UNITED KINGDOM — It is a sad fact that, globally, the number of children and adolescents who do not have access to school education is 260 million, nearly four times the entire population of the UK. In response Christian children’s charity CRY is launching their Back To School Education is Power campaign to highlight how…
MAUI — When Maui residents heard about 65-mph hurricane winds from the south, they never expected the deadly flames that the wind would bring.The wildfires—now the deadliest in the nation’s modern history—engulfed parts of Maui and decimated the beach town of Lahaina, leaving more than 100 people dead, thousands more missing, and miles of homes…
DAKAR, SENEGAL — In 2023, Mercy Ships sailed into a new season together: Serving patients from two countries at once — Senegal and The Gambia — from the decks of their brand new vessel Global Mercy. In total 794 surgeries were performed on board this medical ship in Dakar in Senegal. In 2023, we sailed…
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — On June 3, Franklin Graham shared God’s faithfulness at a special anniversary event commemorating his father, Billy Graham’s, historic 1973 Crusade in Seoul, South Korea. The historic event altered the spiritual landscape of this fragile nation, fueling a boom of new churches and faithful Christ followers. In the five decades since…
BENTON, AR — The 11th annual Amplify Music Festival takes place Aug. 18-19 in Benton, Arkansas. Gates will open at 3 p.m Aug. 18 and 1 p.m. Aug. 19. The two-day event will include a message of hope by Evangelist Nick Hall and feature Christian artists: Chris Tomlin Casting Crowns Rend Collective Lecrae Passion Natalie…
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….
MATAMOROS, MEXICO — Thousands of migrants continue to arrive at the United States border seeking asylum. In an improvised migrant camp in Matamoros, Mexico, a gifted Bible changes the life of a Venezuelan child. Joseph Rendón: I learned that if one has confidence in God, everything is possible. The faith in Christ Jesus reaches the…
TURKEY — As Christians in Turkey and Syria continue to suffer the long-term impact of the devastating earthquakes that struck last month, many nonprofit organizations and ministries are stepping in to provide needed aid. Galcom International, a radio and audio Bible ministry and MegaVoice partner, received an urgent request for solar-powered flashlights and chargers from…
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…
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has developed a new language for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind community, which is now being used in both public and private schools in Africa. The language, called Symbolic Universal Language, or…
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…
ATAKPAMÉ, TOGO — The Ifè people of Togo have had the New Testament in their language since 2009, and it has had a huge impact. But having the full Bible in Ifè is vital to ensure that people have the complete message of God’s word in their language, and so translating work continues. Akoété –…
ORLANDO, FL — The Missionary Church USA elected its seventh president this week, marking a new era for the evangelical denomination based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Rev. Rodney Arnold of Knoxville, Tennessee was elected by delegates representing churches from across the country at the biannual SHIFT National Conference held in Orlando, Florida. At 40 years…
ANGOLA, SOUTHERN AFRICA — Cavango is located over 100km from the nearest village in Angola in Southern Africa, but can now be seen on Google Earth thanks to a 16-year runway project funded by Canadian supporters of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) – the world’s largest humanitarian air service. On Monday 12 June, the village of…
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…
BOLIVIA — A young Bolivian mother and her daughter suffered from the same fatal heart condition. With only years to live, they received lifesaving surgery through the Children’s Heart Project run by Samaritan’s Purse. Fatima Ramos Cardozo – Children’s Heart Project Recipient: It is very difficult to learn your child is very sick. Especially…
BENTON, AR — The 11th annual Amplify Music Festival takes place August 18-19 in Benton, AR. The event will include a message of hope by Evangelist Nick Hall and feature Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, and many others. With expenses paid by local businesses, churches, and community members, tickets are free, so anyone can…
AMSTERDAM — The Empowered21 Amsterdam2023 EveryONE conference concluded Saturday with a global worship, prayer and commissioning service for the thousands who gathered in The Netherlands this week before returning to their home countries. More than 5,000 individuals from over 125 nations attended the conference in person at the historic RAI conference center, with thousands more…
NIGERIA, AFRICA — Mary* from Nigeria was kidnapped by Fulani militants and experienced awful violence and sexual assault at their hands. After she was freed, Open Doors partners cared for her at a trauma care centre where she found peace. Sadly, shortly after Mary shared her story with us, she died from an unrelated illness…
PERRYTON, TEXAS — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are working tirelessly to help residents restore their damaged homes and to bring comfort to aching souls after a deadly tornado laid waste the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton. Derek Drum: We took a direct hit in the city of Barrytown. The tornado itself went six miles in 11…
BENTON, AR — The 11th annual Amplify Music Festival takes place August 18-19 in Benton, AR. The event will include a message of hope by Evangelist Nick Hall and feature Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, and many others. With expenses paid by local businesses, churches, and community members, tickets are free, so anyone can…
AMSTERDAM — The Amsterdam2023 EveryONE conference concluded recently with a global worship, prayer and commissioning service for the thousands who gathered in The Netherlands this week before returning to their home countries. More than 5,000 individuals from over 125 nations attended the conference in person at the historic RAI conference center, with thousands more joining…
AMSTERDAM — As thousands of Christian leaders from around the world were arriving in Amsterdam recently for the Amsterdam2023 global conference, the Empowered21 (E21) Global Council gathered to prepare for the event that will promote a new era of evangelism. E21 work groups, Global Evangelist Alliance (GEA), Global Prayer Alliance and NextGen Network convened, developing…
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…
KLAMATH FALLS, OR — Several years of prayer and preparation led to more than 50 churches in Klamath County, Oregon coming together for Greater Klamath CityFest with Andrew Palau this past Memorial Day weekend. Working to serve the region and proclaim a powerful message of hope in Jesus, this historic effort brought together thousands of…
IRAQ — Logos Hope community experienced many things in Basra, Iraq: rich history, delicious food and intriguing architecture. But it was the warmth, kindness and welcoming nature of the Iraqi people that captured the hearts of crewmembers. Edward and Heather David: We are here beside Shat al-Arab river at the junction of the Euphrates and…
CHAMPAIGN, IL — Over 1 million children under the age of 5 are expected to die from treatable causes in 2023. empty tomb®, inc. Mission Match® is a tool to help churches in the U.S. use their own distribution networks to help these children in Jesus’ name. Churches still have one of the best global…
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S. mission is rushing to support Ukrainian churches racing to help families impacted by the catastrophic dam collapse in southern Ukraine as a counter-offensive gets underway. “People are desperate for water, food, and a way to charge their phones as flood waters surround them and the counter-offensive goes on,” said…
FOREST, VA — This World Refugee Day (June 20), Virginia-based nonprofit World Help is recognizing and remembering the struggles of over 32.5 million people living as refugees worldwide. In Ukraine alone, over 8 million people have fled the war-torn country to neighboring countries. Most men had to stay behind, so women and children still make…
SINGAPORE — The 5-7th May marked a historic weekend in the life of OM’s Ship Ministry, as their fifth vessel, Doulos Hope, was commissioned and officially opened to the public for the very first time.The launch weekend took place in Singapore, where the vessel is currently berthed.In the climax of the weekend, on Sunday 7…
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…
ASIA — A ship named Doulos Hope acquired by the missionary organization Operation Mobilization (OM) in 2022 has undergone a year-long renovation process to become the organization’s first vessel of this kind operating in shallow waters, such as rivers and lakes. The missionary organization Operation Mobilization acquired a new ship. The Doulos Hope will be…
LATIN AMERICA — Domestic violence is a widespread problem in the region, and evangelical churches are actively working to combat it in their communities. Many ministries in Latin America are carrying out initiatives and programs to prevent it, as well as to support the victims Domestic violence is a serious problem in many Latin American…
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA — Neil and Zana, married for 48 years, had always wanted to serve together. Once they retired, they discovered that volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse on disaster relief deployments was a perfect match for them.The couple recently served in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to help bring relief to heartbroken homeowners whose properties were badly damaged when…
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…
OKLAHOMA — Life.Church Worship released two new singles today and announced their brand-new live album, Sing As One, releasing July 21. The singles, titled “Clean Heart” and “Faithful (You Are),” showcase a diverse sound and heartfelt lyrics that aim to cut out distractions and help people fully experience the presence of God. The first song…
EUROPE — Over the past seven years Sports Chaplaincy UK has more than trebled the amount of people they have serving in the sports community across the country. GNA reporter Peter Wooding caught up with their chaplain at Chester Football Club Guy Lister. Each week a rapidly growing number of Christian chaplains faithfully minister behind…
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…
NAMIBIA — As God works through Operation Christmas Child to reach the remote Himba tribe in Namibia, southwest Africa, they are hearing, believing, embracing, and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pastor Rizera Hipakua – Volunteer: Jesus Christ is my Savior. He’s my personal Savior. I really love Jesus. I want to follow Jesus…
NORMAN OK — A crowd of approximately 16,000 people converged on Oklahoma Memorial Stadium April 29 for “Fill the Stadium” (FTS). This Christian outreach included award-winning recording artists Chance the Rapper, Kari Jobe, and Chandler Moore and a message from Evangelist Nick Hall. The first-of-its-kind student-led event successfully reached a total of 50,000, including nearly…
COLUMBIA — 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….
WILLS POINT, TX – KP Yohannan, founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia), whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide — shares on the impact of George Verwer, his life and ministry, radically changing lives….
CHAMPAIGN, IL — Helping mothers whose children are dying and honoring church members’ own mothers is a both/and. In a world where more than 1 million children under the age of five are expected to die this year, there are many grieving mothers. Many of their children will die from treatable causes. The leading causes…
LOS ANGELES — Author Ray Comfort, CEO and founder of Living Waters Christian ministry, is giving away 500,000 hard copies of his book “Defender of the Faith: Ten Weird Facts about the Coronation,” to U.S audiences interested in the events happening in London this weekend to celebrate King Charles III’s official coronation. According to Comfort,…
TURKEY — Samaritan’s Purse has distributed over 3,500 tents and hygiene kits to families in Turkey whose homes were badly damaged or destroyed when devastating earthquakes struck the region. Fatma Daglen – Beneficiary: Life is very hard for us right now because most of Hatay has been destroyed in the earthquake. The working conditions have…
WILLS POINT, TX — Few people knew George Verwer, legendary founder of Operation Mobilization (OM) who died April 14, in the same way as KP Yohannan, founder of GFA World, who first met Verwer at the age of 17. More than a half-century ago, Yohannan, the self-described “skinny village teenager,” responded to Verwer’s radical invitation…
SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA — It’s every parent’s joy to see their baby take their first steps. But for Binti and Ibrahima in Senegal, something troubled them about their daughter, Sira. She struggled to walk and stand. When Sira was six, her legs had bowed outwards.Her parents prayed for healing. One day, they heard of Mercy…
ROLLING FORK, MISSISSIPPI — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, are helping clean up properties after a fierce tornado swept through the area and damaged or destroyed homes. But mainly they are “loving on homeowners” as one volunteer said and sharing with them the hope of Christ. Daniel Gerardo – Volunteer: I’m Daniel with…
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — YouVersion and OneHope created the free Bible App for Kids in 2013 to encourage children to engage with God’s Word. Since then, the app has been installed by families in every country in the world. While it took seven years to reach the first 50 million installs, the app saw another…
