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!

Part Seven

This story, though fictional, is based on first person accounts. Great effort has been made to accurately reflect the reality of life of a prisoner in a North Korean detention camp.

Dear Hannah ,

I see now that Jesus has been speaking to my heart since I was a child. He was in my mother...how I miss her...her sweet face, her sweet voice, her peace. He was in Mi-kyoung...my dear friend. He was in the guard...my angel. He was in the prison cell after my interrogation...my healer. Yes, He has been with me...always.

I have shared with you my life as a prisoner in Camp 14. You may think that after so much suffering my life would be impossible to bear. In many ways it is, but even though I am locked in a cell at night and closely guarded as I labor in the fields during the day, I am free. No one can take away the joy that Jesus has brought to my heart.

Life still is difficult. Food is scant. My cell is dark and cold in the winter and stifling hot in the summer, but I now talk to Jesus. I ask Him for the strength to live one more day. I also have found small ways to show kindness to the other prisoners. And, as I look at the prison guards, I no longer feel fear or hatred. I have forgiven them because I know that their bondage is greater than mine. Jesus has set me free.

Sometimes I sing softly as I work in the fields. I can still hear Mi-kyoung’s voice as she echoes a beautiful song. Once in a while, I will see the kind guard. He stands sentry as I pick corn and wheat; his smile is dazzling. To be honest, I am not sure if he is truly there or if he exists only in my imagination. But seeing him in the distance makes me happy; the memories of his kindness bring joy.

I no longer think of escaping; I am resigned to the probability that I will live out all my days here in prison. I know that my Jesus has a reason for me to live...I am certain that I must tell others about Him. I have no fear, only peace.

In closing, I give thanks to my dear mother...in your silent ways you taught me so much, I love you for this. I look forward to seeing you...to hold your hand...together with Jesus at our side.