Early on in his ministry, Open Doors founder—Brother Andrew—gave his first impromptu sermon in a Communist country where the expression of religion was restricted. When he finished speaking, the local pastor approached Andrew and said, “We want to thank you for being here. Even if you had not said a word, just seeing you would have meant so much. We feel at times as if we are all alone in our struggle.”
What Andrew heard that day is feedback we still hear from persecuted Christians today. Persecuted believers—who often live in a region where they are far outnumbered by followers of other religions—routinely tell us that they are isolated, boycotted, ostracized, harassed, unjustly imprisoned and even attacked. As a result, these believers are often deeply touched when they learn that Christians from other parts of the world are praying for them
For this reason, Open Doors offers these opportunities like letter writing campaigns and encouragement walls so that we can let these brothers and sisters in Christ know that they are not alone. We would be so grateful if you would take a minute to write a brief message of encouragement to them.
Encourage Taher and his family to stand strong
After he was arrested for following Jesus, Taher and his family fled Iran and are now refugees in Turkey.
Stand in faith with Amina and her sons
Amina courageously walked out her faith in the midst of murder and abduction. Her sons Manga and Daniel embrace their scars as evidence of the existence of God.
Strengthen Hajaratu with your encouragement
On the night Fulani militants overtook her village—Harajatu lost much more than her possessions, grain stores, animals and parts of her home.
Surround the Koh family with love
Four years since Pastor Raymond Koh’s abduction and his family’s search for answers began, the case remains open and his family has no solid answers or the chance for closure.
Send messages of hope to Iraq and Syria
Hope is dawning in the Middle East. Each month, we’re focusing on a new letter-writing theme as we encourage our brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria. We think you’ll enjoy playing a part in how God is raising up His Church to work in and through believers in the Middle East.
Show Christ’s love to Saudi believer facing prison
Adam* writes to us like a modern-day Paul. Stand with this believer who is facing an uncertain future for himself and his family in Saudi Arabia.
Bring joy to Daniela’s and Sebastian’s lives
After their father was gunned down for preaching the gospel, Daniella and Sebastian are on the path to healing in Colombia.
Send comfort to Francoise in the Congo
Since Francoise tragically lost her beloved husband, family members take turns to sit with her, because when she is alone, she weeps for her husband. Her gaze appears far off while she talks, as if she is caught in memories of times when her husband was still alive. Join us in writing her letters of comfort.
Stand with Georgine and her children in the DRC
When Georgine waved goodbye to her husband Dieudonne the morning of January 4th, 2020, she had no idea that she would never see him again. But now Georgine and her three young children must adjust to a new life without him. Please take a moment to write a letter or make a card of hope and healing to send to them.
Send encouragement to Marta, your sister in Ethiopia
Marta was only a child when her family agreed to give her to the local witch doctor as a servant and wife. Although we don’t know all the details of her suffering, we know she endured significant abuse. Please take a moment to write this sister in Christ a letter of encouragement.
Draw a picture for Iranian kids
This engagement opportunity is a great way to help your kids connect to persecuted believers by drawing a colorful picture of hope to encourage kids like Hami. We can remind Iranian children that though they’re persecuted, they are not abandoned.
Comfort Singya in Bangladesh
Singya (19) has been traumatized by the unexpected death of his younger brother, 16-year-old Chongya in Bangladesh. Please take a moment to write him a letter of encouragement to stay strong in his faith.
Sow seeds of hope for Rikiya
Just one month after her husband died, Rikiya had to take her children flee her home when Boko Haram attacked her village. She has now returned home. Please join us in encouraging her as she lives in a new hope.
Encourage widow of slain Rev. Lawan Andimi
On January 2, Rev. Lawan Andimi, a Nigerian pastor, was kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram militants. About three weeks later, he was killed. And now, at the age of 55, his wife Mary Andimi finds herself a widow and the sole provider for her seven school-aged children. Please take a moment to share your heart with her and let her know she is not alone.
Be a part of Alisa’s healing journey
Like many Christian women in Nigeria, Alisa was the victim of sexual violence at the hands of Fulani militants. Thankfully, like a growing number of women in Nigeria, she received trauma care through Open Doors and is now on a journey toward healing. Today I would like to share Alisa’s story with you in her own words.
Write a Letter to Support Eldos and His Sister
Eldos is a young Christian Kyrgyz man who was attacked by three radical Muslim men who came to his home and beat him while trying to force him to convert back to Islam.
Send Encouragement to Esther
While Esther was in Boko Haram captivity (October 2015 – November 2016), she was under constant pressure to denounce her faith. In her heart, she decided: If I perish, I perish. But I will not become a Muslim.
Walk with the parents of Leah Sharibu
Nathan and Rebecca must have had many sleepless nights thinking about their daughter, wondering if she’ll ever return. Yet trusting God through it all.