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.
