283,000 Christians in Asia give thanks for your support
In 2020, Open Doors workers, partners and volunteers have been able to give COVID-19 relief to 283,000 persecuted Christians in Asia alone.
“2020 has almost come to an end,” says Jan, a worker for Open Doors Asia. “It’s been a dark year for many around the world. A year marked by uncertainty and loss. Some of the field countries that we work in have been hit extraordinarily hard by the corona crisis and ensuing lockdowns. Our teams and partners have said they lost many contacts to COVID, yet they continued to take risks and supply food and emergency
Nearly all these Christians would have received nothing if Open Doors had not been able to help them. Jan says, “Our partners in India have shared that more than 80 per cent of all the believers they visited were denied government food aid. That’s why we, our teams, our partners, and the persecuted Christians are immensely grateful to the worldwide body of Christ. We know how hard this year has been for them. And despite bad forecasts for the economy, they still felt compelled to help their brothers and sisters in dire situations.”
Ranita* from India is one of the recipients of this help. Ranita showed our partners around her house and pointed to the empty shelves, but also the place where she organizes small prayer meetings.
She said, “From the time we came to the Lord, we’ve experienced [persecution]. When the pandemic came, we had only 35 Indian rupees left. Everybody was home, because nobody came to work. Then the pastor came and asked us how we were. We replied, ‘Okay’, but then we explained our situation. The pastor provided groceries for us and now we are fine.”
Thao*, a church leader from Central Vietnam who was denied emergency aid, but received support from Open Doors partners, said, “On behalf of all the Christians here, I would like to thank all of the supporters. We are so grateful for the help, for remembering to pray and help us. May God continue to bless you and use your lives for His kingdom.”
While most of the 283,000 Christians have received food aid, medicines, and sanitation materials, Open Doors is moving towards new initiatives to help the persecuted Church, such as through income generating projects such as providing cattle or support to open a small shop. Open Doors has also intensified online training of believers, and is experimenting with creative ways to provide Biblical training to Christians.
“The situation on the ground changes constantly,” Jan says. “What was possible yesterday, isn’t today. The reverse happens also. Sometimes God gives windows of opportunities.”
COVID aid provided
