Meet persecuted Christians in South East Asia

Four of the world's five remaining communist states are located in South East Asia. In these countries, and across the region, Christians are suffering for their faith. Open Doors' teams support believers by delivering Bibles, Scripture resources and training.

Meet 'Pilot' Jemy from Philippines

• Often threatened with death by his Islamic neighbours
• Travels far across often stormy seas to attend Christian training courses
• Pilots a small boat taking Christians to services

Living in the Muslim-dominated region of Mindanao, southern Philippines, Jemy's life is often threatened because of his faith in the Lord Jesus.

Enrolled in Open Doors' lay leader training program, Jemy has to travel a long distance, across frequently stormy seas, to attend the classes. Yet, his enthusiasm to learn more about God is unquenchable.

Jemy loves to serve the Lord through serving his people. He often pilots a small ëbanca' (boat), bringing believers from remote islands together for fellowship.

Meet Pastor Victor from Vietnam

• Pressured by his Communist parents who object to his faith
• Spent time in prison, shackled and tormented, for his active ministry

Since Victor decided to follow Jesus, his life has been very hard. His parents are staunch Communists, and they violently object to Victor's allegiance to Christ.

The same is true for Theresa. When Victor asked her to marry him, he knew their wedding would be bitter-sweet. Although they shared the joy of knowing the Lord, they had to come to terms with the fact that neither set of parents would attend their wedding.

Victor is now a pastor and has spent time in jail because of his active ministry.

Meet Rev Rinaldy Damanik from Indonesia

• Wrongly convicted on a weapons possession charge
• His trial was fraught with inconclusive evidence and charges of police brutality and witness tampering

Rinaldy, a prominent figure in peace negotiations between warring Muslim and Christian communities on the island of Sulawesi, was convicted on charges of illegal weapons possession in June 2003 and sentenced to three years' imprisonment.

Rinaldy walked free on Tuesday November 9th, 2004 however – almost a year earlier than his original release date.

Witnesses in court said they were tortured by police and forced to give false evidence. Judge Somanada admitted that many irregularities had occurred during the alleged discovery of the weapons and during the trial, but he still delivered a guilty verdict.

A leading Muslim cleric became a staunch advocate for Rev Damanik's release after hearing about his campaign for peace.