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Open Doorsmagazine 60 years of serving persecuted

November 2016

INSIDE: THANK YOU FOR BRINGING HOPE A Christmas letter from your Open Doors family

SYRIA: HOPE THAT ENDURES Christmas in Tartus Letter from Lisa: Rise

It’s not too late to order your free copy of the Pray for ME pack, and encourage your church or small group to hold a In these dark days for , the Open Doors is an international image of a baby being pulled prayer event for Syria and this autumn. ministry serving persecuted “Our God is merciful and tender. Christians and churches worldwide. from the wreckage in Aleppo He will cause the bright dawn Complete with Event Guide, DVD, posters and campaign petition, it’s has been a powerful sign of of salvation to rise on us and perfect for this year’s International Day of Prayer for the persecuted Open Doors supplies Bibles, hope. Given the usual scenes of leadership training, literacy displacement, destruction and to shine from heaven on all church on 20 November – or whatever date best suits you. programmes, livelihood support those who live in the dark and advocacy services. death, it would be easy to feel Order your copy today! Fill in the enclosed response form, overwhelmed and to give in to shadow of death.” We also seek to mobilise the despair. But every life saved is a phone 01993 460015 or email [email protected] Luke 1:78-79 church in the UK & Ireland to serve reason for celebration, and I’m Christians living under religious glad to be able to tell you that . there are many more signs of predicament and intervened with If you have any questions about the hope in Syria. loving care to save us. work of Open Doors, or would like Through our relationships with Knowing that your family to reprint any of the articles in this simple local partners and churches in are praying for you is a great magazine, please do get in touch. 8meals Syria, Open Doors still has routes encouragement, when your only Open Doors UK into cities all over the country, hope is God. Hearing that your life-changing Lent PO Box 6, Witney including Aleppo, allowing relief family are speaking up to ensure challenges Oxon OX29 6WG 7 T 01993 460015 aid, Bibles and training to bring a better future when you have amazing E [email protected] our persecuted family fresh energy been robbed of a home, let alone and hope. And it’s all down to a voice, is a powerful incentive to Open Doors Ireland 6weeks God’s grace, working through the rise up and carry on. It’s like a baby PO Box 873 Belfast BT15 1WZ courage of believers who’ve stayed being pulled from the wreckage. A This Lent… T 02890 751080 to serve and minister to their sign of hope. E [email protected] Share a meal with others neighbours. The global Hope for the Middle Serve up stories of the persecuted church. Open Doors Scotland But it’s thanks, too, to the East campaign is gathering Take away a weekly fasting challenge. PO Box 8515 love and generosity of people momentum, with Christians all Prestwick KA9 9AN like you. I once asked a lady on around the world signing the Get involved at: www.opendoorsuk.org/fastfood T 01292 800006 E [email protected] the Lebanon/Syria border what it One Million Voices of Hope meant to her to receive food and petition of advocacy, prayer and FIND US ON: provisions funded by Christians solidarity – you can read more in other countries, and to know about this on p. 12-13. But there’s that she was being prayed for. still much more to do. By bringing Think you can’t? She thought for a moment and people together to pray on 20 THINK AGAIN www.opendoorsuk.org replied very quietly, “It means that November, the International Day of facebook.com/opendoorsuk God has not forgotten me. That Prayer for the persecuted church, MUSKATHLON 2017 twitter.com/opendoorsuk He sees me in my predicament.” and encouraging others to sign youtube.com/opendoorsuk Run walk or cycle to raise funds What you or I may see as simply the global petition and to provide for persecuted Christians providing supplies is something for their needs, you can bring hope much more to those who receive to your persecuted family this them: a message from God to His Christmas. And that’s the greatest sons and daughters that He sees gift you can give them. Thank you 7-14 OCTOBER them in their predicament and is for being part of it. LEBANON intervening with loving care to 15-20 MAY save them. That’s a message of www.opendoorsuk.org/muskathlon hope, and, at Christmas, that’s a Open Doors UK & I message for all of us – that the Lisa Pearce Registered as a Charity in England and Wales God of heaven saw us in our CEO, Open Doors UK&I No.1125684 and in Scotland No. SC043710 © Open Doors 2016 2 OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org 3 "Thanks to your prayers, we have been able WORLD to get out of Kaga Bandoro with our lives" WATCH NEWS Open Doors partner caught up in violence in : Al-Shabaab claims “We have killed six Christians” CAR: Pastor among scores killed by rebels Al-Shabaab militants claimed device before throwing more A renewed outbreak of violence pastors who were attending an members protested, the group left. responsibility for a terror attack explosives into the compound. in the Central African Republic Open Doors sponsored seminar. Elsewhere, others were not so on a residential compound in People were caught unawares and has left 26 people dead – “Thanks to your prayers, we fortunate and were killed by Seleka. Mandera, northeastern Kenya, were shot as they tried to flee. including a pastor. Churches have been able to get out of Kaga “Those killed included servants of on 6 October that left six dead "They specifically targeted were looted and dozens of Bandoro with our lives safe,” he God and other believers,” said our and about 27 injured. non-locals (all assumed to be people were forced to flee when told us. “Some Seleka fighters even partner. “We came back to Bangui "We are behind the Mandera 'Christians'). Among the six dead is predominantly Muslim Seleka came into the church where our under the escort of the Lord Jesus, attack in which we killed six a local barber called Cege. Among rebels attacked communities seminar was taking place and hurt but our brothers in Kaga Bandoro, Christians," local and international the injured is one person who hid around the town of Kaga people lodging there.” Ndele and Kouango are suffering." media reported the group's in the ceiling but the explosion In December 2014, al-Shabaab Bandoro, 200 miles north of the Witnesses say the Seleka held military spokesman, Sheikh from the grenades shook him and militants killed 36 quarry workers capital, Bangui. them at gunpoint and beat them PRAY Abdiasis Musab, as saying. he fell through the roof and was in a town close to Mandera. During Although Christians were with their fists and machetes, injured. He is currently in hospital." the attack, gunmen separated the not specifically targeted in this before taking money and other • For comfort for the families of "THEY SPECIFICALLY TARGETED "We are greatly saddened by Muslims from among the workers incident, many Christians are valuables. At one point they those who died NON-LOCALS" this attack on people perceived by and then shot dead the Christians. among the victims. Among those ordered the pastors to lie face • Ask the Lord to strengthen In a telephone interview, an Open militants to be Christians," said a threatened during the attack were down and threatened to kill them. and protect Christians in this Doors contact explained: "The member of Open Doors' East Africa PRAY an Open Doors partner and 15 Mercifully, when one of their volatile region. al-Shabaab Militants, wearing team. "We ask that supporters pray Kenyan army uniforms, entered the for the people of Mandera at this • For comfort for the bereaved : Life sentences for Malatya Murders compound on the pretext of being time. There is a high level of fear and healing for the injured For nearly a decade, Open Doors were given three consecutive moving to the Court of Appeals, Kenyan security officers on patrol. among locals and we pray that the • For wisdom for Kenya’s supporters have been praying for life sentences, while two military they could not be detained. They first hit a mobile money Lord will strengthen His children as government and security justice for the victims of a brutal personnel were given sentences However, after the prosecutor transfer shop with an explosive they once more bear the brunt of forces tackling the Al-Shabaab militant anger." insurgency. murder in Turkey. On 18 April of some 13 years and 14 years. expressed fears that they might 2007 three Christian men, Ugur Sixteen other defendants were flee the country, the men were re- SYRIA: “What has happened to our city?” Yuksel, Necati Aydin and Tilman acquitted. arrested on 29 September. Geske, were tortured and killed Initially, despite being handed The families and friends of "A ceasefire is a lie unfortunately. As we go to print, the Syrian "In my church, now only ten per at the Zirve publishing house in life sentences, the perpetrators the victims are desperate for Always know that, even if there government is intensifying its cent of the regular church-goers Malatya. Yet, although the five were not arrested and detained, to justice. Pastor Ihsan Ozbek, is a ceasefire, the rockets and military campaign in Aleppo. But are left," Kristina explains, talking perpetrators were caught red- the consternation of the families chairman of the Association of mortars are there. And when whatever the future holds, our about her church in Aleppo. "But handed at the crime scene, the and friends of the victims. The Protestant Churches in Turkey there is no ceasefire, the rockets local partners are committed to you know what's surprising? The case has dragged on and on. legal limit for detention pending issued a statement: “We as the and mortars are there. And life is continue working in Aleppo and church is still filled with people: On 28 September the First the trial is five years and, since the Protestant community living going on in Aleppo." other Syrian cities, providing vital refugees take their place. Muslims Criminal Court of Malatya finally perpetrators had already served in Turkey struggled hard to The recent words of one of our aid and long-term support to are coming to the church now." issued a verdict: the five murderers this time, and with the case now get the killers punished and to Syrian contacts coincided with the fleeing families. And God is still at uncover the motivation behind collapse of the week-long ceasefire work in people's lives. PRAY the perpetrators… The repeated in Aleppo at the end of September. postponement of the punishment "What has happened to our • For the witness of Christians they deserve severely wounds city?" lamented another Open in Syria despite unimaginable confidence in justice.” Doors contact. She shared how hardship the fall of missiles has become so • For all those coming to Christ PRAY common that ‘nobody even turned in the midst of conflict to look where it had fallen’. • For Open Doors partners • For justice to finally be done "I don't know what's happening providing emergency relief to • For safety and protection for to us. I just know that God is good families across Syria – even in the church in Turkey. and He loves us!" Aleppo. FROM LEFT: Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel and Tilmann Geske

4 OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org 5 As the festive season gone and plans for the year ahead. This is our Christmas letter to you – approaches, perhaps you but you are very much a part of it. As we look back at 2016, we can see A Christmas letter from your are expecting to receive the incredible difference that your prayers and support have made to our letters from friends and persecuted brothers and sisters. You are assuring them that they are not family, telling you their alone or forgotten, and enabling Open Doors to be there for as long as Open Doors family news from the year just they need us – not just for this year, but for the months and years to come.

A message from Books of love for the A letter from Answers to prayer in Chibok families

It can seem like On 14 April it was In Iran, where believers from Muslim little is changing two years since the backgrounds must keep their faith completely in North Korea – it Chibok girls were secret, Christmas is a time of joy, but also a has been number abducted from their time of fear. Each year Christmas celebrations one on the Open school by the militant are raided. This is a letter from a secret believer Doors World Islamist group Boko from Iran, who reflects on her experiences of Watch List for the Haram – two years Christmas: Do you remember Meena* and Sunita*? They past 14 years. And too long. But there are sisters from a Hindu background who have yet, we know that were some glimmers Hello fellow believers, endured horrific beatings for their faith in Jesus, God is at work and, of hope this year; one I'm Maryam. About ten years ago my family but have found the strength to keep going and incredibly, your of the Chibok girls, and I started to believe in Jesus. Now we are even ask God to forgive their persecutors. prayers and support are enabling Open Doors 19-year-old Amina members of a house church. Every year on “Thank you for praying for us to provide North Korean believers with food, Ali Nkeki, was able to Christmas day we gather at the home of one of the and helping us” medicines, Bibles and training. escape in May, and believers and celebrate this great day and pray and – Meena, India "Every small or big thing you do for us two ‘proof of life’ videos gave other parents hope sing songs and worship God. that their daughters may at least still be alive. Open Doors partners have told us that Meena is like a beautiful song in the ear of our “Although we were with few, the At the end of the summer, an Open Doors and Sunita are now staying in a Christian leader’s Heavenly God" presence of God was tangible among us” - North Korean believer worker delivered thousands of messages of – Maryam, Iranian believer home. When the sisters filed a police report about encouragement from supporters around the the abuse they have faced at the hands of their One North Korean believer sent us this world to the families of the missing Chibok girls, Last year we could not celebrate this day with old neighbours, their abusers retaliated by falsely message: “We praise and worship our God who bound into books for them to keep. “Knowing the whole church because the security situation accusing Meena and Sunita of beating a girl from protects our believers. We truly are the apples that people are praying for us is a great blessing,” wouldn’t allow it. The only thing we did was invite their village; our partners have arranged a lawyer of His eyes and receive abundant Heavenly one parent said. two of our friends to pray together. We sang with to help them with this. blessings. We thank God who pours out His love a soft voice, and although we were with few, the Your support and prayers have also enabled "We are alive because your ministry cares" in order that our believers may run the holy race - Chibok parent presence of the Holy Spirit was tangible among us. our partners to provide the sisters with medical towards the kingdom of the Heavenly God. I also But I found out that not all Christians had support, and assist them in opening a small give thanks to anyone who cares about us with “We are alive because your ministry cares,” a peaceful Christmas time. I read that a house stationery shop to help them support themselves. the love of Christ. said another. “Your prayers are keeping us. We church had been attacked and that the Christians “Thank you for praying for us and helping us,” “We realise that you pour out physical and cannot thank God enough for using Open Doors participating in the Christmas service had been Meena says. spiritual blessings on us. Please know that every to intercede for us.” arrested. I’m still shocked. Now I know I can’t stop You can write to Meena and Sunita to small or big thing you do for us is like a beautiful Open Doors workers have been making praying for them. encourage them - turn to page 14 to find out song in the ear of our Heavenly God. We want regular visits to the Chibok parents to encourage Maryam how. our next generation in Christ to spread what you them and provide them with food, medicines and have started for us.” trauma care, thanks to your prayers and support. Thank you for supporting secret believers Thank you for supporting our church like Maryam. Every gift of £35 helped us to family in India. Every gift of £36 provided Thank you for your support for Every £46 you gave provided a trauma provide a secret believer in the Middle East three weeks' funding for a Rapid Response believers in North Korea. Every £21 you awareness training session for a church with discipleship training, enabling them to team of volunteers who provide persecuted gave provided three believers in North leader in sub-Saharan Africa. In total Open keep following Jesus, despite the incredible believers with vital relief aid and legal Korea with a Bible. In total Open Doors Doors was able to train 1,800 leaders, so they challenges they face. In total Open Doors was support. In total Open Doors provided a was able to provide 15,000 Bibles, as well can better support people like the Chibok able to train 600 people as well as providing year’s funding for 44 Rapid Response teams as emergency relief for 59,000 believers! families. 6,850 Bibles! as well as extensive training for the church.

*names changed for security reasons 6 OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org 7 Whatever you’ve done this year, whether you’ve prayed with the prayer diary, lived like a refugee, written to your MP, volunteered at a festival, raised funds, or something else – we want to say Thank a big thank you! None of our work would be possible without people like you, and every prayer, gift and voice raised really You! does make a difference. Here’s a snapshot of what happened:

Littleham Sunday Club raised £700 by living like refugees

Littleham Sunday Club decided to ‘live like refugees’ One person spoke of deciding to bring a book for 24 hours, eating rations of tinned meat and bread with them as one of their 15 items, to help them with no electronic devices and no change of clothes. remember who they were before they had to Theresa Villiers MP with Open Doors CEO Lisa Pearce Maayan sells cakes for Syria They raised over £700 – enough to support 16 leave – an academic. It stunned us into silence as refugee families for a month! Thank you so much to we considered how our Christian family have said The 2016 World Watch List was launched in In June, Maayan sold cupcakes at Ipswich Hope Church everyone who took part and gave so generously. goodbye, not only to their homes, but to who they parliament in January, and 5,500 supporters invited to support the persecuted church. Her Mum, Roezelt, Anna Roberts’ small group spent a night ‘living are. their MPs! Over 100 parliamentarians were there, says, “She was moved by the plight of our Christian like refugees’ in the Peak District, to help them “One night in the woods, with friends, is by no including at least 108 MPs – more than have ever brothers and sisters who are persecuted. Being a identify with real refugees who are forced to flee means comparable to what our Christian family been to the launch before. That’s thanks to people feisty seven-year-old who loves Jesus very much, she their homes because of their faith in Jesus. goes through every day, but it was an opportunity like you: Theresa Villiers MP, who hosted the event, really wanted to do something.” Her amazing baking She says, “We were only allowed to take 15 to connect with them in a new way. It gave us an opened by describing how she had become skills helped her to raise £60.55, enough to provide a items with us. At first I thought that 15 items was opportunity to join together and really pray for involved in the issue of the persecution of Christians family of five in Syria with food for six weeks! Well done plenty, but they quickly were eaten up by essentials them, knowing God’s love for them and deepening 'because my constituents asked me to be', a Maayan! like sleeping bags and tents and food and water. our own love for them as our family.” sentiment echoed by many of those attending. Your voice really does count! We hope you will continue to walk with your We have been so encouraged over the years persecuted church family in 2017, knowing to see increasing understanding in parliament that your prayers and gifts are incredibly about the issues facing the persecuted church. precious to your brothers and sisters, and One MP we have met along the way is Steve Brine. make a real difference. If you haven’t already, He recently wrote: “I may have been a Christian perhaps you would like to make 2017 the year before entering Parliament but I had no real idea when you commit to pray and give to support of the extent to which some parts of our world are your persecuted church family on a regular dangerous places to just be. I am hugely grateful to basis, enabling our workers and partners to Open Doors for the work they do in educating those be there for the long term – call our friendly of us in Westminster and to the many constituents Inspire team on 01993 460015 to find out who, judging by my postbag, know of their work how. and understand these issues as much as they are Lindsay abseiled in support of persecuted believers Your persecuted church family are praying troubled by them.” Thank you to everyone who has for you. The North Korean believer who played a part in telling their MPs, like Steve, about In September, our brave friend Lindsay Turner from began this letter says: “I pray for you and persecuted Christians. Stockton-on-Tees did a bridge abseil – it’s a bit hard your supporters. I pray they will receive more to see her in this photo because she’s so high up! Her This prayer map is from our time at New Wine blessings from our Father in Heaven.” That’s If you haven’t already, invite your MP to the daring feat helped her to raise £255 – that’s enough Ireland. It’s a picture of just a few of the prayers our prayer for you too, wishing you every launch of the 2017 World Watch List using the to buy 46 Bibles for persecuted believers in South East that have been raised up for our persecuted blessing for the rest of 2016 and the New Year. postcard we’ve sent with this magazine. Asia! Thank you Lindsay. church family this year.

8 OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org 9 SYRIA: HOPE THAT ENDURES

there is a food distribution and people come to the church to receive their package, if you look around you see people from every background, every denomination.” Pastor B is also seeing many come to faith. He says, “People are thirsty to know more about God, and they are looking for help and for SYRIA: HOPE THAT ENDURES support and for hope.” This includes some from Muslim backgrounds. “Recently there was a baptism “There is a danger Pastor B’s church increased hugely with the These problems show why your prayers and for a Muslim family, the entire family they got when travelling rise of IS in 2014. “There were lots of displaced support are so vital. Pastor B and other Open Doors baptised together. And the change that we can from one area to people who were on the borders with Iraq, and partners are supporting 12,000 families every month see in this family that got baptised is now they another because hundreds of these families arrived in Tartus with vital aid such as food, clothes, rent payments are helping us in distributing and helping others. of kidnapping – and its suburbs. We were receiving almost 100 and fuel subsidies. they might ask for families every day,” says Pastor B. The number a ransom.” of families his church was supporting increased Looking for hope “People are thirsty to This is one of the from 2,000 to 3,500 that year. Despite the challenges they face, Pastor B believes know more about God” risks Pastor B is taking Pastor B says, “The biggest need is to pay that the crisis in Syria has helped to make the church by choosing to stay in for the rent, and also the need for food supplies more open and more united. Syria to serve his community. and clothes. These families lost their jobs, all He says, “The doors of the church are wide open. His faith in Christ makes him a target for Islamic their belongings and their homes. And because It has never been closed in the face of anybody, and “My prayer for the Middle East is to see the extremists, who would use his ransom to fund of them being displaced to these safe areas, it does not differentiate between people whatever work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the Muslim their acts of terror. Tartus, his home city on the cost of goods in Tartus has risen up ten their background is [Christian or Muslim]. people. Some people think that salvation is to Syria’s coast, has been relatively safe during times, including rent. And now we don’t have “Every member in the church or whoever is left cast away Muslims. We believe and we pray for the civil war, but is not immune to violence; in any houses for rent, and that has caused lots of in the church is now committed to serve. Almost a special word from God in the hearts of these September this year, two bomb attacks carried problems. everyone inside the church is asking, ‘What can we Muslims.” out by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in “We have a big problem because we don’t do?’ Our message is that we love everybody and we Tartus killed 35 people and wounded 43 others, have work opportunities for all these people would like to help because you are in need. Christmas in Tartus according to state media. coming. Even the cost of fuel has gone up and “We are cooperating with other churches as well. The church in Tartus has stopped celebrating the cost of mobile calls. In some villages it is very Before there was a kind of fear of each other from Christmas in what we might consider ‘the “We were receiving almost 100 cold and there is a great need for fuel.” one church to the other church, but today, when traditional way’. “Because of the war there is no families every day”

And yet, Pastor B has decided to stay and serve the thousands of displaced people who ALEPPO are looking to his church for help. You may remember Pastor B’s story from the Save Syria campaign in 2013; in 2012, his church in Tartus was supporting just 16 families. “It started like TARTUS SYRIA the first church,” he says. “We began visiting HOMS families in their homes. We formed a team, including a doctor, a Sunday school teacher, and women. The sisters were able to take care of the women and the Sunday school teacher DAMASCUS could care for the children while we visited the families.” Now, thanks to the prayers and gifts IRA of people like you, his church is supporting thousands of displaced families. Displaced Syrian Muslim family who receive food packages from an Open Doors partner The number of people in need of help from

10 OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org 11 SYRIA: HOPE THAT ENDURES

Christmas tree. There is pain CAMPAIGN UPDATE in every mouth, even among Hope for the middle East our neighbours, there is pain and a lot of grieving. So we as a church, because we respect their feelings, stop these celebrations.” ONE MILLION VOICES OF HOPE PETITION HOPE FOR THE MIDDLE EAST REPORT LAUNCH But they do still celebrate – by Our church family in the Middle East are asking us to Our Hope for the Middle East report was launched in parliament serving others. “During Christmas speak out for them. The One Million Voices petition is on 12 October. If you invited your MP – thank you! Over 80 MPs time we go to the camps and we enabling Christians around the world to stand with their let us know they were planning to attend. This magazine went do a play for children. We talk to brothers and sisters in Syria and Iraq, who are asking for to print before the launch took place, but head to our website these children about how Jesus equality, dignity and responsibility for Christians and to find out how it went. We’ll also be reporting back in our was born in a cave and how other minorities in the Middle East. January magazine. Jesus fled from one area to the At the time of writing, 23,737 people from 54 other, like them, and how God countries had signed the One Million Voices petition – PRAY FOR ME protected Jesus the same way he including 13,420 people from the UK! We have a little At the time of writing 2,577 people had is protecting them now. And this way to go to reach a million – but that’s where you come Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP ordered our Pray for ME resource pack, did not stop Jesus from loving in. We’ve enclosed a petition sheet with this magazine, to help them to hold a prayer event for God and obeying his commands. which you can photocopy if you want to. Please sign it, Syria and Iraq. That’s a lot of prayers! This is how we should remain and then take it to your church or small group and ask There’s still time to order yours in time also, loving God and obeying his others to sign it too. Every signature will make a real for the International Day of Prayer for the commands. difference, showing our church family in the Middle East persecuted church on 20 November – call that they are not alone, and helping to make sure their our Inspire team on 01993 460015 or go voices are heard by our leaders. “The true meaning to www.opendoorsuk.org/SaveME. If you’re holding a prayer event, we’d love to hear how it goes – of Christmas is to go email us your stories and photos at [email protected]. and help those who KEEP GIVING HOPE are in need” Rt Hon Sir Eric Pickles MP Pastor B and other Open Doors partners are supporting 27,000 families in Syria and Iraq every month with vital aid such as food, clothes, rent payments and fuel subsidies, as well as providing long-term support such as trauma care and loans for small businesses. But it’s only thanks to the prayers “When we present the gifts to and generous giving of people like you that any of our work is them, the gifts are brought from Six of our fantastic youth advocates were at possible. the children in the church, and Powerpoint in Edinburgh on behalf of Open Doors this brings also joy to the families in September - they managed to gather over 170 Every £42 provides a food pack for a family of five for a month in the church – they learn that signatures in less than 30 minutes! the true meaning of Christmas The Open Doors advocacy team were at the Labour Every £55 enables a displaced family of five in Iraq to attend is to go and help those who are Rt Hon Kate Green MP, who hosted Party conference in September and the Conservative a special Christmas party, with songs, cake and gifts – helping in need. Our children they have the launch of the Hope for the Middle party conference in October, where they were able to them to forget their difficult situation for a time, and focus on clothes, but there are children East campaign in parliament speak to dozens of MPs and parliamentarians about the their faith and community. who don’t have any clothes; our Hope for the Middle East campaign. Over 25 MPs signed children have food and they have our One Million Voices petition, including Andy Burnham shoes, but there are children who MP and Eric Pickles MP, as well as Channel 4’s Jon Snow! SPEAK OUT have neither food nor shoes. Christians who have faced persecution are speaking If you haven’t already done so, please sign the One Million “We celebrate Christmas now out too. A field worker in Latin America told us, “Christians Voices petition and ask others in your church or small group by bringing our church members in Mexico and Cuba are increasingly committed to to sign it too. You can order more petition sheets by phoning together and bringing things connecting with persecuted Christians worldwide. The 01993 460015 or go to www.opendoorsuk.org/SaveME to give to the children who Hope for the Middle East campaign is a powerful tool to don’t have anything. This is one engage these church leaders with the wider body of beautiful thing at Christmas.” Christ, including with the church in the Middle East.”

TV presenter Jon Snow 12 OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 THEIR STORIES YOUR LETTERS CONTINUE… SHOW MERCY … AND YOU CAN SHE’S ‘NOT WRITE SOME OF ALONE’ THE PAGES

In July’s magazine we told you the story of if they continue to persecute Christians, in return “I am so happy because I know that I FROM HARDSHIP TO HOPE Indian sisters, Meena* and Sunita* – two the sisters would withdraw their complaint. am not alone and that other believers Mercy was destitute, injured and deeply believers from a Hindu background who were Despite the attempts by police to negotiate out there are praying for me.” traumatised when Open Doors workers met beaten severely with bamboo sticks and left to a truce, and the willingness of the sisters to - Mercy James, her in a displaced people’s camp. But today, die because of their faith. Open Doors partners compromise, the villagers responded unkindly. she makes a much more positive picture: her recently went back to visit the sisters. This is A village girl was told to file a complaint against injuries have now healed, she has been receiving how their story continues… Meena, Sunita and another Christian called counselling and has even been taken in by After being beaten so severely, Meena and Mamta*. By bribing police officers, she registered a foster family. With the help of Open Doors, Sunita had to flee to a nearby village. Open Doors a false accusation against the women, accusing her medical and counselling costs have been partners were able to provide them with food, them of beating her as she drew water from a well. covered and she is receiving financial support to basic necessities and covered the costs of their Once again, Meena and Sunita have had to start a new business. medical expenses. After some months, the sisters leave their village – Mamta, too. They now live “The sewing machine and monetary support returned home and filed a report to the police, with a Christian leader where they are receiving I received helped me a lot,” Mercy shares. “I now seeking help and protection. As is the custom in legal, medical and economic support through the have a shop. A lot of people bring their clothes India, police officers attempted to set up ‘a mutual help of Open Doors partners. The women are also for me to sew; I can now cover my needs and understanding’ between them and the village: the opening a stationery shop, with the help of Open those of my family.” attackers receive strict warnings of punishments Doors, to generate income. But one other major source of support for Mercy has been your letters. One item that NEW EDITION immediately caught her eye was a bracelet someone had included. “I was deeply touched by AUTUMN the bracelet I received,” she explains. “Though it’s WRITE TO Writing a letter or 2016 LETTER- just a bracelet, it has a deeper meaning. All the MEENA AND card is a personal way WRITING Mercy joyfully begins looking over 25kg of colours on it speak about Psalm 23. of encouraging our GUIDE NOW letters written by Open Doors supporters. “Words cannot express the joy and peace SUNITA brothers and sisters to After being separated from her father – her I have,” says Mercy. “All I can say is, may God AUTUMN EDITION AVAILABLE! LETTER For believers who have stand strong through WRITING only family – when she was abducted by Boko continue to bless your charity and all those who GUIDE 2016 been ostracised and persecution. For stories of persecuted Haram militants in Nigeria, these letters and are out there praying for us in northern Nigeria.” rejected, like Meena and Christians like Meena and cards represent something truly special: they Sunita, knowing that Meena and Sunita still Sunita who need your support, are a way of connecting Mercy to her global their worldwide family is need your prayers and order our free Autumn 2016 Letter-writing family in Christ. standing alongside them support – could you Guide! This booklet contains ideas on how At just 22 years old, Mercy had experienced is incredibly valuable. write to them to let to be creative, guidelines to help you as you more horrors than many of us experience in a Thank you to everyone who has been writing “We thank all who pray them know that you write, and the latest updates on how your lifetime. Captured in a raid on her hometown, to Mercy. You still have time to write to her, for us. We thank God for are praying for them letters are bringing hope to those who need forcibly married and made to attend Islamic until 30 November 2016. them,” Meena had told and to encourage it. To order your copy, fill in the response rituals, Mercy clung onto God even when things Open Doors when we them to continue form or visit us online at were at their darkest. Miraculously, she was For the latest letter-writing campaigns and visited the sisters earlier standing strong? www.opendoorsuk.org/write rescued after surviving a bombardment on the updates on letter recipients, visit this year. for the latest letter-writing campaigns. militants’ camp. “I thank God for rescuing me,” www.opendoorsuk.org/write Mercy shared. “God spared my life for a purpose.”

14 OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org 15 Children from REJECTED indigenous absence. But we also know that having them at a better future. Jaime appreciates the peace and SUPPORTING communities in the home would be dangerous. Many times, there are stability of ‘La Casita’. “I wish more parents could north of Colombia experience persecution, fights between the guerrillas and the army and we send their children,” he says. along with their families, but now, thanks to the are caught in the crossfire. And there is always the Open Doors’ intention is to make that possible SECRET committed giving of Secret Child sponsors and danger of forced recruitment. by increasing the number of available places the generosity of many other supporters, Open “For me and my wife, the staff of the Children’s next year: there are plans to open a 'La Casita' Doors is providing a place of safety and hope for a Centre is also family to us,” he comments during for indigenous girls at risk of violence, abuse and CHILDREN growing number of them. one of his visits. “The children are doing well abduction from local guerrilla groups. 'La Casita' is a new home for Christian boys here. We can see the change in their lives. David Thanks to the support of Secret Child that provides shelter, food, education and was very shy and he has since overcome his fear Sponsors and the committed giving vocational guidance so that they can express of other people. Back home we are still going their faith in freedom without fear. Families through many difficulties, but we feel less worried of Open Doors supporters, persecuted in these communities stay faithful to Jesus because we know that our children are in a safe children around the world are receiving despite violence from guerrillas and extreme and good place with people who love them.” protection, provision and education. discrimination at the hands of their traditional In most cases, we cannot share their leaders whose ancestral laws forbid the families from expressing their faith. Imprisonment, torture Sofia, whom you may names or what we’re doing, but their and exile are some of the punishments imposed ORPHANED remember from the lives are being transformed. Here are on Christians here and many of their children have Secret Children film in some stories from Colombia that we had experience of this, too – so parents are glad to 2011, was orphaned at eight years old when her have a safe place for their children to stay. preacher parents were murdered by guerrillas. can share. Open Doors pays for the house and food, with She has now graduated from the Children’s a stipend for the tutors, while parents are asked to Centre and continues to be grateful for the Graduation ceremony at the Children's Centre periodically provide produce grown on their land education she received, being full of praise as a way of payment. for the staff. “They were real role models. Our The children living at ‘La Casita’ study at public teachers were the parents I never had.” A course CONTINUE TO PRAY school in the morning and receive Christian called ‘My Life Project’ was especially beneficial Thanks to your generosity and your prayers, and vocational education in the evenings. Every to her and other students, challenging them there will be generations of Christians ready weekend they are visited by their families. "It's a to grapple with their abilities and talents to to continue God’s work in Colombia. Please project that, in addition to protecting children find out what their long-term goals should be. continue to pray for the children in these homes from persecution, gives them the opportunity to It was through this that despite knowing the and for other secret children around the world: have continuous contact with their parents,” says potential cost, she has identified God’s call to be the Open Doors Prayer Diary regularly features Liz, the Director of Open Doors Colombia. “Adults a missionary. Ferney, son of Jaime and Marleny prayer points for them. spend 5-9 hours a week visiting their children and Tenorio, whom many supporters wrote to in they do so with joy.” 2012, also discovered his love of information technology whilst at the Centre and now studies the subject at Bogota University, as well as Open Doors Children’s working part-time for Open Doors. SEPARATED WRITE TO PERSECUTED Centre, opened 16 years ago, has been the CHRISTIAN CHILDREN model for ‘La Casita’. Based in a different part of TRANSFORMED THANK YOU the country, it provides a home and education for The work of these Unfortunately, it is no longer possible over 50 children. two centres is playing to write to children in the Open Doors Change is to slow to come in Colombia, as the a strategic role in strengthening the church in Children’s Centre. However, there are many people’s recent rejection of the proposed peace Colombia. Jaime (15), who is now living at ‘La more Christian children whose families deal demonstrates, and pastors are still vulnerable Casita’ has a sister, Diana, who has lived at the have experienced persecution and need to threats and violence. It was this that persuaded Children's Centre for nearly four years. The two encouragement. To write to displaced children Pastor Pablo to send his son David* and daughter children have grown up in the context of deep from the Nasa tribe in Colombia, whose Lina* to the Centre – a 20-hour journey away from persecution but, thanks to the committed giving families have been forced from their homes their home in the south. of our supporters, have had the chance to spend and lands because of their faith, go to: “When we are at home,” Pablo says, “my wife their formative years in a place of safety and love. www.opendoorsuk.org/write and I see the empty chairs and we feel their There they can express their faith and aspire to

16 OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org *Name changed for security reasons OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org 17 FOCUS WORLD WATCH WORLD WATCH LIST FACTS: • Believers from Muslim backgrounds (BMBs) face the severest persecution • Violent incidents against Christians increased last year PALESTINIAN • BMBs are banned from gathering in churches • The West Bank’s ruling Fatah party is based on secularism and Christians enjoy several rights, including 24 TERRITORIES religious protection by law and seats in parliament Leader: • In Gaza, rights of Christians are neither upheld nor protected. President Mahmoud Abbas

Population: Despite this, fear is growing amongst the are being encouraged to become friends and 84.8 million Christian minority – particularly amongst understand one another. “What we experience (42,000 Christians) BMBs, who face similar social and family here is friendship built upon the love of Main religion: pressures as Gazan believers. Political unrest Jesus Christ,” shares 16-year-old Miriam from Islam over the legitimacy and direction of President Jerusalem. “My prayer is that our generation will Abbas’ leadership, as well as increasing Islamic lead the way towards full reconciliation between Government: radicalisation in society, means that many BMBs our people.” Interim administration have to hide their new faith. Source of persecution: HOPE SCHOOL BETHLEHEM Islamic extremism BIBLES AND RECONCILIATON “I have been here for five years now. I really Because of links forged by Open Doors’ feel part of the community,” L shares, timidly. Image used for illustrative purposes only founder, Brother Andrew, Open Doors has been Open Doors has been sponsoring children like L supporting believers in the Palestinian Territories through Hope School ever since Brother Andrew and Israel through partner organisations for visited the school 35 years ago. N, a cheerful, decades. Recently, Open Doors helped the open-hearted 14-year-old boy, has recently PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Palestinian Bible Society (PBS) publish 20,000 started boarding with the school because of his New Testaments for Orthodox Christians – in less difficult home situation. His favourite subjects? CASTING A LIGHT than a year, every book had been distributed to Sports and science. His favourite hobby? His churches and Christian families, many of whom eyes light up. “Football. Supporting Manchester had never owned their own Bibles. United.” The number of Christians in the Palestinian growth of evangelistic churches in the region led “The Word brings us together,” said Nashat The school’s chairman explains how the Territories has been decreasing for decades. to more Muslims coming to Christ. As a result, Filmon, Executive Director of the PBS. “My prayer school aims to educate vulnerable children and A minority group targeted on two fronts, Christians have been pressured to leave or to is that we as Christians will be united and able arm them with positive attitudes towards their they experience restrictions from the Israeli reconvert, and they and their properties have to lead the way in a process of reconciliation in neighbours. “We hear from former students side because of their Arab ethnicity, as well been attacked. the Holy Land, in showing that there is hope and after they’ve graduated that their behaviour has as religiously-motivated persecution from forgiveness. Our calling is to spread just a little bit become more peaceful and they are better able the Muslim-majority Palestinian community GAZA of light. That is enough to cast out the darkness.” to live together in society,” he says. amongst whom they live. But a major trigger for West of Israel, Christians in Gaza face restricted L is now 16. Her dream for the future is the migration of believers from ’s laws under the leadership of the Islamist militant to become a Christian Education teacher at a homeland has been the growing threat of party, Hamas. For Gazan believers, who make school just like this one. “I would like to teach militant Islam in Gaza and the West Bank. up only approximately five per cent of the others about the Bible.” Yet there is a ray of hope. Despite the Palestinian Territory’s Christians, it is practically dangers, a small but growing number of people impossible for Protestant churches to be built PRAY are converting to Christianity. and registered. • For BMBs to know God’s sustenance and

Christians also face persecution from their protection CHRISTIANITY, CONQUEST communities and families. Believers from a • That God would equip and strengthen Open AND PERSECUTION Muslim background (BMBs) are likely to be And through youth camps organised by Doors partners supporting Palestinian believers harassed, discriminated against and pressured to You might think that believers in the Palestinian Musalaha, an Open Doors partner, Christian • For reconciliation and unity between Christians reconvert. Territories have access to Bibles and are allowed teenagers from Jewish and Arabic backgrounds in the Palestinian Territories and Israel.

to attend churches – this is where Christianity THE WEST BANK originated from after all. But for many believers, INVITE YOUR MP TO THE OPEN DOORS 2017 WORLD this isn’t so. In the West Bank, religious freedom is generally After the conquest of Islam in the seventh protected – although it is very difficult for WATCH LIST LAUNCH! century, Palestinian Christians could only Protestant churches to be registered. In June, It’s vital that we keep persecution a priority for our new Prime Minister and her practise their religion in peace if they paid the President Mahmoud Abbas even announced government. If you haven’t already, please invite your MP to the parliamentary subjugation ‘jizya’ tax and did not evangelise. that he wants to increase the quota of Christians launch of the 2017 World Watch List using the postcard included or by visiting But over time, a surge of missionaries and the allowed on local governing councils. www.opendoorsuk.org/wwlaunch

18 OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org OPEN DOORS magazine November 2016 | www.opendoorsuk.org 19 BRING COMFORT AND JOY THIS CHRISTMAS

How would you celebrate Christmas in a war zone? “There are children who have neither food nor shoes,” Pastor B says. Your gift today could help Pastor B give Pastor B, one of Open Doors' local partners in these families comfort and joy this Christmas. Syria, says, “We celebrate by bringing our church members together and by bringing things to give Every £42 can provide a food pack and winter supplies to the children who don’t have anything.” for a family of five in Syria or Iraq to last a month and bring them comfort. Open Doors partners are working across Syria – even in Aleppo – to provide vital aid to 12,000 An additional £11 could enable an Iraqi child to go displaced families every month, including food, to a special Christmas party and receive a present, medicines and winter supplies. bringing them joy this Christmas.

Join the global Hope for the Middle East campaign to unite the church in prayer and GIVE to send hope action for people like Pastor B and the families he serves. PRAY as never before To give a Christmas gift, please use the enclosed response form, visit www.opendoorsuk.org/SaveME the global petition or call our Inspire Team on 01993 460015. SIGN