ROMANIA — The “March for Life” 2024, with the theme “Building Together for Life,” took place recently in various cities across Romania and in the Republic of Moldova. In Cluj, Napoca, the event was organized with the blessing of His Eminence Andrei, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Cluj, and took place in Avram Iancu Square, in… Continue reading Marching Together for Life in Romania
Tag: What Is Social Injustice
Examining the March of Life in Bogotá
BOGOTÁ — In Colombia, the “March for Life” was held, which reaffirms the country’s friendship with the Jewish people and rejects any type of anti-Semitism. Thousands of people attended this event, which took place in Bolivar Square. The March of Life began in 2007 when grandchildren of the authors of the Holocaust against the Jewish… Continue reading Examining the March of Life in Bogotá
ChinaAid Releases Report Detailing Persecution and Key Findings for 2021
MIDLAND, TX — ChinaAid released its 2021 Annual Report, detailing persecution and key findings for the year. ChinaAid works closely with sources in China to expose abuses of human rights, religious freedom, and rule of law since 2002. While not an exhaustive list of cases, ChinaAid’s research represents one of the most comprehensive and accurate… Continue reading ChinaAid Releases Report Detailing Persecution and Key Findings for 2021
The International Religious Freedom Summit Returns to DC June 28-30
WASHINGTON — On June 28-30 religious freedom leaders, advocates and activists from around the world, spanning a wide range of faith traditions and political affiliations, will gather in Washington, D.C., for the second annual International Religious Freedom Summit. The Summit will highlight increasing threats to freedom of religion, conscience and belief, and it will once… Continue reading The International Religious Freedom Summit Returns to DC June 28-30
Christian Kids and Youth Cling to ‘Digital Lifeline’ in Afghanistan and Iran
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… Continue reading Christian Kids and Youth Cling to ‘Digital Lifeline’ in Afghanistan and Iran
Afghan Girls ‘In Terror’ of Becoming Taliban Brides
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… Continue reading Afghan Girls ‘In Terror’ of Becoming Taliban Brides
Open Doors USA Reacts to Missionary Kidnappings in Haiti
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… Continue reading Open Doors USA Reacts to Missionary Kidnappings in Haiti
Filipino Siblings Continue Persecuted Father’s Ministry
PHILIPPINES — In the Philippines, 15 years on from the murder of their persecuted father, Pastor Mocsin, we hear an update from siblings Emelyn and Jun-Jun. Emelyn: “I miss those times when we went to church together as a family. Then, during church services, we were complete. We would lead the praise and worship. Then… Continue reading Filipino Siblings Continue Persecuted Father’s Ministry
Is Your Church Ready for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church?
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… Continue reading Is Your Church Ready for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church?
In Chains for Christ in Laos
LAOS — Last year, three Christians in Laos, Southeast Asia were arrested because of their faith. Here, they recount their experiences – and how they knew God was with them. As one of them told an Open Doors partner, “Even when I was in prison, I felt I was not alone. I felt your prayers.”… Continue reading In Chains for Christ in Laos
Coptic Solidarity Commemorates the Deaths of 27 Copts at the 10th Anniversary of the Maspero Massacre
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… Continue reading Coptic Solidarity Commemorates the Deaths of 27 Copts at the 10th Anniversary of the Maspero Massacre
Afghanistan: Christians Face Even More Opposition
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… Continue reading Afghanistan: Christians Face Even More Opposition
Afghanistan: ‘Christian Taliban’ Ask to ‘Meet Jesus’
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… Continue reading Afghanistan: ‘Christian Taliban’ Ask to ‘Meet Jesus’
Open Doors USA Invites Christians to March for the Martyrs
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… Continue reading Open Doors USA Invites Christians to March for the Martyrs
A Personal Side of Dr. Billy Graham You Haven’t Heard
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… Continue reading A Personal Side of Dr. Billy Graham You Haven’t Heard
The Nations are Coming to Us
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,… Continue reading The Nations are Coming to Us
As Christians in Afghanistan Struggle for Their Lives, US Christians to March, Pray in Washington, D.C.
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… Continue reading As Christians in Afghanistan Struggle for Their Lives, US Christians to March, Pray in Washington, D.C.
Christian Lawyer’s Legal Clinic for Persecuted Iraqi Believers
IRAQ — Iraqi law forbids a person from changing their religion from ‘Muslim’ to ‘Christian on their official ID. Believers who find themselves in this situation can be extremely isolated, treated with suspicion by the Christian community while also rejected by Muslims. Mr Youhanna* gives legal counsel to Christians like Matti* who suffers this discrimination.… Continue reading Christian Lawyer’s Legal Clinic for Persecuted Iraqi Believers
Nigerian Widow Experiences Power of Forgiveness
NIGERIA – In Nigeria persecution is on the increase and so the trauma believers suffer is increasing. However through Open Doors partners working in trauma care, Christians are receiving hope and healing. Anuhu* (name changed for security reasons) who leads the trauma care programme shares the story of how a Nigerian widow, one of the… Continue reading Nigerian Widow Experiences Power of Forgiveness
‘The Glenn Beck Program’ Listeners Raise over $32 Million to Rescue Christians Trapped in Afghanistan
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,… Continue reading ‘The Glenn Beck Program’ Listeners Raise over $32 Million to Rescue Christians Trapped in Afghanistan
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
How Will Afghan Christians Survive Under the Taliban?
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!… Continue reading How Will Afghan Christians Survive Under the Taliban?
Afghanistan: Gospel for Asia Calls on People to Pray, Fast Now for ‘Theater of Fear’
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… Continue reading Afghanistan: Gospel for Asia Calls on People to Pray, Fast Now for ‘Theater of Fear’
Rescuing Children from Slavery in Pakistan: One Organization’s Fight to Give Housing and Hope to Girls Rescued from Bonded Labor
NASHVILLE – In May 2019, One by One – a UK-based global missions organization with a heart for the poor and broken across the Third World – opened King’s Children’s Home, near Lahore in Pakistan, to rehouse and give hope to children rescued from brick factory bonded labor in that country. The home opened with… Continue reading Rescuing Children from Slavery in Pakistan: One Organization’s Fight to Give Housing and Hope to Girls Rescued from Bonded Labor
Christian Charity Supports Anti-Trafficking Campaign During Tokyo Games
TOKYO, JAPAN – Throughout the Tokyo Games several high profile athletes are lending their support to an anti-trafficking campaign called It’s A Penalty. They are featured in a 30 second video appearing on video screens across the city through the Olympics highlighting the need to bring an end to abuse and exploitation. And in partnership… Continue reading Christian Charity Supports Anti-Trafficking Campaign During Tokyo Games
Hollywood Trafficking Film Aspires Faith in God and Premieres at Global Event July 30
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Artists For Change, Inc., announced today the importance of faith in God scripted into the stories of films where redemptive hope is needed helps bring physical and spiritual healing. The non-profit production company will have a free virtual screening of “Angie: Lost Girls” on July 30th for the ‘World Day Against Trafficking… Continue reading Hollywood Trafficking Film Aspires Faith in God and Premieres at Global Event July 30
Open Doors Revisits Nigerian Widow Rose
NIGERIA – Last summer, Open Doors shared the story of Rose from Nigeria. Her husband, a pastor, had been murdered by Fulani militants. Their partners recently visited her again and she told them, despite her troubles: “The Lord has not forsaken me.” When Open Doors met Rose in June 2020, we found a woman who… Continue reading Open Doors Revisits Nigerian Widow Rose
World Day Against Human Trafficking: July 30 Spotlight on America
NEW YORK – The World Day Against Human Trafficking is observed annually on July 30. Despite the official observation, the vast majority of Americans will not be aware of the special day and its events. It’s unlikely that many will even give the subject matter a second thought. That’s probably not because they do not… Continue reading World Day Against Human Trafficking: July 30 Spotlight on America
Loving South Sudan In Deed And Truth
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… Continue reading Loving South Sudan In Deed And Truth
Ahead of International Religious Freedom Summit 2021, Diverse Coalition of Over 70 Religious and Civil-society Groups Issue ‘A Charter of Religious Freedom’
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… Continue reading Ahead of International Religious Freedom Summit 2021, Diverse Coalition of Over 70 Religious and Civil-society Groups Issue ‘A Charter of Religious Freedom’
Exiled Chinese House Church in South Korea Threatened, Urgent Appeal for US Resettlement to Biden Administration
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… Continue reading Exiled Chinese House Church in South Korea Threatened, Urgent Appeal for US Resettlement to Biden Administration
In Isolated Regions of the World, Printing is Essential, Final Step in Bible Translation and the Only Way to Share Scripture
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… Continue reading In Isolated Regions of the World, Printing is Essential, Final Step in Bible Translation and the Only Way to Share Scripture
Ananias House Offers Peace of God to People in the Middle East
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… Continue reading Ananias House Offers Peace of God to People in the Middle East
Salamata’s Pain After Extremist Attack on Her Church in Burkino Faso
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… Continue reading Salamata’s Pain After Extremist Attack on Her Church in Burkino Faso
Central Asia: Anastasia’s Church Ministry
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… Continue reading Central Asia: Anastasia’s Church Ministry
Ethiopia ACT – Faith in Action in Addis Ababa
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… Continue reading Ethiopia ACT – Faith in Action in Addis Ababa
Lifting Up the Vulnerable in Sudan and South Sudan
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… Continue reading Lifting Up the Vulnerable in Sudan and South Sudan
Ministering to Muslim Background Chinese Christians
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… Continue reading Ministering to Muslim Background Chinese Christians
Iranian Christians News Agency – Mohabat News
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… Continue reading Iranian Christians News Agency – Mohabat News
ICEJ: Our Ambassadors to Israel
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… Continue reading ICEJ: Our Ambassadors to Israel
Rod Dreher Sounds the Alarm on Totalitarianism Today
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,… Continue reading Rod Dreher Sounds the Alarm on Totalitarianism Today
Middle East ‘Secret Believer’ Refuses to Deny Jesus
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… Continue reading Middle East ‘Secret Believer’ Refuses to Deny Jesus
ChinaAid Releases 2020 Annual Persecution Report
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… Continue reading ChinaAid Releases 2020 Annual Persecution Report
GFA World Calls for Prayer Amid Military Coup and Myanmar Massacres
WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide, one of Asia’s largest humanitarian agencies is calling on Christians to pray for Myanmar ‘s suffering people in the throes of the South Asia nation’s bloody military coup.… Continue reading GFA World Calls for Prayer Amid Military Coup and Myanmar Massacres
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
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
Gospel for Asia Calls for Prayer for ‘Unity, Holiness, End to Pandemic’ During ‘Great’ Lent
WILLS POINT, TX — Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide –Reporting on GFA World mission agency offering online 40-day lent devotional to help Christians pray, fast for unity, end to pandemic and other… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Calls for Prayer for ‘Unity, Holiness, End to Pandemic’ During ‘Great’ Lent
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
WCC Makes Urgent Call for ‘Lasting Peace Founded on Justice and Human Rights’ for People of Nagorno-Karabakh
GENEVE — The WCC executive committee issued a statement calling for calm and wisdom following six weeks of intense fighting for Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh, suspended by an agreement announced between the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia. Welcoming an end to the bloodshed and destruction, the executive committee appealed for “a lasting peace founded on justice and… Continue reading WCC Makes Urgent Call for ‘Lasting Peace Founded on Justice and Human Rights’ for People of Nagorno-Karabakh
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