The phone call, when it came, was menacing…

“My brother called me,” said Ariana, an Afghan Christian in exile in Central Asia. “He said, ‘I heard you became a Christian. If you’re under pressure, I will come and save you. But if not, I’m willing to sell the carpet under my feet to come and kill you myself.’”

It’s a chilling threat which hangs over Ariana, a wife and mother, every day.

But the truth is, her brother’s warning is not the first assault on Ariana’s freedom. Ever since she was a young girl in Afghanistan, Ariana’s voice and rights have been eroded…

Restricted and pressured

Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, life for women has become incredibly restricted. Ariana was not allowed to work or leave home without a male guardian, and eventually she was forced into marriage.

But Ariana’s new family were hiding a huge secret: They were Christians. When the whole family fled to Central Asia, they shared their faith with Ariana. “I saw how much oppression Muslim women lived under,” said Ariana. “It helped me see that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.”

Ariana chose to follow Jesus, but it comes at a price. Landlords won’t rent a home to Ariana, her children are at risk, and at any time she could be deported – and executed.

“That’s our biggest fear… Being sent back”

One of our partners in Central Asia says, “Christian women in Afghanistan are some of the most marginalised people in the world. Even refugee women who follow Jesus must keep their faith secret.”

Persecution is an insidious force in Ariana’s life. It has driven her from home, stolen her freedom and stripped away her identity. Now, Ariana is in danger of being erased. And she’s not alone.

Silenced, unseen, suffering

Across the world, Christian women are intensely vulnerable. Their suffering is often hidden, and they need help. At Open Doors, our vision is to ensure every persecuted woman is seen, valued, and empowered to reach her God-given potential.

Your gifts and prayers can strengthen our Christian sisters’ faith, teach them about their value, provide emergency relief, and train women in job-related skills.

You can help restore them.

“God’s children will always face suffering,” says Ariana. “But nothing can separate us from the love of God. This is what gives us strength for the hardships we face.”

Will you help restore Christian women in danger of being erased?

Please give

• Every R400 could give Bibles to two women from a country where God’s Word is hard to access.
• Every R630 could provide food to a woman and her family who have fled extreme persecution.
• Every R1 160 could help train a vulnerable woman to survive persecution.

• Pray that Ariana will be filled with boldness and courage as she shares her faith.
• Ask God to protect Christian women in Afghanistan, who are in extreme danger.
• Pray for persecuted Christian women everywhere, that they will be seen and valued.

*Any excess funds will be used to strengthen persecuted Christians where urgent help is needed.

*Name changed to protect her.

“But nothing can separate us from the love of God.” – Ariana