Caught between two crises - Indian Christians are facing pandemic and persecution - Open Doors UK
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MAGAZINE | July/August 2021
INDIA CAMPAIGN SPECIAL
Caught between
two crises
Indian Christians
are facing pandemic
and persecution
Open Doors is an
international ministry Letter from Henrietta
BOOK serving persecuted
TODAY ANNUAL GATHERING ONLINE
Christians and churches
India in crisis
UNITE, PRAY AND GROW WITH YOUR worldwide.
PERSECUTED CHURCH FAMILY Open Doors supplies Bibles,
leadership training, literacy
This September, join Standing Strong
programmes, livelihood
Together online – the annual event support and advocacy “Persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down,
for Open Doors supporters where services. We also mobilise
you can worship, pray and hear but not destroyed.” 2 CORINTHIANS 4:9
the church in the UK and
amazing stories of courageous faith! Ireland to serve Christians
living under religious Hindu extremists have said they wish to eradicate Christianity from
SATURDAY persecution. India. There is an unprecedented urgency for us to act and pray.
25 SEPTEMBER 2021 | 8PM If you have any questions Over the next months, the survival of the Indian church is at stake.
about the work of Open
Book your place today at
Doors, or would like to Here in the UK and Ireland, we are gradually emerging from the
opendoorsuk.org/standingstrong
reprint any of the articles worst of the Covid crisis – maybe even beginning to think about
in this magazine, please do ‘getting back to normal’. But that certainly isn’t true for our brothers
get in touch. and sisters in India.
Contact us:
Even without the horror of the pandemic, the ‘normal’ that Indian
England and Wales
Leave a legacy of hope PO Box 6, Witney
Oxon OX29 6WG
Christians face is filled with persecution, fuelled by false anti-
Christian propaganda. Our family are facing two appalling crises.
T 01993 460015
You can give your persecuted family hope We know this is a spiritual battle and we must fight it with spiritual
of a brighter future by including a gift to Ireland weapons – we need the Lord to intervene powerfully. Yet the
Open Doors in your Will. Your gift will mean PO Box 873
world remains largely ignorant of the severity of violence and
Belfast BT15 1WZ
a lifetime of support for those who suffer for discrimination facing Christians in India – you can find out how to
T 02890 751080
following Jesus. E inspire@opendoorsuk.org sound the alarm in the UK and Ireland on p11.
If you have not yet made a Will, you can make a Scotland Our persecuted brothers and sisters need to know they are not
Will for FREE using our partner Farewill. T 01292 800006 forgotten – particularly during this pandemic. I am so grateful for
E inspire@opendoorsuk.org
“Whatever you did for one of the least the faith of courageous believers like Vinita (p6) who continue to
To find out more go to opendoorsuk.org/legacy cling to Jesus. It’s a privilege to stand with them.
or phone 01993 777338. of these brothers and sisters of mine,
Find us on:
you did for me.”MATTHEW 25:40
opendoorsuk.org You’ve certainly stood with your worldwide Christian family this
past year. Despite the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,
your incredible response has kept hope alive for the persecuted
church – meaning Open Doors partners can answer the calls for
urgent help caused by Covid-19, while still distributing Bibles,
providing training and counselling, making business loans and
much more. You can see the impact of your support in the annual
Open Doors UK & I review (p12). None of Open Doors’ work would be possible without
Registered as a Charity in England
STRONG LIVE and Wales No.1125684, Scotland
you. Thank you so much!
No. SC043710, Republic of Ireland
20140984 © Open Doors 2021
Prayer without borders
1 JULY | 8.15PM
Henrietta Blyth
The church in India is struck down, but not destroyed. It’s time to act. In Open Doors’ July CEO, Open Doors UK&I
webinar, you can hear about the two crises facing the Indian church and join in praying for our Cover image:
brothers and sisters who, though persecuted, are not abandoned. Vinita (name changed)
Find out more and register today at opendoorsuk.org was badly beaten by Hindu P.S. We are calling for a month of prayer for India and I very much
extremists, but your support hope you will join me and Eddie Lyle as we launch it with an evening
has helped her stand strong webinar on 1 July – see p2 for more details
2 3
World Watch News CAMEROON “You brought us these gifts”
Martha (below) from north exacerbated the problem. “Last
Cameroon has been a widow night, I asked myself: ‘What
IRAN Couple told to report to prison for for seven years. Her husband will we eat tomorrow? How
was tragically murdered can I feed my children?’” she
involvement in house church by suspected Boko Haram shares. The next day, thanks
militants who are active in the to your timely intervention, the
Eirene’s 100-mile
Your prayers remain urgently case more troubling is that area. Since then, the 42-year- family received rice, maize, salt, cycle for the
needed for Homayoun Zhaveh Homayoun is suffering from old has been responsible for cooking oil and washing soap, persecuted church
and his wife Sara Ahmadi advanced Parkinson’s disease. their six children plus three as well as an envelope with
(pictured right) from Iran: Homayoun has been sentenced prison, on account of his poor stepchildren. cash for other essentials. Six-year-old Eirene (above)
they have been told to submit to two years’ imprisonment, health – though that would still was praying with her World
themselves to Tehran’s with Sara given eight years. mean Sara would go to prison, “God has caused “God has caused the love that Watch List children’s map
notorious Evin Prison. and Homayoun would be left the love that you you Christians from faraway when she had a bold idea.
In March, the couple’s lawyer without his primary carer. have for us,” Martha says. “That
The married couple are both filed for a retrial with the Christians from is why you brought us these Saddened that there are
Iranian Christians from a Supreme Court, but they’ve Please continue praying for our faraway have for us.” gifts, which is very special.” Christians suffering for
Muslim background and were yet to hear whether or not this Iranian brother and sister as their faith, including facing
arrested for involvement in a retrial will go ahead. A possible they wait for developments in Sadly, even though custom Your support has ensured imprisonment and separation
house church. The arrest of alternative is that the Supreme this case – pray that they will dictates that families take care almost 400 vulnerable families from families, Eirene set
converts is sadly not uncommon Court will allow Homayoun to know God’s powerful peace and of their widows, Martha has in north Cameroon have been herself a challenge to help
in Iran, but what makes this pay a fine rather than go to will not have to go to prison. not received any such support reached with vital aid. “A widow them: cycle 100 miles by the
– and Covid-19 has only is a woman who is poor, but her end of the summer term.
God is there,” shares Mariam,
another beneficiary. “And Eirene’s target was £200 but
INDONESIA indeed, it is God who thought already she has smashed it.
of us, the widows. Thank you At the time of writing, Eirene
for helping us.” Others helped has raised £426, having
Third terror attack in six months kills four believers included pastors whose so far cycled just under 25
income has suffered due to not miles. Well done, Eirene, we
believers were murdered not fighting alone, we got help receiving tithes whilst churches are cheering you on!
in a brutal attack in Sigi; from you,” a local pastor told have been unable to gather.
this is close to where the to the team. “We do experience Would you like to introduce
latest incident occurred and the presence of Open Doors in your children to Open Doors’
the perpetrators are again this place, side by side with us, World Watch List? Head
believed to have been MIT. to feel the burden we feel.” SAUDI ARABIA Believer given enormous fine under to opendoorsuk.org/
fabricated charge resources to order from our
“Pray for the peace of God to below Pastor Ari said those he visited free selection of children’s
Islamic extremists have cover this area,” shares Ari*, ‘were grateful for the care shown by A Christian in Saudi Arabia But it came at a cost to Adam, resources.
murdered four Christian men an Open Doors believers all around the world’ has been fined 300,000 SAR who was falsely accused of
from Kalimago village in local partner. (around £56,000) following stealing money from the family
Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. “Fear and false accusations by his wider business. In April, a judge saw
The attack, in mid-May, is intimidation are family who are angry that that the case was a set up
believed to have been carried trying to take he helped his sister-in-law and acquitted Adam. However,
out by members of the terrorist over people’s flee the country because of given the family’s influence
group East Indonesia Mujahidin hearts, but God’s persecution. and many court officials
(MIT), which has links to so- power is more wanting to help the family
called Islamic State. powerful.” In the eyes of many in Saudi punish a Christian, the case
society, Adam* and his sister- was reopened. In June, Adam
It’s the third terrorist attack Ari and his team in-law have committed one was found guilty.
on believers in Indonesia in visited the area to of the biggest sins a Muslim For the latest news
six months. In March 2021, provide practical, can commit – leaving Islam. Adam is appealing the verdict. and stories of
suicide bombers targeted a emotional With his sister-in-law’s life in Please pray that he will be
church in Makassar; thankfully, and spiritual danger, Adam helped her flee granted favour in this.
courageous faith, visit
no one was killed. However, support. “In this the country. opendoorsuk.org
in November 2020, four situation, we are *names changed for security reasons
4 5
INDIA CHURCH IN CRISIS
FOR INDIAN
CHRISTIANS,
COVID-19 IS ONLY
HALF THE STORY
When Vinita* chose to follow Jesus, she knew it was a risk. Coming
from a Hindu background in India, she anticipated resistance – but
nothing as brutal as the attack she suffered.
FINDING PEACE the end of 2021, and Christians groups in India is that Christians
Finding faith in Jesus made a from Hindu backgrounds are aren’t ‘proper’ Indians, and that
big difference to Vinita’s life. particularly targeted – often by converts have betrayed their
“Before coming to the Lord, I their own family and community. nationality.
had a lot of troubles,” she says. When Vinita tried to share the
“When I came to the Lord, I had a peace she had found in Christ But Vinita persisted: “I never
peace of mind that nobody else with others, she was met with gave up – my job was to share
offered.” Her husband and sister opposition and threats. the Word of God.”
Isha* also decided to follow
Christ, after seeing the change “I tried to share the gospel to A VIOLENT ATTACK
in Vinita’s life. many, but they did not listen. One day, the opposition to Vinita
They spoke badly to me, saying, and her family became much
But not everybody responded ‘You are worshipping a foreign more extreme.
so well. Hindu extremists have God instead of our gods and
vowed to wipe out Christians goddesses.’” One of the lies “My sister was returning from
and other non-Hindus in India by perpetuated by Hindu extremist work when my neighbours
left Vinita was badly beaten in her home by Hindu extremists,
and her livelihood is suffering during Covid-19
6 7
started a fight with her,” says presence. If not for God, we Preetha puts it simply: “Had INDIA CHURCH IN CRISIS
Vinita. “I went to rescue her – would be dead.” Open Doors partners not helped
and they hit me too.” us, I would have died.”
DENIED TREATMENT
When Vinita and Isha went to Somehow, everyone survived Open Doors partners are also
the police, they found that their the brutal attack – though they able to offer legal support to
persecutors had already lodged were badly hurt. “My head was the women, and provide new
a complaint – alleging that Vinita seriously injured, and I have equipment for Vinita’s business,
and Isha had been the real deep injuries near my hip and on which was ransacked and
attackers. “The police did not my shoulders,” says Vinita. “My vandalised in the attack.
help us because the attackers sister sustained serious head
had already bribed them.” injuries.” Throughout it all, the women’s
faith has stayed firm. “God is
The sisters’ injuries weren’t always with me,” says Preetha
serious, but Vinita and Isha “I felt that today – she’s drawn comfort from
were shaken and anxious. They Isaiah 49:15, which reads, “Can
called their pastor, and he and
we would not a mother forget the baby at her
his wife Preetha* came to pray be spared” breast and have no compassion
with them. on the child she has borne?
VINITA Though she may forget, I will
When the attackers heard that not forget you!”
a pastor had come, they decided Worst affected was Preetha,
to launch a more violent and the pastor’s wife. When one of Vinita agrees: “I have never
sustained assault. They burst the men went to hit her with a thought of leaving God, because
into the house, calling “Where metal rod, she lifted her hand God alone has safeguarded us
are the Christians? We don’t to protect herself – it was and helped us. Remain in Christ
want Christians here!” almost cut in half. She also had Jesus who sustains us and He
a broken leg and other internal will bless you. Peace in Christ is
“Eight or nine men from the injuries. And things got worse found nowhere else.”
neighbourhood barged into the still: “When we were admitted
house,” remembers Vinita. “They to the hospital, we could not Amazingly, she has also forgiven
were armed with rods in their receive treatment because her attackers. “When Jesus
hands. For almost 30 minutes there was pressure from the left this world, He said, ‘Father,
they were beating us. They were attackers,” says Vinita. these people do not know what
stamping on us and hitting us. they are doing. Forgive them.’
We were falling down and they “This is very common in India,” From this verse, I learn to
would pick us up again, and shares Pastor Samuel*, a local forgive my enemies. And I pray
continue the attack. Open Doors partner. “Most often that the attackers have a change
the hospital denies medical help. of heart.”
“I felt that today we would not And the police take a lot of time
be spared.” in registering their cases. These THANK YOU!
people suffer a lot.” Preetha and Vinita are both
This horrific violence is deeply grateful to God – and to
symptomatic of the crisis facing “Preetha’s situation was very Open Doors supporters, whom
Indian Christians across the serious,” adds Vinita. “I prayed, He used to bring them crucial
country. They are attacked, ‘Father, you alone show your medical care and comfort. “I am
abused, discriminated against, power and heal us.’” thankful to God for blessing us
rejected – all because of their immensely,” says Vinita. “And to
faith. Sometimes believers HELP FROM OPEN DOORS those people who have helped
are even murdered – as Vinita PARTNERS me, I would like to give thanks.”
could have been, if she hadn’t God answered Vinita’s prayers,
managed to escape. though perhaps not in the way “Thank you, not just to God but
she expected. Thanks to your also to His people who have
“My life was saved as I rushed support and prayers, a local helped us,” echoes Preetha.
into my neighbour’s house. Open Doors partner was able “Yes, I have seen God’s favour
They were shouting, ‘Bring her to take Preetha and Vinita to a as well as the favour of God’s
out!’ But God protected me and different hospital and pay for people. You helped, thinking of above Hindu extremists have vowed to eradicate non-Hindus in India (illustrative image)
my life was spared. I felt His their treatment. me as your own.” below Preetha was denied medical treatment - just because of her faith
8 9
INDIA CHURCH IN CRISIS
HOW IS COVID-19 AFFECTING CHRISTIANS IN INDIA?
PLEASE PRAY
Aman* is an Open Doors partner in India. • For Vinita and Preetha to
Here is his perspective on India and the heal from their injuries and
pandemic. Please keep praying for him and trauma
all local partners, and all the persecuted
Christians they are serving. • That the church in India will
not just survive these two
When the pandemic began, we could see that crises, but become stronger
poor people were on the verge of starvation.
So – with your support – we started helping • That Open Doors partners
the people with ready-made food and in India would be able to
groceries. The situation now is critical. We are reach those most in need of
following all protocols and safety precautions support.
as much as possible.
You can also find a dedicated
Usha* is one example. She and her family are month of prayer for Indian
daily wage workers, dependent on work that Christians in your prayer diary.
isn’t now available. Even before Covid-19,
Usha faced persecution. When employers PLEASE ACT
came to know about her faith, they’d pay Your gifts and prayers mean Usha can The Indian church is asking
her less and abuse her for ‘abandoning’ her receive vital Covid relief aid Open Doors globally to sound
traditional faith. the alarm on anti-Christian
among her family and eight other Christian propaganda. Will you answer
Then Usha was refused government aid families she knew. We have been back six their call and help ensure the UK
during the lockdowns, because of her faith. times. Government actively responds
This happened to many believers. There were to the crises faced by our Indian
no such directives from the government, but Usha expressed her heartfelt gratitude church family, like Vinita and
this was practised at the local level by people towards us: “Thank you Jesus for sending Thanks to your prayers and support, Open Doors partners are Preetha?
who had the authority to distribute food. Your people to our aid and giving us provision supporting Preetha spiritually and financially
Everyone was taunting Usha, saying, “Your miraculously.” • WATCH #StandForTruthIndia
God is not helping you, but if you renounce community: “Even now they By giving, praying and acting, videos showing the situation
your faith then we will help you.” The people we meet – like Usha – are threaten us and say, ‘We will not you can help ensure it does. Indian Christians are facing.
discouraged and anxious regarding the let you stay here.’ They say they Find them on Open Doors’
But Usha is very firm in her faith and loves pandemic situation, but they are looking to will drive us out and make us PLEASE GIVE social media channels, or
God with her whole heart. She waits upon the Lord for answers. When we reach them beg. Pray that the threats will You can make a gift at follow the QR code
her Lord for all her needs. And, thanks to with help, that helps their faith. They are very stop, and that we will be strong opendoorsuk.org
Open Doors supporters, our team was able happy and are praising God and thanking us in faith.”
to collect 200kg of rice and distribute it again and again. • Every £21 could equip four
people to train others in
“You helped me, their legal rights and how to
thinking of me as survive persecution
Your prayers and support are is having a terrible impact even worse. “When quarantine your own” • Every £45 could help a • SHARE the videos on your
ensuring these women, and across India, and the effects started, our work came to a PREETHA believer set up a business social media accounts,
many like them, are not just are likely to be long-lasting. For standstill,” she says. “We had so they can become self- tagging Nigel Adams MP
surviving but have hope for the Christians, this crisis is made no money and no food. I used to It’s unthinkable that, in the sufficient (Minister for Asia) and the
future. You’re showing them that worse by the discrimination they pray, ‘O Lord, please bless us so world’s largest democracy, Foreign, Commonwealth and
they aren’t forgotten by their already face every day. that we can afford some food for Hindu extremists have set out • Every £60 could give urgent Development Office
global church family. survival.’ I also pray for those to destroy the church. Their Covid relief aid and help with
Vinita’s business is suffering, brothers and sisters who are violence against believers medical costs to a victim of • POST a picture of yourself
CORONAVIRUS AND and her husband lost his job suffering like us.” like Vinita and Preetha hasn’t violence or a believer who has holding #StandForTruthIndia
THE FUTURE due to the pandemic. People stopped during the pandemic – lost their livelihood through on 15 August – Indian
That solidarity is more were already afraid to come, Open Doors partners are it’s only got worse. But when the the pandemic. Independence Day.
important than ever during the because of the violence, and helping the family, but they still pandemic stops, will the church
pandemic (above). Coronavirus the pandemic is making this face persecution from their in India have survived? *names changed for security reasons
10 11
ANNUAL REVIEW 2021
Thank you!
By praying, giving and speaking out, you are helping your persecuted family around
the world to stand strong, defy persecution and share Jesus, no matter the cost.
2020 highlights
£16.8 million Over 102,000 122 MPs
was donated in support of people prayed regularly for attended the
the persecuted church the persecuted church parliamentary launch of
the World Watch List
Extraordinary year For every £1 you gave...
Extraordinary generosity
19p raised prayer,
advocacy and
awareness for
persecuted Christians
91p 9p
72p funded vital projects
“Our friends, we want you to know what God’s grace has to strengthen persecuted
Christians worldwide
accomplished in the churches... They have been severely tested by
the troubles they went through; but their joy was so great that they went to supporting went to our running and
were extremely generous in their giving…” 2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-2 GNB persecuted Christians operational costs
2020 was a truly extraordinary year for all launch of the 2020 World Watch List was once How we used your donations to support
of us. The Covid-19 pandemic that has swept again a highlight of the year, with 122 MPs
the globe has changed all our lives – but our attending the parliamentary launch to hear persecuted Christians
persecuted family have been hit particularly first-hand from persecuted believers.
Visit opendoorsuk.org/annualreview for more detail on this breakdown
hard, with many Christians finding themselves
last in line for government aid and others Your sacrificial commitment to the persecuted
£982k
facing increased violence and pressure during church during this most challenging of years Special projects
lockdown. has been amazing to see, and is a fitting £2.1m
Covid aid projects
testimony to the extraordinary God whom we
So I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary serve. As you read this annual review, I pray £895k £5.6m
Persecuted children Where most needed
generosity you have shown in response to that you will be encouraged to see how you are projects (all projects)
this latest crisis facing our persecuted family. helping the church around the world to stand
Despite the economic challenges presented strong in the face of incredible challenges, and £855k
Hope for the
by Covid restrictions, income for the year strengthened to follow the example of those Middle East projects
grew by an incredible 32 per cent, enabling who continue to courageously share Jesus no
£613k
our field teams to bring emergency Covid aid matter the cost. India projects £3.2m
to vulnerable believers with no other means £99k Raising prayer, advocacy
and awarenesss
of support, while continuing to strengthen Secret believers projects
£566k
believers for whom persecution and £358k
World Watch List
Top 10 country projects
discrimination are simply a daily reality. Persecuted women
projects
Thank you too for standing with our Henrietta Blyth The above figures are correct at time of print and subject to final audit. If you would like to receive a copy of the audited financial statements, they are available on request from:
persecuted family in prayer and advocacy. The CEO, Open Doors UK&I Open Doors, PO Box 6, Witney, OX29 6WG.
12 13ANNUAL REVIEW 2021
Coronavirus crisis update
“God opened the doors miraculously and used you to do
the impossible.” FIELD WORKER, ASIA
For many persecuted In Africa... left out when the government
Christians, the Covid announced food aid in their
pandemic has been area. But with your help, Open
devastating. But your 30,000 Doors partners provided
incredible response to our Rose and her daughters with
Coronavirus crisis appeal food aid and money to start a
has made a life-changing Christian families received business.
difference, enabling Open emergency Covid relief Thanks to your generosity, Pastor George’s church has helped 400 families through the crisis
Doors partners on the ground Sadly, Rose’s baby, Patience,
to reach families in urgent Violence against Christians did not survive. But despite all hard work and God’s blessing, it was the answer to their In the
need of food and aid. Through actually increased in sub- she has been through, Rose I have been able to pay my prayers,” he says. “They
the Open Doors network, more Saharan Africa as Islamic continues to testify to God’s daughter’s school fees and buy thanked the Lord, saying, Middle East...
than half a million persecuted militants exploited Covid faithfulness to her. the essentials to take care of ‘You are sent by the Lord to
Christians received vital help restrictions to attack the my children. I no longer see us in these crucial times, and
when they needed it most. church. But your support “When Patience died, I thought myself as a widow because this has strengthened our Nearly 200,000
Thank you. has helped Christians my in-laws would rally around God is truly my husband, and I faith because the Lord has
facing severe persecution me, but nobody came,” she have a new family in you.” answered our prayers.’”
and poverty caused by the says. “From my husband’s believers were given Covid
Over 500, 000 pandemic lockdowns. death to my baby’s delivery,
In Asia...
Praveen* and his wife Shanti* relief aid
you have been there for me. I were disinherited by their
When Covid hit her community want to say thank you. There is family when they became For many Christians in the
persecuted Christians in Nigeria, Rose was still nothing I can say or give that is Christians. They set up their Middle East, the Covid crisis
received emergency Covid mourning her husband, Pastor greater than thank you. 283,000 own shop but it didn’t make a has come on top of years of
relief in 2020, thanks to you Matthew, who was killed profit, and when the pandemic war and persecution.
by Fulani militants. Despite “This business has made me arrived, it was a struggle to
having two children and a self-reliant. I no longer wait Christians received vital even put food on the table. Pastor George’s community
third on the way, Rose was for help from people, but with Covid aid in Qamishli, Syria, has been
“Your organisation has come hit hard by the virus. “Many
Across Asia, Christians, many to our help and provided people, including my wife,
of whom are daily wage materials to re-stock the tested positive,” he says, “also
labourers, found themselves shop,” says Praveen. “Now friends and family.”
unemployed and last in line the shop is running well and
for food and aid. But thanks to is a stable income source for But with your support, Pastor
your generosity and prayers, our family. We can pay our George is providing vital
Christians got life-saving house rent without a struggle support for many vulnerable
support when they needed it and meet all our basic needs. believers impacted by Covid
the most. Today we have customers lockdowns, through the Centre
coming to the shop and we are of Hope in his church.
In India, Open Doors local able to re-stock the groceries
partner Rajesh* has been too – all because of your help “In partnership with you we
providing vital food aid to at the right time. support displaced and needy
believers who lost their jobs people,” he says. “We are
during lockdown. “I pray that will God bless you distributing around 150 to 200
all abundantly, as my family food packages per month. We
“When we reached them has been blessed. My deepest support also around 40 to 50
Rose, with her daughters Esther and Joy. Through Praveen and Shanti can run their shop with food packages, many and warm gratitude for each people with medical aid. When
your gifts, Rose has opened a small business again, thanks to your support started crying and saying one of you.” possible, we help them
14 15ANNUAL REVIEW 2021
financially too. We’ve helped
between 350 to 400 different
families. This allowed us to
meet many people and tell
them about Jesus.”
Church activities have
increasingly been limited by
Covid restrictions, so Pastor
George turned to social media
to connect with people. Here,
too, he is seeing God at work.
Over 4,000 supporters took action in #TheLastInLine campaign
“We have witnessed many
people coming to Jesus and discrimination persecuted written questions to the Your support has changed Abebu’s story Daniela and her brother Sebastián
getting saved,” he shares. “We Christians are facing in the Minister, or tabling an early
have WhatsApp prayer groups, distribution of Covid aid. Over day motion. Many other MPs Abebu shares. “My children Doors has continued to walk house because it’s comfortable
but also individually people 4,000 supporters wrote to also replied to supporters, are well and healthy. They are with Daniela and her family, and simple.
are praying. It is a chance for their MPs or took a photo showing their commitment pursuing their education. providing ongoing trauma
people to return to Jesus. of themselves with a bowl to the issues raised. Thank support and helping them to I have no words to express
Everything works out for the and cross to represent this you for continuing to ensure “To my family who has resettle in a safer area. During my gratitude to everyone who
good of those who love God.” discrimination. those in power are challenged supported me, who prayed to a recent visit from the Open prays for us. I want to say to
to use their influence to God on our behalf: we would Doors team, Daniela wrote those who suffer persecution
As a result, 38 MPs took bring positive change for our not be here and would not this letter, thanking you for that our God is faithful and
In the UK... direct action by either persecuted family. have anything without you. making this possible: helps us at all times.
As the pandemic unfolded, writing to the Secretary May God bless those who are
we launched #TheLastInLine of State for International concerned for us.” I thank God and each one of you
campaign to highlight the Development, or submitting for everything you have done
for me, my brother Sebastián, 208,626
1,102,021 and my mother Alba.
Persecution hasn’t stopped because of the Covid
My family and I are very persecuted children received
crisis – and neither have we persecuted women and happy, despite everything we practical and spiritual
girls received vital support have lived through. Although support in 2020.
Despite the increased For many women in Africa, and working harder than ever. in 2020. sometimes we have sad days,
challenges presented by being widowed leads to social With your support, she has we support each other as a
restrictions on travel and exclusion and poverty. grown into an avid farmer and family. There are days when Help us reach more
in-person gatherings, your But you have changed Abebu’s entrepreneur. She has taken we remember our dad, but I’m
support has enabled Open story. Your support has out a loan, buying livestock Bringing comfort happy to know that he’s in a believers in 2021
Doors partners around the provided her and her eight to rear, and growing tree and joy to better place. Thank you so much for letting
world to find ways to continue children with clothing, trauma seedlings to sell. your persecuted family know
to strengthen Christians care, medical help, and funds persecuted children Last year, I was at the Children’s they are not alone. In 2021,
facing persecution, even in the to help Abebu start her own And in a remarkable answer Daniela lost her father, Centre to celebrate Christmas. we aim to help significantly
midst of a pandemic. business. When Covid-19 to prayer, her husband’s Pastor Plinio, when he was My family and I felt good there. more believers who are facing
struck, you enabled us to step murderer has given his life murdered by a drug cartel The people welcomed us so persecution, poverty and
in once again, providing money to Jesus! Amazingly, Abebu in Colombia. Open Doors well there, it was an honor to the fall-out of the pandemic.
Seeing Change for for them to buy food. has forgiven him, saying, “We has come alongside Daniela share with everyone, to know You can make a gift to our
have no revenge. We have no and her brother, Sebastián, that they care and pray, not only ongoing covid relief work in
persecuted women “I was scared,” Abebu shares. resentment.” providing them with trauma for us, but for children all over India at opendoorsuk.org or
Open Doors has been “If I had not received your care and fellowship at the the world. by using the response device
supporting Abebu in Ethiopia financial help, my children The family’s faith remains Children’s Centre. And thanks enclosed with your magazine.
ever since her husband was could have died of starvation.” strong. “We are worshipping to your incredible response to This year we received help to Thank you!
murdered for his faith in 2013. Now Abebu is back on her feet and praising God together,” our Christmas appeal, Open live in a new house. I like the *names changed for security reasons
16 17ANNUAL GATHERING ONLINE | 25 SEPTEMBER 2021 UNITE, PRAY AND GROW WITH YOUR
PERSECUTED CHURCH FAMILY
You are invited to join Open Doors’ annual gathering for supporters as we come
STANDING
together with our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world for an amazing
evening of worship, prayer and stories of courageous faith! In this live, online
event, you will hear speakers from India and the Middle East as they share how God
STRONG
is working in and through the persecuted church. Together we will worship and
pray for God’s kingdom to come.
Sabita*, an Open Doors STANDING STRONG: BRAVE You will also be the first to hear
local partner from India, is FAITH ONLINE YOUTH about Brave Faith: a brand-new
witnessing how your prayers GATHERING discipleship resource for young
and support are making a huge This year, for the first time people! To book your ticket, go
difference to the church there. ever, Open Doors Youth are to opendoorsyouth.org.
hosting Standing Strong for
“Many people are experiencing young people and youth groups,
deliverance, they are receiving bringing the passion and brave REGISTER
healing and coming to the Lord, faith of the persecuted church
TODAY FOR
and this is all happening just straight to their screens – along
because of your prayers. The with special guests and fun STANDING STRONG
people who are persecuted are challenges.
standing strong because of your Standing Strong
prayers and support. Thank
“The night will get Together
you so much. Continue to pray
for us, continue to give us your darker before day Saturday 25 September
support. Thank you.” comes. We expect 8pm
more violence and
With lockdown restrictions
destruction before
Standing Strong
easing, why not invite others youth event
to watch together? Churches, things get better.
small groups – even friends and Please pray for us.” Friday 24 September
family – will hear how you are 7.15pm
MIDDLE EASTERN
helping to keep hope alive in SECRET BELIEVER
some of the darkest places and And don’t forget to invite
sustaining the church facing others! Scan the QR code
persecution. There will also be It’s going to be 45 minutes to book your place or go
a live Q&A so you can ask your packed with inspiring stories online at opendoorsuk.org.
questions in real time. from Christians around the
world who know that, despite
threats, violence, arrest,
“It’s so encouraging to intimidation and prison,
hear how Christians following Jesus is more than
are standing together worth it.
despite their desperate
Young people will be challenged
circumstances.” as they learn about those who
ATTENDEE, are willing to give everything to left Rebekah (far right) and
STANDING STRONG 2020 follow Jesus - and also inspired her family have stayed strong,
by understanding that their with your support and prayers,
As you have blessed the actions and prayers can make a since facing injury and grief in the
persecuted church, come and be significant impact as they step Easter 2019 church bombings in
encouraged in your own faith! out in faith themselves. Sri Lanka
18 19AMONG THE ASHES
What do you do when it all falls apart?
What do you do when everything gets taken away; when all that you have
worked so hard to build gets shut down?
LEARNING LAMENT WITH THE PERSECUTED CHURCH Or, worse, becomes nothing more than a load of ruins and a handful of ash?
MORE THAN A FILM • your prayer meetings
“Every day, around the world, • your small group
persecuted Christians find • a special event
themselves standing in the ruins
and asking, ‘Where did God go?’” NO SHAME
says Ron. “We may not share However you use the film, we
their exact experiences. But pray it will connect your church
suffering and loss is something with the persecuted church –
that we will all share at some and that you will be encouraged
point in our lives.” by the film’s message of hope
and love.
These issues have taken on a
special resonance for Christians “What we learn from the stories
Those are the questions which in the UK and Ireland over of the persecuted church,” says
open Among the Ashes – a new the past year, as we have all Ron, “indeed, what we learn
film and prayer resource for struggled through such an from the Bible itself, is that it’s
churches from Open Doors. unparalleled period of loss no shame to find ourselves in
and anxiety. the ruins.
Filmed in an abandoned
church in South Wales, “Because in the ruins
Among the Ashes is a we have the opportunity
beautiful, evocative and to encounter a different
inspiring film. It combines God than the one we’d
biblical reflection imagined.
with stories from the
persecuted church, to “And among the
explore how the biblical ashes we discover the
principle of lament can revolutionary power of
bring us hope and comfort, lament.”
even in the darkest
situations.
In the film, Ron Boyd-Macmillan That’s why Among the Ashes is
(pictured) – who has worked more than just a film. You’ll also If you’re a church or small
with Open Doors for over 35 be able to access online prayer group leader who would
years – unpacks what he calls resources and responses which like to use Among the Ashes
the four movements of lament: follow the four ‘movements’, for prayer and discussion
presence, honesty, promise and helping Christians to pray for in your own context, visit
| Inspirational, powerful film featuring stories from India, North Korea and Iraq | reply. Christians who are struggling the redesigned churches
with loss and hardship – not area of our website by
| Interactive prayer ideas to help you and your church support those ‘among the ashes’ | “Lament,” he says, “is first only in the persecuted church, visiting opendoorsuk.org/
about getting into the presence but all around us. churches. Here you will
| Great for online talks or church services | of God, understanding that He get access to the film and
| Can be used as a stand alone prayer evening or small group meeting | is not absent. Then it’s about You can use the film in many many other church related
expressing honestly how we feel, different church contexts: resources and information.
standing on God’s promises and, • during your church service
crucially, waiting for a reply.” (online or in-person)
20 21CORRIE FROM CHESHIRE that wind, rain, snow, sleet or
- RUNNING AND CYCLING thunder! It certainly required
perseverance. But it helped me
What inspired you to ’Go the understand that however hard
Extra Mile’? it is to run in awful conditions,
M I L E
I feel so passionate about our family in North Korea are
X T R A
supporting our North Korean suffering so much worse. This
N G T H E E brothers and sisters, and I inspired me to pray for them
GOI
enjoy running and cycling. whilst running.
When offered the opportunity to
YANG
combine the two I jumped at the What was the highlight?
TO PYO N G chance! Doing the challenge with an week Erica (team member)
ON
FROM LOND
amazing group of people. would add up everyone’s miles
What was the biggest The sense of community was and mark on the map where
challenge? remarkable and you never felt we were on our journey. It was
Running in all weathers – be like you were in this alone. Every highly motivating.
Do you know the distance from London to Pyongyang in North Korea?
A group of Open Doors fundraisers can tell you – because they’ve travelled it.
RACHEL FROM What inspired you to ‘Go the days that felt too hot, but the
Some ideas really go the running, cycling, skiing, walking, from the ten countries Extra Mile’? encouragement from the team
distance – quite literally. swimming, skating and even where it’s most dangerous COLORADO, USA - My friend Erica invited me to do inspired me to get out every day,
hopping. to follow Jesus, including RUNNING, WALKING, this challenge. It seemed like a even if it was just for a mile.
It was September 2020 when North Korea which is number SKIING (IN -27°C!) fun way to connect with believers
Doug from Berkshire began “The urgency to help 1 on the World Watch List. around the world and support a What was the highlight?
devising a fundraising activity became apparent, great cause! It was also great for The long and challenging bike
based on the belief that, as he “It was exhilarating,” said my mental and physical health. ride I did in the last week of the
puts it, ‘no distance would be beginning with prayer Helen, who took part. “It gave challenge. We were getting close
too far, no lockdown too tight, to and following with my running more purpose”. What was the biggest to the end, so I was glad to have
stop us reaching even the most action”- SANDY Nick agrees, adding, “It was challenge? time to log quite a few miles that
closed nations’. great getting to know such a Staying consistent, as the day (rather than lower mileage
“The lack of freedom in North wonderful group of Christians weather is really variable where when running or walking) and
A JOURNEY TO NORTH KOREA Korea is unlike any other from different countries who I live. There were days that see it pay off when we reached
Before long, over 40 people had nation,” Doug explains. “To help share my passion for North felt too cold to exercise and our goal just a few days later!
joined Doug in ‘Going the Extra remember an often-forgotten Korean Christians.”
Mile’ – a commitment to travel nation, and to embrace the
between them 7,268 miles, which place where persecution ranks Such has been its success that
is the distance from London to highest, we decided to make the group – who are in regular WILL YOU WALK WITH THEM? WHAT’S YOUR IDEA?
Pyongyang in North Korea. North Korea the country we will contact over WhatsApp and
‘journey’ towards.” Zoom – are considering how to Would you like to go the extra prayers for use and reflection Your fundraising efforts
The journey – which started on continue the challenge. “God mile to raise vital support for whilst you walk, helping you make an enormous
Valentine’s Day and finished ‘EXHILARATING’ CHALLENGE has placed on my heart the persecuted Christians in India to feel even closer to your difference to the persecuted
on 7 May – was completed At the time of writing, the need to continue the journey,” like Vinita (p.7)? persecuted family in India. church – not just with the
remotely from people’s local group have raised over Doug shares. “The next chapter money you raise but the
surroundings. Participants £6,500, with funds going is about to begin!” You are invited to journey with Find out more and sign up at awareness you spread.
clocked up the miles by towards helping Christians your brothers and sisters in opendoorsuk.org/fundraise Activities can come in all
India this summer by signing forms. Recently, supporters
left to right Sandy enjoyed walking in beautiful surroundings whilst praying for North Korean Christians; up for Walk with Them India, have sold artwork, donated
other participants included Olav and his wife; Christina has been cycling her ‘extra’ miles a fundraising activity where birthday presents, shaved
you can get sponsored to off their hair, baked cakes
walk a route and distance of and run long distances.
your choice. The money you
raise will go directly towards Head to opendooorsuk.
helping vulnerable Christians org/fundraise for all the
in India. And to equip you for fundraising information you
the journey, you’ll have access need, including guidance on
to a downloadable resource promoting your activity on
featuring stories, activities and social media.
22 23STRUCK
DOWN
NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE
Christians in India aren’t just facing a GIVE A gift today of £60 could give urgent
devastating pandemic – they also face Covid relief aid and help with medical costs
increasingly extreme persecution for their to a victim of violence or a believer who has
faith, every day. lost their livelihood through the pandemic.
Hindu extremists have vowed to wipe out PRAY Join Indian Christians in a month of
the church in India. The violent attacks and prayer, using your enclosed prayer diary.
destructive lies haven’t stopped for the
pandemic. ACT Stand for truth and speak out
on behalf of the Indian church. Share
But when the pandemic stops, will the #StandForTruthIndia on social media.
church survive and have a future? Your gifts,
prayers and action can help ensure it does. To make your gift, return the enclosed
envelope, phone 01993 460015 or visit
opendoorsuk.org. Thank you.
INDIA CHURCH IN CRISISYou can also read
