She is seen. She is known. She is loved...
But does she know?
Vannida* was strengthened during her darkest days by her Christian family.
Vannida’s journey to faith began with a paralysing illness after childbirth. Doctors and shamans failed her, but when her brother – a former drug addict whose life had been transformed by Christ – shared the Gospel, she believed immediately and was healed. Her husband, Phansak*, soon followed.
But their newfound faith brought fierce opposition. Village authorities, police, and even relatives pressured them to renounce Christianity. Despite threats, the couple stood firm. Phansak was equipped through Open Doors’ discipleship and leadership trainings, which he faithfully passed on to others. He grew into a devoted church leader, discipling others.
Until authorities marked him as a target…
In October 2022, Phansak was murdered while travelling to lead a discipleship training session. Vannida identified his battered body, certain he had been killed for his faith. As the shock and reality of her husband’s death set in, she slipped into a deep depression. “I had no aim to live,” she says.
Yet today, Vannida stands firm. “Nothing can stop me from worshipping the Lord,” she says. “I won’t abandon Jesus Christ.”
What made the difference? People like you.
When Open Doors’ local partners heard of Phansak’s death, they went to Vannida – praying with her, encouraging her, and walking alongside her through her darkest days.
She realised that her husband’s life and legacy were not in vain and continued to attend their local church. “I kept worshipping the Lord even though I didn’t know what to do in life,” she says, adding that the Word of God gave her peace. Even after her traumatic experience and through ongoing persecution, she has been strengthened and remains steadfast in her faith.
“I want to serve the Lord more and more, even though I know trouble is waiting. I won’t abandon Jesus Christ.” – Vannida
Vannida is not alone. Around the world, women face unimaginable hardship for their faith – yet remain unshakeable in their love for Jesus.
Your gift today will help Open Doors reach more women like Vannida with prayer, practical support, and discipleship – so that no persecuted woman has to face their trial alone.
Will you encourage our sisters in the Lord?
- 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.
*Any excess funds will be used to strengthen persecuted Christians where urgent help is needed.
*Names changed to protect them.