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…
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…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
COLOMBIA — Like many of the youth in Colombia, Reina* was recruited to the illegal armed groups who fight to gain and control territory for drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Now according to Open Doors in her forties, Reina has found faith in Christ and left her old way of a criminal life behind….
UKRAINE — A new report from the Institute for the Study of War claims Russia is ‘weaponizing religion’ in its conflict with Ukraine. It says Russia is persecuting churches in the occupied areas. Here’s Andrew Boyd from Release International. The report says Russian forces have closed or taken over 76 places of worship, looted or…
NAPLES, FL — Biglife, a non-profit that empowers indigenous Christians to reach and disciple their local communities, has identified over 600 families — 8,500+ individuals, 80% of whom are women and children — under death threat by the Taliban because of their faith. Biglife aims to raise $4.5 million to secure the evacuation of these…
KOMANDA — Violence is continuing to displace Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo – but believers have not been forgotten. Thanks to the charity Open Doors displaced Christians in Komanda have received food and other relief aid. Man: It’s clear that the displaced people suffer enormously. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, ADF, an…
AFGHANISTAN — After the takeover of the country by the Taliban, Afghan Christians share their reality and needs. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban reached the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, in the final step towards complete military takeover of the country. Later that month, the US military forces withdrew from the country, and the nation…
SOUTH EAST ASIA — Jade* is an Open Doors worker who supports Muslim-background believers in a country in south east Asia. Tragically, she lost her fiancé in an attack on a church. But despite the tragedy, it’s because of his example that Jade herself came to enter the ministry. *Name changed for security reasons Jade…
AFGHANISTAN — Sitara* was already studying in a different country when the Taliban forcibly took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Here she shares what life is like for the women who remain in Afghanistan. *Name changed for security reasons. Sitara* – Afghanistan Christian: Taliban took Afghanistan and everything changed, like the days changed to…
