Standing With The Persecuted Church

...so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it

1 Corinthians 12:25-26

When one member of Christ’s body suffers, all members suffer with them. We believe that, as Christians, we are required to support our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are suffering for their faith through prayer and also by giving financially.

What do Open Doors do?

Open Doors was started 70 years ago in 1955 by Dutch Missionary Brother Andrew who smuggled bibles into countries where bibles weren’t allowed. However, now Open Doors does so much more as it seeks to support our fellow Christians who live in places where they are being persecuted, often hounded out of their homes and even killed for their faith.

Open Doors distributes bibles so that persecuted Christians can be nourished by God’s Word and they provide training and support for Christian Leaders in order that they can remain strong in Jesus and encourage others in their faith. They also support victims of violence and disaster through trauma centres so that they can live independent, fulfilled lives.

Presently there are over 1.6 million Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa who are displaced through having been forced to flee their homes and villages due to violence and persecution for their faith.

Many live in displacement camps, in overcrowded conditions in temporary accommodation with a shortage of food and water and few possessions.

Earlier this year we were privileged to receive Abraham and Eti from Pakistan to Guernsey who were able to share first hand how frightening it can be to be a Christian in a country within the Open Doors watchlist of the Top 50 most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. We hope to have more visitors next year.

How can you get involved?

Every couple of months Open Doors publish a magazine and Prayer Diary to help focus our prayers for persecuted Christians, they also release a booklet every January telling us of the top 50 most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian. These are all available under the Open Doors poster at the back of Church. There is an Open Doors prayer meeting which takes place the 2nd Tuesday in every month from 7 - 8pm in the Prayer Room at Church. We would love to see you there.

More information about Open Doors can be found at opendoorsuk.org 

A prayer for the persecuted church.

Father God,

We lift up our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Strengthen their faith, protect them, and remind them they are never alone. Let Your light shine through their courage.

We thank You for the work of Open Doors—bless their ministry as they serve and support those in danger for following Christ. Give them wisdom, resources, and protection.

Stir our hearts to stand with the suffering Church in prayer, in giving, and in love. May Your Kingdom come, even in the darkest places.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.