Latest Issue
As you flip through this magazine, you may find the stories distant. The villages, churches, and jungles of Sub-Saharan Africa seem like another world to us. But in reality, an average of 12 Christians are killed every day in the region because of their faith in Jesus. Yet, amidst the persecution and suffering, when the African church is in the deepest darkness, God remains with them.
In just thirty seconds, a suicide bomb attack claimed 22 lives, destroyed a church, and tore apart a family in Syria. But for Christians like Elias and Jenny, they have chosen to have faith rather than to succumb to fear. Be inspired by God's faithful remnant in the Middle East and find out how you can strengthen them.
In human terms, the church shouldn’t be growing in places where persecution is most extreme. In the natural, the gospel would never reach the most closed-off places on earth. But, every day, God does impossible things. Cho's story of impossible faith shows us exactly this - God doing seemingly impossible things in North Korea, as well as all the other countries on the 2026 World Watch List. Come and join in on God's impossible plan for the nations.
Today, more than 180,000 Christians around the world find themselves in the very situation that Jesus described in Matthew 8:20 - because of their faith in Him. Yet, displaced Christians continue to follow Jesus wherever they flee to, just like Pastor Yang (cover story).Would you join us in praying and supporting our displaced family?
In the darkest places, Christians like Joo Min (cover image) are determined to shine the light of Christ. For these believers, witnessing about Jesus and making disciples for Him is a mandate that must be obeyed, even unto death. May you be encouraged to also be a bold witness of Christ as you read the stories in this issue and remember to pray for them.
Despite persecution, the Indian church is growing. The Holy Spirit is moving in extraordinary ways, and that’s in response to the prayers of people like Pastor Laxman – and also the prayers of people like you and me, as the body of Christ around the world. The church may be growing, but it’s also facing unprecedented challenges. Today, let’s join our Indian brothers and sisters in standing for justice, truth and hope.
The level of violence in sub- Saharan Africa is truly deplorable. Every year, thousands of Christians are killed for their faith by Islamic militants. Thousands more lose their homes, their land, and their livelihoods. That is why Ayuba’s story of forgiveness, healing and restoration is so important and powerful. Our brothers and sisters in sub- Saharan Africa are calling for the global church to join them in standing up to extreme violence. Will you answer their call?
Globally, millions of Jesus’ followers face extreme persecution, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are extremely loved by our heavenly Father. This is the love that overflows from Rebecca for the women she meets. This is the love Open Doors seeks to continue to show the persecuted church. And this is the love that you exemplify each time you remember them in your prayers and support.
Open Doors' founder, Brother Andrew, passed away on 27 September 2022. Even as we mourn his passing, we celebrate the life he lived and want to remember the legacy he has left behind. In this special edition magazine, read of Brother Andrew's road to faith in Christ and how God called him to serve persecuted Christians.
