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North Korea
North Korea
North Korea
North Korea is the most hostile and dangerous country in which to be a Christian. All Christians are hated by the government and considered criminals. If their faith is discovered, they are sent to prison. At least 25 percent of North Korean Christians are believed to be languishing in labor camps all because of their faith. In spite of the governments relentless campaign to capture believers, Christianity is growing! Near the China border, family-based networks of underground house churches exist in significant numbers. Partially due to the great famine of recent years, record numbers of North Koreans have risked their lives Population: 20 Million to cross the border into China in (400,000 Christians) search of food. While there, some hear about the true food found through salvation in Jesus for the first time. Knowing they may face execution if caught, they willingly choose to return to North Korea so that they can tell others the good news.
North Korea
North Korea is the most hostile and dangerous country in which to be a Christian. All Christians are hated by the government and considered criminals. If their faith is discovered, they are sent to prison. At least 25 percent of North Korean Christians are believed to be languishing in labor camps all because of their faith. In spite of the governments relentless campaign to capture believers, Christianity is growing! Near the China border, family-based networks of underground house churches exist in significant numbers. Partially due to the great famine of recent years, record numbers of North Koreans have risked their lives Population: 20 Million to cross the border into China in (400,000 Christians) search of food. While there, some hear about the true food found through salvation in Jesus for the first time. Knowing they may face execution if caught, they willingly choose to return to North Korea so that they can tell others the good news.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
For freedom and justice for the thousands of Christians in gulag type prisons. Give thanks for the aid that Open Doors and other Christian NGOs can offer refugees. For the safety of North Korean Christians who return to share the gospel.
For freedom and justice for the thousands of Christians in gulag type prisons. Give thanks for the aid that Open Doors and other Christian NGOs can offer refugees. For the safety of North Korean Christians who return to share the gospel.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Throughout its long history, Afghanistan has been at the crossroads of many civilizations. Those who traveled its roads and mountain passes brought to this land-locked nation their beliefs and traditions. Christianity, for one, was once a major influence in Afghan society. Unfortunately, over the years, the presence and memory of Christianity has slowly and systemically been removed from its history. Today, not a single official church building remains. The handful of Christians that still exists in Afghanistan meets secretly in private homes at great personal risk. Since all Afghan Christians were formerly Muslims, they face intense discrimination and opposition from their family, community, Muslim Population: 32.4 million clergy and local authorities if their (a few thousand Christians) faith in Jesus is discovered. Using any means possible to make them recant their new faith in Jesus, Christians are treated in a hostile manner which include: beatings, death threats, starvation and imprisonment. In February, one Afghan Christian was finally released after spending nearly nine months in prison on charges of apostasy.
Afghanistan
Throughout its long history, Afghanistan has been at the crossroads of many civilizations. Those who traveled its roads and mountain passes brought to this land-locked nation their beliefs and traditions. Christianity, for one, was once a major influence in Afghan society. Unfortunately, over the years, the presence and memory of Christianity has slowly and systemically been removed from its history. Today, not a single official church building remains. The handful of Christians that still exists in Afghanistan meets secretly in private homes at great personal risk. Since all Afghan Christians were formerly Muslims, they face intense discrimination and opposition from their family, community, Muslim Population: 32.4 million clergy and local authorities if their (a few thousand Christians) faith in Jesus is discovered. Using any means possible to make them recant their new faith in Jesus, Christians are treated in a hostile manner which include: beatings, death threats, starvation and imprisonment. In February, one Afghan Christian was finally released after spending nearly nine months in prison on charges of apostasy.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Pray:
For courage and perseverance for Christians who are alone and without fellowship. For the church to grow despite the difficulties. For more opportunities to spread the gospel message via satellite TV and other means.
Pray:
For courage and perseverance for Christians who are alone and without fellowship. For the church to grow despite the difficulties. For more opportunities to spread the gospel message via satellite TV and other means.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
To be a Saudi is to be a Muslim. There is no freedom of religion. Under the Islamic law-based legal system, converts to any other religion are subject to execution if they do not recant. Non-Muslim public worship is prohibited and, although the national government recognizes the rights of non-Muslims to worship privately, the religious police often do not. Worshippers risk imprisonment, torture and deportation. Most Christians in Saudi Arabia are poorly paid foreign workers. As Christians and foreigners, they have no legal rights, making them vulnerable to violence and abuse. However, there has been a recent increase in Saudis responding to Population: 28 million broadcasts on Christian satellite (1.25 million Christians) TV. By sending emails to the shows producers, Saudis are able to ask questions about Jesus and Christianity. Some viewers have even commented that they came to Christ after watching the shows. Others have said that they came to faith after God revealed Himself in a vision or a dream.
Saudi Arabia
To be a Saudi is to be a Muslim. There is no freedom of religion. Under the Islamic law-based legal system, converts to any other religion are subject to execution if they do not recant. Non-Muslim public worship is prohibited and, although the national government recognizes the rights of non-Muslims to worship privately, the religious police often do not. Worshippers risk imprisonment, torture and deportation. Most Christians in Saudi Arabia are poorly paid foreign workers. As Christians and foreigners, they have no legal rights, making them vulnerable to violence and abuse. However, there has been a recent increase in Saudis responding to Population: 28 million broadcasts on Christian satellite (1.25 million Christians) TV. By sending emails to the shows producers, Saudis are able to ask questions about Jesus and Christianity. Some viewers have even commented that they came to Christ after watching the shows. Others have said that they came to faith after God revealed Himself in a vision or a dream.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Pray:
For converts from Muslim backgrounds who risk being killed by their families. Give thanks for the opportunity to share Jesus through satellite TV. Pray for more programs to become available. Praise Him that the number of Christian converts from Islam is increasing.
Pray:
For converts from Muslim backgrounds who risk being killed by their families. Give thanks for the opportunity to share Jesus through satellite TV. Pray for more programs to become available. Praise Him that the number of Christian converts from Islam is increasing.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Somalia
Somalia
Somalia
Islam is the official religion in Somalia. Although the Constitution approved by their president in 1979 provided for religious freedom, there has not been a stable government to back that promise since that time. Instead, Islamic militants have used an extremist interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia) to impose justice. Somalia has no traditional organized church. No one is expected to be a Christian. Christianity does, however, exist. Many believers are Muslim converts. Living as individual secret believers, each only knows a few other Christians. Sometimes, at great risk, they gather secretly in small underground groups. The largest known group is composed Population: 9.6 million of only five believers.
Somalia
Islam is the official religion in Somalia. Although the Constitution approved by their president in 1979 provided for religious freedom, there has not been a stable government to back that promise since that time. Instead, Islamic militants have used an extremist interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia) to impose justice. Somalia has no traditional organized church. No one is expected to be a Christian. Christianity does, however, exist. Many believers are Muslim converts. Living as individual secret believers, each only knows a few other Christians. Sometimes, at great risk, they gather secretly in small underground groups. The largest known group is composed Population: 9.6 million of only five believers.
(few Christians) Most Christians live in fear of being discovered and executed. In 2010, at least eight Christians were sought out and killed. In October 2011, Islamic extremists beheaded a 17-year-old Somali Christian near Mogadishu. Islamic fundamentalism is increasing, and militants from the Islamic extremist group al-Shabaab have vowed to rid Somalia of Christianity.
(few Christians) Most Christians live in fear of being discovered and executed. In 2010, at least eight Christians were sought out and killed. In October 2011, Islamic extremists beheaded a 17-year-old Somali Christian near Mogadishu. Islamic fundamentalism is increasing, and militants from the Islamic extremist group al-Shabaab have vowed to rid Somalia of Christianity.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Pray:
For an end to the political instability and the establishment of a stable and just government for all its citizens. For protection on Christians who risk meeting in secret. For freedom for believers to worship and grow in their faith.
Pray:
For an end to the political instability and the establishment of a stable and just government for all its citizens. For protection on Christians who risk meeting in secret. For freedom for believers to worship and grow in their faith.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Iran
Iran
Iran
According to the Iranian government, only ethnic Armenians and Assyrians may be Christian. Ethnic Persians are, by definition, Muslim; therefore ethnic Persian Christians are, by definition, apostates. Since this makes almost all Christian activity especially when it occurs in Persian languages illegal, most church services are monitored by the secret police. Islam is the official religion in Iran, Population: 74.8 million and all laws must be consistent with the official interpretation (460,000 Christians) of Sharia law. Although ethnic Christians are technically guaranteed religious freedom, they often face imprisonment, physical abuse, harassment and discrimination because of their faith. This year, the governments campaign against Christians and churches has increased. Several churches were either shut down or forced to stop preaching in Farsi. The regimes oppressive treatment of Christians has only fueled the flames of church growth. Last October, Irans own intelligence minister admitted that his agents had discovered hundreds of underground church groups, including 200 in the Muslim holy city of Mashhad.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Iran
According to the Iranian government, only ethnic Armenians and Assyrians may be Christian. Ethnic Persians are, by definition, Muslim; therefore ethnic Persian Christians are, by definition, apostates. Since this makes almost all Christian activity especially when it occurs in Persian languages illegal, most church services are monitored by the secret police. Islam is the official religion in Iran, Population: 74.8 million and all laws must be consistent with the official interpretation (460,000 Christians) of Sharia law. Although ethnic Christians are technically guaranteed religious freedom, they often face imprisonment, physical abuse, harassment and discrimination because of their faith. This year, the governments campaign against Christians and churches has increased. Several churches were either shut down or forced to stop preaching in Farsi. The regimes oppressive treatment of Christians has only fueled the flames of church growth. Last October, Irans own intelligence minister admitted that his agents had discovered hundreds of underground church groups, including 200 in the Muslim holy city of Mashhad.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Maldives
Maldives
Maldives
Remote islands surrounded by turquoise blue water and glistening white sand beaches make for a dream vacation destination. This is the utopian picture that Maldivian authorities present to the outside world. The governments harsh attitude towards Christianity is less known; a dark shadow marring this visual paradise. The Maldivian government views itself as the protector and defender of Islam, and every Maldivian citizen must be Muslim. Churches are forbidden, evangelism is banned and the importation of Christian literature is prohibited. Last year, a foreign Christian teacher was detained and deported after allegations that he had stored Population: 320,000 Christian material on a school computer (few Christians) The few Muslim converts hide their faith from their families. If discovered, believers face immediate pressure to recant their faith. Expatriate Christian workers are only allowed to practice their faith inside their respective homes. No one, not even foreign Christians, is allowed to gather in a group for prayer or worship.
Maldives
Remote islands surrounded by turquoise blue water and glistening white sand beaches make for a dream vacation destination. This is the utopian picture that Maldivian authorities present to the outside world. The governments harsh attitude towards Christianity is less known; a dark shadow marring this visual paradise. The Maldivian government views itself as the protector and defender of Islam, and every Maldivian citizen must be Muslim. Churches are forbidden, evangelism is banned and the importation of Christian literature is prohibited. Last year, a foreign Christian teacher was detained and deported after allegations that he had stored Population: 320,000 Christian material on a school computer (few Christians) The few Muslim converts hide their faith from their families. If discovered, believers face immediate pressure to recant their faith. Expatriate Christian workers are only allowed to practice their faith inside their respective homes. No one, not even foreign Christians, is allowed to gather in a group for prayer or worship.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
For Christians to remain strong in their faith amidst the secrecy and lack of fellowship. Many young people seek education outside the islands. Pray that they would have the opportunity to hear the gospel. For more opportunities for Maldivians to know Jesus.
For Christians to remain strong in their faith amidst the secrecy and lack of fellowship. Many young people seek education outside the islands. Pray that they would have the opportunity to hear the gospel. For more opportunities for Maldivians to know Jesus.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
Strict monitoring of all Christian activities is on the rise in Uzbekistan. All activities of unregistered churches are strictly prohibited, both inside and outside the church walls. Youth activities are forbidden, outreaches are forbidden, seminars and training are forbidden. Although the government officially allows orthodox and registered Population: 27.7 million churches to operate openly, only one new church has been (208,500 Christians) granted registration in the last ten years. Even these churches have experienced an increase in the number of raids, church members being fined and harassment by authorities. Private Bible study meetings face the constant threat of being discovered. Officials frequently raid churches, confiscating literature and other materials. Printing or importing Christian literature is prohibited. Since the state controls the media and blocks websites with religious content, it is difficult for believers to obtain Bibles and other materials in any form. If discovered with illegal materials, Christians are fined or given short-term prison sentences. Christians are not guaranteed fair treatment when they are brought to court.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Uzbekistan
Strict monitoring of all Christian activities is on the rise in Uzbekistan. All activities of unregistered churches are strictly prohibited, both inside and outside the church walls. Youth activities are forbidden, outreaches are forbidden, seminars and training are forbidden. Although the government officially allows orthodox and registered Population: 27.7 million churches to operate openly, only one new church has been (208,500 Christians) granted registration in the last ten years. Even these churches have experienced an increase in the number of raids, church members being fined and harassment by authorities. Private Bible study meetings face the constant threat of being discovered. Officials frequently raid churches, confiscating literature and other materials. Printing or importing Christian literature is prohibited. Since the state controls the media and blocks websites with religious content, it is difficult for believers to obtain Bibles and other materials in any form. If discovered with illegal materials, Christians are fined or given short-term prison sentences. Christians are not guaranteed fair treatment when they are brought to court.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Bibles Confiscated
The only options you have are to kill him, then take his Bible, or take him to jail with his Bible. He will not let go of it! declared the parents of the 40-year-old Taher, a Christian who lives his life bound to a wheelchair. Paralyzed, his main source of strength and hope is in his faith in Jesus. When the police came to their house and tried to confiscate his Bible he refused to give it to them. The police then tried in vain to persuade his parents to make him hand over his Bible. They knew that this request would not be honored by their son. In a separate incident Lazar, an Uzbek church leader, recalls, Two days ago the police raided my house. The moment they arrived was nervewracking. Suddenly there were ten policemen on my doorstep. I was taken off in handcuffs as if I were a criminal. They took all the Bibles and Christian books that we had. Raids on churches and homes are a common occurrence in Uzbekistan. Searching for illegal religious activity, police will harass, interrogate, impose fines and confiscate anything found to be Christian. Sometimes police will even plant materials in order to arrest suspected Christians. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you. Deut 33:27
Bibles Confiscated
The only options you have are to kill him, then take his Bible, or take him to jail with his Bible. He will not let go of it! declared the parents of the 40-year-old Taher, a Christian who lives his life bound to a wheelchair. Paralyzed, his main source of strength and hope is in his faith in Jesus. When the police came to their house and tried to confiscate his Bible he refused to give it to them. The police then tried in vain to persuade his parents to make him hand over his Bible. They knew that this request would not be honored by their son. In a separate incident Lazar, an Uzbek church leader, recalls, Two days ago the police raided my house. The moment they arrived was nervewracking. Suddenly there were ten policemen on my doorstep. I was taken off in handcuffs as if I were a criminal. They took all the Bibles and Christian books that we had. Raids on churches and homes are a common occurrence in Uzbekistan. Searching for illegal religious activity, police will harass, interrogate, impose fines and confiscate anything found to be Christian. Sometimes police will even plant materials in order to arrest suspected Christians. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you. Deut 33:27
Pray:
For pastors trying to lead their churches with limited resources. For courage for Muslim-background believers who experience great pressure from family and society. For Christians to remain strong amidst the conflict and challenges surrounding them.
Pray:
For pastors trying to lead their churches with limited resources. For courage for Muslim-background believers who experience great pressure from family and society. For Christians to remain strong amidst the conflict and challenges surrounding them.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Yemen
Yemen
Yemen
Yemen is one of the oldest civilizations on Earth. A pivotal crossroad for trade and travel, Yemen was once home to a mixture of people from all faiths. Today, little of these faiths remain except Islam. Yemens constitution, unlike some other countries in the Arabian Peninsula, officially guarantees freedom of religion. However, the constitution also declares that Islam is the state religion and that Sharia law is the source of all legislation. The four official church buildings in the entire country are located in Aden, a seaport city on the Red Sea. These churches are restricted; only Christian expats and foreign refugees are allowed to worship in them. The four official church buildings in the entire country are located in Aden, a seaport city on the Red Sea. These churches are restricted; only Christian expats and foreign refugees are allowed to worship in them.
Yemen
Yemen is one of the oldest civilizations on Earth. A pivotal crossroad for trade and travel, Yemen was once home to a mixture of people from all faiths. Today, little of these faiths remain except Islam. Yemens constitution, unlike some other countries in the Arabian Peninsula, officially guarantees freedom of religion. However, the constitution also declares that Islam is the state religion and that Sharia law is the source of all legislation.
Evangelism is prohibited. Yemenis who leave Islam face persecution from authorities, family members and Islamic extremists who threaten apostates with death if they do not return to Islam. There are an estimated five hundred to one thousand Muslim-background believers in Yemen. Hungry for fellowship, some take great risk and meet in secret locations.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Evangelism is prohibited. Yemenis who leave Islam face persecution from authorities, family members and Islamic extremists who threaten apostates with death if they do not return to Islam. There are an estimated five hundred to one thousand Muslim-background believers in Yemen. Hungry for fellowship, some take great risk and meet in secret locations.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Pray:
Thank God that church buildings exist for foreign Christians. Pray for an increase in opportunities to spread the gospel via satellite and other means Almost half of the population lives in poverty. Pray for opportunities for foreign missionaries to be allowed into the country to offer aide and assistance.
Pray:
Thank God that church buildings exist for foreign Christians. Pray for an increase in opportunities to spread the gospel via satellite and other means Almost half of the population lives in poverty. Pray for opportunities for foreign missionaries to be allowed into the country to offer aide and assistance.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Iraq
Iraq
Iraq
A modern-day exodus of Christians is going on in Iraq. Sectarian violence has caused tens of thousands of Christians to flee since the beginning of the war. An estimated 345,000 Christians live in Iraq today; that is down from about 850,000 in 1991. Those who remain feel that the government has failed to protect them from the recent wave of threats, robbery, rape, kidnapping and church bombings. Northern Iraq, an area commonly called Kurdistan, has long been known as a safe haven for Christians. Even in this region, however, the situation for Christians has deteriorated due to Islamic extremism. Northern Iraq, an area commonly called Kurdistan, has long been known as a safe haven for Christians. Even in this region, however, the situation for Christians has deteriorated due to Islamic extremism.
Iraq
A modern-day exodus of Christians is going on in Iraq. Sectarian violence has caused tens of thousands of Christians to flee since the beginning of the war. An estimated 345,000 Christians live in Iraq today; that is down from about 850,000 in 1991. Those who remain feel that the government has failed to protect them from the recent wave of threats, robbery, rape, kidnapping and church bombings.
Iraqs Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and belief, but there is no article on changing ones religion. Since Sharia (Islamic), the primary source of law, forbids conversion of Muslims to other religions, it is legally impossible to apply freedom of belief in the cases of converts. In Iraq there is no safe haven for Arab families who convert from Islam.
Iraqs Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and belief, but there is no article on changing ones religion. Since Sharia (Islamic), the primary source of law, forbids conversion of Muslims to other religions, it is legally impossible to apply freedom of belief in the cases of converts. In Iraq there is no safe haven for Arab families who convert from Islam.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Pray:
For the many Christian refugees who have been displaced from their homes by religious violence. For wise leadership and government to bring justice and protection from terrorist groups. Safety for Christians, especially since the American troops left.
Pray:
For the many Christian refugees who have been displaced from their homes by religious violence. For wise leadership and government to bring justice and protection from terrorist groups. Safety for Christians, especially since the American troops left.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
10
Pakistan
10
Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan is 96% Muslim. Caught between Islamic militant groups that constantly target them and an Islamic culture that discriminates against them, Christians are a beleaguered minority in a country of 176.7 million. Death threats are routine, beatings are common, and damage to church property occurs on a monthly basis. Christians cannot rely on the government or military for protection. They have few allies in their fight to live and thrive in the land of their birth.
Pakistan
Pakistan is 96% Muslim. Caught between Islamic militant groups that constantly target them and an Islamic culture that discriminates against them, Christians are a beleaguered minority in a country of 176.7 million. Death threats are routine, beatings are common, and damage to church property occurs on a monthly basis. Christians cannot rely on the government or military for protection. They have few allies in their fight to live and thrive in the land of their birth.
Population: 177 million Compounding their situation, the March 2011 killing of Christian (5.3 million Christians) Cabinet Minister, Shahbaz Bhatti, was one of the most demoralizing acts in recent years, according to a church leader in Karachi. Bhatti was an outspoken advocate for the removal of the notorious blasphemy law.
Population: 177 million Compounding their situation, the March 2011 killing of Christian (5.3 million Christians) Cabinet Minister, Shahbaz Bhatti, was one of the most demoralizing acts in recent years, according to a church leader in Karachi. Bhatti was an outspoken advocate for the removal of the notorious blasphemy law.
Pakistan laws do, however, give Christians considerable freedom to run their churches. Reports show that the Christian population is growing, and there is a steady trickle of Muslims joining the churches.
Pakistan laws do, however, give Christians considerable freedom to run their churches. Reports show that the Christian population is growing, and there is a steady trickle of Muslims joining the churches.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Pray:
Praise God that the Christian population is growing. Many Christian women are abducted, forced into marriage and converted to Islam. Pray for this to stop and these women to be returned to their Christian families. For protection and justice for the Pakistani Christian community.
Pray:
Praise God that the Christian population is growing. Many Christian women are abducted, forced into marriage and converted to Islam. Pray for this to stop and these women to be returned to their Christian families. For protection and justice for the Pakistani Christian community.
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
www.OpenDoorsUSA.org