Hoon, North Korea
At the beginning of the year, our campaign focus was on North Korea, which again tops the World Watch List. Much of your generous support for believers from the country is channelled through safe houses run by fieldworkers in China. After spending time at one, Hoon* left a thank you letter for you…
“Thank you, everyone! I am grateful to God. I could truly feel His and your love. Even though we do not know each other, it feels like we know each other in Jesus Christ from long ago.
“Your loving support has helped me to remove my burdens and I am so grateful that I can continue to do the work that He wants to accomplish through me.
“I have so much to thank, but I cannot express all my gratitude with words and pen. However, I would like to repay to you all by doing everything I can to carry out God’s ministry.”
Pastor Laxman, India
You might recall Pastor Laxman* from India, whose church building was destroyed by extremists and he was jailed. When he first shared his story with you, 40 people still gathered secretly for prayer, but now the pastor oversees six house churches, each comprising between ten and 70 members! As local partners continue to stand with him and members of his church, he has this to say to you…
“Thank you for walking alongside us in our challenges. The extremists are still powerful and they continue to trouble the minorities, especially Christians and, therefore, churches continue to face attacks. Please keep praying for us.
“When Christ was doing His ministry in this earth, He constantly faced opposition, but that did not stop Him from fulfilling His purpose here. Then what can stop me from fulfilling the purpose of God, who has called me to serve Him?”
Pastor Tahe Alexis and Emmanuel Hien, Ivory Coast
Through the Arise Africa campaign, your support continues to have a monumental impact on believers in sub-Saharan Africa. This includes motorbikes for seven pastors in the Ivory Coast, enabling them to reach believers vulnerable to persecution from extremists and even their own communities and families. Two of the pastors say…
“I had difficulties in reaching these churches. To even go and greet the brothers and sisters, to make a pastoral visit, was very difficult. Since our arrival in this region, it has been a prayer point which we kept asking the Lord to do something about it.” – Pastor Tahe Alexis (pictured below with his motorbike)
“Tiredness will be less and moving will be easy now thanks to this motorbike. I really don’t know what to say: this dream became reality, thanks to my brothers and sisters. I can just say thank you; may God bless you. May God bless you abundantly.” – Emmanuel Hien
Secret believers, Iran
Youth in Iran face immense challenges, including widespread depression caused by a struggling economy, restrictive societal norms, and intense religious pressures. In this environment, many young people are searching for hope and meaning in their lives. Amid these hardships, countless youth, like Melika, are thirsting for the truth and discovering the transformative power of the gospel. Pastor Masoud, an Open Doors partner shares...
“Melika, a 17-year-old girl, encountered the message of Jesus Christ through our ministry and, after a journey of discipleship, was baptized during a recent conference. Her powerful declaration of faith is a testament to the grace of God at work in her life.”
“We are deeply grateful for your prayers and support, which have empowered young believers like Melika to grow in their faith. Please continue to pray for the youth of Iran. Thank you for standing with us in this mission!”
A woman looking out at the city of Yazd in Iran. For illustrative purpose only.
Thank you!
Praise God for your generous financial support, faithful prayers and telling the story of persecuted church. Thank you, each contribution really does contribute to the long-term survival of the global church.
*Names changed for security reasons
