Opendoors Canada, Author at Open Doors Canada

December 20, 2024December 20, 2024

How the Food Crisis in Cuba Affects Christian Communities

The worsening food crisis in Cuba is having a severe impact on Christian communities, which are facing extreme shortages and rampant inflation. Amid this hardship, faith and solidarity have become essential tools for survival.

Antonio*, a pastor with over 30 years of service, remarks, “The country has been in crisis for many years, but the past few years have been the worst in terms of food shortages”. According to The Economist, this is the most severe crisis Cuba has experienced since the fall of the Soviet Union, on which its economy once heavily depended.

For Antonio and many other Cubans, improvement seems impossible under the current government system. “Unlike other countries, here in Cuba, you can’t sell what you produce on your farm. Everything must be sold to the government at prices that don’t even cover production costs, and it’s the government that distributes or sells the products. If this doesn’t change, nothing will improve,” says Miguel*, a Cuban merchant and pastor.

Currently, the Cuban government provides food to at least 90% of the population, most of whom live in extreme poverty, according to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights. However, a lack of funding for imported supplies has turned the once-available “family basket” of basic goods into more of a dream than a reality. “Though the basket was never enough, it did ensure that no one went to bed hungry. Now, it no longer exists,” Antonio explains.

A Nation of long queues and empty shelves

In recent months, Cubans have been forced to stand in long lines to obtain food. A report from Infobae highlights that only a single loaf of bread per person, small amounts of rice, and no oil or coffee are being distributed.

This crisis is exacerbated by skyrocketing prices at private stores, making essential goods unaffordable. For instance, a carton of 30 eggs now costs two minimum wages – around 4,500 pesos – while the minimum wage itself is only about 2,100 pesos (roughly $7 USD on the informal market), according to Martí Noticias.

The scarcity is so extreme that, according to the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, seven out of ten Cubans have skipped meals due to a lack of money or food. This crisis affects both Christians and non-Christians alike.

A Worsening Crisis

While food shortages are not new to Cuba, they have intensified since the pandemic began in 2020. Vicente Albornoz, dean of economics at the University of the Americas, observes that “government policies have lacked the capacity and flexibility to help the economy recover,” adding that “in the past five years, Cubans have grown poorer” according to a report by DW media.

Statistics from Cuba’s National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) reveal a 66.7% drop in the food industry between 2018 and 2023, while agricultural production decreased by 7% between 2016 and 2022. These declines have reduced domestic food production and increased external debt, further limiting imports.

Beyond food shortages, a lack of gasoline, medicines, and basic supplies also plagues the population. A report from CiberCuba highlights shortage of syringes for medical treatments. “We’ve seen many sick people, church members, or their families sent home without treatment,” laments Antonio.

The Cuban government largely blames the crisis on U.S. sanctions imposed since the 1990s. However, the main issue lies in the government’s lack of foreign currency, exacerbated by the pandemic.

For example, tourism – one of the country’s main sources of income -, has dropped nearly 50% when comparing 2018-2019 figures with those from 2023. Additionally, sugar production – a major export – plummeted to just 350,000 tons in 2022, a historic low compared to the 1.3 million tons produced in 2019.

"Government restrictions prevent pastors from attending international congresses where they used to raise funds to support vulnerable Cubans. The government fears pastors will 'defame' them or collaborate with foreign organizations to topple the regime,"

Miguel, Cuban Pastor

The Role of the Church in the Crisis

Pastor Antonio emphasizes that the church plays a vital role in not only spreading the word of Jesus but also in providing hope and sustenance to those in need. However, the ongoing crisis severely limits the church’s ability to help.

Both church leaders and members are struggling financially, hindering their capacity to donate resources. This shortage directly affects the church’s ability to care for the most vulnerable, including children and the elderly.

Pastor Miguel also notes increasing government persecution of church leaders, particularly those with international ties. “Government restrictions prevent pastors from attending international congresses where they used to raise funds to support vulnerable Cubans. The government fears pastors will ‘defame’ them or collaborate with foreign organizations to topple the regime,” he explains.

The persecution of Christians in Cuba is marked by heightened surveillance and pressure on religious leaders. According to Miguel, government control over the population has intensified the July 11, 2021 protests, resulting in increased persecution of pastors and other religious leaders, particularly those who do not align with the regime.

Despite these challenges, Christian communities continue to come together to support one another. Since 2021, Open Doors has provided food to approximately 500 families. “Although the number of beneficiaries remains small compared to the total number of Christians affected in the country, it represents progress,” explains Josué Váldez*, a member of the Open Doors team in Cuba.

Open Doors has also, since last year, funded and supported the creation of at least seven productive projects initiated by churches to assist their communities. These initiatives, which include cocoa farming and pig sales, have directly helped more than 30 beneficiaries.

How you can pray

The pastors ask for prayers that God will continue to provide support for local churches so they can be salt and light to their communities. They also pray for a change in the country’s policies to bring relief to the Cuban people.
“We ask for prayers that this system will change, that the Lord will touch hearts, and that people will be able to live with dignity,” concludes Antonio, emphasizing that faith and solidarity will be essential for overcoming this crisis.

*names changed for security reasons

December 17, 2024December 17, 2024

Q&A with Syrian Christian

‘Everything changed’: Q&A with a Syrian Christian in Damascus.

As the world continues to grapple with what the new leadership in Syria means for people inside the country, it’s easy to miss what’s happening to minority groups such as Christians. Much of the coverage of the rapid ousting of the Assad regime has focused on the joy at the overthrow of a tyrant—and the uncertainty that lies under the authority of Syria’s new rulers.

To find out what is taking place on the ground, an expert on Syria’s context who lives in a neighboring country—and who is affiliated with Open Doors—was recently able to speak with Hoda (pseudonym), a Christian in Damascus. Hoda, who has remained in Damascus since the beginning of the crisis, describes those early days with disbelief and confusion. “Even now, the conflicting information blurs our minds,” she says.

The following is an edited translation of their conversation, with some additions to help clarify and contextualize Hoda’s comments:

Q: Can you take us back to when the events began? How did you process what was happening?
“At the beginning, I couldn’t fully grasp what was happening. It felt surreal—a kind of denial. I was hearing about the church arranging buses to help Christians leave Aleppo, but at the same time, [there was conflicting] news. Some reports said rebels had taken Hama, while government TV assured us everything was under control. It was chaos. I had to call friends in other cities just to make sense of it all, but even then, the confusion remained.”

Q: Was this escalation expected?
“Not at all. Over the past four years, despite the economic crisis, we had a sense of relative peace. But this? It was sudden—just two days, and everything changed after more than a decade of fighting.”

Q: How do you feel about the current situation now?
“I feel terror and insecurity. I fear the unknown. Three days have passed, but to me, it still feels like the first day.”

While Hoda has heard reassurances that Christians would not be harmed, her heart worries otherwise. Her fear is leading her to consider supporting previously unimaginable options, like a division of the country, if only to “cut losses.”

She also points out the underlying political tensions: “For the rebels, their heart is not to protect Christians. This is all very political and could be a facade, and I don’t feel at peace with this.”

Q: How has your faith sustained you during these challenges, and what role has the Church played?
“I’ll admit, I was glued to following the news more than anything else at first. But we had Christian friends who reached out to pray and read psalms with us. That gave us some comfort.”

Hoda also mentions that the Syrian church was ready to receive displaced Christians, but she feels its role in providing broader support has been cautious.

Q: What are the greatest needs for the Christian community right now?
“We need security. We need reassurance. We need to know that we can still worship the Lord freely—go to church, attend Sunday school with no possible threat.”

Hoda also emphasizes the scarcity of basic resources like water and the high cost of living, which came on top of already dire situation. “The essentials are slipping further out of reach,” she says.

Q: How do you explain the fear Christians feel today?
“Personally, I’ve never felt threatened in my own Christian region. But I know this isn’t true for other parts of Syria, especially in Muslim-majority areas where Christians don’t enjoy the same safety. Some even fear walking in public.”

Hoda speaks cautiously but acknowledges the – arguably premature – cultural shift she’s observing. “Even greetings on the street feel different now. It’s as if the true face of this change is hiding behind a mask. During the years of war, it was there—but now it’s being concealed.”

It’s also been reported that in certain parts of Syria, some Christians are scared in their houses and refuse to go out, while non-Christians are out in the streets, living a normal life.

Q: In the midst of all this, what gives you hope?
“Hope feels weak … I pray that this talk of openness and tolerance is real. But if I’m honest, I wish I could leave Syria. I don’t want to live in a country on the [brink of disaster].”

For Hoda, hope is hard to hold onto. She describes Syria as a “political battleground,” with no reassurance from my stakeholder about the future. However, she continues to pray and lean on her faith, even as she dreams of finding peace elsewhere.

Q: What message would you like to share with the global Christian community? How can they stand in solidarity with you?
“We need your prayers and support. We need to feel that we’re not forgotten.”

Hoda stresses the importance of security, the ability to worship freely, and the provision of basic needs like water and affordable living. “We also need clarity—what will the position of the rebels be toward Christian organizations, churches and other entities like Christian schools? It’s still so uncertain.”

Please continue to pray with your brothers and sisters in Syria. Ask God to bring peace and that the new leadership of Syria would hold to their promises to protect all people, regardless of faith.

December 11, 2024December 11, 2024

So Who Runs Syria Now? And What Does It Mean for Christians?

A look at the history of the group that have taken Damascus, what it means for Christians in Syria, and how we can pray.

The world was stunned this past weekend as Syria changed, seemingly overnight.

Rebels took over the capital, Damascus, and the strongman leader of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, fled for Russia. He’d led the country for more than 20 years, taking over for his father, who’d led for nearly 30 years. Now, for the first time in almost 50 years, Syria won’t be ruled by an Assad.

On November 29, Syrian fighters of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an opposition group supported by Türkiye, reached the center of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. A day later, HTS forces headed towards the city of Hama, and by December 5, they took control of Hama. Eventually, they also captured Homs and made their way to Damascus. By December 7, Assad had fled and the rebel groups had declared victory, raising the new Syrian flag over Damascus.

The rebel takeover was swift—though the ground had been laid through nearly a decade of civil war.

But who are these rebel groups? And what does the new political reality mean for Christians in Syria?

Who are the new leaders of Syria?

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (roughly translated, the group’s name means “Organization for the Liberation of the Levant”) started in 2011 under another name: Jabhat al-Nusra, which was allied to Al Qaeda. The BBC says the group was “one of the most effective and deadly of the groups ranged against President Assad” during the beginning of the Syrian Civil War.

In 2016, the group cut ties with al Qaeda, and eventually renamed itself in 2017 when it merged with other rebel groups. After opposition groups were driven out of Aleppo in 2016, HTS mainly controlled the area west of Aleppo around the city of Idlib. They are supported by Türkiye. They are still regarded a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

HTS has an Islamic agenda; they have long wanted to oust Assad and Hezbollah—the Islamist Lebanese group supported by Iran—and install Islamic rule in Syria. Under HTS-control in Idlib, Christian clergy was and is not allowed to walk outside in any clothing that makes them recognizable as priests or pastors. Crosses were removed from church buildings.

But, there are no current reports of HTS-fighters threatening Christians or other groups. And public declarations from the group suggest they are trying to rebrand themselves as tolerant of minorities and human rights. The leader of HTS, Ahmed al-Sharaa (who previously went under an assumed name, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani), even told CNN that HTS has “gone out of its way to publicly tell Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities that they will live safely under its rule.”

“No one has the right to erase another group,” al-Sharaa told CNN. “These sects have coexisted in this region for hundreds of years, and no one has the right to eliminate them.”

The latest publicly available set of rules from HTS’s leadership in Damascus also suggests there is some hope for a more moderate Islamist rule. These rules include a ban on revenge between Syrians, a guarantee of freedom for media outlets and a ban on restrictions for women’s clothing, which includes Islamic dress.

“The leadership transition in Syria under HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has provoked mixed responses,” explains Henriette Kats, an Open Doors research analyst on the Middle East. “While he promises safety and peaceful coexistence for all minorities, including Christians, doubts persist due to HTS’s jihadist origins and track record of human rights abuses.”

And so: uncertainty remains.

What does this mean for Christians?

Christians, like other Syrians, feel unsecure as they don’t know what to expect. In general, they are afraid that the change of control might have a negative impact on the freedom they had as Christians. But the main feeling for believers in Syria is uncertainty—there’s simply no way to know what the future holds. Assad was widely seen as a tyrant, which explains the jubilation many Syrians have expressed to international media since his downfall.

But the replacement of a tyrant can be tricky and lead to a power vacuum. This is what happened in Iraq in 2007, when Saddam Hussein was deposed and a power vacuum led to the rise of ISIS.

This is what Christians pray will not happen. There is room for cautious optimism, particularly since HTS is saying many of the right things. But right now, the future is simply unknown.

“For Christians and other minorities, the future remains precarious, as past hardships in Idlib and concerns that these assurances may be a tactic to gain initial public support raise questions about long-term stability,” explains Kats.

How can we pray?

Syrian Christians have asked us to pray alongside them.

Pray for the people in Syria; and especially for our brothers and sisters – that they will find refuge in God and will trust Him in this situation.

Pray that there will be no restrictions on Christians and other minorities in how they practice their faith.

Pray that there won’t be bloodshed in Syria.

Pray that the Lord will give wisdom to each church leader and each individual Christian about what to do and how to respond wisely to the new situation.

Pray the promises of the new leaders of Syria will be true, and that this change in government will ultimately lead to greater stability and reconciliation for all Syrians.

December 11, 2024December 11, 2024

Young, faithful, and persecuted: Moryam’s Story

Young, persecuted and hopeful: Moryom in Bangladesh

There is a song Moryom loves to sing in Sunday School. The lyrics mean a great deal to her:

Stay beside me, dear Jesus.
I cannot live without You.

This simple song includes truth for every Christian, of course. But for Moryom, a 9-year-old girl in Bangladesh, it’s a reminder of the hope that lies beyond the pain of her Christian walk. She’s been beaten, mocked, rejected and harassed—all because she and her family walk with Jesus. “Villagers don’t like us because we are Christians,” she explains.

It’s a heartbreaking reality for someone so young.

And yet, Moryom isn’t someone who seems downcast. It’s clear that God is at work in her and in her family.

Her story is hard, but the fingerprints of the Holy Spirit are all over it.

Abuse and harassment

Moryom lives with her parents and older brother in a small village in northwestern Bangladesh. “We have a lot of trees, rivers, animals, and birds in our village. I really like my village,” Moryom says.

Her family has a small plot of land surrounded by a rice paddy on one side and a stream on the other. If not for the canopy of mango and jackfruit trees, their house and the adjacent church building—both built out of thin metal sheets—would almost be unlivable in the scorching heat. For as long as she can remember, this has been her home.

Her parents are both active in their faith. Her mother teaches Sunday school and leads an adult literacy class. Her father is the pastor of the church on their property, serving as an evangelist in their Muslim-majority village and region. Both are converts from Islam, which often means brutal persecution in this part of Bangladesh.

Despite being a young girl, Moryom is harassed and persecuted for her faith.

Moryom has already seen this reality. From a young age, she has experienced so much rejection and harassment because of her parents’ decision to serve God. Still, she refuses to let the hostility discourage her from following Jesus and sharing about Him with others.

She wants to become a teacher like her mother, so Moryom loves to study. “I want to be a teacher, and my parents also [would] like me to be a teacher,” Moryom says. “When I become a teacher, I will tell all the children about Jesus. This is my dream.”

Despite this desire and her love for learning, school is not a safe place for Moryom. Each morning as she leaves for school, she never knows if she’ll be insulted or mistreated and whether the adversity will come from other children or adults.

“I walk 2 kilometers to school because no one wants to take me in their rickshaw,” she explains. “If I want to ride in a rickshaw, people won’t let me; they mock me, saying ‘Christian,’ and tell [other people] they shouldn’t take me. I feel really sad when they kick me out of rickshaws, so, I pray to Jesus and continue walking alone.”

Some days, Moryom tries to find a friend to walk with her, but no one in her village wants to be seen with a Christian. “On the way to school, I sometimes go to friends’ houses so I can go [to school] with them,” Moryom says. “They say, ‘You are a Christian. If you come back to Islam, then we will go with you.’”

Loneliness—and forgiveness

At school, Moryom often spends her day alone. “Most of the people in my school don’t treat me well,” she says.

“Sometimes they beat me with sticks and call me ‘Christian’ as an insult. Even if I want to, I can’t sit with my classmates. They won’t let me sit with them. They don’t allow me to play with them. They say, ‘You’re a Christian! We will play with you only if you come back to Islam. Then we will sit with you and treat you well.’”

Her teachers are the only people who can help her, but they too turn a blind eye when children bully her. “One day, I was playing with one of my Muslim friends on the rooftop of my school,” Moryom remembers. “Suddenly, she pushed me off the roof [of this one-story building].

“I don't respond to them, but I pray for them, and I tell everything to Jesus...also, I pray for them a lot. Regardless of everything, I forgive them.”

Moryom

I had scratches all over my body, and I was hurt! When I complained to my teachers, they didn’t take any action. Only one teacher listened to me. I didn’t want to go to school anymore because my teachers weren’t listening to my problems. I got very angry but still asked Jesus to forgive them.”

You might expect Moryom to hate her classmates and teachers. But God is working through her young faith, and His power is at work within her. “I don’t respond to them, but I pray for them, and I tell everything to Jesus,” she says. “Also, I pray for them a lot. Regardless of everything, I forgive them.”

Even as Moryom has been so oppressed, what she has learned about Jesus through her Sunday school keeps her grounded in her faith. She is not immune to the hurt, but she understands, in her own way, that this is the cost of being a follower of Jesus. Because of her faith, Moryom chooses to forgive others.

“Because we are Christian—we accepted Jesus into our lives, that’s why they treat us like this,” Moryom says. “Because Jesus died on the cross for my sins, I forgive my friends for their wrongdoings. Those who mistreat me, insult me, hate me, or don’t love me, I forgive them all. I feel really sad. Sometimes I cry, but because I’m a Christian, I forgive them.”

‘It’s a lot of fun to celebrate Jesus’ birth’

Persecution has become part of Moryom’s life, but she is also proud of her parents’ ministry. “My mother is a Sunday school teacher, and my father is an evangelist,” she says. “I really like that!”

At Christmas, Moryom looks forward to celebrating Jesus’ birth with other Christians.

The one safe place Moryom and her family have is their church. Here, Moryom isn’t alone, she isn’t harassed, and she can worship Jesus openly. Sunday school is where she, like many other children of believers, feels accepted and cared for.

“My mother conducts Sunday school for 13 to 14 kids,” Moryom says. “I really like Sunday school. There, we sing songs, dance and pray together. We also read from the Children’s Bible.”

The Children’s Bible that Moryom and her friends read and learn from is provided by Open Doors partners. Moryom loves reading Scripture! The colorful pictures and easy-to-read language make it all the more interesting to learn about God. She has even memorized entire passages from Psalms and many more Bible verses.

Open Doors partners also support an annual Christmas gathering for Bangladeshi Christians and their children. Moryom can only look from a distance while most of the children in her community celebrate Eid and other Muslim festivals, so Christmas is her favourite time of the year. Because that is when she gets to celebrate a Christian festival. It’s when Christians who live quite far from each other come together for fellowship.

“On Christmas day, all our church members gather for the church service,” Moryom says. “We have lots of fun. We sing, dance, pray and read scriptures. We also wear new dresses. There are lots of people on Christmas day. I like it when we all come together. We celebrate Christmas because that’s Jesus’ birthday. It’s a lot of fun to celebrate Jesus’ birth by cutting a cake and eating it.”

This kind of community is deeply meaningful for Moryom and other kids like her. It’s a respite from the daily pressure she faces. And it’s a time she can feel the love of Jesus and other Christians. Plus, Sunday school is also where she can sing her favourite song—and be reminded of the hope of Jesus, no matter what:

Stay beside me, dear Jesus.
I cannot live without You. Hallelujah!
With Your life, You saved us.
You bought me with the cost of Your blood.
With Your life, You saved us.
You bought me with the cost of Your blood.
Stay beside me, dear Jesus.
I cannot live without You.
You took all our sins on Your shoulders.
You sacrificed Your life on the cross for our redemption.
You took all our sins on Your shoulders.
You sacrificed your life on the cross for our redemption.
Stay beside me, dear Jesus.
I cannot live without you.
Hallelujah!

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024

Urgent: 10 Ways to Pray for Syria

Image: Syrian people living in Istanbul gather in Sarachane Park, Fatih district to celebrate with Syrian opposition’s ‘revolution flag’ in their hands as sixty-one years of Baath Party rule in Syria collapses on Sunday when the capital Damascus fell out of the hands of regime control.

December 9, 2024: After this weekend’s stunning developments, here are ten ways you can pray for Syria.

In the past 48 hours, Syria has faced an unprecedented escalation in its ongoing crisis. This morning, reports emerged that President Bashar al-Assad—who has ruled Syria for more than 20 years—has fled the country amidst escalating violence and political turmoil. Russian state media now reports that Assad is in Moscow.

The fall of the Assad regime has sent shockwaves across the region, intensifying fears of a complete power vacuum and a potential surge in factional violence. Some Syrians are overjoyed at Assad’s downfall. Others are more cautious.

Key infrastructure, including power stations and communication networks, has been targeted in coordinated attacks, further plunging parts of the country into chaos. Civilians are being displaced at an alarming rate, while minority communities, including Christians, are bracing for an uncertain future.

The situation is volatile. But Christian leaders remain committed to serving their communities, even as they face unprecedented challenges and uncertainty as they navigate the new reality.

“Like all Syrians, the Christian community is stunned by this rapid change in Syria’s political reality,” says Chris Summers, global head of content at Open Doors. “In this kind of situation, uncertainty is always present—no one knows how the new leadership in Syria will treat minorities, including Christians. Believers there have endured so much, and many likely remember the worst treatment under some groups at the height of the civil war.”

Open Doors calls on the global community to uphold the people of Syria—especially the Christian minority—in prayer, and to advocate for peace and stability in the region. “Syrian Christians are asking us to pray for peace, for wisdom, and for the new leadership of the country to be committed to reconciliation for all Syrians,” Summers says.

"In this kind of situation, uncertainty is always present—no one knows how the new leadership in Syria will treat minorities, including Christians."

Chris Summers
Global Head of Content, Open Doors

“Christians are also asking us to pray that they will be lights of hope and peace in the midst of a chaotic time in Syria’s history.”

Here are 10 ways you can pray:

Pray for unity among leaders, that they keep the Syrian people’s interest as a first priority.

Urgently pray for peace in Syria, that the cycle of violence would cease, that there would be no spirit of vengeance against anyone, and that God’s justice and mercy would prevail in this land that has been troubled for more than a decade.

Pray for the leaders of all factions to be moved towards reconciliation and for the protection of innocent civilians.

Lift up Christian communities in prayer, asking for strength and courage.

Pray for the church to remain a beacon of hope and love, even as it faces immense challenges.

Pray for church leaders, that they (re)commit to their calling to serve the church and their society at large.

Ask God to grant wisdom to church leaders as they guide their communities.

Pray for safety and resilience for families forced to make impossible choices about whether to stay or to leave.

Pray for the other minorities (Alawites and others), that they will be protected to avoid more bloodshed.

Finally, pray for healing for Syria as a nation, that broken relationships would be restored and that the hope of Christ would shine, bringing comfort to the weary and a future to those who feel forgotten. May the global Church stand in unity, interceding for our brothers and sisters in Syria and for all those longing for peace and justice.

Follow @opendoorscanada on social media for the latest persecuted church news.

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024

Bangladesh: Christian persecuted for hosting fellowship

Silpi (pictured, pseudonym used), is a persecuted Christian woman from Bangladesh. Her house was attacked after she hosted a fellowship group.

Silpi, 30, is a secret Christian convert. Being open about her faith is difficult in the region of Bangladesh where they live, but over the years she has been able to have many quiet conversations about faith, and has seen a number of locals join her in following Jesus.

In September, Silpi hosted a fellowship in her home. Around thirty people gathered to learn the Word of God from two pastors. As the gathering was wrapping up, a group of Muslims arrived at the house.

“They just came in and started destroying everything,” said Silpi. The mob attacked her and beat her in several places, while others vandalized her home. Everyone gathered for the meeting ran for their lives. Some tried to intervene to help Silpi, but were shoved to the side.

After much struggle, Silpi managed to escape her perpetrators, fleeing with nothing but the clothes on her back, leaving her home and her two children behind.

Silpi – tired, in pain, and afraid of what might happen to her children – hid in her relative’s house. But they too were afraid to keep her there for long. “They’re going to come here. They’re going to find you and if you stay here, our home would be gone too,” said her relative.

So she had no choice but to leave. Currently, she remains homeless and has no idea where her children are.

Open Doors local partners were able to support Silpi with some emergency items when the incident happened but since then, they have not been able to reach her. “She might’ve moved to another place. We have tried several times to reach her but failed every time,” said a local partner. “We are ready to support when we find her, but there’s nothing we can do right now.”

This is the unfortunate reality for persecuted believers. Especially believers who are so heavily persecuted for their faith. “We will still uphold them in prayer and hope for the day we get to help them again,” said another local partner.

The trauma that Silpi endured is life-changing – will you pray for her today?

Pray

Pray for her and her children. Pray for God to protect them wherever they are now. She needs much healing – physical, spiritual, and emotional. Pray for God to comfort her and release all her pain and anxiety.
Pray for the villagers and the perpetrators who stirred up trouble for this family. Pray that God will reach them and let them understand the rights of other religious people and respect their faith.
Pray that Silpi will find a home, and that her relatives – even those who disagree with her faith – will support and love her in her time of need.

November 22, 2024November 22, 2024

Two Families Forced Into Hiding Because of Their Faith

Women are particularly vulnerable to persecution, and for those who are converted believers—especially Muslim Background Believers (MBBs)—the risk of persecution is even greater.

In Bangladesh, it’s mostly men who earn an income while women manage the household. With the women at home, they become the most vulnerable targets of persecution from their neighbors and community. Though they experience physical and verbal abuse, they find peace in Christ and stand firm in their faith.

These are the stories of Kulsum and Hamila (not their real names), two women from Northeast part of Bangladesh, who are beneficiaries of a Women’s Discipleship Project. They are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ and their families are hiding for their safety and protection.

Kulsum’s Story:

Kulsum (42) lives in the northeast part of Bangladesh with her family. She is also a student of the Women’s Discipleship Project being conducted by OD local partner. Life has been quite normal for Kulsum, her husband, and their two teenage daughters. But in the midst of political unrest this past summer, their family have received death threats. The family has noticed that they’re being closely monitored by the local Muslims.

The family has been under immense pressure from local Islamic and political leaders, who are coercing them to renounce their faith. Kulsum’s daughters have been harassed on their way to school, and the local leaders have insisted that they shouldn’t be allowed to attend school until they abandon their faith. The pressure from the Muslim community became so intense that Kulsum’s husband had to go into hiding due to the death threats he received. Her husband was the sole breadwinner and now they are struggling to secure food for the family. They do not feel safe.

We are struggling a lot. I have no place to share about our problems. I don’t know how we will survive since my husband cannot work to provide for our family. People threaten us and insult my daughters when they go to school. A family cannot survive this way.

Kulsum

Kulsum also bravely shared, “They are threatening us that if we don’t renounce our faith, they will kill us. But I said them, ‘If needed, you can kill me, but I will not renounce my faith in Christ!’

Hamila’s Story:

Hamila (38) is from the neighboring village of Kulsum. She is also a beneficiary of the Women’s Discipleship Project. Hamila, her husband, and their 16-year-old son are also being pressured by local Islamic and political leaders to renounce their faith or leave the village.

To ensure her son’s safety, Hamila sent him to a safer place in the city where it would be harder to be followed. Meanwhile, Hamila and her husband fled to a relative’s house in a neighboring village for their own safety. Now, they are completely dependent on their relatives for food, shelter, and other necessities. They do not want to be a burden to anyone, but they have no other choice.

For Hamila, life has come to a halt. She cannot go home. It has been months since they went into hiding and still there is no certainty as to when – or if – they can resume their normal life. Frustration is growing, and they are beginning to lose hope of ever returning to normalcy.

I did not expect to have to hide due to my faith. I never imagined that this kind of situation will ever come in my life. Before this, I had a home and all the necessities, but now I have nothing.

Hamila

Despite her difficulties and challenges, Hamila is still strong in her faith in the Lord and is committed to follow Him. “I will not renounce my faith. I know, if I renounce my faith, then Muslim people will welcome me back and I can return to my home. But I do not want the sympathy of those who perpetrate this violence. I am praying for God to make a way for my family!” she said.

These two incidents reflect the struggles of many women and their families in Bangladesh, and the ripple effects that this persecution has on their children and loved ones.

Open Doors has supported them to meet their temporary needs, but they also require a sustainable and permanent solution so that they can practice their faith freely. Pray for God’s wisdom on how to navigate this challenging situation.

Prayer points:

Pray for Kulsum and Hamila’s protection, asking God to keep them safe from the threats and pressure they face from local leaders, and to also watch over their children during these difficult times.
Pray for Kulsum’s husband and Hamila’s son, who are still in hiding. Ask God to give them protection and peace so that they can return home without fear.
Pray for peace and courage in the hearts of Kulsum, Hamila, and their families. Pray that they will stay strong in their faith despite the challenges and feel God’s presence guiding them through these tough times.

November 13, 2024November 15, 2024

A Glimpse Into Our Secret Work with North Koreans in China

For sister Han (not her real name), the desire to see North Koreans meet Jesus has forever changed her life. As an Open Doors field worker, she is involved in training North Koreans hiding in China, working especially close with trafficked North Korean women.

In a rare interview, she shared her story with us and gave us a glimpse into this secret and critical work she and others do to help North Koreans meet Jesus and let Him transform their lives.

Can you tell our donors who you are and what you do?

“You can call me ‘sister Han.’ I am a field worker helping North Korean women in China. Most of them have been forcibly married to Chinese husbands. I organize secret meetings for them and give financial support on behalf [of Open Doors supporters]. The women are very grateful. I wish I could tell them about the support of so many donors, but they cannot know about foreign support. It’s too dangerous.”

How did you become involved in North Korean ministry?

“I used to work in marketing and wasn’t interested in North Korea at all. That changed after I became a believer in 2006. Suddenly, it hit me. I had been living for more than 30 years and had never done anything for people in the North, even though we come from the same bloodline. I repented that I had never cared about them.”

My blood family needs to know Jesus.

SISTER HAN

How did you hear about what was happening in North Korea?

“It was weird, actually. I went to church one day, and the preacher just mentioned North Korea. He didn’t explain anything about the country, but it was like my ears just popped open. Suddenly, I realized the North Korean people needed our help.

“Not long after, I was hired by an NGO. Some of the missionaries dealt with North Koreans. I went to China to study. For years, I kept on praying for the Lord’s will for my life. Then, one day, I met Brother Simon (Open Doors’ coordinator for our work with North Koreans). He shared about the work Open Doors did for North Koreans, gave me more background information, and invited me to become part of the ministry.

“In those days, I did a lot of research about North Korea. What struck me was that while I had been living for my career, the North Koreans didn’t even know about God. My own blood family … doesn’t know about Jesus! I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to helping them and moved to an area close to the Chinese-Korean border.”

It’s a lonely path. Because the work is so secretive, you can never share with others what you do.

SISTER HAN

When you meet with North Korean women, what do you do?

“We meet once every few weeks for a couple of hours in a secret location. We worship together, share what’s going on in our lives, and then I give a sermon or other teaching. The ladies don’t always ask a lot of questions. Not all the women who come to the meetings are believers already. Most like singing though, even when they are Christian songs.”

Is it difficult to build trust with these women?

“Absolutely! North Korea has indoctrinated them about the Bible and about Christianity. They are very hesitant at first. Besides, many of these women have gone through traumatic events. Some are being abused by their husbands and/or relatives.”

Can you share a brief story about one of these women you support and train?

“One young lady’s mother was very sick. She had cancer in North Korea, but the family didn’t have money to pay for medical treatment. The daughter wanted to go to China to earn some money and approached a female broker. The broker promised to take her to China and said it wasn’t hard to get a good job. However, the broker deceived her and sold her off to a Chinese husband for 50,000 RMB (about $7,000). She hasn’t been able to return to North Korea.”

That’s very tough. Is she a believer?

“No, though most of the women who attend our meetings are now believers. But this lady is not yet.

She faithfully attends the meetings, so we are hopeful she will allow God into her heart.”

We are always nervous that someone will report us to the police. Nowadays, any sort of gathering is suspicious in China. The government doesn’t like it when groups meet, certainly not Christians, especially not North Korean Christians.

SISTER HAN

How should we pray for North Koreans in China and for your ministry?

“Above all, pray for protection. There are many spies. It’s always possible that one of the group members is a secret agent. Besides that, the Chinese government has been rounding up more refugees. Recently, a few hundred North Koreans—most of them women—were sent back and imprisoned in North Korea.

“Also pray for the hearts of the ladies, that they will receive Jesus who knocks on the door of their hearts. Finally, pray for more workers who are willing to take risks to support North Korean Christians.”

Because of your prayers and support, Open Doors is able to support several hundred North Korean trafficked women through female co-workers like sister Han. The women receive financial support, clothes, medicines, and necessary female products, as well as pastoral care and biblical training.

November 12, 2024November 15, 2024

20 Prayers for Persecuted Children

Meet Moryom*: Every day, this 9-year-old must face the people in her Bangladesh community who are against her because she followers of Jesus. She must walk two miles to and from school because her Muslim classmates won’t let her ride with them. No matter how many hurtful things people say and do, Moryom takes all of it to God in prayer.

Meet Combary*: When her village in Burkina Faso was attacked by Islamic militants, 13-year-old Combary and her family fled their home. Living as displaced people, school was no longer an option for the young girl. Unfortunately, education often moves to the back burner for displaced families. Instead, shelter and food become the priority.

Meet Ailin*: She is the only hearing person in her family as both her parents are deaf. This puts her at an immediate disadvantage because where she lives in Central Asia, many people see deafness as a curse from Allah. Being a Christian also goes against clan identity, which says that being born in their part of Central Asia means someone is Muslim. As such, Ailin’s wider family opposed their faith, so they reported them to the police. Ailin and her mother were interrogated after Christian literature in their house.

Moryom, Combary, and Ailin represent millions of Christian children and families throughout the world who are targeted—in their schools and communities—because they follow Jesus. Children are often the most vulnerable persecuted Christians—and they are also the future of the Church.

As God’s people, we have a responsibility to pray for these littlest voices of persecution and their families, especially as they approach the holidays—a time when children are particularly vulnerable and can feel isolated from their communities. They may not be able to celebrate the birth of Christ at all, or they are forced to do so secretly. For some young believers, Christmas may be the one time of year when they can celebrate with Christian kids their own age—but always with the knowledge that they will return to a life of isolation.

They need to know they are not alone.

For unto us a child is born ... And He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace …

Isaiah 9:6

Often, school is a difficult place for children in Christian families, exposing them to bullying, isolation and even shame. Pray that God would place people in their lives at school whom they can trust.
Pray for God’s protection over them as they walk to school and church. We continue to hear how children are often bullied and even attacked on their way to attend class and church.
Our local partners tell us that when children are discriminated against at school, they can be at greater risk of dropping out or renouncing their faith in Jesus. Pray 2 Timothy 1:7 over Christian children who are persecuted for their faith: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
In Muslim-majority countries, some Muslim parents have taught their children to hate Christians from a young age. Pray that children who grew up hating Christians would experience the love of Jesus.
Christian children can be used as pawns to target their families. In Bangladesh, a Muslim neighbor poured hot water on a boy because his parents left Islam. Pray for healing and comfort for this family—and all families who face these types of risks.
Our partners ask us to pray with Julie, a young Christian girl living in a poor and unsafe neighborhood in Cairo, Egypt. Being bullied at school often leads to depression.
Pray with Rumana* for protection. She is a young Christian girl in Bangladesh, and because she follows Jesus, people have thrown bricks at her on the way to Sunday school. Pray for her resilience as she follows Jesus in a hostile place.
Persecutors, especially extremist groups, know that if they can damage families and their children, they can destroy the next generation. Today, pray for the future of the Church.
Through counseling and a supportive community, Julie is learning to navigate her challenges. Pray that she and Christian children throughout the world will always know their value in God’s eyes.
Pray for the growth (both deep and wide) of Open Doors’ work with children. Pray for the children and their families, and the workers who serve them. Pray that the worldwide Church would be moved to support this vital ministry.
Open Doors’ on-the-ground partners work closely with children of the persecuted church. They provide trauma counseling and camps where children can find healing. Pray that God would give them the words and show them how to reach hurting children.
Pray for resilience as children follow Jesus in places hostile to their faith. Ask God to show them how He is working in their lives and is always with them. Pray they would have opportunities to be disciples and learn the power of His Word.
Pray for Christian children in sub-Saharan Africa and throughout the world who are growing up without a father or mother due to extremist attacks. Pray they will be supported by faithful men and women in their local church.
As Christmas nears and the absence of loved ones is magnified, ask God to give families the courage to remember and share about their missing loved ones. Pray that they would know and be comforted by the hope of Heaven.
Often, Christian boys must take up financial and parental responsibilities at a young age if their father has been killed or chased away. Pray they will know and trust their heavenly Father.
Pray for children like Nigeria who are living displaced from their homes because it’s no longer safe for them to stay in their village. Pray that God would keep His hand on them and empower them to face the temptations they encounter. Pray for opportunities for education and for a local church inside or outside the camp.
Pray for the children and families in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon and all those who live in global conflict areas. Ask God to calm them with His comfort and give frightened parents discernment for the next steps to protect their families.
Pray for the future dreams and aspirations of Christian children. Moryom dreams of being a teacher. Pray they can study well at school and ask God to give them the opportunity and resources to fulfill their dreams.
Pray that Christmas would be a time of celebration for persecuted children and their families. Ask God to bring peace and reconciliation to their communities.
Pray that they would put their hope and trust in God, knowing that He is making all things new.

Father, we know that You are good God who loves and cares for His people. We thank You for how You work in seen and unseen ways.

I pray, God, that You would be so close to Your children who follow You at such great risk. Give them Your comfort, Your strength and Your peace that transcends our human understanding.

May they be acutely aware that Your are making all things new and that You are with them every day as they face hostility for their faithfulness. In Your Son’s name, I pray. Amen.

November 8, 2024November 8, 2024

Sentenced to Death for Sharing Her Faith

Forty-year-old Shagufta Kiran was accused of sharing blasphemous content on a WhatsApp group in September 2020 by a Muslim man who was also part of the group. In September this year, the court in Islamabad handed down a death penalty. The family plans to appeal the sentence to secure her release.

In September 2020, a Muslim man named Shiraz Ahmad Farooqi accused Shagufta Kiran of sharing blasphemous content in a WhatsApp group. On 21 July, 202, a case was registered against her at the Cyber Crime Reporting Centre in Islamabad for offenses under Section 11 of PECA (of Electronic crimes Act), 2016, along with sections 295-A and 295-C, under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

The following week, on 29 July, she, along with two of her four children (then aged 10 & 12) and her husband, were arrested. After a brief period of detention, her husband and children were released but Kiran remained in custody facing trial. She was found guilty and sentenced by judge Afzal Majoka on 18 September, 2024.

The court convicted Kiran under section 295-C of the blasphemy law which carries the death penalty with a fine of Rs.300000 ($1081). Also, under Section 11 of PECA, which carries a sentence of 7 years in prison along with a fine of Rs.100,000 ($360).

According to her lawyer, the family plans to appeal against the verdict in the High Court. She is in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where she is in solitary confinement. There is a fear that she also potentially faces serious threats to her life as there have been incidents in the past where victims charged under blasphemy laws were subjected to extra judicial killings.

According to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, advocacy groups say that more than 2100 people have been accused of blasphemy in Pakistan since 1987.

Prayer points:

Pray for Shagufta Kiran, who is in jail after being recently been sentenced to death for blasphemy.
Pray for her safety in jail. Lord we ask that she can stay firm in her faith in Jesus, that her faith brings her comfort and strength.
Pray that lawyers can successfully challenge the sentence and secure her release.
Pray for her husband and children who are in hiding: for their safety and also comfort as they have been separated from her for so long.

October 25, 2024October 25, 2024

26 Christians Detained in Sudan Now Released

As the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces in Sudan rages on, the situation has become increasingly precarious for Christians.

On October 11 (2024), the SAF arrested 26 Christians as they fled the area of Al-Ezba/Bahri in Khartoum state, to seek refuge in the Shendi area of the River Nile state. Since the arrest, all the believers have been released.

The Christians – all belonging to the Sudanese Church of Christ (SCoC) – were arrested and interrogated by the National Intelligence Division and accused of collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces.

While all citizens are being caught in the violence, Open Doors teams working within Sudan have said Christians suffer worst of all.

The hostility facing Christians is particularly acute outside Sudan’s capital city of Khartoum. But the epicenter of the conflict is the capital, where most Christians live. Many have been forced to flee, while those who remain are put at further risk

Fikiru, Open Doors research expert Tweet

“This arrest is evidence and a reminder of the painful situation of Sudanese Christians,” says Jo Newhouse, spokesperson for the work of OD in SSA.

“Fighting over the past year has only exacerbated the suffering of the most vulnerable. We call on Sudan’s partners and the international community to do all in its power to convince the warring factions to find negotiated solutions to the conflict.”

Please join us in praying for Sudan.

October 22, 2024November 8, 2024

Faithful Until the End in Sri Lanka

Jayanthi* lives alone in a rural village in Eastern Sri Lanka. She’s 70 years old and has three grown children. But because she’s a Christian, they no longer take care of her. Open Doors partners heard about Jayanthi’s situation from a pastor in her area.

“She is old,” the pastor said. “She comes to church once a month, but her love for the Lord is great.”

Our Open Doors partners decided to visit Jayanthi to encourage her and ask how the ministry could support her and strengthen her faith. As they approached the village, they stopped the vehicle by a narrow road where Jayanthi was waiting by a rowboat. “The road to my house is flooded these days,” she told them. The only way to reach her house was by crossing a small lake.

Her little house was located in an area prone to wild elephant attacks. A part of her wall was already damaged. The house only had one room and a kitchen area, unfinished floors, and clay walls.

She explained that her children have completely rejected her. This had begun about seven years ago, when a local Buddhist monk began supporting the villagers by building houses for everyone. She and her children were Christians, but that changed quickly.

The monk told us that only if we renounce our faith and become Buddhist, we will get houses. All my children became Buddhist at once and got houses built for themselves.

Jayanthi

Although Jayanthi needed a house, she refused to give up on the Lord.

“The Lord will provide for me. I don’t need support from them,” Jayanthi said. “They tell me to become Buddhist, and only then they would look after me,” Jayanthi said.

They do not even give her food. “Even to this day, the villagers scold me for holding on to the Lord and rejecting the housing support project,” she said. Throughout all the hardships that Jayanthi has faced for more than seven years, she has looked upon God for His providence and help.

Thanks to your gifts and prayers, Open Doors was able to support Jayanthi in renovating her house. The project took over a month. “Even when my children did not help, I thank the Lord for this great support,” Jayanthi says. Her life has now become an example to everyone, a light to show her children, neighbors and the village that the Lord will provide.

Please pray for Jayanthi.

Pray that the Lord will look after her and provide for her needs.

Pray that she will continue to be the light in her village and among her family members.

Pray that her devotion and courage will open a door for Jayanthi to share the gospel among the villagers.

Pray that her children will return – both to their home and to the Lord.

*name changed for safety