Al-Qaeda Attack on Christians

Two Sundays ago, as faithful Christian believers gathered at church in Baghdad to worship, Al-Qaeda attacked.

They took about 120 worshipers hostage, beat and killed three priests, and detonated explosives moments before Iraqi security forces stormed the church in a rescue attempt. At least 64 people, mostly worshippers ––including a 3-year-old–– were massacred and an estimated 300 wounded.
Help secret believers

I know your heart aches with mine at this horror. And what makes it even more shocking is that, due to the recent election focus, the American media has barely reported this persecution of Christians! 

Unfortunately, it’s not over. Al-Qaeda’s Iraq splinter group, the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) who was responsible for the attack, just issued this statement:

"All Christian centers, organizations and institutions, leaders and followers, are legitimate targets for the mujahedeen wherever they can reach them.”

Click HERE to watch the video.

Prisoner Alert: Youcef Nardarkhani---Location: Iran

Location: Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Arrested: October 2009

Recently, Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani was reportedly sentenced to death for apostasy. VOM contacts confirm that the pastor's trial was held in recent weeks in the 11th Chamber of The Assize Court of the province of Gilan. Pastor Youcef is one of several members of his church who have been imprisoned. In the past, the Iranian government has also imprisoned and released his wife. Pastor Youcef was arrested in October 2009 after protesting a decision by the government requiring that his son study the Quran.

Update on Imran Ghafur Masih

On Jan. 11, 2010, Imran Ghafur Masih was sentenced to life in prison and fined 100,000 rupees ($1,155 U.S.), according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. His family has appealed the decision to the Pakistan High Court and is awaiting a hearing date.
VOM encourages you to send a letter to Imran, letting him know you are praying for him. Also pray for his persecutors. Tell your friends about Christians suffering in Pakistan, and encourage them to pray for Imran and to write to him as well.
Your letters make a difference; they can result in shorter prison sentences for those accused. Please write to Imran and encourage our Pakistani brother.

North Korea: Power Transfer

 Please be in prayer for North Korea and other Christians all around the world! North Korea is especially going through a massive hard time right now, and with war possibly beginning to show its head, this is getting shaky. Please pray!

 

North Korea:

Power Transfer Possible

Sep 16 2010

Christians Facing More Persecution, Especially Defectors to China

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Sept. 16, 2010) – North Korea is quietly preparing for a successor to leader Kim Jong-Il while  the country is in  turmoil with many dying from hunger, according to Open Doors, a Christian organization which secretly supports persecuted believers in 60 of the most dangerous and restrictive countries in the world.
Kim Jong-Il’s third son Kim Jong-Un was expected to be voted in as a member of the Workers Party Central Committee, probably during a secretive conference held earlier this month. If true, it would be a significant step towards a real power transfer in the future. Kim Jong-Il is reportedly in poor health.
North Korea, the No. 1 persecutor of Christians according to this year’s Open Doors World Watch List, is taking harsh measures to strengthen the clique around the Kim family – with terrible consequences. A disastrous currency reform, announced near the end of last year, has led to many suicides.
Dr. Carl Moeller, president/CEO of Open Doors USA, says: “Change is likely coming to North Korea. We need to pray that the change will be a positive one for the Christians there – including the 40,000 to 50,000 believers who are suffering in North Korean prison camps where 200,000 people are held. We need to continue to not only pray, but also advocate for those brave Christians who live under brutal and nightmarish conditions with no basic freedoms.”
Civilians are openly protesting decisions made by the government. These protests sometimes have led to violence between civilians and police. These clashes are a rare occurrence in a country with a tight security system and vast network of spies.
 “Fifteen years ago Kim Jong-Il was still considered a god, but all these years of hunger have left the people disillusioned,” says Simon, Open Doors’ main contact for North Korea. “They have stopped believing the lie. Each time they put their trust in their leader, he has let them down.”
Around the same time of the failed currency reform, it was announced that people would no longer receive food rations from the government. In the first seven months of 2010 food was only distributed occasionally and in just a few cities. On top of that, the country was again hit hard by floods this summer. Open Doors sources report people are dying of starvation in the provinces of Hamkung, Yanggang and Jagang. Many North Koreans compare the past few months with the devastating famines in the 1990’s when over one million people starved to death.
Recently North Korea has dispatched dozens of secret agents to China to track down North Koreans who have fled, including Christians. Simon states: “Their purpose is to root out any defector problems. Defectors are seen as a destabilizing factor. The pressure on refugees is increased because of the party leaders’ meeting earlier this month and before the party anniversary in October. In our work with North Koreans in China we need to be extremely careful. We can only do this work when we completely depend on God’s wisdom, protection and guidance. The risks increase, but so do the ministry opportunities.”

Despite all the rumors about the possible upcoming power transfer, North Korean Christians haven’t focused on the politics. The current generation of Christians knows nothing but persecution. Open Doors has come along side the Christians in North Korea for over 10 years. Open Doors supports believers with Bibles, training, food and other practical help. Open Doors also connects the Church in the West with them through prayer and advocacy campaigns.
The North Korea Freedom Coalition (NKFC) will hold Save North Korean Refugees Day on Friday, Sept. 24, with events in Washington, D.C. focused on raising awareness and action for the North Korean refugees fleeing North Korea. For more information, go to www.nkfreedom.org. Open Doors is a member of the NKFC. 

 

Hope Amid Horror

Raid on Church in VietNam

November 2009 Newsletter Media

Just as we put the finishing touches on our November newsletter about Vietnam, we received this video footage of a small house church being raided by Vietnamese police. This church had been raided before. Local officials told the house church they did not have official permission to meet, so they could not have religious meetings.
Church members reported:
On Sunday, August 23, 2009, we were still gathering together for service meeting since this is necessary spiritual need. At 3 p.m., many district security officers came into my house. At that time, we were having service meeting, they came and stopped and dismissed us. We stopped and explained to them we had made the application of permission already, but they still blustered. Several of them towed Brother --- out to the house and had him sit on their motorbike. They did the same way to ---. They oppressed him ruthlessly and towed him; they did not allow for him to speak a word. And other women were towed away also. They did take away one guitar but they did not make a report to taking away guitar. After arriving at the district police station, they made the report with the accusation:  “They are gathering together illegally.” They used the abuse words and threatened Brother ---: “If you came back this place again; you will be beaten.” … and at 6:30 p.m. they released us.
See video footage of the raid here. Continue to pray that our Vietnamese family will not succumb to the pressure against them. Pray they will continue to meet together and encourage each other, so they can continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Flood In Pakistan: Open Doors USA

www.opendoorsusa.org

Prisoner Alert Update:

On July 13, the family of Uyghur house-church leader, Alimujiang Yimiti, was permitted to visit him for 20 minutes, according to China Aid Association. Yimiti's family was relieved to see him alive, as guards had repeatedly refused to allow them visits in recent weeks. During their meeting, Alimujiang confirmed that he had received his wife's letters. Please continue sending letters of encouragement and let Yimiti know you are praying for him. Let your friends know about Christians suffering in China and encourage them to pray and write to him as well.
Your letters make a difference and can result in shorter prison sentences for those accused. Write and pray today!

In The Trenches

 Somalia

Madobe was born in a Somali village. He was orphaned as a child and was raised as a Christian despite his Islamic family name. He eventually became a pastor of a small underground church in his home village.

One morning Madobe was brutally murdered by members of an Islamic extremist group called al Shabaab. Just two weeks prior, Madobe had narrowly escaped being kidnapped by the same group.

Madobe’s death is unique because he was not a convert from Islam… as are most of the Somalis executed for such reasons.

The al Shabaab militants who killed Madobe prohibited his body from being buried and ordered that it be left to the dogs to be an example to other Christians. They remarked, “Leaving his body outside is a warning to all that infidels are a disgrace to Muslims.”

The al Shabaab militia has recently embarked on a brutal campaign to rid the country of all non-Muslims.

Somali believers need your prayers more than ever since many militant groups have declared war against the church. So please pray that peace would come to this area. And pray that the church in Somalia would be strong in the face of such intense persecution and that the gospel would advance.

 India

For Mary Nayak*, Sunday always involved accompanying her husband to the church he pastored in Kandhamal… a small village in the Indian state of Orissa.

This Sunday was no different… until her husband finished preaching. It was then that a large mob suddenly stormed into their village with one, singular objective: to attack and kill Christians.

Mary, her husband and her children narrowly escaped to the jungle where they remained without any food or shelter. They finally returned to their home after three days—when they felt it was safe.

Beaten severely

Calm had returned to the little village… or so they thought. It was just a few days later that a small mob returned and began hurling stones at Mary and some other women who were praying in the church. Mary ran outside trying to escape, but one of the stones struck her on her back and she immediately fell to the ground. That’s when the mob rushed at her and began to kick and beat her, only stopping because they thought she was dead.

As soon as Mary’s husband heard about the attack, he rushed to the scene but the mob had disappeared. That’s when he saw her lifeless body lying in the middle of the road. He took her in his arms and quickly took her home. But he knew they couldn’t stay there for fear of the mob.

So he packed up the children, his severely injured wife and moved to Jagadalpur, Chhattisgarh state.

Getting help from Open Doors

It was there that Open Doors came in contact with Mary. Immediately, our team took Mary to a good hospital where she could get the proper treatment for her injuries.

Mary’s family currently has no sustainable income, and she and her husband are concerned for their children who are not going to school because they lack the necessary financial resources to send them. The family has rented a room with the help of local Christians, but they don’t know how long they can live there.

In 2009, Christians across India suffered 152 violent attacks just like the attack on Mary. That’s an average of three per week! With your support, Open Doors is able to assist believers like Mary who have experienced these horrific attacks firsthand.

In addition, your support helps us equip suffering believers like Mary to stand firm in their faith by providing Bibles and much-needed training. Yes, you are helping persecuted believers like Mary overcome extremism in places where faith costs most… places like Orissa. Thank you so much for your support!

Please pray for Mary and her family, and that Open Doors would be able to continue to support and encourage them in the midst of their struggle. Thank you!

*not real name to protect identity. 

Prisoner Alert Update:

Imprisoned Uyghur pastor Alimujiang Yimiti, who was finally allowed to visit with his family in recent months, has been denied further visits, according to China Aid Association. Alimujiang's mother, wife and children were allowed to meet with him in April for the first time in two years. In May, they were permitted a second meeting for 20 minutes. However, authorities have since demanded that Alimujiang's wife and mother bring a letter to each meeting, stamped by local police, verifying their relationship to him. Please send a letter of encouragement to let Alimujiang know you are praying for him. Tell your friends about Christian persecution in China, and encourage them today!

Iranian Christian Released

On July 25, Ali Golchin was released from Evin Prison after paying bail of 200 million Rials (about $21,700 U.S.), according to Farsi Christian News Network (FCNN).

Golchin, 29, was arrested at his home in the city of Varamin on April 29. At the time of his arrest and while he was in prison, government agents searched his home and confiscated a Bible and other books, a computer, his identification documents and other personal belongings, according to FCNN.

Golchin was held in the notorious Section 209 of Evin Prison, where it is believed he was tortured by authorities. “Throughout this time he [Golchin] was only able to meet with his family once for 10 minutes,” FCNN reported. “Ali Golchin had said that during his detention he had faced long and harsh interrogation and his family reported that Ali had described his time in prison as ‘unbearable.’”

The courts have not explained why Golchin was held for more than 87 days, and he has not been formally charged with a crime. “This disproportionate bail has been inflicted upon the family in the form of a bond against the title deed of family property of equivalent value; it is keeping not only Ali but the whole family virtually in chains,” FCNN reported.

Prior to Golchin’s release from prison, his father told the Voice of America Persian Service that he believed his son had been arrested because he had Bibles in his home. “The judicial authorities accused us of attempting to convert Muslims by distributing Bibles, which is considered a crime. I told the authorities that these Bibles were not for the purpose of going into the streets and distributing them,” Golchin’s father said. “They were for the people in our church.”

Ali Golchin is among a number of other Christians from the cities of Tehran, Isfahan, and Kermanshah who have been arrested and released without specific charges against them. The Voice of the Martyrs stands with these courageous believers who continue to serve Christ in the face of government harassment. Pray that believers in Iran will remain faithful and that their testimonies will draw non-believers into fellowship with Christ.

Posted: August 3, 2010

Open Doors Safe House Shelters Believers on the Run

When Gulshan* and Saaman* were forced into hiding in Central Asia, they had no safe place to go. Open Doors stepped in, providing a haven at one of our safe houses in a neighboring region.

This summer’s $100,000 challenge grant will bolster support for our 2010 Global Summer Offensive, and will help believers like Gulshan and Saaman who are facing the fiercest persecution for their faith in Christ.

It was nothing unusual for Gulshan and Saaman. As courageous evangelists in their closed country in Central Asia, they loved to tell people of their Savior, Jesus. And so, when a friend invited them to come and speak of Christ with some unbelievers over tea, they accepted without hesitation.

Cruel trap

Little did Gulshan and Saaman realize the meeting was in fact a cruel trap. Their friend had been pressured by the police, intent on incriminating them, to set up the meeting.

Sure enough, as the women sat drinking tea together that afternoon, the police arrived. After they forcibly searched the house, more officers arrived and began filming the ladies. Accusing them of illegally holding a religious meeting, they were arrested.

Tortured

While in custody, Gulshan and Saaman were placed under immense pressure to sign a statement admitting they were involved in “illegal missionary activity.” When they refused, the women were badly beaten and subjected to psychological torture.

News of the arrests soon reached the other believers in the town, and the pastor courageously contacted the police, pleading with them to free the ladies. Soon after, they were released to seek medical care for their injuries.

Forced into hiding

It wasn’t long before Gulshan and Saaman received word that a court case had been filed against them. This news forced them into hiding, and they fled their home town. With nowhere safe to go, they cried out to God for help and protection. Their prayers were answered as they were offered refuge in an Open Doors safe house in a neighboring region.

Safe with Open Doors

For a month, Gulshan and Saaman stayed at the Open Doors safe house, and escaped the full brunt of the storm that was raging against them. Spending time in God’s Word without fear of reprisal and in fellowship with other believers without the risk of arrest was a wonderful source of strength for them. “We were very happy to spend time away from the tumult,” they testify. “We were able to learn more about spending time with God and being quiet before Him. To meet other believers was a blessing to us, and really encouraged us.”

During their month at the safe house, the trial continued in their absence. Eventually the judge ruled that they would both have to pay fines of more than half a year’s salary. Once again, Open Doors was able to step in and meet their needs. “Thank you so much for assisting us!”

Healing and strength

Their stay at the Open Doors safe house brought physical healing and spiritual strength to Gulshan and Saaman—just when they needed it most. Now equipped to face the storm, the two courageous ladies recently returned to their home town to continue living and serving Jesus there. It’s believers like these who are at the very heart of our Global Summer Offensive Campaign. Open Doors’ founder, Brother Andrew, makes it clear: “Through your support, we are helping these believers advance God’s Kingdom in spite of the spiritual forces against them.”

Your gift today will help us meet the $100,000 Global Summer Offensive challenge grant, which will help our teams provide new safe houses, deliver more Bibles, and give critical Scripture training to converts—equipping our persecuted brothers and sisters to stand firm for Christ in countries where faith costs the most. Thank you for your support!

*All names changed for security reasons.

Prisoner Alert:

Location: Uzbekistan
Arrested: March 2010

On March 9, a criminal court in Uzbekistan sentenced 27-year-old Tohar Haydarov to 10 years in prison for the "Illegal sale of narcotic or psychotropic substances in large quantities," according to Forum 18 News Service. Members of the Baptist church in Uzbekistan insist that the charges are fabricated and that Haydarov's sentence was punishment for his religious activity. It is unclear why Haydarov received a 10-year sentence. According to Forum 18 News, Baptists insist that police planted drugs on Haydarov, and church members insist that he is an honest man.

Son Jong Nam

 Son Jong Nam is reported dead. He was a North Korean Christian arrested for his belief. I just got this update from VOM. 

Please, dear Christian, cry with me. Cry for all of the Christians out there who are suffering. You may take their place.

Update on Son Jong Nam

In 2007 The Voice of the Martyrs made a concerted effort to publicize the arrest and imprisonment of North Korean Christian Son Jong Nam.

We have continued to follow Son Jong Nam's case since that time, in spite of difficulties getting information out of North Korea. Our contacts on the Korean peninsula have informed us that the most recent information leads them to believe that Son Jong Nam has died in prison.

We are thankful for all those who prayed for and wrote letters to Son Jong Nam; we are also thankful for his example of faithfulness to Christ in spite of trial, hardship and suffering. His suffering is over; he's arrived safely Home.

Thank you.

"These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the mids of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:14-17)

"And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-" (Revelation 2:26)

"Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name." (Revelation 3:11-12) 

"When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' And a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed." (Revelation 6:9-11) 

Dear Father,

We pray for Son Jong Nam's family, that you would uphold them and protect them. Please guard them and give them peace, knowing that Son Jong Nam is, indeed, safely Home. 

Lord protect your servants, guard them well. Give them strength and courage to stand through trials. Help them to remember, that real gold fears no fire. Father, bless them, and give them strength. 

Their Stories

Meet the Persecuted 

100 million Christians around the globe are currently suffering
  

Mamat Abbas A Uygur Christian, who had converted from his strong Islamic roots, shares his story with Open Doors. Pray | Donate

Elizabeth B'ahdur Many women across the world serve as pastors’ wives, but very few of them have the training or knowledge they need. Pray | Donate

Dak-Ho Kim Despite the strict rules demanding that Bibles not be allowed in North Korea, God has allowed Bibles to be hidden from guards through miracles. Pray | Donate

Samuel Kunar For many Christians living in isolation, discipleship and fellowship is critical to their survival as believers. Pray | Donate

 

Lilian Kumzwan This woman demonstrates God’s love by taking care of her two nephew’s whose parents were martyred for their belief in Jesus Christ. Pray | Donate

Mamta Khakha

For new Christians who have never experienced Sunday school as a child, it can be difficult to suddenly be leading a program. 

Pray | Donate 

World Map

Go to the following link:
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/content/view/962/21/

Persecution

Christian Martyrs and Persecution

100 million Christians around the globe are currently suffering persecution for their faith.  Most often persecution takes the form of imprisonment, abuse, and hostilities.   In some cases, however, Christians are asked to face more than scorn, prison, or the loss of health—they are asked to face death.  

These individuals are the Christian martyrs of our faith.  Jesus said in Matthew 10:39 “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

History of Christian Martyrs

From the stoning of Steven to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs to the murder of Jim Elliot, the church has a rich history of those who were willing to give their lives for the sake of the gospel. 

During the first century, almost all of Jesus’ disciples suffered martyrdom for his sake.  Peter was crucified upside down, Mark was torn to pieces, and Paul was beheaded.  As Christianity spread throughout Europe and the British Isles, countless numbers of Christians were tortured and burned at the stake.  And few can forget the moving story of Jim Elliot and four others who ventured into the Ecuadorian jungle, never to return.

This history reminds us of the great price that belief in God may demand and the great impact that such a sacrifice can have.

But that history has not ended. 

Christian Martyrs in the 21st Century

Today there are still many Christians martyrs, those who give their life for their faith.  Every year and on every continent men and women face death because of their belief in Jesus Christ.  They are the Christian martyrs of this century; the fathers, mothers, grandparents, and children who have lost their lives for the sake of the gospel.  Around the world the light of their testimonies continues to shine.  Their impact is immeasurable and their stories should not be forgotten.

The Rodriguez Family Three young children were left alone after Jose and Emilse Rodriguez were martyred for their faith. Pray | Donate

Shakeela Bibi In an attempt to warn her Christian community, Shakeela Bibi was killed by 15 Muslims.  Pray | Donate

Tapan Kumar Roy Taposhi become a stronger Christian after witnessing her brother Tapan martyred by Muslim extremists for showing the Jesus Film. Pray | Donate

Deepe PatrickWhile attending church on the last day of their honeymoon, Deepe was killed in bombing, and her husband Vikash was severely injured. Pray | Donate

Necati, Tilmann, and UgurThree believers were working at a small Christian publishing house when a man walked in and stabbed them to death. Pray | Donate

Orphans of Martyrs

Orphans of Christian Martyrs

Open Doors Brings Hope and Healing to Orphans of Christian Martyrs.

When religious conflict flared in Maluku, Indonesia from 1999 to 2002, thousands of Christians were slaughtered by Muslims, and multiplied thousands of children were left parentless and alone. Many of these orphans were severely traumatized after seeing their parents murdered, often brutally.

Varinia Lewerissa, a Christian in Maluku, heard stories of children who had witnessed their parents’ gruesome deaths, and decided to start a counseling ministry to help them deal with their emotional scars. “I soon learned, however, that monthly counseling sessions were inadequate to help them recover,” said Varinia.

In 2003, two years after starting her counseling ministry, Varinia was able to start an orphanage called Caleb House. Since then, over 40 children have enjoyed the full-time care, schooling, spiritual nourishment and life-skills training that Varinia and her staff provide.

The Lasting Wounds of Orphans from Christian Martyrs
Most of the children at Caleb House lost their parents almost a decade ago, but they still bear the emotional scars left by seeing their parents killed. One of 7 siblings, James, now 18, was only 9 years old when his parents were murdered.

When Open Doors recently interviewed him, James paused at length before he answered each question he was asked about the death of his parents. It was if he needed to gather the strength and courage to revisit those painful memories.   

“After the funeral, I had a dream where my parents came back to life and visited me,” James said, staring at the floor. “In my dream, I was shocked and scared, because I knew they had passed away. In reality, I missed them and their love so much.”

Besides dealing with the grief and trauma associated with losing their parents so violently, Caleb House children like James have also had to deal with other issues that most orphans face, including anxiety and despair.

Counting God’s Blessings
Children of Caleb House are encouraged to grow in the Lord through morning and evening worship services, and through daily Bible reading and prayer. And while many of them have not completely recovered emotionally, the children are encouraged to always give thanks to God and to care for the needs of others.

Open Doors’ Contribution
Thanks to the support of friends like you, Open Doors was recently able to help the children at Caleb House by providing a set of sewing machines, carpentry tools and agricultural training.

We were also able to provide Varinia with post-traumatic counseling training, where she found new skills and knowledge to help orphans like James recover from their emotional wounds.

“I put the method into practice right after the training, and amazingly, some of the children started to open up and tell personal secrets I had never heard of before,” Varinia said. “Thank you, Open Doors!”

And thank you for helping Open Doors provide hope and healing to the orphans of Caleb House through your gifts and prayers. It is only through your compassion and generosity that we are able to make a difference in the lives of suffering children of Christian martyrs like these.
[All names changed for security reasons.]

Front Line: India

Persecution of Christians in India

How your gifts and prayers are bringing hope and strength to desperate Christians in India

Believers in Orissa are the continued targets of severe  persecution at the hands of Hindu extremists.

When Ravi heard the angry clamor of the mob, he knew his worst fears were about to be realized. As the shouts grew louder, Ravi gathered his family to him and told them to run for their lives.

The extremists were merciless. Ravi’s home was ransacked and burned, and his livestock stolen. Going from house to house, the gang continued their rampage until the whole village was destroyed. Like Ravi, the rest of the villagers fled into the nearby forest for cover—knowing that to resist would mean certain death.

Ravi’s story would be harrowing enough if his were the only village to have been hit by the extremists. But when you understand the scale of these vicious attacks, you begin to realize that the sorrow and suffering endured by the Christians of Orissa in recent months is beyond imagination.

Hate campaign Against Christians in India

Hindu extremists hold a firm grip in India’s eastern state of Orissa. The persecution of Christians in India has has significantly increased in recent years. Christians in India have been systematically targeted in a vicious hate campaign, with hundreds of homes burned and many believers killed.

The tensions reached an all-time high in August 2008 when prominent fundamentalist Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was killed, allegedly by local Maoist rebels. The Hindu extremists leapt at the opportunity to blame Christians for the murder—and the violence against believers quickly spiraled out of control.

Hindu extremists marched ruthlessly from village to village, intent on destruction and murder. In the ensuing months, 315 Christian villages were destroyed, with 4,640 homes burned to the ground. Some 252 churches and 13 schools were demolished.


Approximately 120 people were murdered, including 7 pastors. And 54,000 people were forced to flee their homes in fear for their lives. Can you imagine what it would be like if this happened in the U.S.?


We have been at work in Orissa for many years, but never before have our brothers and sisters in the region needed our help and support on such a massive scale.

As the violence escalated, the first priority was to provide emergency relief. Our teams supported thousands of families—with food parcels as well as other essential items such as blankets, mosquito nets, clothes, and toiletries.

Healing the wounds of oppression and violence, SSTS brings the care believers in Orissa need.

Spiritual welfare of Christians in India

As always, our concern for Christians in India was not only for their material provision, but for their spiritual welfare as well. Open Doors teams were quick to plan specialist trauma counseling programs.


“The riots shocked us beyond our imagination,” says Pastor Paul. “I am really thankful to the Lord for the privilege of attending this training. These skills will be effective instruments to counsel those who have lost everything.”

Alongside the trauma counseling, Open Doors teams have also stepped up our provision of “Standing Strong Through the Storm” (SSTS) seminars.


Designed to give believers a biblical understanding of persecution and suffering, and to promote forgiveness and reconciliation, the SSTS program has been in great demand across the region. More than 600 believers have been able to attend SSTS since last September.

Still so much to be done for Christians in India

Praise God for all the needs that our teams have been able to meet since the escalation of violence in Orissa last August. But there is still so much to be done!

The persecution of Christians in India is an issue you can directly help. Today, 4,000 Christians remain in makeshift relief camps and thousands more are still desperate for our care. Please consider how you can support these believers—your prayers and gifts can help them rebuild their broken lives in the months ahead.

[All names changed for security reasons.]

Front Line: North Korea

Christians in North Korea

We unite with our brothers and sisters in North Korea in praying for God's light to penetrate a country ruled by darkness...

North Korea is a country in which being a Christian is punishable by death.  Owning a Bible carries the risk of being subjected to brutal torture.

North Korea is a life gripped by merciless famine, but where those who search for food are executed in the marketplace. Christians in North Korea are cut off from the outside world and held ransom by the idolatrous regime of a power-hungry dictator.

For most of us, it’s simply unimaginable. But this is the shocking reality of life for the people of North Korea.

Christians in North Korea Experience the World’s Worst Persecution

It’s not surprising that North Korea has once again ranked highest on the latest Open Doors’ World Watch List. For the seventh year running, North Korea has been rated the world’s worst persecutors of Christians.

Which is why at Open Doors we are more committed than ever to interceding for this desperate country and for our brothers and sisters enduring untold suffering within her borders.

Pray that the children of North Korea would learn to trust God as their provider, rather than Kim Jong Il.

Christians in North Korea are Not Forgotten

“The circumstances of life in our country are very difficult,” writes one pastor in a recent letter. “The price of rice continues to increase. Recently, five women were executed in public. Their crime? They were trying to survive by looking for food.”

Despite the risks and restrictions, this pastor thankfully knows that his plight—and that of Christians across the country—is not forgotten by the Body of Christ around the world. “We thank God that there are so many people who are praying for our country,” he shares. “Your prayers strengthen the Christians in North Korea.”

Caring for North Korean Christian Women

One area of particular concern for Open Doors is the plight of Christian women trapped inside North Korea. Not only do they endure the daily misery of famine and oppression, many have also been the victims of human trafficking, and are physically and emotionally scarred.

In one project, women are now receiving help and hope through Open Doors. The sisters receive regular Bible training along with financial support to help them meet their families’ needs and fund their children’s education.

“Our greatest reward is to see their lives change through a stronger faith in our Lord,” says one Open Doors co-worker.

Reaching out to Christians in North Korea

Evangelism in North Korea carries immense risks. The spread of Christianity is one of the greatest fears of the country’s infamous leader, Kim Jong Il. It is reported that he recognizes Christianity to be responsible for the fall of communism in Eastern Europe—and is fearful that it will also prove to be his downfall. And so the authorities clamp down harshly on any Christian found to be sharing the gospel.

But against all odds, and by the grace of God, the underground church in North Korea is committed to reaching the country with the Good News of Jesus. “We are doing our best to spread the gospel in North Korea,” writes one pastor. “Please continue to pray for us!”

While the borders of North Korea remain closed, and while the situation for our brothers and sisters remains perilous, we take heart that the Lord is indeed at work. So please join us in hearing the pleas of North Korea’s Christians as they ask for our support. May God use your prayers to break through the borders, advance His Kingdom, and fulfill His purposes in North Korea. 

Front Line: Iraq

How the Persecuted Church is Reaping a Harvest in Northern Iraq

Pastor Zarav asks for your prayers as his church reaches out with the gospel in Kurdistan

Pastor Zarav reports that Open Doors has helped provide almost 400,000 Bibles and Christian booklets in Iraq.

It’s a privilege to work in partnership with Pastor “Zarav.” A dedicated church leader in northern Iraq, he labors tirelessly and courageously to see the gospel proclaimed—in word and deed—across his region. In a recent letter, Pastor Zarav shares with us how the Lord is powerfully at work, gives thanks for Open Doors’ continued partnership, and urges us to keep praying for the church in Kurdistan as they reach out with the Good News of Christ.

“We want to thank God for all things, the bitter and the joyful,” Pastor Zarav begins. “God has graciously enabled us to achieve great victories in spreading His Kingdom in our region. In the midst of difficulties, we stand on His promise that we are victorious in the righteous Jesus.”

Encouraging new converts
Pastor Zarav’s church consists mostly of new converts, excited to grow in their faith as they meet together and study God’s Word. “We have three main services each week, as well as two prayer meetings, and a regular night of prayer every Thursday through to Friday morning,” explains Zarav. “In the last year we have held 11 Bible training conferences, which encouraged the new believers to study the Word and to pray.”

The new believers are also zealous in their evangelism. “We have teams distributing the Word of God,” Pastor Zarav shares. “Almost 400,000 Bibles and Christian booklets in different languages have been given out. We have also been able to translate and print several other books and evangelistic tracts.”

Together, the believers have visited 170 new villages, preaching the gospel and delivering Bibles. “Some have asked us to go back and preach Christ again,” Pastor Zarav reports. Wonderfully, many have been converted in recent months. “We have been able to baptize 232 new believers!”

Showing God’s love
The church also has a program of social outreach, demonstrating the love of God in practical ways. “We have been able to help 12,000 families in poverty—mostly refugees from the south of Iraq—with food, clothes, shoes, bags and kerosene for heaters,” Pastor Zarav says. In addition, the church has offered a medical service to the local community. “We conducted a free five-day clinic at the church facility with a medical team that treated more than 800 people! It was really a great work!”

Along with his team of elders, Pastor Zarav also oversees nine newly planted churches across the region with discipleship programs, prayer support and spiritual encouragement. “We pray that the Lord will give us grace to construct buildings for each of these new churches,” explains Zarav.

Of course, Pastor Zarav and his church members still face many difficulties. One such struggle is the believers’ campaign to have their faith officially recognized by the authorities. “Our continuous efforts to formalize our Christianity have not borne fruit as yet—we cannot change our ID cards to state that we are Christians.”

Yet Pastor Zarav does not dwell on the challenges and struggles. Instead, he is quick to give thanks and glory to God for all that He is doing in and through the church there. “We thank God and His Holy Spirit for the work being done in northern Iraq,” testifies Pastor Zarav. “And we thank God for your support and love, which we will never forget. Will you keep on praying for our church?”[All names changed for security reasons.]

Front Line: VietNam

June 2010

In the Trenches

Vietnamese Christians cruelly targeted

When Pastor Du was summoned to his local police station in southern Vietnam, he knew he was in for an ordeal. But he didn’t imagine the torment would begin even before he arrived.

As he rode his motorbike to the police station, officers stopped him in the street and chained his hands together. Tying the chain onto the back of the motorbike, the policemen forced Du to run behind as they drove it along. Pastor Du fell to the ground many times as he was dragged along the road, yet he was beaten and forced to continue running. Since his ordeal, Du has remained in prison, refusing to bow to pressure to renounce his faith.

Elsewhere in Vietnam, a recent convert and his family have been hounded out of their home and forced into hiding.

Shortly after coming to know Christ, a believer named Sung Cua Po faced arrest, physical abuse, and the confiscation of his motorbike. Most recently, after refusing to pay homage to his ancestral spirits, Po’s neighbors confiscated the family’s one-year supply of rice and then tore down their home. Po and his wife had no option but to flee into the forest with their three children.

Po and his family, together with Pastor Du, desperately need your prayers at this time. Please lift their needs to the Lord, asking Him to strengthen them, comfort them, and provide all they need in the coming weeks and months.

[All names changed for security reasons.]

Luke 21:10-19

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will send some of you to your death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. In your patience possess your souls."

Think on these things.

Like a Glass

The Church is like a glass cup, sitting on a shelf. The government hates that cup, so it takes hold of it, and throws it to the ground.
...what happens when a glass is shattered? The glass breaks, going in all sorts of directions. It only spreads. When it is tread upon, beaten, stepped on, it only breaks into smaller, more difficult to gather pieces, always spreading. The smaller the pieces become, the harder it is to gather them up.

The moral of this story?
The government, those that hate us, any who oppose Scripture, though they may try to shatter us, utterly fail. We only spread into thousands of smaller bits, reaching further and further into the dark corners of the world. Though we are persecuted, we are blessed, for we are counted worthy to bear witness to those around us, wherever we may be.

This illustration was taken from "Safely Home", by Randy Alcorn. (I put it into my own words, though.)

Pray for not only those in other countries, but US.

What Is Persecution?

Prayer Line: China

Prayer Line: North Korea

Imram arrested in Pakistan

Location: Pakistan Arrested: July 2009 While cleaning his brother's retail shop, Imran removed the trash he had collected, intending to burn some of it. While burning the trash, pages of the Quran flew into the fire and burned. Imran's neighbor, Haji Liaqat, saw the burned pages of the Quran and alerted other Muslims in the area. "Haji Liaqat saw the burned Quran papers, and he aggressively told all resident people and travelers also," a VOM contact said. "He was telling everybody that Imran Ghafur is burning the Quran ... he should be killed." Imran and his father were severely beaten before police arrested Imran.

Petition for Nigeria

OPEN DOORS USA LAUNCHES PETITION CAMPAIGN FOR JUSTICE IN NIGERIA
Recently, Open Doors USA Advocacy began a campaign to gather signatures, asking the Nigerian government to launch a thorough investigation of the recent slaughter of 500 Christians, to hold the perpetrators to account for their involvement in these crimes and ensure that the victims receive compensation for the crimes committed against them. In early March, ethnic Fulani Muslims attacked three villages near Jos which resulted in the deaths of up to 500 Christians and the burning of about 75 homes. Help our brothers and sisters in Nigeria today! Sign Petition!

Muslim Extremists Convert to Christianity

Dear friend of the persecuted church,

Exciting reports have come from our field operations across the Muslim world. We've received word that many Muslims are converting to Christianity… even some Islamic extremists!

A common dream has been the cause of these recent events. A man in a white robe appears to them telling them to “Get the book.” They soon discover this man is Jesus… and the book He is referring to is the Bible.

Our contacts deep inside Muslim countries (which I cannot reveal for security purposes) report that this phenomenon is sweeping the Muslim world… including some of the most radical Muslim strongholds.

But they now say there is an urgent need for more Bibles... especially as these new brothers and sisters in Christ come under harsh and even life-threatening persecution. They must be grounded in their faith!

I know you have a heart for those who are being persecuted for their faith. And your prayers and your support are crucial right now for those who are turning from radical Islam to follow after Jesus.

Your gift of just $5 will provide a Bible to one Muslim convert! So please give your online gift today.

Thank you for bringing hope and encouragement to these new followers of Christ… and for giving them the most precious gift of all, a copy of God’s Word!

In Christ,

Carl Moeller
President, Open Doors USA

Go here to see this great video!