DOCSLIB.ORG

Open Doorsmagazine 60 Years of Serving Persecuted Christians

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Open Doorsmagazine 60 Years of Serving Persecuted Christians Open Doorsmagazine 60 years of serving persecuted Christians 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 Syria, the Open Doors is an international image of a baby being pulled prayer event for Syria and Iraq 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 persecution. 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 SRI LANKA 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 Central African Republic KENYA: 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 TURKEY: 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.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Ranking of the Top 50 Countries Where Christians
    A RANKING OF THE TOP 50 COUNTRY 2017 SCORE 2016 COUNTRIES WHERE CHRISTIANS 1. North Korea ------ 92/100 -------■ ----- 92/100 2. Somalia ----------- 91/100 -------p ---- 87/100 FACE THE MOST SEVERE 3. Afghanistan ----- 89/100 -------p ---- 88/100 4. Pakistan ---------- 88/100 -------p ---- 87/100 PERSECUTION FOR THEIR FAITH. 5. Sudan -------------- 87/100 -------p ---- 84/100 6. Syria ---------------- 86/100 -------q ---- 87/100 Each year, Open Doors publishes the World Watch List 7. Iraq ----------------- 86/100 -------q ---- 89/100 to highlight the plight of persecuted Christians around 8. Iran ----------------- 85/100 -------p ---- 83/100 the world. The list represents believers in Jesus Christ 9. Yemen ------------- 85/100 -------p ---- 78/100 who are arrested, harassed, tortured — even killed — 10. Eritrea -------------- 82/100 -------q ---- 89/100 11. Libya ---------------- 78/100 -------q ---- 79/100 for their faith. 12. Nigeria ------------ 78/100 -------■ ----- 78/100 13. Maldives ---------- 76/100 -------■ ----- 76/100 For in-depth research, stories, prayer updates and 14. Saudi Arabia ------ 76/100 -------■ ----- 76/100 more for all 50 countries on the 2017 World Watch 15. India ---------------- 73/100 -------p ---- 68/100 List, visit ODUSA.org/WWL 16. Uzbekistan -------- 71/100 -------p ---- 70/100 4317. Vietnam ------------ 71/100 -------p ---- 66/100 18. Kenya --------------- 68/100 -------■ ----- 68/100 19. Turkmenistan ---- 66/100 -------■ ----- 66/100 20. Qatar --------------- 65/100 -------■ ----- 65/100 16 38 21. Egypt --------------- 65/100 -------p ---- 64/100 37 19 1 22. Ethiopia35 ------------ 64/100 -------q ---- 67/100 p 6 23. Palestinian Terr. --- 64/100 ------- ---- 62/100 29 24.3 Laos --------------------- 64/100 -------p ---- 58/100 39 7 8 25. Brunei --------------- 64/100 -------p ---- 61/100 23 27 26.
    [Show full text]
  • Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange
    2/18/2019 Survey Submitted Your responses can be found below. Email this Report Send to Printer Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange International Student Census Fall 2018 Please enter your UNITID and PIN found in the survey invitation email from [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]). If you did not receive this email, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for your UNITID and PIN. Response UnitID 233949 Passcode (PIN) 6N13 Institutional Information on File: Response Institution Name Virginia Western Community College City Roanoke State VA https://www.iiefeedback.org/se/612502254E3C91D408D68236E10E9F0B05 1/125 2/18/2019 Survey Submitted Response Zip Code 24015 Please check: Response All information is correct Points of Contact Response Primary Contact First Name Carol Primary Contact Last Name Rowlett Primary Contact Email [email protected] Secondary Contact Email Tertiary Contact Email Please select one: Response All the information above is correct. Please enter any comments that you have about updating institutional information: Response https://www.iiefeedback.org/se/612502254E3C91D408D68236E10E9F0B05 2/125 2/18/2019 Survey Submitted Open Doors surveys all institutions by individual campuses, not by university systems or college districts. Please confirm that the data in the report applies to only 1 campus: a Response Yes a Response Total Enrolled International Students (excluding 287 OPT): Fall 2018 Total Students on Post-Completion OPT: Fall 2018 Response Total Enrolled International Students (excluding OPT): Fall 2018 Total Students on Post-Completion OPT: Fall 2018 Students Grand Total Response 287 a Response https://www.iiefeedback.org/se/612502254E3C91D408D68236E10E9F0B05 3/125 2/18/2019 Survey Submitted UNDERGRADUATE Response Associate's (both 1st and 2nd year; do not 178 break out as Freshmen/Sophomores) Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Bachelor's, Unspecified GRADUATE Response Master's Doctoral Professional Graduate, Unspecified NON-DEGREE Response Non-Degrees (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Fast Facts” INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS in the U.S
    INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE U.S. A. NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT C. TOP PLACES OF ORIGIN of International Students, 2008/09 & 2009/10. New international student Year Total % Change • Students from the top five places comprise 52% of all international students. enrollment – students 2005/06 142,923 8.3 Rank Place of Origin 2008/09 2009/10 % of Total % Change enrolling for the first time 2006/07 157,178 10.0 WORLD TOTAL 671,616 690,923 100.0 2.9 at a U.S. institution in Fall 2007/08 173,121 10.1 2009 – increased 1.3% 2008/09 200,460 15.8 1 China 98,235 127,628 18.5 29.9 2009/10 202,970 1.3 2 India 103,260 104,897 15.2 1.6 over the previous year. 3 South Korea 75,065 72,153 10.4 -3.9 4 Canada 29,697 28,145 4.1 -5.2 B. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRENDS 5 Taiwan 28,065 26,685 3.9 -4.9 In 2009/10, the number of international students in the U.S. 6 Japan 29,264 24,842 3.6 -15.1 increased 2.9% over the previous year to 690,923 students. 7 Saudi Arabia 12,661 15,810 2.3 24.9 700,000 8 Mexico 14,850 13,450 1.9 -9.4 9 Vietnam 12,823 13,112 1.9 2.3 600,000 10 Turkey 12,148 12,397 1.8 2.0 11 Nepal 11,581 11,233 1.6 -3.0 500,000 12 Germany 9,679 9,548 1.4 -1.4 13 United Kingdom 8,701 8,861 1.3 1.8 400,000 14 Brazil 8,767 8,786 1.3 0.2 15 Thailand 8,736 8,531 1.2 -2.3 300,000 16 Hong Kong 8,329 8,034 1.2 -3.5 17 France 7,421 7,716 1.1 4.0 200,000 18 Indonesia 7,509 6,943 1.0 -7.5 19 Colombia 7,013 6,920 1.0 -1.3 100,000 20 Nigeria 6,256 6,568 1.0 5.0 21 Malaysia 5,942 6,190 0.9 4.2 0 22 Kenya 5,877 5,384 0.8 -8.4 23 Pakistan 5,298 5,222 0.8 -1.4 24 Venezuela 4,678 4,958 0.7 6.0 54/55 74/75 84/85 79/80 09/10 59/60 64/65 69/70 89/90 94/95 04/05 99/00 25 Russia 4,908 4,827 0.7 -1.7 Total Int'l % Total U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 Fast Facts
    2020 Fast Facts INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRENDS TOP PLACES OF ORIGIN OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS In 2019/20, the total number of international students in the United 2018/19 2019/20 % of total % change States declined by 1.8% to 1,075,496 students. WORLD TOTAL 1,095,299 1,075,496 100 -1.8 1 China 369,548 372,532 34.6 0.8 1,200,000 2 India 202,014 193,124 18.0 -4.4 1,000,000 3 South Korea 52,250 49,809 4.6 -4.7 4 Saudi Arabia 37,080 30,957 2.9 -16.5 800,000 5 Canada 26,122 25,992 2.4 -0.5 600,000 6 Vietnam 24,392 23,777 2.2 -2.5 7 Taiwan 23,369 23,724 2.2 1.5 400,000 8 Japan 18,105 17,554 1.6 -3.0 200,000 9 Brazil 16,059 16,671 1.6 3.8 0 10 Mexico 15,229 14,348 1.3 -5.8 1959/60 1969/70 1979/80 1989/90 1999/00 2009/10 2019/20 11 Nigeria 13,423 13,762 1.3 2.5 12 Nepal 13,229 12,730 1.2 -3.8 Total int’l % Total U.S. higher % 13 Iran 12,142 11,451 1.1 -5.7 students change education int’l 14 United Kingdom 11,146 10,756 1.0 -3.5 2009/10 690,923 2.9 20,428,000 3.4 15 Turkey 10,159 9,481 0.9 -6.7 2010/11 723,277 4.7 20,550,000 3.5 16 Germany 9,191 9,242 0.9 0.6 2011/12 764,495 5.7 20,625,000 3.7 17 Bangladesh 8,249 8,838 0.8 7.1 2012/13 819,644 7.2 21,253,000 3.9 18 France 8,716 8,471 0.8 -2.8 19 Kuwait 9,195 8,375 0.8 -8.9 2013/14 886,052 8.1 21,216,000 4.2 20 Indonesia 8,356 8,300 0.8 -0.7 2014/15 974,926 10.0 20,300,000 4.8 21 Spain 7,262 7,954 0.7 9.5 2015/16 1,043,839 7.1 20,264,000 5.2 22 Pakistan 7,957 7,939 0.7 -0.2 2016/17 1,078,822 3.4 20,185,000 5.3 23 Colombia 8,060 7,787 0.7 -3.4 2017/18 1,094,792 1.5 19,831,000 5.5 24 Malaysia 7,709 6,910 0.6 -10.4 25 Venezuela 7,760 6,855 0.6 -11.7 2018/19 1,095,299 0.05 19,828,000 5.5 2019/20 1,075,496 -1.8 19,720,000 5.5 TOP U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Open Doors Report Highlights Social Media Toolkit SUMMARY TIPS for POST
    Open Doors Report Highlights Social Media Toolkit SUMMARY TIPS FOR POST: In celebration of International Education Week 2016 (IEW2016), the Institute of International Education’s Open The 2015/16 Open Doors Report is a resource to highlight opportunities for international students to pursue study abroad Doors program will release their 2016 Open Doors Report. Supported by a grant from the Bureau of Educational programs in the United States, and direct traffic to Post programs that facilitate study in the United States. The content below and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Open Doors is a comprehensive information resource on is packaged to be shared as is or edited to engage local audiences. How can posts customize the content? Check out the international students and scholars studying or teaching at higher education institutions in the United States, and tutorial video above and then use the links below to access editable graphic templates. Posts are also encouraged to use the U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit at their home colleges or universities. content to steer local audiences to EducationUSA and other educational resources on post websites and with local partner organizations. Public Affairs Sections should coordinate with Economic, Consular, and USAID sections to promote information about student visas and link this campaign to mission integrated country strategy goals related to education, economic HASHTAGS & HANDLES development, and travel to the United States. ECA on Facebook: ExchangeProgramsAtState Example for Facebook & Twitter ECA on Twitter: @ECAaState ECA on Instagram: @ExchangeOurWorld Evan Ryan, Assistant Secretary of ECA, US Dept. of State on Twitter: @ECA_AS Institute of International Education on Twitter: @IIEGlobal *Posts should include both #IEW2016 and #OpenDoorsReport if possible.
    [Show full text]
  • PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Country Dossier
    PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Country Dossier January 2019 Open Doors International / World WatCh ResearCh Unit January 2019 [email protected] www.opendoorsanalytiCal.org This version has been prepared by Open Doors Norway PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – WWR Country Dossier – January 2019 World Watch List 2019 1 PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – WWR Country Dossier – January 2019 PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – Country Dossier (January 2019) No copyright - This report is the property of World Watch Research (WWR), the researCh department of Open Doors International. It may be used and distributed free of charge, but please always acknowledge WWR as the source. Contents World WatCh List 2019 .................................................................................................................. 1 PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – Country Dossier (January 2019) ...................................................... 2 Contents .................................................................................................................................... 2 IntroduCtion .............................................................................................................................. 4 WWL 2019: Keys to understanding Palestinian Territories .......................................................... 5 IntroduCtion .............................................................................................................................. 5 Link for general baCkground information ................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Open Doors International
    Submission for the Report to the General Assembly on Eliminating Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) Date of submission: 1 June 2020 Submitted by: Open Doors International is a non-governmental organisation that supports communities of Christians in more than 60 countries, where their fundamental rights are violated because of their faith. For additional information, please contact Gloria Leccese, Policy and Advocacy Officer, at [email protected] or +44 77313 94752 1. Minority faith adherents face discrimination, persecution and violence in too many places in the world. Whether coming directly from the state or from state’s inability or unwillingness to prevent violations of fundamental rights, states have a primary duty and responsibility to protect individuals with no distinction of any kind, including religion or belief. If UN member states strive to achieve SDG 16, ensuring the elimination of all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief should be a priority on their and the United Nations’ agenda. 2. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of policies and practices that, according to our research, cause and foster discrimination and violence against minority religions. Our research focuses on Christian communities affected by violations of fundamental rights due to their faith, however most of the laws and practices in this submission largely affect other minority religions existing in the countries mentioned. Constitutional provisions discriminating based on religion or belief 3. Discrimination based on religion or belief can derive directly from constitutional provisions: constitutions may recognise rights only for selected religious groups, for the majority religion, or only for those religious groups that were granted official registration.
    [Show full text]
  • Same Faith, Different Persecution
    SAME FAITH, DIFFERENT PERSECUTION WWR 2021 GSRP Report Authors: Eva Brown, Helene Fisher, Elizabeth Lane Miller and Rachel Morley Date: March 1, 2021 No copyright: This report may be used and distributed free of charge, but please attribute Open Doors International as the source of the information, facts and stories in this report. Key findings Around the world, the crisis surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has made the vulnerable even more vulnerable. In 2020, gender-specific religious persecution (GSRP) rose to the highest level this annual study has recorded over the last three years, with women often experiencing higher potential for risk than men. The top Pressure Points for Christian men and women reflect established patterns of GSRP. Below are five specific findings from the WWR 2021 GSRP Report: The crisis surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. Over the last year Pressure Points1, such as deadly violence, targeted seduction and physical attacks, increased. In domestic situations, pandemic lockdowns led to increased physical attacks on Christians isolated in their homes with hostile family members who disapprove of their faith. In Latin America and sub- Saharan Africa, criminal groups and militias exploited COVID-related vulnerabilities and intensified their criminal activity, persecuting Christians with increased impunity. GSRP occurs at a higher rate in countries experiencing conflict. For Christian men, the risk of abduction, death and forced conscription into military ranks or militias escalates sharply. Women are more likely to be trafficked, seduced or forced to flee the country, in addition to facing an increased chance of abduction. Reports of the Pressure Points “psychological violence” and “trafficking” increased for women.
    [Show full text]
  • EGYPT: Country Dossier
    EGYPT: Country Dossier December 2018 Open Doors International / World Watch Research Unit December 2018 [email protected] www.opendoorsanalytical.orG This version has been prepared by Open Doors Norway EGYPT – WWR Country Dossier – December 2018 World Watch List 2019 1 EGYPT – WWR Country Dossier – December 2018 EGYPT – Country Dossier (December 2018) No copyright - This report is the property of World Watch Research (WWR), the research department of Open Doors International. It may be used and distributed free of charge, but please always acknowledge WWR as the source. Contents World Watch List 2019 .................................................................................................................. 1 EGYPT – Country Dossier (December 2018) .................................................................................. 2 Contents .................................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 4 WWL 2019: Keys to understandinG EGypt ..................................................................................... 5 Link for general backGround information ................................................................................. 5 Recent country history .............................................................................................................. 5 The reliGious landscape ............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Christian Minorities in Kazakhstan: As Quiet As the Grave
    Christian Minorities in Kazakhstan: As Quiet As the Grave According to the Open Doors international organisation, which serves persecuted Christians worldwide, Kazakstan, along with three other Central Asian states, has been listed as a country where it’s “most dangerous to follow Jesus”. Meanwhile, Astana positions the country as a “model of religious freedom and tolerance”. Follow us on LinkedIn The Open Doors international organisation, whose activity is to support persecuted Christians worldwide, has made a list of countries where it’s “most dangerous to follow Jesus”. In this list, Kazakhstan is ranked No. 34, near its neighbours – Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. The second degree – “high level of persecution” – of three, according to the authors of the survey, is caused by “dictatorial paranoia” in all the four countries of Central Asia. The predominantly Muslim country has around 19 million people. However, representatives Christian Minorities in Kazakhstan: As Quiet As the Grave of neo-Christian movements encounter such problems as excessive state intervention into the life of church and private lives of the believers. In Kazakhstan, they have an official status of “non-traditional” religions along with some Islamic movements, Krishnaists, and followers of new cults (scientologists, Baha’is, Union of Holy Russia Founding Fathers, etc.). “No religious activities beyond state-run and state-controlled institutions are allowed. It is very common that members of Protestant churches are regarded as followers of an alien sect aiming to depose the government. Hence the need for them to be controlled and eradicated,” the research said. Members of Protestant churches are regarded as followers of an alien sect aiming to depose the government.
    [Show full text]
  • AZERBAIJAN: Country Dossier
    AZERBAIJAN: Country Dossier January 2019 Open Doors International / World Watch Research Unit January 2019 [email protected] www.opendoorsanalytical.org This version has been prepared by Open Doors Norway AZERBAIJAN – WWR Country Dossier – January 2019 World Watch List 2019 1 AZERBAIJAN – WWR Country Dossier – January 2019 AZERBAIJAN – Country Dossier (January 2019) No copyright - This report is the property of World Watch Research (WWR), the research department of Open Doors International. It may be used and distributed free of charge, but please always acknowledge WWR as the source. Contents World Watch List 2019 ............................................................................................................... 1 AZERBAIJAN – Country Dossier (January 2019) ....................................................................... 2 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 4 WWL 2019: Keys to understanding Azerbaijan ........................................................................ 5 Link for general background information ................................................................................. 5 Recent country history .............................................................................................................. 5 The religious landscape ............................................................................................................. 5 The political landscape .............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Beating Isolation Social Media Throws a Lifeline to Secret Believers
    MAGAZINE | May 2020 Beating isolation Social media throws a lifeline to secret believers STAND WITH YOUR PERSECUTED FAMILY DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS Open Doors is an international ministry Letter from Henrietta serving persecuted Christians and churches Connect with persecuted Christians worldwide. worldwide in your own home. Open Doors supplies Bibles, leadership training, literacy Thirst Around the world, thousands of Christians have been self- programmes, livelihood “It is not good to be alone” GENESIS 2:18 isolating for years – not because of a biological virus, but support and advocacy because their faith is seen as dangerous. Learn from their services. We also mobilise example with our range of free home resources for churches, the church in the UK and In recent weeks, we’ve all become used to the idea of ‘self- Ireland to serve Christians individuals and families. Featuring small group sessions, prayer isolation’ and what that can mean - on the one hand, protection, but living under religious resources, videos, children’s activities and more. on the other, potential loneliness. As an extrovert, I need people! I persecution. have been so blessed to have many people in my life who, over the Visit www.opendoorsuk.org and click on Church at Home If you have any questions years, have sown seeds of faith and encouraged and mentored me. and Children at Home or call 01993 460015. about the work of Open I need the warmth of fellowship to survive. Doors, or would like to Secret believers in North Africa and other countries on the reprint any of the articles Open Doors World Watch List, however, don’t have that luxury and in this magazine, please do during Ramadan they can feel particularly alone.
    [Show full text]