Your kindness reminded them that they are precious in His sight
Because of the overwhelming generosity and support of our partners, we raised an incredible R377 385 for our Families at Christmas Campaign 2024. This is not just a number – it is a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable people we serve, our persecuted children.
The kindness of Open Doors supporters has made it possible for children like Moryom and Rumana to do something that all children should be free to do – celebrate the joy of Christmas!
Persecuted children are often excluded and hidden because of their faith, making them harder to reach and support. Open Doors is uniquely placed to identify and help children who are beyond the reach of other organisations because of our extensive network on the ground and our experience in supporting the persecuted Church.
Around the world, we support persecuted children through:
- Protection: shelter, trauma counselling
- Belonging: community events, children’s camps
- Christian education: to give them hope and a bright future
- Provision: support for the livelihoods of parents/guardians and housing
The annual Christmas party organised by OD partners in Bangladesh is an event we could easily take for granted – simply a given on our holiday calendar. But for persecuted children, it’s a day to be a child again.
“The best thing about the party was singing Christmas carols with many friends, learning new songs, cutting Christmas cake, and playing with friends,” says Moryom.
It’s a place to belong, a place to learn and a place to be loved. But most importantly, it’s a reminder that Jesus loves them.
“We also learnt that Jesus loves children, and they need to share the love with others. They should not forget the love of Jesus.”
Rumana made many new friends on the day who, like her, were facing similar experiences of persecution. It helped her to know that she was not alone.
It was a special day of much-needed celebration and mutual encouragement for children and families alike, especially given that Moryom and Rumana’s situations are still difficult…
The political unrest in Bangladesh still affects their families severely. They face constant pressure to renounce their faith and are rejected by their communities. Moryom’s father has been receiving death threats, while Rumana’s father has to travel far for work because local employers refuse to hire him because of his Christian faith. Rumana is enjoying school, but still feels isolated and needs textbooks and stationery. Moryom can’t go to school regularly due to the fear of what may happen to her on the way to school or at school, where she’s surrounded by children and teachers who are against her faith.
Please continue to pray for them and consider making a donation today to help persecuted children. Your gift could provide shelter, essential provisions and aid, education, counselling, community events and a hopeful future to children in need.
Please continue to pray for them and consider making a donation today to help persecuted children. Your gift could provide shelter, essential provisions and aid, education, counselling, community events and a hopeful future to children in need.