BEIT SAHUR, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES — Elias lives in the Christian-majority town of Beit Sahur, close to Bethlehem. He shares why, even though the number of Christians in the area is declining, he and his family are determined to stay.
WITNEY, ENGLAND — Afghanistan is now the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian, according to figures released today in the 2022 World Watch List (WWL). Afghanistan replaces North Korea at the top of the list after 20 years – this despite persecution also rising there this year. The WWL, which records…
NORTH KOREA — North Korean Persecuted Christian Bae* was sentenced to a lifetime of backbreaking labour and starvation rations – just for having a Bible. If you were to see Bae* during the day, you’d assume that her work was picking crops. Every morning in the village she’s forced to live in, Bae spends the…
EASTON, MD — Children as young as 4 are risking their lives in Afghanistan because they want to “meet Jesus” and talk to other Christians, even as they hide from the Taliban. Desperate for hope, thousands of young children and teens – often the only Christians in their families – are turning to a Middle…
WITNEY, ENGLAND —Open Doors has revealed that Afghanistan has replaced North Korea as the most dangerous country to be a Christian in their 2022 World Watch List. Christian men are facing almost certain death if their faith is discovered. Women and girls may escape death but may be married to young Taliban fighters who want…
SANTA ANA, CA — For the first time ever, Afghanistan is the most dangerous place on the planet to be a Christian, according to Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List, which was released today. The World Watch List is a definitive, comprehensive research-based report that ranks the top 50 countries where it is most dangerous…
SYRIA — How do children of the persecuted church celebrate Christmas? Despite conflict and persecution, children around the world are determined to celebrate Christmas. What are you doing for Christmas this year? It’s a question many of us are asking around the world. For children living in countries where believers are persecuted, it’s a question…
PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA — Sele was very young when his father was murdered for his faith. It was part of a wave of violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State. Now Sele is 13, and has hope for the future to save lives a doctor through schooling paid for by Open Doors partners. For many Christian children…
IRAQ – This Christmas, there will be an empty chair at the table for Rafif’s family in Iraq. Everything Rafif knows about her dad she has heard from her mum, and other people who knew him. Because when Raddif ran towards that bus filled with Christian students, warning them of the planned bombing, he saved…
ROMANIA — Great character is sometimes forged amid great turmoil. Sabina: Tortured for Christ, the Nazi Years is the story of how God’s love transformed an ambitious, atheistic hedonist into one of the greatest Christian women of the 20th century. GNA reporter Peter Wooding spoke to Voice of the Martyr’s Todd Nettleton to find out…
CAMEROON — Fadi is a Christian from Cameroon who has been repeatedly displaced from her home by Boko Haram violence – but has now received much-needed emergency aid from Open Doors partners. Fadi – Cameroon Christian: “When I was in my village Barawa in 2013 Boko Haram came to attack our village. They came by…
EASTON, MD — Young Christian women and girls in Afghanistan are living in terror of being abducted as child brides for Taliban fighters — and they’re turning to a unique ministry for help. “(We) are terrified,” 16-year-old Nisha told satellite and online Christian broadcaster SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org). “Everyone is afraid and scared of the Taliban. I…
SANTA ANA, CA — Christian persecution watchdog, Open Doors USA released a statement today regarding the news of 17 American missionaries who were abducted in Haiti this weekend. According to several sources, the abductors are also responsible for the kidnappings of five priests and two nuns earlier this year. “We are deeply concerned for the…
FALLS CHURCH, VA — Christian Freedom International (CFI) has designed a free church Prayer Kit to equip churches for the “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.” This annual event — held on the first Sunday in November — unites churches to pray for Christians worldwide who face persecution. “The catastrophe in Afghanistan — with Christians…
WASHINGTON — Ten years ago, on October 9, 2011, the Egyptian Army murdered 27 Copts and injured 327 others for peacefully protesting the destruction of a church, in what became known as the Maspero Massacre. Coptic Solidarity’s virtual Zoom program will honor the rally participants, heroes, and martyrs from that day. Register today to join…
CANADA — Long time humaritarian worker in Afghanistan John Weaver talks about the opposition and challenges Christians face in Afghanistan, now that the Taliban has taken over, but how the current situation may actually see more Afghans turn to Jesus. And CEO of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Floyd Brobbel, explains how they’re supporting…
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…
