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

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

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

Life for Women in Afghanistan

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… Continue reading Life for Women in Afghanistan

Femicides Surge in Türkiye, 158 Domestic Murders So Far This Year

EASTON, MD — Femicides are on the rise in Türkiye (formerly Turkey) as domestic violence against women soars to epidemic levels. A report in the Daily Sabah last month said Türkiye has seen 158 femicides — gender-related murders — in the first seven months of 2022. Last year, 166 Turkish women were murdered in acts… Continue reading Femicides Surge in Türkiye, 158 Domestic Murders So Far This Year

‘Damaged Goods’ Movie to Help Abused Women

NASHVILLE, TN — With an ex-boyfriend who is taking her money, a boss threatening to fire her, and a landlord who won’t fix her apartment, Amanda’s life may not be ideal, but she’s fine – she’s got things under control. That is, until her estranged father comes back into her life, diagnosed with a fatal… Continue reading ‘Damaged Goods’ Movie to Help Abused Women

Open Doors Helps Fadi who fled Boko Haram in Cameroon Several Times

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… Continue reading Open Doors Helps Fadi who fled Boko Haram in Cameroon Several Times

Christian Media Director Supports Vulnerable Women in Afghanistan

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… Continue reading Christian Media Director Supports Vulnerable Women in Afghanistan

All Things Possible – Marine Turned Missionary

Photo by Victor Marx, Facebook

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – “There are times that bad stuff is going to happen, no matter how much you try and prevent it. It’s what you do afterward that makes a difference.” – excerpt from the opening of the documentary movie, “Triggered.” All Things Possible is a unique faith-based organization founded by Victor Marx. Marx… Continue reading All Things Possible – Marine Turned Missionary

Three Little Words That Can Do the ‘Impossible’ – Annika Antonov

KAZAKHSTAN – Is it possible that three little words can heal the life of someone sexually assaulted as a little girl? That “God loves you” is really that powerful? Impossible? I can say that, with God, even this is possible. Growing up in the former Soviet Union, I was shunned by my parents, both abusive… Continue reading Three Little Words That Can Do the ‘Impossible’ – Annika Antonov

Evangelist from Kenya Forgives Persecutors Who Tortured Him

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… Continue reading Evangelist from Kenya Forgives Persecutors Who Tortured Him

Healing for Nigerian Widow Hajaratu

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… Continue reading Healing for Nigerian Widow Hajaratu

Vietnamese Christian Woman Refuses to Deny Jesus Despite Attacks

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… Continue reading Vietnamese Christian Woman Refuses to Deny Jesus Despite Attacks

COVID-19 Fuels ‘Hidden Pandemic’ of Abuse Towards Christian Women

SOUTH ASIA — Covid-19 is fuelling a growing, hidden, “shadow pandemic” of gender-based violence, abduction and trafficking, directed towards Christian women and girls around the world. This is one of the findings of a new report commissioned by Christian persecution charity Open Doors, released on International Women’s Day (Mon Mar 8). Global Gender Persecution Specialist… Continue reading COVID-19 Fuels ‘Hidden Pandemic’ of Abuse Towards Christian Women

Happy International Women’s Day

UNANDERRA, AUSTRALIA — International Men’s Day Launched in 1999, and now celebrated in more than 80 countries worldwide, would like to honour and appreciate women. One of the six pillars of International Men’s Day is to improve gender relations and promote gender equality for both men and women. Our theme for IMD 2021 is “Better… Continue reading Happy International Women’s Day

Film Competition Explores How Women’s Rights and Freedom of Belief are Inseparable

FALLS CHURCH, VA — In honor of International Women’s Day, Empower Women Media and the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation announce their 4th annual International Film Competition. The goal of the competition is to challenge filmmakers around the world to produce short films that explore how freedom of belief in the workplace and community empowers… Continue reading Film Competition Explores How Women’s Rights and Freedom of Belief are Inseparable

New Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Trafficking, Forced Marriage of Christian Women and Girls Globally

SANTA ANA, CA — There is a growing, hidden, “shadow pandemic” of violence, abduction and trafficking directed towards Christian women and girls around the world, according to a new report from Open Doors USA. “Same Faith, Different Persecution,” published ahead of International Women’s Day, explores targeted Gender-Specific Religious Persecution (GSRP) over 12 months between October… Continue reading New Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Trafficking, Forced Marriage of Christian Women and Girls Globally

God Is Writing a Beautiful Story for Iran

ALPHARETTA, GA – It takes only one visit to Elam Ministries’ website to see the evidence that God is writing a beautiful story for Iran. What is that story, and how can it be possible? Isn’t Iran ruled by the Muslin ayatollahs? Haven’t Iranian officials called the U.S. and Israel “Big Satan” and “Little Satan?”… Continue reading God Is Writing a Beautiful Story for Iran

Millions of Widows in ‘Crisis of Survival’ Says Gospel for Asia

‘SHUNNED AND SHAMED’: Treatment of widows is often startlingly unfair and cruel, catapulting them into a crisis of survival, says a new global report by Texas-based mission agency Gospel for Asia (GFA World, www.gfa.org). Titled Widows Often Face Uphill Battle (https://www.gfa.org/special-report/widows-worldwide-face-tragedy-discrimination/), the report examines the different struggles faced by widows in the U.S., Africa, and Asia.

WILLS POINT, TX — One of the world’s biggest poverty-alleviating organizations spotlights the huge “uphill battle” facing many of the world’s 258 million widows in a recently-released report. Treatment of widows is often startlingly unfair and cruel, catapulting them into a crisis of survival, says the new global report by Texas-based Gospel for Asia (GFA… Continue reading Millions of Widows in ‘Crisis of Survival’ Says Gospel for Asia

Pastor Treks 800-Mile Trail to Raise Funds for Abandoned Mothers and Children

PHOENIX — Approximately 7,000 abandoned mothers and children remain in Colorado City after the leader of their polygamous sect, Warren Jeffs, was sentenced to life plus 20 years in 2007 for his child bride sexual abuse with some victims as young as 12 years of age. After his sentencing, one of Jeffs’ nearly 80 wives… Continue reading Pastor Treks 800-Mile Trail to Raise Funds for Abandoned Mothers and Children

Ex-Abuser to Churches: ‘You Can Help Stop Domestic Violence Epidemic’

CHURCHES WAGE WAR ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Michael Clark -- a former domestic abuser jailed twice for domestic violence -- is calling on churches to tackle America's domestic violence epidemic head-on during October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Clark is founder of the Ananias Foundation (www.ananiasfoundation.org), a faith-based organization that takes a different approach to stopping partner-to-partner violence.

WEST DES MOINES, IA — A former domestic abuser turned non-profit leader has launched a new national campaign challenging churches across America to help “halt the epidemic of domestic violence.” Michael Clark — an ex-abuser jailed twice for domestic violence — is calling on America’s churches to tackle the nation’s domestic abuse crisis head-on during… Continue reading Ex-Abuser to Churches: ‘You Can Help Stop Domestic Violence Epidemic’

International Day of Non-Violence: October 2nd Conundrum or Oxymoron?

NEW YORK – The United Nations General Assembly declared the second day of October as the International Day of Non-Violence. It has been observed annually since 2007, yet its true meaning becomes less clear the more one studies the thought-leaders who address the subject. What Non-Violence Is Not In far too many thousands of cities… Continue reading International Day of Non-Violence: October 2nd Conundrum or Oxymoron?

Poverty Robs Girls of Dignity — Noel Yeatts | Newsmax

Noel Yeatts, President of World Help, is an active advocate for social justice and humanitarian needs around the world, discusses women like Som who are trapped in the chains of poverty and the sex industry. Som had the deck stacked against her from day one. She was 20 when she got pregnant with her first… Continue reading Poverty Robs Girls of Dignity — Noel Yeatts | Newsmax

‘Horrifying Surge’ in Lockdown Domestic Violence

EASTON, MD — A spike in domestic violence caused by the COVID-19 lockdown is sending shockwaves around the globe — and driving victims in some countries to live television chat shows and social media for help, a satellite broadcaster revealed today. Middle East satellite broadcaster SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) says interest in its live programs tackling domestic… Continue reading ‘Horrifying Surge’ in Lockdown Domestic Violence

How One Mother Trapped in Sexual Slavery Refuses to Let Her Daughter Suffer This Pain — Noel Yeatts Op-ed | Charisma

Noel Yeatts, president of World Help, discusses the women trapped in sexual slavery around the world and in South Asia, and the fight for freedom from sexual slavery. Pushana gently brushes soft kisses across her daughter’s brown cheek. Her toddler turns and gazes up at her. She reaches out her tiny hand, which her mother… Continue reading How One Mother Trapped in Sexual Slavery Refuses to Let Her Daughter Suffer This Pain — Noel Yeatts Op-ed | Charisma

Wife of Abducted Malaysian Pastor Raymond Koh Honored as ‘Woman of Courage’ by State Dept. | The Christian Post

Susanna Liew, the wife of missing Malaysian pastor Raymond Koh, poses for a photograph with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (R) and First Lady Melania Trump (L) during the International Women of Courage Award ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 4, 2020. Photo by US State Department

WASHINGTON D.C. – The wife of a Malaysian pastor who was abducted in 2017 was among 12 women honored Wednesday with the U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Award. Susanna Liew, the wife of pastor Raymond Koh, was honored by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and first lady Melania Trump for fighting on behalf… Continue reading Wife of Abducted Malaysian Pastor Raymond Koh Honored as ‘Woman of Courage’ by State Dept. | The Christian Post

Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women Prompt Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) and affiliates Gospel for Asia Canada, founded by KP Yohannan issued a Special Report update authored by Karen Mains on the chilling reality of missing and murdered indigenous women in North America.  In my previous special report for Gospel for Asia titled “100 Million Missing Women,”… Continue reading Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women Prompt Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear

International Women’s Day: Have You Heard of Sex Slave Tradition Nari Mata? – Noel Yeatts Op-ed | The Christian Post

St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Zangam, Nigeria Photo by Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust

Noel Yeatts, president of World Help, discusses the horrific reality of sexual slavery in South Asia — the ongoing tradition of “nari mata”. Pushana gently brushes soft kisses across her daughter’s brown cheek. Her toddler turns and gazes up at her. She reaches out her tiny hand, which her mother covers with another kiss. I… Continue reading International Women’s Day: Have You Heard of Sex Slave Tradition Nari Mata? – Noel Yeatts Op-ed | The Christian Post

As to Abuse of Women & Girls: 10 Facts You Will Find Difficult to Believe

NEW YORK – Many faith-based organization (FBO) workers witness the abuse of women and female children nearly every day. Some FBOs are entirely devoted to aiding women and those who are disadvantaged due to cultural discrimination. Many other FBOs that began with the objective of ministering to the poor in the name of Jesus discover… Continue reading As to Abuse of Women & Girls: 10 Facts You Will Find Difficult to Believe

Gospel for Asia Reveals ‘Hidden Epidemic’ of Missing Women in U.S., Around the World

WILLS POINT, TX — Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan, released today a shocking new report by that uncovers the “hidden epidemic” of murdered and missing women and girls globally and in America, and challenges people to “combat the culture of violence” in advance of International Women’s Day, March 8. Globally,… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Reveals ‘Hidden Epidemic’ of Missing Women in U.S., Around the World

Girls in India: A Success Story Escaping Sex Trade

https://gospelforasia.net/empowering-girls/Noel Yeatts, President of World Help, discusses the plight of many girls like Mia, in the grip of extreme poverty, live a life of abuse, prostitution, hopelessness, and the story of escaping the sex trade, freedom: the power to choose a different life. Here in the United States, if you saw furniture sitting beside the… Continue reading Girls in India: A Success Story Escaping Sex Trade

Speaking Out on Behalf of Girls in Thailand This Christmas — Noel Yeatts | Newsmax

Noel Yeatts, President of World Help, is an active advocate for social justice and humanitarian needs around the world, discusses the women trapped in the sex industry by poverty and lack of education, and our need and responsibility to speak and act to give them a chance at freedom. For many of us, the holidays… Continue reading Speaking Out on Behalf of Girls in Thailand This Christmas — Noel Yeatts | Newsmax

Normalization Makes Us Numb to Sex Industry — Noel Yeatts | One News Now

Business is booming for child predators in foreign countries – but a Virginia-based Christian ministry is working to reduce the problem.Young girls and women in countries such as Thailand and India often won’t dream of a good future because many of them will be sold – knowingly or otherwise – into the trafficking industry, which… Continue reading Normalization Makes Us Numb to Sex Industry — Noel Yeatts | One News Now

Gospel for Asia Says ‘Horror Story’ of Violence Against Women Must End

'HORROR STORY' OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: Faith-based missions agency Gospel for Asia (GFA, www.gfa.org) says the "horror story" of violence against women and girls must end. The Texas-based organization urges people to speak out against violence as GFA marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Nov. 25.

Missions Agency Confronts Violence Against Women During International Observance, Nov. 25 WILLS POINT, TX — A staggering one-third of women and girls around the world will suffer physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, missions agency Gospel for Asia (GFA) reports, as the organization marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Says ‘Horror Story’ of Violence Against Women Must End

Something Miraculous is Happening to Sexual Abuse Victims

GREENVILLE, SC — Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse knows the physical, spiritual and psychological effects can torment an individual for a lifetime. Although the external wounds heal, the internal wounds and sickening images are either still very raw or have been pushed down so far that darkness covers them. But for… Continue reading Something Miraculous is Happening to Sexual Abuse Victims

Victims of Sex Trafficking Often Punished While Pimps, ‘Johns’ Walk Free — Noel Yeatts | Newsmax

Freedom should belong to the victim, not the abuser. But, unfortunately across the globe — and right here in America — that fact isn’t always the reality.Prostitution is jokingly labeled the oldest profession. But, working in the sex industry has rarely made a prostitute wealthy or given her financial freedom. Instead, girls who are paid… Continue reading Victims of Sex Trafficking Often Punished While Pimps, ‘Johns’ Walk Free — Noel Yeatts | Newsmax

The Way to Stop Violence Against Women Is Godly Men

Violence against women is a worldwide problem, even in the United States of America. One in five women in the United States have been sexually assaulted In the wake of the recent #MeToo movement, sexual assault and violence against women in American and other Western countries have made headlines in unprecedented volume. According to a… Continue reading The Way to Stop Violence Against Women Is Godly Men

Can Pakistan End Child Marriage?

KARACHI – The Pakistani Senate has passed a bill to end child marriage, making marriage illegal for girls under the age of 18 to marry. That sounds like good news in a country where it is estimated that 21% of girls under 18 are married, often being forced to do so as early as age… Continue reading Can Pakistan End Child Marriage?

Gospel for Asia (GFA) Spotlights 100 Million ‘Missing Women’ in Shocking Report

On Mother’s Day, experts say up to 100 million women and girls mostly from Africa and Asia who should be alive today ‘simply do not exist’ WILLS POINT, TX — As many as 100 million women and girls are “missing and unaccounted for” – the victims of sex-selective abortions, female infanticide, sexual slavery and other… Continue reading Gospel for Asia (GFA) Spotlights 100 Million ‘Missing Women’ in Shocking Report

5 Million Women Line 385 Miles of Route 66 in Kerala

KERALA – In an event unprecedented in India’s history, five million women gathered in a single line along a 385-mile stretch of National Highway 66 on January 1, 2019. The focal point of “the women’s wall” was a response to being prevented from entering the Sabarimala temple even after the supreme court ruled that women… Continue reading 5 Million Women Line 385 Miles of Route 66 in Kerala

Christian Physician Receives 2018 Nobel Peace Prize

OSLO – Dr. Denis Mukwege, a Christian doctor from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was named a co-recipient of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize earlier this week. Dr. Mukwege is a world-renowned gynecologist who specializes in treating the survivors of sexual violence within war-torn regions like his own beloved DRC. Mukwege is the son… Continue reading Christian Physician Receives 2018 Nobel Peace Prize

Through Community Schooling Programs, Gospel for Asia Helps Offer Fresh Hope to Young Girls, Victims of Gender-based Prejudice

Global Focus Shines a Light on Group’s Efforts to Equip Girls for a Brighter Future WILLS POINT, Texas —  This year’s focus of the United Nations’ annual International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the need for better educational opportunities for girls under the theme “With Her: A Skilled Girl Force,” brings a spotlight to… Continue reading Through Community Schooling Programs, Gospel for Asia Helps Offer Fresh Hope to Young Girls, Victims of Gender-based Prejudice

Manipur Woman Wins Prestigious Humanitarian Award

Binalakshmi Nepram

MANIPUR – Manipur native, Binalakshmi Nepram is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious Anna Politkovskaya Award. The award is presented annually by the organization, Reach All Women in WAR (RAW in WAR) to a woman who has stood up to victims in areas of conflict and who have demonstrated “courage and truth-telling in the face… Continue reading Manipur Woman Wins Prestigious Humanitarian Award

Three Teenage Girls Brutally Raped, Burned

A lot of Indians are infuriated by the rapes that have happened lately. Source: Flickr

Imagine this: You have a teenage daughter who is brutally raped by a young man. After she tells you what happens, he kills her. Between May 5 to May 13, three Indian girls were raped and burned alive. The first victim was kidnapped by a group of men in Jharkhand while her parents were at… Continue reading Three Teenage Girls Brutally Raped, Burned

GFA Concerned About Widespread Violence Against Women

WILLS POINT, Texas – Gospel for Asia (GFA) has published an authoritative article about the seemingly endless global problem of violence against women. The euphemism of “domestic violence” used in America does not begin to describe the depth of persecution that women suffer in many other countries around the world. For many women, “the greatest… Continue reading GFA Concerned About Widespread Violence Against Women

FBOs offer Women in India Hope Despite News of Recent Rape and Murder of 6-Year-Old Girl

People protested a rape that happened in 2012.

On Dec. 8, a 6-year-old girl was abducted while she slept beside her family. In the minutes that followed her abduction, she was brutally raped and murdered. It wasn’t until the next morning that her mom noticed she was missing. The rape and murder came as a shock to everyone in India, as she was… Continue reading FBOs offer Women in India Hope Despite News of Recent Rape and Murder of 6-Year-Old Girl

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