Every day, millions of Christians risk their lives to follow Jesus. In more than 70 countries, Open Doors supports them by supplying Bibles, providing emergency relief and helping persecuted believers stand strong for the long-term. In Southern Africa, Open Doors helps the Church to pray, give and speak out for those who share our faith but not our freedom.
Key to our ministry is to raise awareness and encourage prayer for the worldwide persecuted Church. We do so via a range of resources that are available to Southern African Christians, which alert them to the needs of the persecuted Church and encourage prayerful support.
In more than 60 countries Open Doors:
Delivers Bibles and Christian literature
Open Doors delivers a wide range of biblical materials, in various languages, to persecuted Christians – this includes Study Bibles, children’s Bibles, digital Bibles, and discipleship literature.
Disciples and trains persecuted Christians and leaders
Open Doors trains persecuted Christians and leaders in effective church leadership and how to disciple others; helping believers grow in their faith and teaching them how to stand strong amid persecution.
Sustains lives, supports livelihoods
Open Doors supports victims of persecution, violence and natural disasters in practical ways. We assist Christian families, widows, and orphans with, for example, literacy training, livelihood, and business opportunities.
Visits persecuted believers to encourage them
Open Doors brings personal encouragement, or presence ministry, to many persecuted believers in various ways, including writing letters and cards of encouragement, as well as sending Open Doors travellers or staff to meet and pray with persecuted believers in their regions.
Speaks out in advocacy
Open Doors helps persecuted believers by advocating on their behalf, providing legal support, seeking positive policy changes, and campaigning in Southern Africa.
We do the above ministry work in the following regions:
Asia
The three largest non-Christian religions in Asia are Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Here, many follow Christ in secret. In some countries believers suffer threats from religious extremist groups and even the government, as well as violent opposition from those groups and their families and communities. Praise God that His Church continues to grow in the region despite the persecution. Pray that many more will come to know Christ.
Africa
The persecuted Church in Africa is also, in large part, the displaced Church, as millions of believers have fled violence. Areas have been emptied of its Christian presence with the displaced exposed to further exploitation and trauma. Meanwhile, jihadist action continues to divide once united Muslim and Christian communities. Praise God for our family who risks everything to serve Him. Pray that He will comfort and provide for those who endure loss for His name’s sake.
Latin America
In Latin America, specifically in indigenous communities, Christians are persecuted for following Jesus. In these communities, they are denied access to necessities, forced into labour, imprisoned or expelled. Sadly, they lack resources and knowledge to fight these injustices. Praise God that Christians still continue to speak the truth. Pray for God’s provision in everything they face for their faith.
Arabian Peninsula
The Arabian Peninsula is the cradle of Islam. For a long time, in many countries on the Peninsula, there were no known Christian groups. Today there is an emerging Church, and many are searching for the truth. Praise God for what He is doing in the region. Pray that the Body of Christ will grow in strength and number to be a light amid the darkness.
The Middle East
Persecution, war, displacement, and an economic crisis have left Christian communities in Syria and Iraq extremely vulnerable. The Church has shrunk due to many fleeing their countries because of Islamic extremism, which remains a threat to believers. Praise God for the remnant that remains in the region. Pray that God will uplift our family so they can continue to contribute to Middle Eastern society for His glory.