The Open Doors Podcast

We have the rare opportunity to hear from Afghan believers about the situation in Afghanistan, and what life has been like now that the Taliban are in control. You'll also hear new prayer requests from Iran and North Korea, and how you can stand in prayer with your sisters and brothers around the world. If you'd like to learn how you can pray for situations like the one in Afghanistan, sign up for the Open Doors Prayer App by visiting OpenDoorsUSA.org/PrayerApp.

Julia recently got the opportunity to talk with Pastor Andrew Brunson and his wife, Norine. Andrew shared what it was like to be in prison in Turkey, and how his faith was shaken—but ultimately saved. This episode is an incredible opportunity to hear how God is at work, even when the situation seems hopeless. If you'd like to learn how you can pray for situations like the one faced by the Brunsons, sign up for the Open Doors Prayer App by visiting OpenDoorsUSA.org/PrayerApp.

In this episode, we hear from Taher and Donya (and their kids), Iranian believers who were forced to make an incredibly hard decision. Listen to them tell the story of the moment that changed everything. You'll also hear updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly how it's affecting Christians in India, including some of our ministry partners. Robert Kenna, who spent time with Taher and Donya, also gives some background on what it was like to meet and pray with these Christians, who now live in Turkey. You'll also find out a way you can send them a letter of encouragement—to do so, visit OpenDoorsUSA.org/letter-writing . You can also read Taher's story here: https://exposure.opendoorsusa.org/faith-or-freedom-one-iranian-familys-lifechanging-choice

In this episode, we hear from Hajaratu, a Christian whose village was attacked by Fulani militants. She's just one of thousands of Nigerian Christians who have been the victims of violence in the last year—and it got even worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. She tells her heartbreaking story, and tells us why she still believes. You can send Hajaratu a letter by visiting OpenDoorsUSA.org/letter-writing ! Also in this episode: prayer requests, updates from your persecuted family and more.

In this episode, Julia and Christopher go through some new information from Open Doors research, including the 2021 World Watch List, which you can find here: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/ We also speak with Propaganda and Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty, who work together at the intersections of Christian faith, culture and justice. We spoke with them about how care for our persecuted brothers and sisters sits in a larger framework of Christian justice, how we can learn from persecuted Christians and how we can avoid being burned out by the massive problems and evil we see in the world. To hear more from Propaganda and Dr. Alma, visit https://www.patreon.com/redcouchpodcast.

Daniela's life changed the day her father was taken from her and her family. Daniela lives in Colombia, where pastors are sometimes targeted by local drug gangs who don't want Christians to share the gospel. Daniela, along with her mother, Alba, and her brother, Sebastian, lost her dad to gang violence. But that's not the end of the story—they worship the God who sent His Son to bring hope to even the most hopeless situation. Listen to Daniela and Alba tell how they've been able to walk through their grief and find joy at Christmas. In this episode, we also tell you how you can send a letter to Daniela and Sebastian; visit OpenDoorsUSA.org/letter-writing to learn how! Additionally, please join us for the release of the 2021 World Watch List on January 13. Find out more on Facebook! This is our last episode of 2020, but we'll be back in early 2021 with more stories of God's persecuted people. We're all one Church, one Family!

The Open Doors team recently spoke with two widows in Nigeria about their experience with violence in the Middle Belt of the country. Their story is tragic—and shows how much Christians are suffering in the midst of both persecution and the COVID-19 crisis. Hear them tell of tragedy and God's faithfulness, in their own words. Plus, get updates and prayer requests from your persecuted brothers and sisters, and find out how you can see the impact you've already made during the coronavirus pandemic.

In this episode, we speak with Pastor George, a Christian leader in northern Syria who has led his church through ISIS, attacks from Turkey, COVID-19 and more. You'll also hear how you can get involved with Syrian believers, how you can pray and what new needs we've heard from persecuted Christians around the world.

India is No. 10 on the 2020 World Watch List. We hear from Heena (a pseudonym), an Open Doors partner in India, about the situation for Christians there—and why COVID-19 has made it even worse. You'll also learn how you can partner and pray with God's persecuted family in India and all over the world.

In this month's episode, we hear from Christians from South and Southeast Asia, who describe what persecuted Christians are going through in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. They told us distressing stories of Christians being denied government aid—just because they follow Jesus. We're also joined by David Curry, president and CEO of Open Doors USA, to hear about what Open Doors is doing to help persecuted believers during the pandemic. Editor's note: In this episode, you'll hear the term "MBB", which refers to "Muslim-background believer"—basically a Christian who converted from Islam. Additionally, Julia mentions the lack of confirmed cases in North Korea. Since the recording date, North Korea has, in fact, confirmed its first official case, though a single case is almost certainly a dramatic undercount.

David Curry interviews Pastor Wang from Wuhan, China about what it was like for Christians in the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. Plus, we discuss the situation faced by secret Christians in Iran, the latest news of what's happening to persecuted believers around the world and tell you how you can pray with your brothers and sisters!

Welcome to the Open Doors Podcast! Listen to this quick look at what you can expect each month from the Open Doors team—and how you can grow in knowledge of love of your persecuted brother and sisters in Jesus.