Open Doors · out churches or grieving widows and orphans, wherever there are unjustly imprisoned...

A Handbook of Prayer

for the persecuted church

wAke up to extreme persecution

Open DoorsWorld Watch List 2014

Serving persecuted Christians worldwide

This booklet lists the 50 countries where it is hardest to be a Christian.

These are the places where following Jesus means being marginalised and stigmatised, or even facing hostility, violence and death.

Christians are the most persecuted religious minority in the world. That’s why Open Doors has launched the campaign, It’s Time, which urges people to wake up to the reality of persecution.

It’s time to pray for the persecuted church, to speak up on their behalf and to support those in need. And here are some worldwide trends which should serve as a wake-up call for us all.

Wake up To perseCuTion in norTh koreaFor the 12th consecutive year, North Korea is #1. In no other country in the world are Christians so fiercely persecuted because of their faith. Of the 200,000 – 400,000 secret believers, some 50,000 – 70,000 are held in concentration camps and prisons. Recently the regime has clamped down even further. “The number of nightly house raids has increased this year and expanded from the provinces closest to China to the rest of the country,” says an Open Doors contact. “Current leader Kim Jong-Un continues to invest a lot in the security organisations.”

Wake up To perseCuTion in ‘failed’ sTaTesThe 2014 World Watch List shows that persecution is increasing rapidly in ‘failed’ states, where Islamic extremism, corruption and a lack of the rule of law leave Christians extremely vulnerable. Six such states are in the top ten: Somalia (#2), Syria (#3), Iraq (#4), Afghanistan (#5), Pakistan (#8) and Yemen (#10), while Libya (#13) and Nigeria (#14) remain very high. Some states fail quickly: the Central African Republic catapulted into the

list at #16 when horrific violence was directed at Christians in the wake of a coup. (Last year’s surprise entry Mali remains on the list at #33.)

Wake up To perseCuTion in sub-saharan afriCaThere has been a significant increase in persecution in African countries. North Africa has featured in the list for a long time, but recently there has been an ‘Islamist awakening’ in sub-Saharan Africa. (Somalia’s ranking at #2 is the highest ever for a sub-Saharan African country.) In some countries Christians face attacks from groups such as al-Qaeda, al-Shabaab or Boko Haram. Extremist Islam has made significant inroads in West Africa. Even Christian-majority countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria have ‘Muslim-dominated areas’ with no place for Christians.

Wake up To perseCuTion Through islamiC exTremismIn 36 of the top 50 countries Islamic extremism is the main driving force behind persecution of Christians. The most violent region is Africa’s Sahel belt running from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east – where one fifth (20%) of the world’s Christians meet one seventh (14%) of the world’s Muslims. The so-called Arab Spring has been hijacked by extremist groups. In Syria, the rising influence of Islamic jihadis in the opposition forces has placed Christians in the firing line, while growing extremism in Pakistan sees it rise to #8 on the list.

Wake up To hidden forms of perseCuTion China remains in the list at #37. It is an example of subtle anti-Christian pressure where seemingly harmless laws actually restrict church life. China’s approach has been copied by other Asian states, such as Vietnam, back in the top 20 at #18 following new decrees to restrict religious activity. “In South East Asia,” says an Open Doors researcher, “persecution is becoming more localised and more clandestine… governments are getting more cunning at covering their tracks, introducing laws that appear to have little to do with religion, yet hamper church growth just as effectively as a head-on clash.”

Yet for all these alarm bells, there is good news. One of the reasons the church is persecuted so fiercely is that it continues to grow. Persecution remains one of the great evangelistic opportunities God gives the church. The burning of 160 Christian homes in St Joseph’s Colony in Lahore in March 2013 after false blasphemy accusations, led to Muslims apologising for the violence and welcoming a bishop to speak at a mosque.

And the church in Syria has never grown so fast among so many: the remarkable unity across ancient Christian traditions remains one of the great untold stories of 2013. As a pastor from Aleppo remarked, “We cannot say now what is fully going on, but I am sure if I live long that 20 years later I will be telling my children and grandchildren of the time of the ‘great gathering in’ that is happening now.”

It is for Christians like these that Open Doors exists. Open Doors strengthens and supports persecuted Christians in over 50 countries around the world. We supply them with Bibles, equip and train church leaders, and stand alongside Christians in need. Sometimes that means being there to comfort families who have seen a loved one martyred; sometimes it means practical support

for Christians forced to flee their homes. Our supporters in the UK and

Ireland are a core part of that work.

We hope this booklet will inspire you to prayer and action. Because wherever there are burnt-out churches or grieving widows and orphans, wherever there are unjustly imprisoned believers or groups of Christians too frightened to worship in public – that is where, together, we can make a difference. We can pray for them, care for them, speak up for them, share their stories and fight their fight. It’s time.

DVD aVailableelection in 2014

world wAtch list

Every effort has been made to ensure all information is accurate at the time of publication. Sources: Open Doors International, BBC Country Profiles. Population statistics sourced from United Nations Population Division, World Christian Database, US State Department Reports on International Religious Freedom Statistics.

The World Watch List uses data from Open Doors field workers and independent experts to track the deep structures of persecution. As well as analysing incidents of violence and terror, we also measure the everyday life of Christians and the degree of freedom they have to live out their faith in five key areas: private, family, community, national and church life. The data is translated into points and countries ranked accordingly. The list is independently audited by the International Institute of Religious Freedom.

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“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand In awe of your deeds, Lord. renew them In our day, In our tIme make them known”

Habakkuk 3:2

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It’s tIme is a yEar of prayEr and action for christians whErE faith costs thE most. We believe it’s time the world woke up to the extreme persecution that is a reality for many believers around the world. So we are calling on Christians in the UK and Ireland to stand with them, speak up for them and pray with them. To find out how you can get involved go to www.opendoorsuk.org/itstime or follow us on twitter at #itstime2014


north koreA syriA

somAliA irAq

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For the 12th consecutive year, this is the place where Christian persecution is most extreme.

The God-like worship of the leader, Kim Jong-Un, and his predecessors leaves no room for any other religion and Christians face unimaginable pressure in every sphere of life. Forced to meet only in secret, they dare not share their faith even with their families, for fear of imprisonment in a labour camp. Anyone discovered engaging in clandestine religious activity may be subject to arrest, imprisonment, disappearance, torture – even public execution.

As the civil conflict inside Syria becomes more and more sectarian, targeted violence against Christians has escalated.

The Syrian opposition is increasingly ‘Islamising’ and Christians are becoming more vulnerable in all spheres of life. Many Christians were reported to have been abducted, physically harmed or killed, and many churches damaged or destroyed. On 21 October, Islamist militias invaded the ancient Christian settlement of Sadad, killing at least 45 people and injuring many more.

Pressure is increasing on the tiny Christian community in this Muslim-majority country.

Islamic leaders and government officials publicly reinforce that there is no room for Christians, and there is a strong drive to purge Christianity from Somalia. The militant Islamist group, al-Shabaab, targets Christians and radicalises local communities. Ten believers are reported to have been killed by members of al-Shabaab in 2013. There is a high level of fear and mistrust among Christians, who have to hide their faith for fear of betrayal.

There was an increase in attacks and threats against Christians in 2013.

Islamist terrorist groups, influenced by the conflict in Syria, are increasing in number. One of their aims is to empty the country of Christians and this situation is aggravated by government impunity. According to a local source, every two or three days a Christian is killed, kidnapped or abused. As a minority, Christians are an easy target for kidnappers. Even in the relatively freer, semi-autonomous Kurdish region, the security situation for Christians is deteriorating.

Leader: Kim Jong-Un

Population: 24.5 million (300,000 Christians)

Main Religion:Atheism/ traditional beliefs

Government:Communist dictatorship Source of persecution:Communist oppression/Dictatorial paranoia

Leader: President Bashar al-Assad

Population: 21.8 million (1.3 million Christians)

Main Religion:Islam

Government:Republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

Population: 10.3 million (a few hundred Christians)

Main Religion:Islam

Government:Federal republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki

Population: 35.9 million (330,000 Christians) Main Religion:Islam

Government:Parliamentary democracy Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

• For the 50,000-70,000 Christians imprisoned in labour camps. Ask God to sustain them

• That God would change the heart of Kim Jong-Un and use him to reform the country

• For protection for co-workers and contacts providing relief and shelter for Christian refugees in China.

• For protection for the many believers who have chosen to stay in Syria to serve their communities

• For workers and partners bringing relief to thousands of displaced Christian families

• For a peaceful end to the conflict that has torn this country apart.

• Praise God that, despite the pressures, He has preserved a Christian witness in Somalia

• For the very few, often isolated believers. Ask God to provide ways for them to mature in Christ

• That Christians would have more freedom to worship Jesus.

• For Muslim-background believers who often face opposition from their family and community

• For wisdom for expat Christians, who are being increasingly monitored by the authorities

• For workers supporting displaced Christians with trauma counselling, biblical training and income generating projects.

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AfghAnistAn mAldives

sAudi ArAbiA pAkistAn

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The situation here remains unstable and Islamic extremist groups continue to gain power.

Christianity is still considered a ‘Western’ religion and is seen as hostile to Afghan culture, society and Islam. Those who leave Islam are treated as apostates and face huge pressure from family, society and local authorities. There is no public church, even for expats. Christian converts keep their faith secret, since any connection with Christianity is dangerous. In September 2013, an Afghan MP called for the execution of converts to Christianity.

To be Maldivian is equated with being Muslim, so officially there are no Maldivian Christians, only expat Christians.

The government sees itself as the protector of Islam and the law prohibits conversion to other faiths; those who do so face losing their citizenship. There is extensive social control over all individuals to correct any deviation from the path of Islam. This pressure is mirrored within families and communities. Consequently, there are no church gatherings or buildings and the few Maldivian Christians hide their faith to avoid being discovered.

The open practice of any religion other than Islam is forbidden here and conversion to another faith is punishable by death.

Most Christians are expats from Asia or Africa. During 2013, several Christian migrant fellowships were raided by police and tens of worshippers detained and deported. Muslim-background believers run the risk of honour killing if their faith is discovered. Yet a small but growing number of Muslims are coming to Christ and sharing their faith on the internet and satellite TV.

Pakistan’s Christians are caught in the crossfire between Islamic militant organisations that routinely target Christians, and an Islamising culture that leaves Christians isolated from the rest of the population.

The notorious blasphemy laws continue to have devastating consequences for minorities, including Christians. Women and girls from minority groups are particularly vulnerable and sexual assaults against underage Christian girls by Muslim men continue to be reported. In September 2013, a twin bomb attack on Anglican All Saints Church in Peshawar left at least 89 people dead.

Leader: President Hamid Karzai

Population: 35.6 million (thousands of Christians)

Main Religion:Islam

Government:Islamic republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism/ Tribal antagonism

Leader: President Abdulla Yameen

Population: 333,000 (several Christians)

Main Religion:Islam

Government:Islamic republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: King Abdullah


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Monarchy Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism/Organised corruption

• All Afghan Christians come from a Muslim background and are at risk if their faith is discovered. Ask God to protect them

• The Taliban continue to threaten and attack Afghan citizens. Pray that their influence will diminish

• That the withdrawal of international forces in 2014 will not lead to a return to civil war.

• For encouragement and fellowship for the very few believers, who are extremely isolated

• Christian literature is forbidden. Pray that doors will open to God’s Word

• That the new president, elected in November 2013, will bring greater freedom to the people of this island.

• Widespread unemployment and growing discontent make this a breeding ground for extremists. Ask God to halt the spread of extremist views

• That more Muslims will meet Jesus through satellite TV or dreams and visions of Jesus

• In 2013, two men were convicted of ‘proselytising’ and sentenced to a few hundred lashes and several years in prison. Pray for their release.

• Many Christians who can afford to are leaving the country. Ask God to strengthen believers to stay and be a witness to their nation

• That the newly elected Prime Minister will defend the rights of Christians and other minority groups

• For protection for young Christian girls who are particularly at risk of abduction or assault.6 7

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irAn sudAn

yemen eritreA

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Since Ayatollah Khamenei’s warning in 2010 of the ever-expanding influence and numbers of house churches, the treatment of Christians has rapidly worsened.

The regime tries to destroy those who reach out to converts and seekers by monitoring services, arresting converts, banning Farsi language services and closing churches. Attacks against Christian communities have increased and the prohibition of house church activities is enforced more strictly. Yet the regime’s harsh treatment of Christians only further fuels the flames of church growth.

Sudan is a poverty-stricken Muslim country that lost many of its Christians to South Sudan when it became independent in 2011.

The regime’s leaders are mainly radical Islamist and the ruling National Congress Party a means to further an Islamic agenda. Incidents against Christians include faith-related killings, damaging Christian properties, detention and forced marriage as well as arrests, deportations and raids on church offices. Sudanese Muslim-background believers suffer particularly: one believer’s family burnt his house down when his faith was discovered.

There is some religious freedom for foreigners here but evangelism is prohibited and Yemenis who leave Islam may face the death penalty.

Muslim-background believers are forced to meet in secret. If their faith is discovered, they face severe persecution from authorities, family, and extremist groups who threaten ‘apostates’ with death if they do not recant. Insecurity caused by Islamist movements makes Yemen very unstable. Christians are believed to be under surveillance by extremists and expat Christians can be a specific target for these extremist groups.

The repeated tragedy of migrant boats capsizing in 2013 has drawn attention to the repressive circumstances for Christians in Eritrea.

Coptic Christians enjoy relative freedom, but Christians of other denominations suffer house raids, arrests, detentions and systematic torture. Gabriella is an influential Christian in the underground church who was interrogated, tortured and kept in solitary confinement – but she never denied Christ. She describes her time in prison as ‘a honeymoon with Jesus’.

Leader: Ayatollah AliKhamenei


Main Religion:Islam


Leader: President Omar al-Bashir

Population: 45.7 million (number of Christians unknown)

Main Religion:Islam

Government:Republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism/ Dictatorial paranoia

Leader: President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi

Population: 27.2 million (a few thousand Christians) Main Religion:Islam


Leader: President Isaias Afewerki


Main Religion:Islam/Christianity

Government:One-party state Source of persecution:Dictatorial paranoia/Islamic extremism

• Preaching, evangelism and publishing Christian books in the Farsi language is illegal. Ask God to protect those seeking to spread God’s Word

• For the 40 or more Christians in prison for their faith • It is said that children of political and spiritual

leaders are leaving Islam for Christianity. Pray that more Muslims will discover the truth of the gospel

• That God will strengthen and unite Christians as they face increasing pressure from the state

• Praise God for strong civil rights bodies fighting for the oppressed, including Christians; pray that the government will heed their requests

• Give thanks for workers supporting the church with training and community development.

• There are very few local believers. Ask God to encourage them and increase their numbers

• Several foreign Christians have been kidnapped in recent years. Pray for protection for foreign Christian workers and NGOs

• Al-Qaeda-linked groups are gaining more power. Pray for Yemen’s leaders to restore peace.

• Give thanks for the resilient faith of Christians like Gabriella; remember the approximately 1500 believers imprisoned in harsh circumstances

• That the Lord would comfort the bereaved and broken-hearted families who have lost loved ones

• That the government would soften its stand against evangelical Christians very soon.

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libyA uzbekistAn

nigeriA centrAl AfricAn republic

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The situation for Christians deteriorated in 2013, making this the most difficult North African country in which to be a Christian.

In an absence of the rule of law, violence against Christians has increased. Previously, the main source of persecution was the government and its secret services. Now it is Islamist extremist movements such as the Salafists. Most Christians are afraid to meet with other believers, as any kind of non-Islamic religious gathering for Libyans is forbidden; expats can have their own churches, but Libyans are not allowed to attend.

The state heavily controls religion inUzbekistan.

The Russian Orthodox Church has a degree of freedom, but Protestants are branded as ‘extremists’ who need to be controlled, and even eradicated. Church services are in constant danger of disruption, and members face harassment, detention and arrests for holding private prayer meetings or possessing ‘illegal religious literature’. Sharofat Allamova was sentenced to one-and-a-half years of ‘corrective labour’ in April 2013 for handing out copies of the New Testament and DVDs of the Jesus film.

Levels of violence against Christians in 2013 remained extremely high, with hundreds of cases of physical aggression, the destruction of nearly 300 churches and the death of 612 Nigerian Christians.

Pentecostal leader, Rev. Faye Pama Musa, was shot dead by two suspected Boko Haram members. However, violence from this Islamic terrorist group is not the only form of persecution. Local government and social groups leave hardly any space for Christians to live their own lives; many Christian villages are denied basic facilities such as wells and schools.

Central African Republic is a Christian majority country that in 2013 witnessed brutal violence against Christians by the Seleka movement.

Seleka is a coalition of rebels dissatisfied with the regime; it has no apparent Islamist agenda, but is composed of mostly foreign Muslims who have ravaged the country, specifically targeting Christians and non-Muslims. This is evidenced by the desecration of churches, the high number of violent attacks on Christians – through rape, robbery, kidnapping, torture and murder – and the killing of at least 13 pastors.

Leader: Chairman Nouri Abusahmen

Population: 6.5 milllion (35,000 Christians)

Main Religion:Islam

Government:Provisional government

Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: President Islam Karimov


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Authoritarian republic Source of persecution:Dictatorial paranoia

Leader: President Goodluck Jonathan

Population: 175 million (89 million Christians)

Main Religion:Islam/Christianity

Government:Federal republic

Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: Interim leader Alexandre-Ferdinand Nguendet


Main Religion:Christianity (mainly Roman Catholic)

Government:Transition government Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

• That God would strengthen and encourage isolated and secret believers

• For those working to reach Libyans through TV, radio and internet programmes

• For stability and good government in Libya; persecution of Christians has been observed to flourish in ‘failing’ states.

• For Uzbek believers who are detained, fined, and even beaten for owning Christian materials

• For pastors trying to lead their churches with very limited resources

• For long-term prisoner, Tohar Haydarov, imprisoned in 2010 for 10 years.

• For God’s Spirit to be at work, comforting families who have suffered trauma or bereavement

• That Christians will resist the temptation to respond to attacks against them with violence

• For the protection of workers taking Bibles, relief and training to believers in need.

• For God’s healing and grace for victims of looting, violence and rape

• For Christians to remain committed to reconciliation amidst harsh persecution inflicted by Muslim Seleka rebels

• For workers providing relief to displaced believers.

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ethiopiA qAtAr

vietnAm turkmenistAn

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Persecution comes from a number of sources: religious, political, tribal and communal.

Opposition comes not only from within Islam, but from the church itself. Muslims report Muslim-background believers’ gatherings to the government in the hope that they will be seen as illegal activities, while the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has difficulties reconciling itself to the growing number of non-traditional Protestants and reform-oriented groups within its own denomination. Some Christians have experienced attacks on churches and homes – forcing them to flee – as well as job losses and enforced divorce.

Qatar’s population is composed almost entirely of migrant labourers who are treated poorly by the Qatari-born minority (300,000).

Christian migrants are not free to practise their faith openly and many rarely have the opportunity to attend church. Converts to Christianity from an Islamic background are persecuted the most. They are considered apostates and may face the death penalty. Some have been physically harmed for their faith by family or peers, who view their conversion as harming the honour of the family.

The government views the church with suspicion, seeing Christianity as a foreign influence and Christians as Western agents.

A new law introduced at the beginning of 2013 requires all churches to register at a local level and yet this is made very difficult for them. Youth work and training of church leaders and members can be hindered or made impossible. In December 2013, a group of Christians delivering Christmas gifts to orphans were detained. The leader of the group was beaten and tortured by the village Communist party chief.

Considered to be one of the most restrictive countries in the world, Turkmenistan has no freedom of information or press.

The government opposes every group it cannot control, and as a secular regime it especially opposes religion. Police and secret services keep the church under strict surveillance. Unregistered churches and meetings are raided, material is confiscated and it is impossible to do youth work or train leaders openly. Islam plays an important role in community life and families react strongly to relatives who change their faith.

Leader: Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn


Main Religion:Christianity (mainly Orthodox)

Government:Federal republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism/Denominational elitism

Leader: Emir Sheikh Tamim

Population: 2 million (90,000 Christians)

Main Religion:Islam

Government:Republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism/Dictatorial paranoia

Leader: President Truong Tan Sang


Main Religion:Buddhism

Government:Communist state Source of persecution:Communist oppression/Dictatorial paranoia

Leader: President Berdymukhamedov


Main Religion:Islam

Government:One-party state Source of persecution:Dictatorial paranoia/Organised corruption

• For workers equipping the church through Bible distribution and leadership training

• For churches supporting Muslim converts who have been displaced from their communities

• For wisdom and courage for church pastors as they model a response to persecution.

• For Muslim-background believers who strongly protect their anonymity for fear of betrayal

• For migrant workers living in inhumane conditions; being Christian adds to their vulnerability

• That believers who meet informally in homes will be kept safe.

• For Christian leaders and pastors in the north and central highlands; authorities keep a close watch on their activities

• For believers in these areas, pressured by their community to return to traditional beliefs

• That literacy programmes will enable believers to read the Bible for themselves.

• For Muslim-background believers who have hardly any freedom to practise their faith

• For oppressed believers who need income-generating microloans to help them survive

• For the translation and distribution of God’s Word in local languages.

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lAos burmA (myAnmAr)

egypt brunei

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Laos is one of the five remaining Marxist- Leninist countries in the world.

Christians face opposition both from the Communist party, who view them as ‘foreign agents’, and from local Buddhist leaders, who believe that Laos and Buddhism belong inextricably together and want to keep their country ‘pure’. Believers, particularly from tribal areas, are arrested, detained, pressured to renounce their faith - even killed. Conducting church activities requires government permission, but the government rarely gives consent. Only a limited number of registered Christian congregations are allowed to have services.

Despite Burma’s recent transition to democracy, its government is still nominally Communist and will do anything to keep control of its people.

Being Burmese is synonymous with being Buddhist, and anyone who deviates from this heritage is seen as a potential threat. Christians face pressure from extremist Buddhist movements and from the government, which tacitly supports them. Churches are monitored, and sometimes closed. Christians are often caught in the crossfire between different ethnic groups and the army – dozens of Christians have been killed, and church buildings and homes destroyed.

Pressure is increasing both on Egypt’s indigenous Coptic community and on those who come to faith from a Muslim background.

Muslims who convert to Christianity have long faced persecution from family members, who punish them for abandoning the Islamic faith. But in recent years, Egypt’s historical Christian communities have increasingly been targeted as well. In August 2013, following the ousting of President Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood was responsible for the burning of 38 churches and the damaging of 23 churches, in an upsurge in sectarian violence against Coptic Christians.

Islam governs all spheres of life in Brunei. The Sultan recently declared himself Prime

Minister and President and presents himself as the defender of the faith. Islamic law has been fully implemented since 2011. By decree, contact with Christians in other countries and the public celebration of Christmas are banned. Christians are considered ‘enemies’ and their activities are monitored by government spies and police. Changing religion on one’s identity card is impossible and Muslim-background believers face hostility from families, friends and neighbours.

Leader: President Choummaly Sayasone



Government:Communist state Source of persecution:Communist oppression/Religious militancy

Leader: President Thein Sein



Government:Unitary constitutional republic Source of persecution:Religious militancy

Leader: Interim President Adly Mahmud Mansour

Population: 86.8 million (10 million Christians)

Main Religion:Islam


Leader: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

Population: 427,000 (41,300 Christians)

Main Religion:Islam

Government:Constitutional Sultanate Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

• Most Christians live in remote areas. Ask God to provide ways for leaders to receive training

• That God’s people will gain access to His Word: importing Christian materials is restricted

• Believers from the Hmong tribes are sometimes targeted and killed in army clashes. Pray for their protection.

• Registering a church is almost impossible. Pray for wisdom and perseverance for church leaders

• For pastors and church workers receiving skills training and livelihood grants

• For children from Christian families, who face constant disadvantages in education.

• Islam is gradually taking over the country’s culture. Pray that Christians will have courage to continue to be a light to their nation

• For Egypt’s political leaders. Pray that political and economic stability will be restored.

• That leadership training and Bible distribution projects will strengthen the church.

• It is difficult for church leaders to get access to good theological training. Ask the Lord to provide

• Printing or importing Christian materials is forbidden. Pray for Brunei to open up to God’s Word

• Islamic religious studies were made compulsory in all schools in January 2013. Ask God to strengthen the faith of Christian children and use them to spread the gospel.14 15

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PRAYER BRINGS FoRGIvENESS AND LovE“for the first time i have mercy on these children. i saw the body of a young man who was blown up by a bomb he was trying to set up and i had mercy on him. i see them now as they really are – deceived. i have changed how i pray for them, now i pray that God will show them the truth.”

Pastor in Garissa, Kenya, where 17 people were shot dead in an attack by al-Shabaab militants

PRAYER BRINGS joY IN hARDShIP“the fight is constant but we feel joyful knowing people are praying for us. it encourages us when we receive the helpful visits of open doors.”

Elias, whose brother Maximo Sanchez

was murdered by hit men in Mexico

PRAYER BRINGS CoMFoRT IN SADNESS “thank you for being here with us. we are really comforted by the presence of open doors. the Bible says you have to mourn with those who mourn. we bless the Lord because we thought that our cries were not being heard by other members of the body of christ, but now we know that this is not the case.”

Pastor Noel Ndaguere who was kidnapped twice by Seleka guerrillas in Central African Republic

PRAYER BRINGS ENDURANCE AND STRENGTh “we were able to overcome countless persecutions, ordeals, and difficulties with your continuous prayers and support for the past decades. and because of your support, we have grown like a tree, so big and deeply rooted that no storm can overturn us.”

A secret Christian in North Korea PRAYER BRINGS PEoPLE To hELP “i have hope because God answered my prayers. i asked God to send me someone to help me to educate my congregation and he sent you!”

Priest in a small Christian village in Iraq, after a visit by an Open Doors trainer

PRAYER BRINGS PRoTECTIoN“after leaving we learnt that the house where we gathered was attacked. the owners narrowly escaped and had to relocate. i am deeply thankful for God’s protection and am reminded once more that God hears the prayers of all those praying for us. Knowing that you are praying strengthens us to take the necessary risks to help the many persecuted christians in nigeria. God bless you all!”

Open Doors worker who ministers to persecuted Christians in Nigeria

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it’s time to pray

siX tYPes of ChrIstIan who reaLLy need YOUR PRAYeRs

1. A HOUse cHURcH cHRistiAn In north koreaNorth Korea does not allow anyone to worship any god other than Kim il-Sung and his dynasty. The state will stop at nothing to root out secret Christians.

2. A cHRistiAn in A LAWLess ‘FAiLeD’ stAteIn failed states such as Syria, Iraq, the Central African Republic and Afghanistan, corruption, Islamic extremism and an anarchic lack of law make Christians easy targets.

3. A mUsLim-BAcKGROUnD BeLieVeR in An isLAmic stAteMany Muslim states forbid conversion away from Islam, and often families will take violent action against their own kin.

4. A cHRistiAn in sOme AReAsOF sUB-sAHARAn AFRicAExtreme Islam is making inroads into sub-Saharan Africa. Even in Christian-majority countries, such as Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania, there are areas that are beyond the control of government. Christians in these predominantly Muslim areas are vulnerable to local persecution or attacks from jihadist groups.

5. A cHRistiAn in tHe miDDLe eAsteRn stAtes AFFecteD BY tHe ARAB sPRinG In the Middle East and North Africa, the church is under great pressure. They are often scapegoated for the faults of the previous regime, or attacked by Islamist factions who have taken over the ‘revolution’.

6. A cHRistiAn ReFUGee The ancient communities of faith in the Middle East have been devastated. Millions of Christians have fled from Syria and Iraq and live in terrible conditions. In Colombia, levels of kidnappings and assassinations of Christians have risen dramatically and, remarkably, this country has more internally displaced people (up to 5.5 million) than even Syria or Congo.

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MILLIoNS oF PEoPLE ARoUND ThE WoRLD ARE PERSECUTED BECAUSE ThEY ARE ChRISTIAN. Despite that, the church is growing and alive. Why? Because one of the most characteristic activities of the persecuted church is deep and powerful prayer.

When you ask persecuted Christians what they need, almost without exception they ask for prayer. There is power in prayer. Please pray with your brothers and sisters around the world.

“And pray in the Spirit on all

occasions with all kinds of prayers and

requests. With this in mind, be alert

and always keep on praying for all the

Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18)

Extreme persecution

Absolute persecution

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“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand In awe of your deeds, Lord. renew them In our day, In our tIme

make them known” Habakkuk 3:2 extreme persecution

absolute persecution

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South aMerica

Open Doors World Watch List 2014

12 eritreA

16 centrAl AfricAn republic

14 nigeriA

10 yemen

13 libyA

15 uzbekistAn

9 irAn

11 sudAn

18 vietnAm

23 burmA (myAnmAr)

20 turkmenistAn

17 ethiopiA

22 egypt

19 qAtAr

24 brunei

21 lAos

27 omAn

31 bhutAn

29 sri lAnkA

25 colombiA

28 indiA

32 AlgeriA

30 tunisiA

26 jordAn

37 chinA

39 kAzAkhstAn

33 mAli

35 united ArAb emirAtes

38 kuwAit

40 mAlAysiA

34 pAlestiniAn territories

36 mAuritAniA

1 north koreA

6 sAudi ArAbiA

3 syriA

4 irAq

8 pAkistAn

2 somAliA

7 mAldives

5 AfghAnistAn

41 bAhrAin

43 kenyA

48 bAnglAdesh

45 tAjikistAn

50 niger

42 comoros

47 indonesiA

44 morocco

49 tAnzAniA

46 djiboutiat Least 1,213 cHRistiAns were reported to have been KiLLeD in sYRiA in 2013

every tWO OR tHRee DAYs an IraqI ChrIstIan Is KiDnAPPeD, KiLLeD or ABUseD (aCCordIng to a LoCaL sourCe)

in sOmALiA, beComIng known as a ChrIstIan Is effeCtIveLy a DeAtH sentence

mon

frI

wed

sunthurs

In nORtH KOReA beIng a ChrIstIan Is FORBiDDen


In nORtH KOReA beIng a ChrIstIan Is FORBiDDen

“when I feeL weak, god shows me that I don’t have to Carry

thIs burden on my own, but that

I share It wIth the peopLe around the

worLd who are prayIng wIth me”

hanna, ChrIstIan In syrIa

colombiA

jordAn indiA

pray

praypray

Despite ongoing dialogue between the government and FARC rebels, levels of violence in Colombia are high.

In areas where the government has lost control of public security, drug cartels and illegal armed groups still operate with impunity. Christians who play prominent roles in social or public life face opposition because of their witness in social and political activities. Within indigenous communities, converts to Christianity are seen as a threat to the indigenous culture and traditions. Many Christians are displaced from their lands, churches are monitored and gender-based violence targeting Christians is on the increase.

jordan has long been one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East.

However, the influence of the Arab Spring has increased societal tensions between moderate and Islamist elements. The Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists, emboldened by their increased influence in the region, have hijacked demands for reform to serve their own agenda of transforming Jordan into an Islamic state. Although traditional Christians still enjoy a relatively high degree of religious freedom, believers from a Muslim background are facing more violence and greater pressure from family, government and society.

hinduism is experiencing a revival in India and religious intolerance is on the increase.

Hindu nationalists, who claim that every Indian has to be Hindu, continue to push their ideology through political parties such as the BJP, which has strong support in the media. ‘Anti-conversion laws’ have been adopted in five states and are often used as a pretext to disrupt church services and harass Christians. Pastors are frequently beaten up or killed, church buildings destroyed, and converts forced to flee their homes. Despite this, the church is growing, particularly among the lower castes.

Leader: President Juan Manuel Santos


Main Religion:Christianity (Roman Catholicism)

Government:Republic Source of persecution:Organised corruption/Tribal antagonism/Aggressive secularism

Leader: King Abdullah II


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Constitutional monarchy Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Population: 1.3 billion (59 million Christians)

Main Religion:Hinduism

Government:Federal republic Source of persecution:Religious militancy

• For courage and protection for church leaders facing threats from armed groups

• That talks between the government and FARC rebels will bring an end to decades of civil war

• For the Children’s Centre which provides a safe haven for young people targeted by guerrillas.

• The spread of radical Islam is a real threat. Pray for political leaders to maintain peace and justice

• For churches working with the large number of refugees from Iraq and Syria

• That restrictions on non-traditional churches would be relaxed.

• In some states it is almost impossible to get permission to build a church. Pray for wisdom for church leaders dealing with the authorities

• That the government will ensure justice for the Christian minority, who can face legal discrimination

• That biblical training, literacy and livelihood projects will strengthen the church.

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omAn

pray

Islam is the state religion and Christians face restrictions when their activities are considered a threat to the ruling power.

All religious organisations must register, and Christian meetings are monitored for political messages and nationals attending. Foreign Christians are allowed to worship in private homes or work compounds. Although apostasy is not a criminal offence, Christian converts from a Muslim background face legal restrictions, and can lose their family, house or job – or even be killed. The deportation of foreign workers involved in Christian activities continues.

Leader: Sultan Qaboos


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Absolute monarchy Source of persecution:Islamic extremism/Dictatorial paranoia

• Almost all Christians are expats. Pray that the few local Christians will find ways to meet together

• All public school curriculums include instruction in Islam. Pray that children will have the opportunity to hear the gospel

• Ask God to draw people to himself through Christian satellite TV and internet sites.

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6 8

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2 2

sri lAnkA bhutAn

tunisiA AlgeriA

praypray

pray pray

Although religious freedom is enshrined in Sri Lanka’s laws, the appearance since july 2012 of nationalistic and religious supremacist groups has increased pressure on religious minorities.

Last year saw an increase in violent attacks against Christians and churches, mainly by Buddhist extremist groups, which are widely perceived as being tacitly supported by the government. In 2013 there were over 50 attacks on churches, often by mobs of between 40 to 800 people. A pastor and his family had to flee for their lives as they were found on a death list.

Buddhism continues to play a dominant role in Bhutan, especially in remote and rural areas.

Christians in these regions can also be pressured into observing the rituals of the traditional animistic beliefs. They are excluded from local decision-making and urged to renounce their faith. In May 2013, a Christian was released from prison after three years for showing the Jesus film. Believers are able to meet in private homes regularly on Sundays without interference, but meetings continue to be monitored and disrupted.

The very promising revolution of 2011, which sparked the Arab Spring, turned out to be a disappointment for both liberals and Christians.

The situation in the country is rapidly deteriorating. Christians face persecution both from the moderately Islamic government and aggressive Salafist groups, who operate with impunity. While expat Christians experience relative freedom, Muslim-background believers face growing pressure from family and the authorities. A number of violent incidents against Christians were reported in 2013.

Islamists have a realistic chance of winning presidential elections in 2014 and, as Islam becomes more visible in government, Chris-tians face greater restrictions on their freedom.

The oppression of Christians continues, especially for Muslim-background believers who are pressured by their families to make difficult choices. The law prohibits public assembly for the purposes of practising a faith other than Islam, so only a few churches exist. Non-Muslims meet together in homes. A church in the south has been repeatedly attacked and its pastor threatened in the last 3 years.

Leader: President Mahinda Rajapaksa



Government:Constitutional republic Source of persecution:Religious militancy

Leader: King Jigme Wangchuck


Main Religion:Mahayana Buddhism

Government:Constitutional monarchy Source of persecution:Religious militancy/Tribal antagonism

Leader: President Moncef Marzouki


Main Religion:Islam


Leader: President Abdelaziz Bouteflika


Main Religion:Islam


• Christians have become very cautious about meeting together and sharing their faith. Pray for godly boldness to be a light to their society

• Converts often keep their faith secret for fear of discovery. Ask God to encourage them

• That biblical training and literature distribution programmes will help believers to stand firm.

• For itinerant house church leaders who have to arrange meetings without drawing attention to themselves

• Christianity in Bhutan is very young. Pray that believers will have opportunities to be discipled so that they can mature in their faith

• That encouraging signs of democracy would mean better treatment for Christians and religious minorities.

• Radical Islamic movements are growing in strength. Pray that their influence would wane

• Praise God that many Muslims are coming to faith through Christian satellite TV and the internet

• Elections are due in 2014. Ask the Lord to raise up a stable government that will rule with wisdom and justice.

• Ask God to strengthen Muslim-background believers facing pressure from their families

• For workers supporting the church with Christian resources, training and advocacy support

• That God will speak to many through Christian TV and internet programmes.

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9 1

0 2

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mAli united ArAb emirAtes

pAlestiniAn territories mAuritAniA

pray pray

pray pray

After the French military intervention in january 2013, the threat of an Islamist takeover has been averted, at least temporarily, but the presence and infrastructure of Christianity in the north has been largely destroyed.

Building up a Christian presence again will be difficult: the Christians who fled the north are afraid to return. Even though most Malian Christians (constituting less than 5% of the population) live in the south of the country, they feel threatened by Islamists in the north and fear of a new uprising remains.

The constitution upholds religious freedom for the expatriate community (80% of the population) as long as public customs and morals are respected – although the government restricts this freedom in practice.

Non-Muslims can worship freely in dedicated buildings or homes but evangelism is prohibited. UAE citizens, however, are defined as Muslims and the penalty for changing religion is death. There are very few local believers. Converts may be pressured to return to Islam, or choose to hide their faith, or leave the country.

Anti-Christian violence has increased, mostly caused by Islamic extremists.

The authorities fail to uphold the rights of individual Christians, causing some to flee to safer areas. In Gaza, Christians are enticed into becoming Muslims, especially during Ramadan, with the offers of jobs, houses, wives and diplomas. Sometimes the approach is more violent. A Greek Orthodox monastery in Bethany, West Bank, was the repeated target of attacks, forcing the nuns to ask President Abbas to intervene.

This is one of only four official ‘Islamic repub-lics’ in the world; its constitution recognises Islam as the sole religion and Islamic law is the only officially recognised source of legislation.

Because of harsh government restrictions, Christian activity is limited to education and development projects. It is impossible for local Christians to register their churches, so they must meet in secret. Pressure on Muslim-background believers from family, tribe and local mosque leaders is very high. Government and al-Qaeda are increasingly monitoring Christian activity.

Leader: President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita


Main Religion:Islam


Leader: President Sheikh Khalifa


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Federation Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: President Mahmoud Abbas


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Interim administration Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: General Mohamed Abdelaziz


Main Religion:Islam


• For those Christians traumatised by last year’s experiences – and for God’s protection and strength for the remaining few in the north

• For wisdom for the new president in steering the country towards peace and stability

• For good harvests; the conflict has disrupted farming. In July 2013, 1.3 million people were in need of immediate food aid.

• For single believers who desperately want to marry Christians; pray that believing families will meet

• For Muslim-background believers, especially women, for whom the threat of honour killing by the family is real

• That God will build His kingdom, despite the difficulties.

• Muslim-background believers face pressure from family. Pray that churches will support them

• For long-lasting relationships to be built through reconciliation ministry, Musalaha, which brings together Palestinian and Messianic believers

• For students at the Bethlehem Bible College preparing for Christian ministry and leadership.

• Pressure on believers to conform to societal norms is very great; ask God to bring cultural change

• For opportunities to offer literacy courses; most of the adult population is illiterate

• For Christians who suffer in poverty. Many must make difficult choices to bring food to the table.

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3 5

4 6

3 3

3 3

chinA kAzAkhstAn

kuwAit mAlAysiA

praypray

praypray

The Communist government continues to keep a close watch on Christian activities.

Some churches are state-approved and controlled, some are illegal and the state fights against them, and the majority are not registered, but tolerated. Unregistered churches are still ‘managed’ according to certain guidelines, which includes reporting activities. The most restricted areas for Christians are in Muslim and Tibetan regions. Christian converts from a Muslim background also have to deal with persecution from their own family and friends, so they hide Bibles and Christian materials.

Believers most affected by persecution are the non-registered, mostly Protestant Christians.

They are monitored and hemmed in by laws restricting the right of assembly as well as the production and use of religious literature and training. A court verdict in March 2013 ordered the destruction of 121 religious books, including Bibles. After a public international outcry, the court reversed its decision. Nevertheless, the situation is worsening for Christians, with even the largely untouched Russian Orthodox Church beginning to face challenges.

There are only a few hundred Kuwaiti Chris-tians, all of whom are Muslim-background believers; harassment and pressure for them emanates more from family than government.

Nevertheless, Islam is the state religion and the government requires Islamic religious instruction for all students in public and private schools. Teaching Christianity is prohibited, even to legally recognised Christians. The Christian community mostly consists of foreign migrant workers who are relatively free to worship informally, although requests for additional or expanded facilities have been frustrated.

officially, Malaysia’s constitution protects religious freedom, but the Prime Minister’s support for human rights is limited to rights which fall ‘within the boundaries set by Islam’.

It is almost impossible for a Malay Muslim to convert to Christianity. All conversions must be affirmed by a Sharia court, and the process requires converts to spend three months in a re-education centre. Evangelising Muslims is forbidden. In five states conversion is a criminal offence punishable by a fine or jail term. In January 2014 the Bible society was raided and Bibles confiscated after a court ruled that only Malay Muslims were entitled to use the word ‘Allah’ for God.

Leader: President Xi Jinping

Population: 1.36 billion (85 million Christians)

Main Religion:Atheism

Government: Socialism Source of persecution:Communist oppression/Organised corruption

Leader: President Nursultan Nazarbayev


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Republic Source of persecution:Dictatorial paranoia/Organised corruption

Leader: Emir Sheikh Sabah


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Constitutional Emirate Source of persecution:Islamic extremism/ Dictatorial paranoia/ Tribal antagonism

Leader: Prime Minister Najib Razak


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Constitutional monarchy Source of persecution:Islamic extremism/Organised corruption

• For God’s guidance for Christians ministering to Muslim and Tibetan-background believers

• That training and discipleship programmes will strengthen the church in minority areas

• That the Han Chinese church will play its part in supporting its persecuted family.

• For 66-year-old Bakhytzhan Kashkumbayev, imprisoned in 2013 on charges of poisoning a church member with communion wine

• For converts who are strongly pressured by family and neighbours to recant their newfound faith

• For Christians and churches caring for the marginalised in society.

• Praise God that the number of Kuwaiti believers is growing

• Give thanks that they are becoming bolder in sharing their faith

• For converts from Islam who risk job discrimination, being monitored by police, even physical abuse.

• Several Muslim-background believers had to leave their families and communities last year. Pray for them to remain strong in their faith

• For Prime Minister Razak to be more tolerant towards the small Christian minority

• For protection for those distributing God’s Word.28 29

7 9

8 0

3 3

3 4

bAhrAin kenyA

comoros morocco

praypray

praypray

This mainly Shia-Islamic country is generally tolerant because of its international position in banking and trade.

Many expat Christians work and live in Bahrain, and are relatively free to practise their faith in private, but evangelising Muslims is illegal. Christian converts from a Muslim background are under considerably more pressure than the few historical Christian and expat communities. Traditionally, society is not tolerant towards those who convert from Islam to other religions. The government also imposes restrictions on national and church life.

The future of the Kenyan church appears precarious. The government’s stance towards religious institutions is becoming less positive and pressure on the church is intensifying.

Levels of faith-related violence reduced in 2013, but Christians continue to be targeted and killed – particularly in the north-east. Communication between Christian and Muslim leaders is increasingly problematic, particularly following the introduction of Muslim Kadhi courts. September’s attack on the Westgate centre in Nairobi by al-Shabaab extremists complicated matters further.

A referendum held in 2009 enabled the government to change the constitution and install Islam as the state religion, severely curtailing the existence of other religions.

There has been a rise in sympathy for Islamic extremism, especially on the islands of Anjouan and Moheli, causing fear among believers. Economic hardship and financial dependence on one’s family make it difficult for individual Comorians to break away from their Muslim families and become Christians. Despite this, the small community of Muslim-background believers is steadily growing.

Pressure seems to have increased on Christians in Morocco (most of whom are expats) particu-larly in the community sphere.

Believers from Muslim backgrounds face the greatest persecution, although restrictions also apply to the small historic Catholic and expat communities, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for foreign workers to enter the country. The arrival of an Islamist party in government has left many Christians pessimistic about the future, with Islamist movements rapidly gaining influence in the country.

Leader: King Sheikh Hamad


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Constitutional monarchy Source of persecution: Dictatorial paranoia

Leader: President Uhuru Kenyatta


Main Religion:Christianity


Leader: President Ikililou Dhoinine


Main Religion:Islam


Leader: King Mohammed VI


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Constitutional monarchy Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

• Muslim-background believers are still considered Muslims by the state. Pray that they will grow in their faith despite the restrictions they face

• Evangelising Muslims is illegal. Pray for Christians to find ways to share the gospel

• That the several Christian bookshops and hospitals here will be beacons of God’s love.

• Praise God that churches are becoming more willing to work together in Kenya

• That God would enable Christian leaders to reach out to those in the Muslim community

• That leadership training and trauma counselling courses will strengthen the church to stand firm.

• Praise God that there are a number of Comorians showing interest in the Christian faith

• Persecution intensified this year in comparison to last year. Pray for believers to remain strong

• For young Christian men seeking God-fearing wives.

• In the wake of the Arab Spring, many government reforms have favoured Muslims. Pray that this will not stop Christians from practising their faith

• Islamic movements are becoming more visible. Pray that local Christians will remain strong

• A Christian was sentenced to 15 years in prison in Agadir. Ask God to sustain him; pray for his release.

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1 3

2 4

4 4

4 4

tAjikistAn indonesiA

djibouti bAnglAdesh

pray pray

pray pray

The government exerts high levels of control over society here.

All religious groups must register, but no church has been able to register for the last ten years. Churches that do exist are monitored, meetings interrupted and believers interrogated. A 2012 law prohibits Tajiks from going abroad to receive religious education, teach religious doctrines or establish ties with foreign religious organisations. Though this law is aimed at all religions, Christians are greatly affected by it. There are no Bible schools or religious training centres in the country.

There are a significant number of extremist Islamic organisations operating here that use strict religious interpretations to justify the implementation of Islamic law and the infringe-ment of the rights of religious minorities.

Though they do not have strong political representation, their influence is widespread as they take to the streets and steer public opinion. The level of violence against Christians is quite high, especially compared to other countries in South East Asia. More than ten churches were attacked or closed last year.

About 95% of the population is Sunni Muslim. Expat Christians, Orthodox Christians from

Ethiopia and local Christian-background believers experience few restrictions, but Muslim-background believers face pressure from family and religious leaders. Although the constitution guarantees religious freedom, the government attempts to control religious groups, including Christians. The economy here is fragile; the government’s negative attitude towards Christians might accelerate in the future due to growing foreign investments from Gulf countries.

Bangladesh has a secular government and a constitution that provides for religious freedom, yet it is officially an Islamic state.

The country does not have blasphemy laws or an anti-conversion bill, but Islamic extremist groups use political means such as strikes and rallies to try to push the government to modify the constitution and establish Islamic law. As the Christian minority grows, it faces more restrictions and challenges. Imams and influential Muslims persecute believers, especially converts from Islam. Christians also face opposition from family and neighbours.

Leader: President Emomali Rakhmon


Main Religion:Islam


Leader: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono


Main Religion:Islam


Leader: President Ismael Omar Guelleh


Main Religion:Islam


Leader: President Abdul Hamid


Main Religion:Islam

Government:Parliamentary democracy Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

• Six Christians were heavily fined in 2013 for owning, printing and importing religious material. Ask God to provide for their financial needs

• The legacy of Communist religious bureaucracy remains. Pray for Christians targeted by these laws

• A law introduced in 2011 restricts work among young people. Pray for protection for youth workers.

• Some Christians have been detained on false charges of proselytising and blasphemy. Pray for courage to witness to their persecutors

• Converts from Islam often face physical abuse and have to flee their homes. Pray for their safety

• Many churches find it extremely difficult to obtain a permit. Pray for ways to meet together.

• It remains to be seen whether Djibouti can constructively resist Islamic extremist influences. Pray that Christians will not lose more freedoms

• For Muslim-background believers who experience great pressure from family and community

• For Christian TV and internet sites, which spread the gospel message to those in Djibouti.

• In July 2013, a pastor was killed and at least five churches and two Bible schools destroyed, damaged or closed. Pray for safety for Christians

• There have been several cases of Christian women and girls being raped or forced into marriages. Please pray for their protection

• That women’s conferences and children’s camps will bring God’s transforming love to many.

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4 4

find us on:

www.opendoorsuk.org

the open doors world wAtch list is unique.

the only annual survey of religious liberty conditions for christians around the world, it uses data from open doors field workers and

independent experts to track the deep structures of persecution.

this means not only analysing the headline-grabbing incidents of violence and terror – terrible though those are – but also measuring the everyday

life of christians and the degree of freedom they have to live out their faith in five key areas: private,

family, community, national and church life.

the result is a resource to inform prayer and inspire action.

“what makes the world watch list so powerful is that it gives the real picture from the grassroots. nearly 60 years of

working with persecuted believers means that open doors is trusted amongst the underground christian communities of the world. this enables us to understand persecution as few others are able to do, and tell their stories as few others can.

please remember them in your prayers and actions.”

Eddie Lyle, CEO Open Doors UK & I

open Doors UK PO Box 6, Witney, Oxon, OX29 6WG

T 01993 777300 E [email protected]

open Doors IrelandPO Box 873Belfast, BT15 1WZ

T 028 9075 1080 E [email protected]

tAnzAniA

niger

pray

pray

There was a drop in levels of violence against Christians in Tanzania in 2013, and political parties and community leaders seem to have relaxed their anti-Christian stance.

However, political Islam has become more prominent, initially in the Zanzibar islands, but now increasingly among Muslims on the mainland too. A constitutional review process is underway, which includes the position of Islam in Tanzania. The observed dip in Christian persecution could be temporary, and may intensify if the constitutional review process fails.

Until recently, Niger has been a typical West African country with a mostly moderate Islamic, constitutionally secular state.

Now, there are indications that the government is becoming increasingly influenced by Islamic religious leaders. Since 1991, dozens of Islamic associations have emerged, including extremist groups. Persecution comes mainly from family and the local community. At least seven churches were attacked in 2013. Christians also face death threats and threats of abduction.

Leader: President Jakaya Kikwete


Main Religion:Christianity/Islam

Government:Democratic republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

Leader: President Mahamadou Issoufou


Main Religion:Islam

Government: Republic Source of persecution:Islamic extremism

• Praise God that, overall, there has been an improvement for Christians in the past year

• There were still several cases of serious violence against Christians. Pray for protection for believers, especially on the Zanzibar islands

• Some teaching in mosques is negative about Christianity. Pray that leaders will encounter Jesus.

• For new Christians who face hostility from members of their family and community

• The south of the country is most prone to persistent Islamic hostilities. Ask God to protect and encourage His people

• That church leaders will have wisdom in dealing with the rising persecution in Niger.

34

ChRISTIANS ARE ThE MoST PERSECUTED RELIGIoUS MINoRITY IN ThE WoRLD.


IT’S TIME To PRAYJoin in prayer with the persecuted church through innovative prayer and action resources for groups and individuals, as well as regular prayer emails and updates.

LIvE LIKE A NoRTh KoREANSix weeks of prayer and learning about the church in North Korea. Learn how North Korean Christians live, pray, worship, give, share and read the Bible.

• InspirationalprayerguidefocusedonNorthKorea• DailyBiblereadings,prayersandpracticalwaysto

identifywithbelieversinNorthKorea• Canbeusedbybothindividualsandgroups• Includessixgroupdiscussionguidesforsmallgroups• IdealforLent–butcanbeusedanytime

Each week also contains some activities that illustrate the reality of life for North Koreans. Whether it’s hiding your Bible every day, ‘singing’ hymns without making a noise, or spending a day without electricity – these symbolic acts will bring a new sense of solidarity with your persecuted brothers and sisters.

TO ORDER THESE RESOURCES FILL IN THE ENCLOSED RESPONSE FORM, GO TO WWW.oPENDooRSUK.oRG/ITSTIME OR PHONE 01993 777300

That’s why, in 2014, open Doors is launching It’s Time, a year of prayer and action for christians facing extreme persecution. we want the world to hear our simple message: people should not be persecuted for the ‘crime’ of following Jesus. they should not be killed or beaten or excluded or jailed. Enough is enough.

www.opendoorsuk.org/itstime | #itstime2014

Koreans with financial support and training. “There are spies everywhere, even in our services on Sunday.” Pray that God will guide the refugees to a church and protect them from capture or discovery.

1 7D A YWhY DO YOU PERSECUTE mE? Read: acts 9:1–16“We trust each other, but we still need to be extremely careful. I don’t know anything about their network for example. In fact, I don’t even know their real names and they don’t know mine.” - North Korean believerPray for the secret police spies who are trained to disguise themselves as Christians in order to infiltrate the North Korean church. Pray that the love of God will infiltrate their hearts instead and that they will come to join God’s kingdom.

1 8D A YREJOICE aLWaYS Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22In her cramped prison cell, which she shared with twelve others, Hea Woo felt completely alone. Then she heard a loud voice: “‘My beloved daughter! You’re walking on water!’ I didn’t only hear the voice in my head. It was an audible sound, but the others didn’t

hear it. And I knew Whose voice it was. It was God’s voice! He was giving me fresh courage! He hadn’t forgotten me! During my imprisonment, I heard the voice again a number of times. Each time, it was God passing on to me a message of encouragement.”Pray for Christian prisoners, that they might be able to worship and give thanks whatever their situation, and that God would encourage them.

1 9D A YYOU WILL aNSWER mE Read: Psalm 17:1–9Give thanks for the many opportunities Open Doors has to serve the church in North Korea. Thank God for the way he protects Open Doors contacts and workers. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide Open Doors in the best ways to strengthen the North Korean church in both the short and long term.

2 0D A YBE faIThfUL Read: Revelation 2:8–11Undercover agents posing as Christians sometimes set up fake prayer meetings to trap Christians. Pray that believers will be given discernment so they know who to trust. Pray also for the secret police officers who are actively hunting down Christians. Pray that they will have their lives turned around by the witness of their ‘victims’.

2 1D A YBE STRONG IN ThE LORD Read: Ephesians 6:10–18Pray that North Korean Christians will put on the full armour of God, so they can take their stand against the devil’s schemes. Ask God to protect these believers from every kind of spiritual or physical attack, and pray that they are able to forgive those who persecute them.

For ActioNWhich of these will you do this week?• North Koreans pray and sing only in silence or whispers. Each day this week, worship by silently ‘singing’ a hymn in your mind. • The government insists that every North Korean must have images of their leaders in every home. Before praying, North Korean Christians ‘cover the portraits of the leaders on the wall and then we kneel down in a circle. We pray for strength and endurance’. Print out a picture of Kim Jong-Il or Kim Il-Sung and hang it on the wall. Then cover it up and kneel in prayer. • This Sunday, before going to church, get up early (maybe even in the dark) and meet in secret with another believer. Stand by them. Share a whispered Bible verse. Pray silently. Then move on.

2 2D A YWISER ThaN mY ENEmIES Read: Psalm 119:97–104Praise God that Open Doors is able to secretly distribute Christian books and materials inside the country. Pray for all the hidden Bibles: ask God to ‘make seeing eyes blind’ so that none will be seen by the wrong people.

2 3D A YENRIChED IN EvERY WaY Read: 1 Corinthians 1:4–9Give thanks for the Bible teaching that is going on among North Korean refugees. Ask God to protect Open Doors safe houses in China, so that we can continue to provide support and training for these refugees. Pray that the truth and knowledge of the gospel of Christ will grow among them.

2 4D A YTELL ThE NEXT GENERaTIONRead: Psalm 78:1–4

As a child, Hea Woo once noticed that her mother was wearing a chain with a little cross on it. “What’s that, Mummy?” she asked. Hurriedly, her mother hid the chain.“Sssh”, she said. “You must not tell anyone about this.” It wasn’t until years later that Hea Woo realised that her mother had been a Christian.Children growing up in Christian families often don’t know their parents are Christians. If they did, they might report them to the authorities. Pray that Christian parents will find ways to transfer Christian values to their children, and when the children are older, teach them the Christian faith.

2 5D A YLEaRNING aND UNDERSTaNDINGRead: Psalm 119:73–80Many North Korean believers copy out portions of the scriptures or memorise them by heart. Sometimes they write out entire books of the Bible. Pray that God will speak to them through these words that are written into their hearts.

2 6D A YPREaChING ThE GOSPEL Read: Luke 9:1–6Thank God that so many North Korean refugees have found Christ. Pray for protection and wisdom as they decide whether to share their faith with their families and friends. And pray that God will help them to obtain a Bible once they return to North Korea.

2 7D A YTaKE UP YOUR CROSS Read: mark 8:34–38Owning a Bible is illegal and can mean death. Eun Hee became a Christian in a safe house operated by Open Doors contacts. An underground church met in her house. The police started to close in, but Eun Hee refused to leave: “God has called me to stay here and be his witness,” she said. “I cannot leave the other Christians behind.” When the police searched her house, they found a Bible. Eun Hee died in prison. Ask God to protect believers who treasure their Bibles so much they risk death.

weeK four: read like a north koreanthis weeK prAy For. . . Kim Yong-Nam. As Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme

People’s Assembly he is considered to be the North Korean head of state and is responsible

for foreign relations. Pray that international influence will enable him to bring more freedom

to North Korea. Ask God to move him to speak up for the poor, the needy and the oppressed.

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to prepAreYou will need:

• Candles for people to light.

• News stories from North Korea.

Pin these up or pass them around.

to thiNKRead: Daniel chapter 3

“We will not serve your gods.”

to tALK• What is the background to this story? What

is happening? Where is it taking place?

• Share the information about ‘Kimilsungism’

[see box opposite]. How does this story

relate to North Korea? What do you think it

is like to live in such an atmosphere?

• How can we in the West ‘walk alongside’

and support Christians in the furnace of

persecution?

• What are the ‘golden statues’ in our world?

• What are we supposed to worship?

to iMAGiNe

Get hold of news stories from North

Korea, either from the newspapers or the

internet (you can find some stories at www.

opendoorsuk.org/itstime.) What do they tell

you about life inside the country? What do you

imagine life is like for the citizens?

to prAyLife for a North Korean citizen has been

described as being like a candle: all it takes to

be blown out is one wrong word or one wrong

person. And this is especially true for believers.

Light a candle in the group and pray together

that God will nourish and protect the faith of

these fragile believers.

In a musical about North Korea’s infamous

Yodok prison camp, the actors sing the prayer

of many North Korean Christians.

You could pray this silently, or together:

If there’s someone out there,

can you hear this cry?

If there is someone out there,

please listen to us.

Oh God, look at that blood,

Wind, please stop blowing.

Our lives are like candles.

Wind, please stop blowing, don’t blow,

you will blow out the candles.

Sun, please don’t rise, don’t rise,

someday it will be over.

Heaven will not forsake us forever.

If only we had wings, we would fly away.

North Korean Christians take a stand against

the idols of their society. As you pray, ask God

to reveal more of the ‘idols’ we are told to

worship in this world. Pray for the strength to

stand against the pressure to conform.

to Actas individuals: Choose which of the weekly

actions on page 5 you will do this week.

as a group: Look out for news and information

in the media about North Korea in forthcoming

weeks. Try to learn as much as you can.

With Open Doors: A gift of £63 can provide

ten believers with basic essentials such as food,

clothes and medicine. Go to

www.opendoorsuk.org/itstime

GROUP STUDIESlive like a north korean

• Six group studies to help you

imaginatively enter the world of the

underground church in North Korea.

• Use them in your prayer group, small

group, youth group, CU…

• These studies work alongside the

weekly themes in the individual

prayer resource, so you will need

to ensure that each member of the

group has a copy of this booklet.

More copies can be ordered at

www.opendoorsuk.org/itstime or

01993 777300.

• If you are not part of a group, you can

still use these sessions, and reflect on

the Bible passages in them in your

own personal devotions. Feel free to

adapt as necessary!

weeK oNe: live like a north korean

iMAGiNe A LANd… Where the state decides where you live, what profession you choose,

what sports you play, what food you eat – even if you eat. A colourless land: drab clothing,

concrete buildings, the only colour is in the propaganda images of the Great Leader who,

though dead for 18 years, is still president and must be worshipped as a god. And where,

despite that, hundreds of thousands of people choose to secretly worship a greater God.

thAt is LiFe iN North KoreA.

www.opendoorsuk.org/itstime | #itstime2014

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Kimilsungism

“We cover the portraits of the leaders on the wall and then we kneel down in a circle. We pray

for strength and endurance. We pray that God will keep our country.’” - North Korean Christian

North Korea is a country dominated by a personality cult. Known as ‘Kimilsungism’, it

revolves around the effective worship of the leading dynasty founded by Kim Il-Sung, his

son Kim Jong-Il, and his grandson – and present leader – Kim Jong-Un. Everyone has to

attend at least weekly meetings and memorise more than 100 pages of ideological learning

materials, including documents that praise the morals and majesty of Kim Il-Sung, Kim

Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Un, and various poems and songs praising them.

www.opendoorsuk.org/itstime | #itstime



Open Doors Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1125684 © Open Doors 2014

www.opendoorsuk.orgfacebook.com/opendoorsuktwitter.com/opendoorsukyoutube.com/opendoorsuk

Open Doors UK PO Box 6, WitneyOxon OX29 6WG T 01993 777300 E [email protected]

Open Doors IrelandPO Box 873Belfast BT15 1WZ

T 028 9075 1080 E [email protected]

FIND US ON:

Since 2002, North Korea has been at the top of the Open Doors World Watch List, making it the most difficult and dangerous place in the world to be a Christian.

North Korea is just one of many countries where Christians are persecuted. Around the world, Christians face violence, abuse – even death. They are prevented from gathering for worship, and from sharing their faith with others.We believe it’s time the world woke up to the

extreme persecution that is a daily reality for many believers around the world. So we are calling on Christians in the UK and Ireland to stand with them, speak up for them and lift them up in prayer.

Will you join us for a year of prayer and action for Christians in North Korea and where faith costs the most?

You can get involved and download further resources at www.opendoorsuk.org/itstime

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you”

#itstime2014

Matthew 17:20

wake Up tO extreme perSecUtION

live like a north koreanSix weeks of daily prayer with the underground church in North Korea

SWITCh SWATCh PRAYWhat’s the time? Bedtime? Lunchtime? It’s time to pray! But how do you help children wake up to persecution – and the need to pray?

Switch Swatch Pray and the Kidzone Map are fun resources designed to help children pray for Christians in the ten most dangerous places on earth. Switch Swatch Pray features the top ten countries on the World Watch List in a swatch book format including:

• Ten country cards• Ten sets of facts and figures • Ten ideas for prayer and action

The Kidzone Map identifies the 50 countries on the World Watch List on a colourful A2 poster that looks great on any wall. Use them together, at home or at church, to help children wise up, wake up and pray.

#itstime2014

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Population: 10.3 millionWealth: £360Median age: 18Life expectancy: 51number of christians: a

few hundred

switch

north koreaPopulation: 24.5 millionWealth: £1100Median age: 33Life expectancy: 69number of christians: 300,000

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switchswatch pray!

Open Doors · out churches or grieving widows and orphans, wherever there are unjustly imprisoned...

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Transcript of Open Doors · out churches or grieving widows and orphans, wherever there are unjustly imprisoned...