CAMP HILL, PA — Coming Home Ministries is honored to announce the Women Imprisoned for Christ Conference 2025, a Jesus focused, Holy Spirit led, transformative event dedicated to sharing the powerful testimonies of women who have faced imprisonment for their unwavering Christian faith. This free conference is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00… Continue reading Women Imprisoned For Christ Conference 2025 – Incredible Free Event with Testimonies from the Persecuted Church — Limited Tickets Now Available
Tag: Christian Persecution Today
Bereaved Nigeria Pastor Forgives Attackers
NIGERIA — During a militant attack in Nigeria, Pastor Gideon lost his pregnant wife and five daughters, when their house was set on fire. Traumatized and hospitalized, he’s now recovering and explains how he was able to forgive his family’s killers. It was referred to as “Black Christmas” in which 238 Christians were killed and… Continue reading Bereaved Nigeria Pastor Forgives Attackers
ICC Releases 2025 Global Persecution Index
WASHINGTON — International Christian Concern (ICC) has released its renamed and revamped annual report for the new year. Download the 2025 Global Persecution Index for free. ICC’s 2025 Global Persecution Index offers an in-depth analysis of drivers of persecution in 20 countries, complete with stories of Christians enduring persecution for their faith in Christ. “ICC… Continue reading ICC Releases 2025 Global Persecution Index
Ladi’s Escape: Survivor of Nigeria Christmas Attack Receives Trauma Care
NIGERIA — On 24 December 2023, militant Fulani herdsmen launched a series of attacks on Christian villages in Plateau State, Nigeria. Ladi’s* husband had already been killed in a previous attack. She herself would only narrowly escape on that night last Christmas.But now she is receiving help to deal with the trauma she encountered in… Continue reading Ladi’s Escape: Survivor of Nigeria Christmas Attack Receives Trauma Care
Rumana’s Story: Bangladeshi Girl is Isolated for Following Jesus
BANGLADESH — In northwest Bangladesh, nine-year-old girl, Rumana is persecuted because her family left Islam. At school, Rumana continues to face rejection and isolation every single day. But she now attends a Sunday school run by local Open Doors partners where she feels loved and accepted. Rumana: “They have been treating us badly ever since… Continue reading Rumana’s Story: Bangladeshi Girl is Isolated for Following Jesus
Teenage Girl in Central Asia Has A Fearless Faith
CENTRAL ASIA — Ailin’s* parents are deaf – and Christian – which makes them especially vulnerable to persecution in Central Asia. Rejected by their family, and even arrested, Ailin and her parents have since received practical and spiritual support from local Open Doors partners. *Name changed for security reasons. *Ailin – name changed for security… Continue reading Teenage Girl in Central Asia Has A Fearless Faith
Calls to Rise to Support Persecuted Church in Nigeria
NIGERIA — Rev. Jonathan Ugbede is deputy chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria. He shares what he’s seeing of the displacement crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and how the global church can respond. Rev. Jonathan Ugbede – Deputy Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria: The fact is millions of people are displaced from their… Continue reading Calls to Rise to Support Persecuted Church in Nigeria
Nigeria: Boko Haram Victim Refuses Vengeance
NIGERIA — More followers of Jesus are killed for their faith in Nigeria than any other country in the world. Every year, thousands of Boko Haram Victims die at the hands of militants who are determined to turn Africa’s most populous nation into an Islamic state. Greg Musselman, of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, brings… Continue reading Nigeria: Boko Haram Victim Refuses Vengeance
Bangladeshi Christian Girl Forgives her Persecutors
BANGLADESH — Moryom aged 9 from Bangladesh is rejected, mocked and bullied at school for her faith in Jesus. The one safe place she and her family have is their church. And thanks to support from Christian charity Open Doors, Moryom can spend time with other Christian children at Sunday school, where she is accepted… Continue reading Bangladeshi Christian Girl Forgives her Persecutors
Displaced Pastor Ministers to Persecuted Christians in IDP Camp in Nigeria
NIGERIA — Pastor Barnabas lives in one of many internally displaced people (IDP) camps in Nigeria, along with thousands of Christians who have been forced from their homes by Islamic extremist violence. Across sub-Saharan Africa, 16.2 million Christians have been forcibly displaced by violence and conflict. But most of the world doesn’t even know it’s… Continue reading Displaced Pastor Ministers to Persecuted Christians in IDP Camp in Nigeria
The Voice of the Martyrs Releases The Martinez Family Short Film for 2024 International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians
BARTLESVILLE, OK — The Voice of the Martyrs has released a powerful and professional short feature film about the bravery and bold witness of a pastor and his wife serving in the dangerous paramilitary-controlled “red zones” in Colombia. The Martinez Family short feature will inspire viewers to join in the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP)—a… Continue reading The Voice of the Martyrs Releases The Martinez Family Short Film for 2024 International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians
Ramata’s Healing From Trauma in Cameroon
CAMEROON — In the Far North region of Cameroon, Christians are high value targets for Islamist extremists from Boko Haram, leading to significant trauma among the local population. Believers like Ramata* live under the threat of attacks that can snatch away loved ones and uproot families from their homes. Thanks to support from Open Doors,… Continue reading Ramata’s Healing From Trauma in Cameroon
Trauma Care Provides Healing for Survivors of Nigeria Attacks
NIGERIA — Christmas 2023 saw many largely Christian villages in Nigeria’s Middle Belt attacked by militant Fulani herdsmen. Magdalene* and Mafulul* recount their painful stories – but also God’s healing through trauma-care workshops run by Open Doors partners. Mafulul*: “By 5pm the attackers came. They started shooting everywhere. “My wife had just finished cooking. I… Continue reading Trauma Care Provides Healing for Survivors of Nigeria Attacks
Abraham’s Journey To Nigeria Displacement Camp
AFGHANISTAN — Abraham is a chair of a displacement camp in Nigeria. He and his family have been there for three years, ever since their village was devastated by a Fulani militant attack that killed eight people, including his brother. Neglected by the authorities, food at the camp is scarce and conditions are awful, but… Continue reading Abraham’s Journey To Nigeria Displacement Camp
Stepping Up Ministry Efforts in the Midst of War in Lebanon
LEBANON — As a major escalation between Iranian backed Hezbollah and Israel has been taking place in the Middle East, Christian ministry Help The Persecuted is continuing to step up their efforts to meet both the increasing practical and spiritual needs of the persecuted Christians and other vulnerable people in Lebanon. The country is a… Continue reading Stepping Up Ministry Efforts in the Midst of War in Lebanon
Your Faith or your Family? Elmahdi’s Courageous Decision
MOROCCO, NORTH AFRICA —The church in North Africa is growing, with increasing numbers of people giving their lives to Jesus. But many are forced to keep their newfound faith secret because of the risk of persecution – people like Elmahdi* from Morocco. *Name changed for security purposes. Stock footage from Artlist / Pexels. Like many… Continue reading Your Faith or your Family? Elmahdi’s Courageous Decision
The Cost of Khada’s Secret Faith in Afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN —Afghanistan’s Christians have to keep their faith secret. If the Taliban find out, the Christian could be killed – as Khada (name changed) found out. Khada*: In the shadow of the Taliban’s rule, life in Afghanistan is very difficult. Yet, anchored by our strong faith, we press on through the storm. We have to… Continue reading The Cost of Khada’s Secret Faith in Afghanistan
Churches Destroyed in Nigeria
NIGERIA — Churches are being burnt down and their congregations forced to close in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, the half-way house between the mainly Muslim north and the mainly Christian south. As Andrew Boyd from Release International reports. Terrorists in Nigeria who are targeting and burning churches have forced a leading denomination to shut down 70… Continue reading Churches Destroyed in Nigeria
Mauricio Overcomes Discrimination in Chiapas, Mexico
MEXICO—Mauricio* was brought up to follow the traditional customs of his indigenous community in Chiapas, Mexico. So when he became a Christian in Mexico, he experienced discrimination in his community. Thanks to local Open Doors partners, Mauricio is being supported by a lawyer who has helped him to regain his standing in the village and… Continue reading Mauricio Overcomes Discrimination in Chiapas, Mexico
Bible School Trains Thousands in Vietnam
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… Continue reading Bible School Trains Thousands in Vietnam
Crackdown of Christians in Hong Kong Spreading
CHINA— The persecution of Christians in mainland China is now spreading to Hong Kong, warns Release International, which serves the persecuted Church around the world. A new law could force Catholic priests in Hong Kong to reveal the secrets of the confessional. Partners of UK-based Release International say the British government has a responsibility… Continue reading Crackdown of Christians in Hong Kong Spreading
Coptic Solidarity to Host 12th Annual Conference Discussing Hate Based on Religion
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… Continue reading Coptic Solidarity to Host 12th Annual Conference Discussing Hate Based on Religion
The Voice of the Martyrs Recognizes Christians Persecuted by ISIS
BARTLESVILLE, OK — Christians around the world will observe Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29, 2024, which according to church tradition, marks the anniversary of the Apostle Paul’s beheading in Rome. VOM is honoring Christians persecuted in Mosul, Iraq for Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29. In the summer of 2014,… Continue reading The Voice of the Martyrs Recognizes Christians Persecuted by ISIS
Senior Church Leader in Eritrea Dies in Prison
ERITREA — Senior church leader was arrested without charge and jailed without ever going to trial. And now he has died behind bars in prison in Eritrea, the country some describe as the North Korea of Africa. Andrew Boyd of Release International reports on the life and death of one of the leading figures in… Continue reading Senior Church Leader in Eritrea Dies in Prison
Millions Hear About Persecuted Christian Prisoners in Eritrea Through The Voice of the Martyrs
BARTLESVILLE, OK — Over the past year, The Voice of the Martyrs has creatively challenged people to call for the release of falsely imprisoned persecuted Christians in Eritrea. Through VOM digital media campaigns, millions of people have heard about the horrific treatment of persecuted Christians in Eritrea, nearly 20,000 people committed to pray, U.S. leaders… Continue reading Millions Hear About Persecuted Christian Prisoners in Eritrea Through The Voice of the Martyrs
Guadalupee and the Lawyer in Mexico who Helped Him
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,… Continue reading Guadalupee and the Lawyer in Mexico who Helped Him
Church Members Return after Militant Attack in Central African Republic
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* –… Continue reading Church Members Return after Militant Attack in Central African Republic
Egypt Churches Hit by Violent Protests
EGYPT — Last month during Holy week in Egypt local Christians in two villages came under attack during violent protests by Islamist extremists to prevent the construction of a church building. In response a team from the Christian ministry Help The Persecuted went to provide much-needed support for these believers who were grappling with the… Continue reading Egypt Churches Hit by Violent Protests
American Held Captive for Six Years in Niger Shares Story with The Voice of the Martyrs Radio
BARTLESVILLE, OK — “It’s better to be dead than taken hostage,” Jeff Woodke told The Voice of the Martyrs’ Radio Host Todd Nettleton. When Jeff first said those words, he didn’t know he would be taken hostage from his home in Niger in 2016. But Woodke, a long-term relief and gospel worker in Africa, knew… Continue reading American Held Captive for Six Years in Niger Shares Story with The Voice of the Martyrs Radio
American Missionary Couple, Haitian Mission Director Killed by Gangs in Haiti
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… Continue reading American Missionary Couple, Haitian Mission Director Killed by Gangs in Haiti
20 Years is Too Long for Eritrean Pastors, Other Christians in Prison: The Voice of the Martyrs
BARTLESVILLE, OK — Twenty years ago, on May 23, 2004, two men were arrested for the “crime” of being a pastor. Twenty years later, those two men are still in prison. Pastor Haile Nayzgi and Dr. Kiflu Gebremeskel were arrested for their leadership in the Full Gospel Church of Eritrea after the government outlawed Christian… Continue reading 20 Years is Too Long for Eritrean Pastors, Other Christians in Prison: The Voice of the Martyrs
Pastor Imprisoned in Vietnam Thanks God for The Persecution
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… Continue reading Pastor Imprisoned in Vietnam Thanks God for The Persecution
Churches in Occupied Ukraine Face Increasing Persecution
UKRAINE — Hundreds of churches have been forced to close in the occupied territories of Ukraine by Russian troops and there are reports that at least 70 pastors have been killed. In response Christian charity Mission Eurasia is providing support to the churches that have remained open in the region. As the war in Ukraine… Continue reading Churches in Occupied Ukraine Face Increasing Persecution
Persecuted Iranian Plumber Finds New Hope Through Help The Persecuted Enduring Livelihoods Business
IRAN —When persecuted Iranian plumber *Hamid was forced to flee his home country of Iran he struggled to find work in the new country he moved to with his family. However Christian ministry Help The Persecuted helped him start his own plumbing business through their Enduring Livelihoods initiative. Not only is this enabling him to… Continue reading Persecuted Iranian Plumber Finds New Hope Through Help The Persecuted Enduring Livelihoods Business
Pakistan Church Severely Damaged in Violent Attack
PAKISTAN —Last summer violent mob attacks on churches in the Punjab province in Pakistan hit the headlines. Sadly attacks like these are continuing. Recently another church was severely damaged when Islamist mobs poured caustic chemicals on a church and set it aflame. However Help The Persecuted was quick to respond by providing emergency support to… Continue reading Pakistan Church Severely Damaged in Violent Attack
Facing Rejection in Nepal After Choosing Christ
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… Continue reading Facing Rejection in Nepal After Choosing Christ
Iraqi Woman Faces House Arrest and Forced Marriage
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… Continue reading Iraqi Woman Faces House Arrest and Forced Marriage
Brutally Beaten Egyptian Pastor Finds Safety and Support Through Help The Persecuted Ministry
EGYPT —On his way home one night in Egyptian Pastor Nimer was brutally beaten and his attackers even threatened to kill him. Forced to flee he found safety for his family at a Help The Persecuted safe house where he is also receiving ongoing practical and spiritual support from the Christian ministry. Despite this intense… Continue reading Brutally Beaten Egyptian Pastor Finds Safety and Support Through Help The Persecuted Ministry
Persecuted Iranian Refugees Encouraged and Inspired at Spiritual Retreat
IRAN —When persecuted Iranian Christians are forced to flee the country they face many challenges as they seek to start a new life as refugees, including being treated as second class citizens and feelings of isolation. In response Christian ministry Help The Persecuted hosted a spiritual retreat for Iranian refugees in a country that can’t… Continue reading Persecuted Iranian Refugees Encouraged and Inspired at Spiritual Retreat
Parents of Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls Gather for 10th Anniversary Service
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… Continue reading Parents of Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls Gather for 10th Anniversary Service
Ukrainian Christian Leaders Tortured, Killed and Disappearing
UKRAINE — Into the third year of Russia’s occupation of parts of Ukraine, Christian leaders are being killed, tortured and are disappearing. And in Russia, priests who oppose Putin’s invasion are being imprisoned or silenced. And yet, in Ukraine, there are signs of a growing hunger for the gospel, with reports of churches packed to… Continue reading Ukrainian Christian Leaders Tortured, Killed and Disappearing
Iraqi Woman Faces House Arrest and Forced Marriage
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… Continue reading Iraqi Woman Faces House Arrest and Forced Marriage
Christian Communities Living in Fear in Uganda
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… Continue reading Christian Communities Living in Fear in Uganda
Ani’s Syria Survival Story
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… Continue reading Ani’s Syria Survival Story
Calls for Pakistan’s New Government to Protect Christians
PAKISTAN — Pakistan is expecting a change of government following recent elections. And one challenge that will face the new Prime Minister and his party will be to protect the country’s Christian minority from violence. The violence is often linked with accusations of blasphemy, as Andrew Boyd from Release International reports. There are calls for… Continue reading Calls for Pakistan’s New Government to Protect Christians
Global Audience Hears Stirring Stories from Persecuted Christians During The Voice of the Martyrs’ “I Am N” Event
BARTLESVILLE, OK — “Persecution is real, and it is biblical, and Jesus told us we will face persecution in this world,” said Pastor Hassan Abduraheem during The Voice of the Martyrs’ “I Am N” Virtual Event earlier this month. During the online event, Hassan and two other survivors of Muslim extremism shared their inspiring stories… Continue reading Global Audience Hears Stirring Stories from Persecuted Christians During The Voice of the Martyrs’ “I Am N” Event
FRC Publishes New Edition of Hostility Against Churches Report Indicating a Doubling of Attacks
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
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