history, with hundreds of fatalities and thousands of hectares consumed, the Christian community is facing an unprecedented situation. Churches and parsonages in Chile have been completely destroyed, but they find hope in faith and solidarity in the reconstruction. Chile Faces the Most… Continue reading Several Churches Were Affected by the Fires in Chile

Open Doors’ World Watch List for 2024

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… Continue reading Open Doors’ World Watch List for 2024

Christians in North Africa Face ‘New Year of Persecution’

'PERSECUTION IS A CROWN WE WEAR': Christians in North Africa face a "new year of persecution" that is intensifying in the shadow of the Holy Land conflict, says Middle East media ministry SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org).

EASTON, MD — Christians in North Africa, where less than 1% of the population follows Christianity, are facing a new year of escalating persecution in the shadow of the Holy Land conflict. There are only a handful of evangelical churches still open in Algeria, where the government is raiding and systematically shutting down Christian places… Continue reading Christians in North Africa Face ‘New Year of Persecution’

Mike Pence to address IRF Summit 2024

Photo by IRF Summit

WASHINGTON — Mike Pence, the 48th Vice President of the United States, will speak during the afternoon plenary at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The IRF Summit is the world’s premier annual gathering of international religious freedom advocates and activists. The Summit’s convening co-chairs, former U.S. Ambassador at Large for… Continue reading Mike Pence to address IRF Summit 2024

In The First 10 Months of 2023, 5,000 Christians were Killed

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… Continue reading In The First 10 Months of 2023, 5,000 Christians were Killed

Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament

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… Continue reading Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament

Following Jesus in North Korea, Despite Poverty and Danger

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,… Continue reading Following Jesus in North Korea, Despite Poverty and Danger

Christians Discovered and Arrested in Iran

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,… Continue reading Christians Discovered and Arrested in Iran

First-Ever Religious Violence Database Launches, Tracking Reports of Violent Persecution by Date, Country, Religion and Perpetrator

SANTA ANA, CA — For the first time ever, incidents of violent religious persecution are searchable through a new database that records violent attacks on Christians and people of faith around the world. Unveiled by Global Christian Relief, America’s leading watchdog of Christian persecution, the Global Christian Relief Violent Incidents Database (VID) is the first… Continue reading First-Ever Religious Violence Database Launches, Tracking Reports of Violent Persecution by Date, Country, Religion and Perpetrator

Leading a House Church for Secret Believers in Yemen

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… Continue reading Leading a House Church for Secret Believers in Yemen

Xuan’s Brave Witness in Vietnam

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… Continue reading Xuan’s Brave Witness in Vietnam

Digital Surveillance Against Christians in China Increases

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.… Continue reading Digital Surveillance Against Christians in China Increases

At Age 95 Vietnamese Pastor Recalls Persecution

VIETNAM — Vietnamese Pastor Zoong Tee Tie — also known as Mrs. Ly — helped start Vietnam’s house church movement. Lucille Talusan of CBN News, brings us the story from Hanoi. Although Christians still face persecution in communist Vietnam, churches thrive because leaders endured suffering to spread the gospel. That includes 95-yr-old, pastor Zoong Tee… Continue reading At Age 95 Vietnamese Pastor Recalls Persecution

Nigeria’s Kidnapping Epidemic Targets Christians

NIGERIA — New reports highlight the growing kidnapping crisis in Nigeria, where Christians are regarded as soft targets for abduction. Release International is calling on Nigeria to protect vulnerable Christian communities. Andrew Boyd has the details. New reports confirm that Christians are being targeted for kidnap and ransom in Nigeria, sometimes by bandits hungry for… Continue reading Nigeria’s Kidnapping Epidemic Targets Christians

Orphan in Uganda Starts His Own Orphanage

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… Continue reading Orphan in Uganda Starts His Own Orphanage

Bridge School Unites Community in Ethiopia

SOUTH EAST ASIA — In Pastor Yohannes’* community, Christian children can face discrimination at school, like Ermias’ twin boys, Fasil and Ezana. But thanks to your prayers and support, they now attend a bridge school, run by Open Doors partners – and it’s helping to unite a divided community. Pastor Yohannes*: This area is an… Continue reading Bridge School Unites Community in Ethiopia

New National Geographic Documentary Fails to Tell the True Story of John Allen Chau: The Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton

Photo by The Voice of the Martyrs

BARTLESVILLE, OK — Five years ago, the controversial death of American missionary John Chau created an international conversation around modern Christian missions which continues even today with the release of a new National Geographic film about Chau’s life and death called, “The Mission.” The Voice of the Martyrs Spokesperson Todd Nettleton screened the documentary and… Continue reading New National Geographic Documentary Fails to Tell the True Story of John Allen Chau: The Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton

Abraham and Eti’s Story: Surviving Death Threats and Persecution

SOUTH EAST ASIA — Abraham* came to follow Jesus, encouraged by Eti*, the Christian woman he would later marry. But Abraham’s family were about to face persecution in south east Asia, until he was saved by a miracle. Abraham* – South east Asia: I was born and grew up in a Muslim home and all… Continue reading Abraham and Eti’s Story: Surviving Death Threats and Persecution

Iran’s Warning to Christians

IRAN — The upsurge in violence in the Middle East has led to claims that Iran has been active behind the scenes in supporting the Hamas group that attacked Israel. A new report also accuses Iran of putting pressure on Christians to keep away from the country’s hijab protests. It warns that Christians who are… Continue reading Iran’s Warning to Christians

Challenges and Triumphs of Christians on the ancient Silk Road

CENTRAL ASIA — A journey along the ancient Silk Road in Central Asia. Experience the rich culture and traditions that define Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, while maintaining a balance between ethnic diversity and the unity fostered by their authoritarian regimes, Muslim traditions, and strong family bonds. Immerse yourself in the moving stories of… Continue reading Challenges and Triumphs of Christians on the ancient Silk Road

Wycliffe Associates Follows Bible Translation with Distribution of Printed Scripture, New Testaments

Wycliffe partners celebrate the arrival of Bibles in their village. Photo by WycliffeAssociates.org

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 working with churches and translation partners to print and distribute newly translated Scripture. In one village in Southern Africa, the Wycliffe Associates team distributed the first-ever New Testaments in the… Continue reading Wycliffe Associates Follows Bible Translation with Distribution of Printed Scripture, New Testaments

The Voice of the Martyrs Releases Sejun: Nepal Short Feature for 2023 International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians

Photo by Persecution.org

BARTLESVILLE, OK — The Voice of the Martyrs has released a new short feature film about a Nepali boy’s journey from life in a Buddhist monastery to finding new hope in Christ. Sejun: Nepal will inspire viewers to join in the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP)—a global prayer movement on Sunday, Nov.… Continue reading The Voice of the Martyrs Releases Sejun: Nepal Short Feature for 2023 International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians

On Maspero Day, Coptic Solidarity Commemorates Both Modern and Living Martyrs in Egypt

WASHINGTON — Eight years ago, Coptic Solidarity launched an annual initiative, the Modern Coptic Martyrs Remembrance Day, in recognition of the increasing number of Copts being killed for their faith. Coptic Solidarity seeks to create greater awareness and action on behalf of the indigenous Coptic Christians who live under systematic discrimination by the Egyptian government… Continue reading On Maspero Day, Coptic Solidarity Commemorates Both Modern and Living Martyrs in Egypt

Christian Evangelizes Hundreds of Prisoners in North Korea

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… Continue reading Christian Evangelizes Hundreds of Prisoners in North Korea

Inside Modern Slavery: The Christian Brick Kiln Workers of Pakistan

PAKISTAN — Journey into the heart of Pakistan’s brick kilns, where resilient Christians labor under the harsh sun and the heavy yoke of modern slavery in the form of bonded servitude. This is more than a look into the world of brick-making, it’s a glimpse into the lives and faith of our brothers and sisters… Continue reading Inside Modern Slavery: The Christian Brick Kiln Workers of Pakistan

Lalise: Ten Tears On – Ethiopia

ETHIOPIA — After Lalise’s husband was killed in 2012, Open Doors shared her story and asked believers to pray. When Melanie from Germany heard about Lalise, she began to pray for her every day – and didn’t stop shedding tears for ten years. Open Doors Prayer News 298 (September-October 2023) Lalise and Dabela had been… Continue reading Lalise: Ten Tears On – Ethiopia

China Cracks Down on Every Symbol of Religion

CHINA— China is cracking down on every sign of religion by tearing down crosses from churches, removing mosque domes and destroying symbols of Buddhism. And tough new rules mean the clampdown is getting even tighter. As Andrew Boyd from Release International reports… China is tightening its grip on the church in tough new measures designed… Continue reading China Cracks Down on Every Symbol of Religion

Worke’s Witness: Christian Convert Testifies to God’s Help in East Africa Despite Violent Persecution

EAST AFRICA — For years, Worke*, a Christian convert in East Africa, outwardly acted like a Muslim while secretly holding onto Jesus in her heart. But after her husband died of an illness, she openly embraced her faith in Christ – and his family strongly opposed it. *Name changed for security reasons Worke from East… Continue reading Worke’s Witness: Christian Convert Testifies to God’s Help in East Africa Despite Violent Persecution

Reflecting on Mob Violence Against Christians in Pakistan

JARANWALA, PUNJAB — Christians in Pakistan are considering how to rebuild their homes and churches in the aftermath of mob violence attacks on townships in Jaranwala, Punjab, following unsubstantiated allegations of blasphemy. Christians were forced to meet in the open air on Sunday (August 20), after rioters burnt churches and destroyed their homes. Partners of… Continue reading Reflecting on Mob Violence Against Christians in Pakistan

One Story: Nepalese Christian Woman Suffering But Committed to Christ

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.… Continue reading One Story: Nepalese Christian Woman Suffering But Committed to Christ

China’s Communism Strategy for Churches

CHINA— China has pledged to change the face of world Christianity at a conference for pastors of state-controlled churches. China’s Communism Strategy aims to export a Communist-Christian hybrid around the world. This report is from Andrew Boyd. China’s been trying to compel churches to adopt the atheist ideology of the Communist Party which denies the… Continue reading China’s Communism Strategy for Churches

Traore’s Story – Surviving a Jihadist Attack Fatherless in Burkina Faso

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… Continue reading Traore’s Story – Surviving a Jihadist Attack Fatherless in Burkina Faso

Farah’s Return to the Nineveh Plains

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… Continue reading Farah’s Return to the Nineveh Plains

Laos: Losing a Home and Job for Following Christ

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… Continue reading Laos: Losing a Home and Job for Following Christ

From Guerrilla to Christian

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.… Continue reading From Guerrilla to Christian

Restoring Hope to Persecuted Egyptian Christian

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… Continue reading Restoring Hope to Persecuted Egyptian Christian

The Testimony of Abdiwelli Ahmed Stands Out on the Day of the Christian Martyr

SOMALIA —According to the tradition of the Church, June 29th marked the martyrdom of the apostle Paul. This year, several Christians around the world took time on June 29th and throughout that weekend to honor the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives for the advancement of the Gospel.Abdiwelli Ahmed descended from a long line… Continue reading The Testimony of Abdiwelli Ahmed Stands Out on the Day of the Christian Martyr

Four Persecuted Christian Women Shared Powerful Stories During Hearts of Fire Virtual Event from The Voice of the Martyrs

[PRN] Four Persecuted Christian Women To Share Powerful Stories During Hearts of Fire Virtual Event from The Voice of the Martyrs

BARTLESVILLE, OK — “I love you and I forgive you,” Anita Smith said to husband Ronnie’s murderers during a national TV interview. Her Christlike words riveted reporters and inspired believers worldwide as they saw her faith in action after her husband was killed while living and working in Libya on mission to show Christ. Anita’s… Continue reading Four Persecuted Christian Women Shared Powerful Stories During Hearts of Fire Virtual Event from The Voice of the Martyrs

The Voice of the Martyrs Recognizes Somali Christian on 2023 Day of the Christian Martyr

BARTLESVILLE, OK — Christians around the world will observe Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29, 2023. In advance of Day of the Christian Martyr, The Voice of the Martyrs has released strategic prayer resources and a short video highlighting the life and legacy of Abdiwelli Ahmed, an ethnic Somali Christian killed for his… Continue reading The Voice of the Martyrs Recognizes Somali Christian on 2023 Day of the Christian Martyr

Susannah Koh Speaks Out on the Trial of Her Abducted Husband

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… Continue reading Susannah Koh Speaks Out on the Trial of Her Abducted Husband

Ugandan School Massacre Claims 37 Lives

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.… Continue reading Ugandan School Massacre Claims 37 Lives

Habiba’s Healing from Traumatic Kidnapping

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… Continue reading Habiba’s Healing from Traumatic Kidnapping

Stephanie Escapes from Islamic Extremists in DRC

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… Continue reading Stephanie Escapes from Islamic Extremists in DRC

Ayuba’s Path to Peace After Losing His Father to Boko Haram

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… Continue reading Ayuba’s Path to Peace After Losing His Father to Boko Haram

Nine Years Since Nigeria Kidnappings

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… Continue reading Nine Years Since Nigeria Kidnappings

Mother’s Letter to Leah Sharibu on Her 20th Birthday

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… Continue reading Mother’s Letter to Leah Sharibu on Her 20th Birthday

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