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.… Continue reading The Story of Prisoner 42 in North Korea
Tag: Persecution
Mass killings in the Democratic Republic of Congo a ‘Neglected Tragedy’
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… Continue reading Mass killings in the Democratic Republic of Congo a ‘Neglected Tragedy’
North Korea: Balloons with Bibles Banned
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… Continue reading North Korea: Balloons with Bibles Banned
Open Doors’ 2021 World Watch List to Reveal How COVID and Technology Accelerate Spread of Anti-Religious Bigotry; Digital Press Conference, Jan 13
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… Continue reading Open Doors’ 2021 World Watch List to Reveal How COVID and Technology Accelerate Spread of Anti-Religious Bigotry; Digital Press Conference, Jan 13
Secret Field Worker Supports North Korean Christians
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… Continue reading Secret Field Worker Supports North Korean Christians
6 Ways to Remember Persecuted Christians in 2021
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.… Continue reading 6 Ways to Remember Persecuted Christians in 2021
Tent Schools International
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… Continue reading Tent Schools International
Violent Attacks and Abductions Continue in Northern Nigeria
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… Continue reading Violent Attacks and Abductions Continue in Northern Nigeria
Amputee boys in Central African Republic Receive COVID-19 Aid
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC — Open Doors partners recently delivered Covid relief aid to over 4,500 Christians in Central African Republic. Beneficiaries included widows, believers from Muslim backgrounds, church leaders, other vulnerable Christians and orphans. Among those helped were the families of Jeovani, Steven and Dieu Fera, who Open Doors have been supporting ever since their… Continue reading Amputee boys in Central African Republic Receive COVID-19 Aid
Nonprofit Organization Brings Christmas Presents to 2,000 Recently Displaced Armenian Children
NEWPORT BEACH, CA — In an effort to bring joy and Christmas to the displaced suffering Armenian children, For The Martyrs, a 501c3 organization will bring Operation Christmas to Armenia. Operation Christmas will provide wrapped Christmas boxes that are full of gifts such as toys, dolls, clothing, and more for children so they can have… Continue reading Nonprofit Organization Brings Christmas Presents to 2,000 Recently Displaced Armenian Children
Urgent Call to Pray for Release of Kidnapped Schoolboys in Nigeria
NIGERIA — Christian charity Open Doors is calling for people to urgently pray for the release and safety of 300 kidnapped schoolboys still missing following a raid by gunman on their school last weekend in Western Katsina State, Nigeria. Boko Haram reportedly carried out the kidnappings. Many Christians have also been targeted in this region… Continue reading Urgent Call to Pray for Release of Kidnapped Schoolboys in Nigeria
FRC Welcomes State Dept.’s Addition of Nigeria to List of World’s Worst Religious Freedom Violators
WASHINGTON — Family Research Council (FRC) today applauded the U.S. State Department for adding Nigeria to its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPCs) for the first time. A CPC designation is given by the U.S. Secretary of State to a nation whose government is engaged in or tolerates severe violations of religious freedom under the… Continue reading FRC Welcomes State Dept.’s Addition of Nigeria to List of World’s Worst Religious Freedom Violators
Open Doors Shelters Colombian Boy Who Turned Down Guerrilla Gang
COLOMBIA — Timóteo’s family found Jesus, and converted from the beliefs of their tribe in Colombia. That made them targets for persecution – and made Timóteo a target for guerrilla gangs. You’re 11 years old, and you’re walking home from school. A man carrying a gun calls you over to him. What do you do?… Continue reading Open Doors Shelters Colombian Boy Who Turned Down Guerrilla Gang
Webinar Offers ‘Critical’ Advice to Churches Facing Religious Freedom Issues
GREENVILLE, SC — The Alliance Defending Freedom, Focus on the Family, and the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention will participate in an upcoming webinar Dec. 9 hosted by boys adventure movement Trail Life USA (www.TrailLifeUSA.com) to help churches address liabilities they may face in the wake of Boy Scouts of America’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing… Continue reading Webinar Offers ‘Critical’ Advice to Churches Facing Religious Freedom Issues
Wycliffe Associates Coming to Foreign Christians’ Aid While Authorities Use Pandemic to Intensify Persecution
ORLANDO, FL — In countries where Christians experience persecution from governments already because of their faith, COVID 19 has led to more surveillance of Christians than ever before, says Wycliffe Associates. The Orlando-based international organization empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Church Owned Bible Translation. “It was already… Continue reading Wycliffe Associates Coming to Foreign Christians’ Aid While Authorities Use Pandemic to Intensify Persecution
Secret Worshippers in Colombia
COLOMBIA — Believers and worshipers from Colombia face persecution if members of their indigenous community find out that they are Christians. It’s Sunday morning in the village of San Pedro de la Victoria, Colombia. Gabriel – an indigenous Christian whose name has been changed to protect his identity – wakes up to prepare a service… Continue reading Secret Worshippers in Colombia
Open Doors Helps Persecuted Christian Families Celebrate Christmas
BANGLADESH — Ten-year-old Bijli from Bangladesh already knows the cost of following Jesus. Because of her faith, she is bullied at school and her family are ostracised in their Muslim-majority village. Bijli’s father, Badol, became a church leader after receiving biblical training through Open Doors partners. He was worried that his Muslim neighbours wouldn’t accept… Continue reading Open Doors Helps Persecuted Christian Families Celebrate Christmas
Solar Powered Poles Bring Light of the Gospel to Ghana Communities
GHANA — Theovision International has launched its first solar multi-purpose pole at Akurakese in the Eastern Region of Ghana enabling this media ministry to broadcast the word of God into this deprived community that has no access to electricity. Just like Akurakese, there are many communities in Ghana that do not have access to light… Continue reading Solar Powered Poles Bring Light of the Gospel to Ghana Communities
No Father for Daniela this Christmas in Colombia
COLOMBIA — Christmas is likely to look different for all of us this year. Some of us will be celebrating the birth of Jesus without our friends and family closest to us. You may have even lost somebody you love this year, and this will be your first Christmas without them. Daniela from Colombia is… Continue reading No Father for Daniela this Christmas in Colombia
Satellite TV, Social Media Fuel ‘World’s Fastest Growing Church’ in Iran
EASTON, MD — Iran’s “underground” house church movement — the fastest growing evangelical church in the world — is being fueled by explosive social media use and satellite television viewership, according to new findings. Middle East satellite broadcaster SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) reveals thousands of Iranians regularly tune into Christian programs on its SAT-7 PARS channel that… Continue reading Satellite TV, Social Media Fuel ‘World’s Fastest Growing Church’ in Iran
VOM Calls for Ongoing Prayers for the Central African Republic
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC — The Voice of the Martyrs is encouraging believers across the world to join them in a global prayer event taking place November 1, with a particular focus on standing with the many displaced Christians in the Central African Republic. The charity has been providing much needed aid and Bibles to help… Continue reading VOM Calls for Ongoing Prayers for the Central African Republic
Hope for Nigerian Widow Abigail During COVID-19
NIGERIA — Following the death of her husband in an attack by militant Fulani herdsmen in April – during which most of the family’s belongings were burnt – Abigail* not only faced the grief of losing a loved one but the anguish of not knowing if there was enough food the next day to feed… Continue reading Hope for Nigerian Widow Abigail During COVID-19
Trafficking of Coptic Women and Girls in Egypt Revealed by Coptic Solidarity
WASHINGTON — Coptic Solidarity recently published a report, ‘Jihad of the Womb’: Trafficking of Coptic Women & Girls in Egypt, which addresses the widespread practice of abduction and trafficking of Coptic women and girls in Egypt and how they are a particularly vulnerable group to exploitation. The report has been submitted to the office of… Continue reading Trafficking of Coptic Women and Girls in Egypt Revealed by Coptic Solidarity
Prepare for ‘International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians’
FALLS CHURCH, VA — On November 3, churches are invited to join the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. To equip Christians for the annual event, Christian Freedom International designed a free resource kit with resources to engage churches whether meeting in-person or virtually. “We pray year-round for persecuted Christians, but this provides… Continue reading Prepare for ‘International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians’
Iran Secret Baptisms
IRAN – Iran is one of the world’s most dangerous places for Christians. Yet this Muslim nation is seeing an unprecedented explosion of Christianity. Muslims fed up with Islam are becoming followers of Jesus Christ in record numbers. George Thomas of CBN News follows a group of converts that secretly left Iran to be baptized.… Continue reading Iran Secret Baptisms
Coptic Solidarity Urges EFA Sponsors to Stop Supporting Discrimination
WASHINGTON – Coptic Solidarity (CS) strongly urges all corporate sponsors of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Premier League to end their sponsorship of Egypt’s national football team and league teams until they take immediate steps to end rampant discrimination against Coptic and other minority faith footballers. CS recently sent letters to the corporate… Continue reading Coptic Solidarity Urges EFA Sponsors to Stop Supporting Discrimination
Standing with Displaced Christians in Burkina Faso
BURKINA FASO — Following an escalation in violence against Christians in Burkina Faso in West Africa since June 2019, countless believers have been forced to flee leaving them in desperate need of food supplies. Churches have been attacked by radical Jihadists, with at least 50 Christians murdered and thousands more displaced. Open Doors has responded… Continue reading Standing with Displaced Christians in Burkina Faso
Mathi Returns Home to Iraq’s Nineveh Plains
QARAQOSH, IRAQ — When the so-called Islamic State (IS) took over their town, Qaraqosh in northern Iraq, Mathi and his family had no choice but to flee. He, his wife Nazik and their six children fled to safety – they knew that their Christian faith made them extremely vulnerable. Five years later, thanks to support… Continue reading Mathi Returns Home to Iraq’s Nineveh Plains
Christian Prisoners Released in Eritrea
LONDON, ENGLAND — There are believed to be around 500 Christian prisoners of faith in Eritrea, many imprisoned indefinitely under appalling conditions. However recent reports indicate a growing number of them have been released. A trusted contact of Release International says the government has set free 27 prisoners, most of whom have been behind bars… Continue reading Christian Prisoners Released in Eritrea
North Korean Escapee: Nation Facing COVID
NORTH KOREA — North Korea is on the verge of a catastrophic meltdown according to reports reaching Open Doors from North Korean Christians. “North Korea faces a major crisis with multiple causes,” says Timothy Cho, North Korean escapee. “Covid-19 lockdown, catastrophic flooding, and international sanctions.” Although the North Korean Government has claimed that they have… Continue reading North Korean Escapee: Nation Facing COVID
Making Hope Visible for Persecuted Christians in Syria
QAMISHLI, SYRIA — Pastor George Moushi leads a church in Qamishli, northern Syria. His church responded when the region was invaded by Turkish forces last autumn, providing vital aid for many vulnerable Syrians. Support from Open Doors has kept them going as they faced a very visible threat – bombs, soldiers, Islamic extremists and now… Continue reading Making Hope Visible for Persecuted Christians in Syria
Coptic Solidarity Hosts Fifth Annual Modern Coptic Martyrs Remembrance Day
WASHINGTON — Coptic Solidarity’s 5th Annual Modern Coptic Martyrs Day will be hosted on Zoom this Friday, October 9th at 2 PM, Eastern Standard Time. This year’s event will be held on the ninth anniversary of the Maspero Massacre when 27 Copts were brutally murdered by the Egyptian Army while they were peacefully protesting a… Continue reading Coptic Solidarity Hosts Fifth Annual Modern Coptic Martyrs Remembrance Day
Introducing a New FBO – PAK7
GREENVILLE, SC – PAK7 is a brand-new faith-based organization that is preparing for Christian ministry in Pakistan, the fifth largest country in the world by population. More than 90% of the population, of which 70% are under age 35, are Muslim. Pakistan is also ranked as the 5th most dangerous nation for the persecution of… Continue reading Introducing a New FBO – PAK7
Opens Doors Provides Change for Women in Iraq
IRAQ — Dalia is a woman of remarkable spiritual strength and fortitude. Her life was threatened by so-called Islamic State and her home in the Ninevah plains was ransacked, but with support from Open Doors she has overcome these difficulties to become a leading figure in her local church. In 2014 the so-called Islamic State… Continue reading Opens Doors Provides Change for Women in Iraq
Nigerian Widow Last in Line for COVID 19 Food Aid
NIGERIA — Living in Plateau State in the middle band of Nigeria, Rose is in one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. Nigeria is number 12 on Open Doors World Watch List, but it’s at the top of the list for Christians murdered because of their faith. And on… Continue reading Nigerian Widow Last in Line for COVID 19 Food Aid
China’s Church Grows Despite Intense Persecution
CHINA — The Chinese church continues to grow at a phenomenal rate with forecasts that it will reach 224 million people by 2030. This acceleration comes in the midst of what’s believed to be the country’s worst persecution of believers since the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s according to China Aid’s Bob Fu. Some of… Continue reading China’s Church Grows Despite Intense Persecution
ICON Launches New Report Proving Nigerian Genocide
WASHINGTON — The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a nonprofit working to secure a future for all Nigerians, launched a new Data Tome (“report”) today proving the religious persecution and genocide that has been occurring in Nigeria over the last 20 years. The report includes recent testimonies of some of the more than 60,000 victims… Continue reading ICON Launches New Report Proving Nigerian Genocide
Christians Face Ultimatum – Abandon God Or Be Refused COVID Aid
LONDON — COVID aid is being refused for Christians in some countries unless they refuse to renounce their faith in Christ. In response, Open Doors is mobilizing its partners in some of the worst-hit countries to provide vital emergency food supplies. Persecution watchdog Open Doors UK & Ireland says it is “inundated” with reports of… Continue reading Christians Face Ultimatum – Abandon God Or Be Refused COVID Aid
‘March for the Martyrs’ to Raise Awareness of Global Christian Persecution
LONG BEACH, CA — The number of Christians persecuted for their faith has risen 20% in just two years. Currently, there are over 260 million people across the globe who face high levels of persecution because of their faith in Christ. Shockingly, the growing crisis of Christian Persecution is widely ignored by the media and… Continue reading ‘March for the Martyrs’ to Raise Awareness of Global Christian Persecution
USCIRF Expresses Outrage at the Killing of U.S. Citizen in Pakistan
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today mourns the death of Tahir Ahmad Naseem, a U.S. citizen who was shot in a courtroom in Peshawar, Pakistan on July 29, 2020. The assailant claimed to have shot Naseem because he had belonged to the Ahmadiyya faith. “Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are… Continue reading USCIRF Expresses Outrage at the Killing of U.S. Citizen in Pakistan
Open Doors Still Standing with the Persecuted Church After 65 Years
LONDON — It’s 65 years since Brother Andrew started taking Bibles to persecuted Christians in Eastern Europe. The work of Open Doors, the organization he founded, has changed significantly in its scope and methods – but at the heart of it is the same God and the same mission. As persecution watchdog Open Doors reached… Continue reading Open Doors Still Standing with the Persecuted Church After 65 Years
Feeding Thousands in Persecuted Nations & the USA
CHARLOTTE, NC — CMM thanks partners who helped send thousands of dollars weekly the last two months for feeding starving brethren in many nations in Africa and Asia. CMM works closely with known, trusted, indigenous missionaries in 70 nations. We have known many of these dear friends for years in India, Nigeria and Pakistan are… Continue reading Feeding Thousands in Persecuted Nations & the USA
2020 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC – Its 2020 Annual Report on international freedom of religion has been made available to the public by the USCIRF. Various media reports have created confusion concerning the publication, with some referring to it as “the 2019 report” and others as “the 2020 report.” For clarification, the title of the 104-page document is… Continue reading 2020 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
Honoring Modern Day Christian Martyrs
BARTLESVILLE, OK— Some 4,000 Christians are killed for their faith each year. To commemorate them – and to stand with the suffering church – believers across the world took part in the Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29. Organizations like Voice of the Martyrs and Release International honored some of the true heroes… Continue reading Honoring Modern Day Christian Martyrs
USCIRF Urges Thailand, Malaysia to Protect Rohingya Muslim Refugees Stranded at Sea
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on the governments of Thailand and Malaysia to admit boats carrying Rohingya Muslim refugees stranded at sea. “Thai and Malaysian authorities must recognize their obligations under international law to refugees fleeing ethnic and religious violence,” USCIRF Chair Gayle Manchin stated. “USCIRF urges… Continue reading USCIRF Urges Thailand, Malaysia to Protect Rohingya Muslim Refugees Stranded at Sea
Attacks on Turkish Churches as Some Blame Christians for COVID-19
EASTON, MD — A satellite television broadcaster in the Middle East is using its unique platform to show that Christians are not a threat as angry protesters attack churches and some blame Christians for COVID-19. After a recent arson attempt on a church in Istanbul — Turkey’s largest city — the suspect told police that… Continue reading Attacks on Turkish Churches as Some Blame Christians for COVID-19
The USCIRF Urges Administration to Enforce the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act
WASHINGTON, DC – The USCIRF (U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom) released the following statement urging the Administration to immediately enforce the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, which was signed by President Donald Trump: “Along with Congress, the official communication and policy of this administration has been unambiguous in expressing both concern and outrage over… Continue reading The USCIRF Urges Administration to Enforce the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act
Open Doors Feeds Displaced Nigerian Community
NIGERIA — Last year attacks by nomadic Fulani herdsmen forced an entire Christian community in Naka, Nigeria to flee their homes. But in February this year, Open Doors was able to deliver vital aid to 1,500 families before Covid-19 travel restrictions were introduced. Pastor Sunday shares his appreciation for the impact this crucial help has… Continue reading Open Doors Feeds Displaced Nigerian Community
2020 Is the ‘Year of the Bible’ – Christians to Renew Their Love for God’s Word | CBN
The global campaign to make 2020 the “Year of the Bible” is underway. Roughly 400 church leaders and pastors met at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, on Wednesday in an effort to increase engagement with God’s Word. Evangelist Nick Hall and his PULSE organization are leading the Year of the Bible, an… Continue reading 2020 Is the ‘Year of the Bible’ – Christians to Renew Their Love for God’s Word | CBN
U.S. Advancing Religious Freedom Issues in Nigeria
WASHINGTON — The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a nonprofit working to secure a future for all Nigerians, released a statement today, applauding a new executive order signed by President Trump advancing international religious freedom. The order directs the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to take action to… Continue reading U.S. Advancing Religious Freedom Issues in Nigeria