Strengthening Christians where faith costs the most. For 65 years, Open Doors has served persecuted Christians where faith has cost them their jobs, their contact with family and friends, their homes, their freedom, and even their lives. Learn how you can be One With Them!
65 years of strengthening christians
65 stories that represent the thousands of Christians living in places where their faith threatens their lives and futures. These are stories that show what a deep faith in God looks like and how Open Doors as been able to stand with our brothers and sisters so that they can remain salt and light. Click on the image to learn more about people of great faith and resilience.
Ilmur* and his wife Gulya* lead a house church in Central Asia where most of the congregation are from a Muslim and ethnic Uyghur background. Cards and letters of encouragement from Open Doors supporters were shared with children.
After a series of incredible healings, Raman* decided to follow Jesus. Now, despite facing rejection and violence because of his new faith, he shares the Gospel with others, and has planted several churches. He says, “I know it can be dangerous. I also know that I might die. But I am not afraid.”
*name changed for security purposes
Maryam’s mother was taken from her during the Palm Sunday bombings in Egypt. This has been her prayer: “Our Father, I praise you because you are close to us and keep us alive. I thank you for giving us life and comforting us about the death of my mother.”
For three years Mojtaba* was an isolated believer. God miraculously intervened and brought people to Christ who could form a church with him. He says, “It doesn’t matter where I am or what I am doing, I can serve the Lord everywhere.” Praise and thank the Lord for raising up leaders for His kingdom.
*name changed for security purposes
It is too dangerous for parents to share about Jesus with their children in North Korea. Kim Sang-Hwa didn’t realize that her mother and father were believers until she was nearly a teenager. Eventually she gave her heart to follow Jesus as well, and now she prays for secret Christians in the country.
Reverend Marcos pastors a Christian community that has suffered devastating attacks by Boko Haram which left many dead and several churches destroyed. Pray for Open Doors partners helping him build a new church for his growing congregation and supporting the community with trauma care.
The Easter Sunday bomb blast changed Rebekah's life forever. Amazingly, she has not lost hope. She says, “I want to testify about what happened to us and to testify of who Jesus is.” Pray for Rebekah that may she be a mighty witness for His name.
Alejandro* and his family are the only Christians in the Bolanton community in Chiapas, Mexico. Their water was cut, threats were made to close down the church they built and they were charged a high tax by the community leaders. Through the prayer and support of Open Doors, the church remains open and functioning.
*name changed for security purposes
Bachu* witnessed a horrific murder--the murder of her father Motuma Kemede. He was a believer from an animist background in Western Ethiopia who was killed for his faith. Despite this horrific event, we praise and thank God that Bachu is growing up strong in the Lord. |
*name changed for security purposes
Please pray for Joyce*, a believer from a Muslim background who has been given permission to move back to her city in China. She was recently released from a re-education camp in China after two years of isolation.
*name changed for security purposes; picture used for illustrative purpose
Abraham’s dad was kidnapped by extremists seven years ago, and there has been no news about him since then. Abraham and his mother continue to live in Syria with the hope that he may someday return. Open Doors’ partners support this family through one of our Centres of Hope run through the Alliance church in Aleppo.
Samiha is a survivor of the December 2016 bombing of St. Peter and Paul Church in Cairo, Egypt. Initially, doctors were doubtful if she would make it. She has had numerous surgeries since the attack, and she is thankful to the Lord to be still alive today.
Raju lost four family members in the Easter bomb attack in Sri Lanka. He tells us: “By God’s grace, I will be able to survive. Though I can't help you, I pray for God to bless you abundantly. Because of people like you, I am greatly comforted.”
Nasser-Navard Gol-Tapeh is serving ten years in prison for “missionary activities” in Iran. He recently wrote from prison saying, “I thank God in perfect joy and peace for considering me worthy to be here because of my faith in and witness to Jesus Christ.” May the Lord continue to sustain him through this difficult time.
It has been more than 2 years since the kidnapping of Leah Sharibu and her fellow students from their school in Dapchi, Borno State, Nigeria. While all the girls were released one month later (except for five who died during the ordeal), Leah remains in captivity because of her refusal to convert to Islam.
Open Doors has stood alongside Sarah Ibrahim after extremists killed her husband, Pastor Ibrahim Kithaka in Mombasa, Kenya. Sarah thanked us for standing beside her. “Love is not just words. Real love is seen in action. You have shown us the real meaning of loving one another in the Body of Christ. Thank you.”
Issam is a secret believer from a North African country. He is thankful to have found an online fellowship where he can meet with other believers. Please pray for God to continue to lead and guide the church in North Africa.
Sanna gives thanks to Open Doors for a bicycle she received. She says, “This bike is now my partner in ministry. I am encouraged to attend more prayer services and my spiritual life is growing too.” She says she could rarely attend church before this. Sanna wants to share the Gospel more as she grows up.
Nisreen found faith in Jesus during the civil war in Syria. She attends church regularly now. Many Christians have left the country, but local churches that partner with Open Doors say that the empty seats are filled with new believers, mostly from a Muslim background.
Damali*participated in a youth leaders conference held in a secret location in North Africa. It is extremely difficult for believers from a Muslim background to meet and grow in their faith in some of the North African countries. Please remember them in your prayers!
*name changed for security purposes
Lauro was an alcoholic that found and accepted Christ and later became a Bible teacher. Accepting Jesus brought about a lot of persecution and hardship, but Lauro believes risking his life for the sake of the Gospel is more than worth it.
Marian lost her father in the bombing of the St. Peter and Paul Church in Cairo a few years ago. Her vibrant smile and demeanor are a joy to behold. She says, “People ask me why I look so happy under these circumstances. They ask me how I do it. I tell them: I don’t do anything. It’s not me, it’s God in me.”
Nearly two years ago, Eldos suffered multiple injuries when radical Muslims beat him up for following Christ. It is only by God’s grace that he survived and recovered. He said, “I am still alive because of the prayers of many people, I can feel it. Thank you!”
Praba* tells Open Doors, “We were in great distress with pain after losing our beloved son in the Easter Sunday bomb blasts. Since then, you were there with us to hold, to comfort, to heal. We express our heart-felt gratitude and pray unto Jesus to bless you all...” May the Lord continue to comfort all those mourning the loss of loved ones.
*name changed for security purposes
Margaret survived a brutal massacre in Kenya five years ago. She reminded us how important our prayers are. “In prayer, many marvelous, wonderful things happen; the prayers you pray for others are not in vain. Each and every day remember that you are fellow workers through your prayers. You have helped us stay strong!”
Jeovani Mongounou was severely injured when rebels fired a rocket propelled grenade into a church in the Central African Republic. Through presence ministry, providing prostheses and paying for school fees, Open Doors’ has been involved in encouraging Jeovani and others hurt in the explosion to stay strong in their faith.
Pedro Mendez Lopez spent 13 long years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. His heart was lifted when Open Doors helped his family to visit him regularly, and for sending hundreds of letters of encouragement. After his release, he dedicated his life to sharing the testimony of God’s goodness wherever he goes.
No matter how difficult the day may be, Dawit* and his sister bring laughter and joy to their mother Hellen.* Dawit’s father left them when Hellen accepted Jesus, leaving her to provide for the children. With help from Open Doors, Hellen now runs a small tearoom.
*name changed for security purposes
Believers living in southern Ethiopia are often pressured to renounce their faith. Rahel’s mother, Hiwot, was threatened and asked to convert back to Islam. When she refused to give in, their house was burnt down. Rahel stays cheerful believing Jesus will make a way for them through these difficult days.
Noeh and his family represent the thousands of Christian minorities who were displaced by the invasion of Islamic State into northern Iraq six years ago. Pray for Noeh and many other children like him who have experienced so many challenges in their young lives.
Alvaro suffered intense injuries in the church bombings which took place in Indonesia four years ago. He is recovering well and will soon be celebrating his eighth birthday! Alvaro and his dad are thankful to everyone who has prayed for them and sent them notes of encouragement.
When the Islamic State invaded Qaraqosh, Syria, in 2014, Mathi and his family had to flee to safety. Their home was shelled and reduced to rubble. They are now able to return to their home which has been rebuilt with the help of Open Doors.
Hina* is thankful for an opportunity to join other Christian women at an annual conference where women believers come together to deepen their understanding of God’s Word. Women are often overlooked in ministry in Bangladesh, and Hina says she can now teach others what she has learned.
*name changed for security purposes
Pastor George Moushi from Qamishli, Syria is serving his congregation despite the challenges caused by the civil war. Open Doors is partnering with his church who have dedicated themselves to running a Centre of Hope as well as providing urgent relief packs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aman is from Sudan and he was recently imprisoned for 17 days because of his faith. He tells us that the time in prison “was difficult, but while I was there, I learned to be patient.” Thanks to support from Open Doors, his faith remains unshaken and he shares the hope of Christ with others around him.
This past year, Ebrahitm Firouzi completed a six year prison sentence in Iran. However, he now has to serve another three years in exile in the remote city of Sarbaz for charges of carrying out ‘Christian evangelism activities’. Please pray for strength for this precious believer.
Marta was given away by her family to a witchdoctor at an early age and experienced significant abuse as a result. She became a Christian as a teenager, through her aunt, and has since shared the Gospel with her mom and siblings. She gives thanks for the notes of encouragement she has received from Open Doors supporters.
Before following Christ, Sop* knew only Buddhism. It has been ten years since he and his wife came to know Jesus. During that time they have faced violent persecution. Regardless, they have remained strong and have led many to faith.
*name changed for security purposes
Khalid* was abandoned by his Muslim family when he chose to follow Christ. Rejected and alone, Khalid benefited from your support that helped him start a small business and become financially independent. Now, six years later, he has a home, a successful shop and some farmland in Ethiopia.
*name changed for security purposes
Open Doors’ has kept in touch with Abebu over the last seven years, since her husband and father of their eight children was murdered for his faith. “I didn’t know I had a loving family who is concerned for us,” she said. With COVID-19 restrictions, she requests continued prayers.
Chu* is a believer in the northern tip of Vietnam. She was the first Christian in her remote village. Her story represents the kind of persecution happening today in Vietnam. Because of her faith, she and her children have faced both abuse and violence.
*name changed for security purposes
Ismaeil Maghrebinejad is an Iranian convert to Christianity who started serving a three-year sentence for “insulting Islamic sacred beliefs” in January 2019. He has had another two years added for belonging to an Evangelical Christian group. Please pray for imprisoned believers in Iran.
Talat* is an Uzbek pastor who leads a church comprised mainly of Christians from Muslim backgrounds. He says that, “We can see that the persecution is growing day by day and we are learning to live in the midst of it.”
*name changed for security purposes
Last year, Pastor Bahrom Kholmatov from Tajikistan completed a three-year prison sentence for “singing extremist songs in church and inciting religious hatred”. The authorities continue to monitor his activities even though he has not done anything wrong.
Twenty-one-year-old Iranian Christian convert Fatemeh (Mary) Mohammadi has been in and out of prison for taking a firm stand for the Gospel. Currently she is sentenced to three months plus one day in prison along with ten lashes. The sentence is suspended for one year due to COVID-19.
Please pray for Ahlem*, the only believer in her family, who is under a lot of pressure to renounce her faith. Pray for her protection. Pray that her family will be touched by the Lord to become followers of Christ as well, and not oppose Ahlem and her situation.
*name changed for security purposes
When Sonia* accepted Christ, her father stopped talking to her. She has since completed her theological studies, but her father still won’t accept her. She is currently living in her pastor’s house. Pray with her that her parents will come to know Christ and accept Him as their Saviour.
*name changed for security purposes
Many women have lost their husbands in the war in Syria and are forced to become breadwinners for their families. Nizha is a displaced widow who started an income generating project thanks to support from Open Doors supporters. “This project saved me from homelessness. Now I can afford rent,” she says.
Two years ago, Aisha suffered sexual violence at the hands of extremists. Following that tragedy, Aisha was invited to attend a trauma care event that included art expression. She testified that these seminars changed her life as it brought her the peace of mind that she has lost as a result of the trauma she experienced.
Mary Andimi’s husband, Rev. Lawan Andimi, was killed by Boko Haram insurgents in January this year. Mary is now the sole provider for her large family. May the Lord comfort and sustain her as she builds a new life for herself and her children.
At least 176 children lost one or both parents in the 2019 Eastern Sunday bombings in church in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Dukashini’s mother was one of them. Please pray for Dukashini as she reads the Bible to her father, Prashant (a new believer) each night, as her mother used to do.
Five years ago, Yana’s daughter was kidnapped from her secondary school in Chibok by Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. “We will wait for her to come back. No matter how long it takes,” Yana shared. “We have placed our total trust and dependence on God.”
Believers in Eritrea surround Faven* in prayer. Last year, Faven’s husband died for his faith after spending two years in a remote prison. The sorrow of his loss is difficult to bear. May the Lord continue to give our sister strength.
*name changed for security purposes
Brother Ye serves believers from Buddhist backgrounds in western China. He also has a burden to help the many children in this region who are homeless or struggling. Please pray for an opportunity for him to be able to help them.
Sisters Fatuma* (19) and Amina* (16) are from Ethiopia have recently come to Christ after having followed the Muslim faith. Despite their best efforts to hide the conversion, their father found out, and he kicked them out of the house. Our church partners are currently supporting these sisters.
*name changed for security purposes
Moses creates visual tapestries for he and his wife to share the Gospel with Buddists in his community. But there are many who are against this activity. Moses tells us they have been cursed and subject to witchcraft by the community but the couple continues in their work by claiming victory in Jesus’s name.
Samson is a believer from a Buddhist background. Members of his community were angry with Samson and his family for leaving the faith of their ancestors and attacked them. Thankfully they escaped relatively unscathed and are now living in a safe house.
Trinity is one of the child victims of a church bombing which took place in 2016 in Samarinda, Indonesia. Currently she is living in China with her mother to receive ongoing treatment for her injuries from the bombing. We pray she will be able to heal well to recover physically and mentally from the attack.
Sinnarasa lost his son, daughter-in-law and grandchild in the Easter church bombings in Sri Lanka last year. As he has navigated the past year, he has seen God’s hand of provision in his life. He gives thanks to the Lord for watching over him.
Agustina* and her family live high in the mountains of northern Colombia. They visit other believers under the cover of darkness to share the Gospel and deliver smuggled Bibles. If they are caught, they could be arrested. God gives them the strength to carry on in spite of the threat of arrest.
*name changed for security purposes
Hussam is a Muslim background believer and was the first in his family to accept Christ. Since then he has been instrumental in leading many others in his family to know Jesus.
When Sozan and her family came to faith in Jesus, they were ostracized by their family. Our partners from the Alliance church in Qamishli, Syria, supported this family to help them stand strong.
'Christ on my wrist' Mario says: "I really like my cross tattoo!" Traditionally parents have tattooed a cross on their children’s wrist, so that if they died because of their faith in Christ, their children would be remembered as Christians.
Silva and her husband, Pastor Alonso, are believers in Mexico. One day, while her husband was serving a prison sentence due to his faith, she was forced to lock herself inside her home when a mob gathered outside wanting to attack her. Both she and her husband have suffered displacement and hardship for their faith in Christ.
Only after Hannah’s mother’s death did she learn about her mother’s faith in God. Hannah followed her mother’s example and went on to suffer much persecution after she accepted Jesus. Hannah continues to hold steadfast to Jesus no matter the cost.
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