women rise above in the middle east - open doors usa...2017 world watch list, women are not...

SUPPORTING THE BODY OF CHRIST WHERE FAITH COSTS THE MOST

Women Rise Above in the Middle EastThrough Resilient Faith Women Are Strengthening Communities and Churches

ALSO INSIDELIVING OUT THE GOSPEL WITH RADICAL HOPE

LEADING THE WAY IN IRAN

AN UNWELCOME FAITH IN NIGERIA

3 REASONS WE PRAY DURING RAMADAN

[ SPRING 2017 / VOL 2.2 ]

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. –Proverbs 31:20

LEADING THE WAY IN IRAN

14CONTENTS

2

3

4

6

9

10

13

14

17

PRAYING FOR THE ESTHERS OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCHGod's Word reminds us to pray without ceasing.

LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL WITH RADICAL HOPE Through prayer and boldness women are empowering the Church in the most persecuted regions.

ONE MILLION VOICES FOR THE MIDDLE EAST Join with others in calling for a hope and a future for Christians in the Middle East.

WOMEN RISE ABOVE IN THE MIDDLE EASTThrough resilient faith women are strengthening communities and churches.

3 REASONS WHY WE PRAY DURING RAMADANJoin us in a prayer campaign for persecuted Christians.

LEADING THE WAY IN IRAN Women play a key role in the underground churches of Iran.

STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM Empowering persecuted Christians through training and discipleship.

THE RIPPLE EFFECTOne minute with your pastor could change your church.

AN UNWELCOME FAITHA snapshot of persecution from Nigeria.

Presence magazine showcases the powerful stories of faith of persecuted Christians, while showing how God is at work through the united Body of Christ around the world.

On the cover: Refugee women in Iraq

About Open DoorsFor over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world's most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their faith.

Open Doors Core ValuesWe are part of the Body of Christ; a people to people peopleWe are persecuted church drivenWe are people of the BibleWe are people of prayerWe live and work by faithWe are devoted to Jesus Christ and His commissionWe are motivated solely for the glory of God

Presence is published 4 times a year to provide concerned Christians with information about events affecting persecuted Christians worldwide. ©2017 Open Doors USA. Member of: Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability; Evangelical Press Association; Combined Federal Campaign; and Forum of Bible Agencies. The material contained in this publication cannot be reproduced in any form, including on the Internet, without permission.

© Open Doors 2017www.OpenDoorsUSA.org

888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535)

[email protected]

PO Box 27001 Santa Ana, CA 92799

Spring 2017 | Volume 2.2

Praying for the Esthers of the Persecuted Church

God’s Word Reminds Us to Pray Without Ceasing

______ dr. david curry ______

T he Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in May. Every year, I'm asked why Christians should pray during a

Muslim holiday, and my answer is twofold:

First, it is vital to lift up persecuted Christians who live in Muslim-dominated societies. Often, Christians face increased persecution during this time because extremists promote violence against them.

But secondly, it's vital that we pray for these Muslims to find the true Savior, Jesus Christ. Countless stories are told of Muslims giving their lives to Christ through dreams and visions, especially in the Middle East.

This year, there is a third group I would encourage you to lift up in prayer: the women of the persecuted church.

The reason? Women often face twice the persecution. They are persecuted for their faith, and they are mistreated for their status as women in many societies.

Mother's Day also falls in this month, and it's usually mothers who carry the greatest burden.

Mothers just like Esther in Nigeria who lost her husband in an attack by Boko Haram and was left to raise six children all on her own. Not only did she face persecution from Muslim extremists, but she also lost her husband. And she was forced to find a way to provide for her family in a society that often marginalizes women.

But through your partnership, Open Doors came alongside Esther to help her start a business. With her earnings, she's empowered to feed and house her entire family —and send all of her children to school.

We need to pray for the Esthers of the persecuted church. We need to pray for our sisters in Christ who live in societies where they’re mistreated and marginalized. And We need to pray for them when persecution is heightened.

God's Word reminds us to pray without ceasing. Let us commit to that during the month of Ramadan, especially for our sisters in Christ who face twice the persecution. v

“We need to pray for our sisters in Christ who live in societies where they’re mistreated and marginalized.”

2 | 3

HopeJOIN ONE MILLION VOICES OF

FOR THE MIDDLE EASTWe are witnessing one of the greatest threats to the existence of the Christian Church in the Middle East since its birth over 2,000 years ago. Christians are facing targeted persecution and leaving Syria and Iraq at an increasing rate. But in spite of the horror they are facing, many courageous Christians have chosen to stay. They want to be a light in the darkness in a desperate situation, now and in the future. They believe they have a vital role to play in rebuilding their shattered societies.

We asked Christians from Syria and Iraq what would give them hope. They highlighted three things: equality, dignity and empowerment to care for their own community. It’s vital that their voice reaches the ears of world leaders so that change can happen on the ground.

We’re raising one million signatures in partnership with our brothers and sisters in Syria and Iraq.

Will you join with others around the world—including Christians in the Middle East—in calling for a hope and a future for Christians and others in that region by signing the petition?

We are calling upon our government and the United Nations to ensure that Christians and other minorities enjoy:

u The right to equal citizenship

v Dignified living conditions

w A prominent role in reconciling and rebuilding society

Make your voice count. Go to ODUSA.org/2016-million-voices

and sign the petition today.

Open Doors Presence Magazine ~ | Vol. 2.2

Women Rise Above in the Middle East

Through an open window, the evening call to prayer resounds as the sun sets into blurred layers of bright color. A lukewarm summer breeze wafts through the

kitchen as Bushra* finishes preparing the table for the iftar, an evening meal to break the daylong Ramadan fast. But as her family unrolls their prayer rugs to kneel before Allah, Bushra does something subversive: she whispers a quiet but sincere prayer to Jesus.

For centuries, women have been overlooked figures in Middle Eastern life. Many go about their daily lives hidden behind their veils, a custom intended not for their oppression but for their respect. In Saudi Arabia, #14 on the Open Doors 2017 World Watch List, women are not permitted to drive or travel without the consent of a male guardian. In Iran, the voice of a woman is considered less valuable than a man’s, affecting her rights in matters of legal defense, family inheritance and even marriage.

Yet, an estimated 10.5 million women live in these countries as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Each day they are fulfilling God’s unique callings with remarkable faithfulness.

FIRST TO FAITH Tala* was the first in her family to come to faith in Christ. Risking her community and livelihood, she began reading the Bible with two of her sisters and led several family members to Jesus. When Tala’s devout Muslim father learned of their conversion, he forbade them from eating together and brought them to a mullah, a local Islamic cleric trained in theology, in hopes of converting them back to Islam.

Tala’s father forced her sister to marry a strictly Muslim man, but Tala continued in ministry. “My father has become softer in his approach to me,” she shares. “He sees how my sister and I keep treating him with love, even though he persecutes

us. He compares the character of the Christians he has come to know with the man he forced my sister to marry and sees the difference. I hope and pray that this will be the start for him to get to know Jesus.”

The women of the persecuted church pay no small price to lead. Many risk arrest, rejection, exile and even death to further the cause of Christ in their circles of influence. But even as the stakes grow higher, women like Tala are setting an example for the global Church as advocates, evangelists and trainers within their communities and families. They are actively connecting people with the gospel of Jesus and nurturing the growth of faith for generations to come.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIESIn Iraq and Syria, the role of Christian women has changed drastically since the invasion of ISIS. Halimah*, a trainer for women in Iraq, said, “What changed for women is that almost all of them are working not only to sustain themselves but also to support their wider family, they help them to survive in the country. These women are the real survivors. They are strong, without their faith they wouldn’t make it.”

Even with so many challenges, “Women are not giving up,” said Halimah. “They try to do their best, and they are very creative in doing so . . . Women are doing amazing things.”

I hope and pray that this will be the start for him to get to know Jesus.

*Representative name and photo used for security reasons.4 | 5

Through Resilient Faith Women Are Strengthening Communities and Churches

“I was always looking for love. I didn’t find it in my family, I didn’t find it in my Islamic religion. So when I heard about Jesus and

His grace and love, I just knew immediately…

this is what I have been looking for.”

IRAN #8

Women in Iraq and Syria are turning the crisis created by ISIS into an opportunity to share Jesus. Some started ministries to meet the needs in their area. One group of women started a Bible study, another works with people with special needs. All of these women are shouldering incredible responsibility as they care for others alongside their own families—with little to no help.

EMPOWERING OTHERS

Women are fulfilling crucial roles in the Church because their love for Jesus compels them to do so. Azada*, a Christian leader in her community said, “How different is life with Jesus!” She has seen how women begin to flourish when they meet Jesus and learn, “They are loved, they are wanted, and they can come to God just as they are without any shame.” In turn, these women are inviting others to do the same.

Globally, God is using women to build His Church in a variety of ways. Though many serve in secret, they are leading with courage and resilient faith. Even now, as the women of the Middle East prepare to set their tables for the Ramadan iftar, many invite their families to gather around the table of God. v

How can you help empower persecuted sisters to fulfill their God-given callings throughout the Middle East? “First, they need practical help,” Halimah said.

“Secondly, they need encouragement, prayer and training.” Open Doors is on the ground, helping women to support their families through microloans, relief aid, job and literacy training and trauma counseling. To help, visit OpenDoorsUSA.org/donate.

“WOMEN ARE NOT

GIVING UP.”


Living Out the Gospel With Radical Hope

A braham. Moses. David. Men are the main characters of nearly all Bible stories, outside of occasional heroines like Esther and Ruth.

Women, however, often played critically important roles. If it wasn’t for women like Rahab, who sheltered Hebrew spies, how would Israel’s story have changed? Our Savior was brought into the world by a woman named Mary. Or consider Jael, who used a tent peg to deliver Israel from the troops of King Jabin.

Thousands of years later, women’s roles in the Church are no less instrumental, although their contributions still sometimes go unacknowledged. The four women featured here, for example, may not naturally attract public attention.

To the observer, they may seem rather ordinary, under-resourced, even vulnerable. Yet, courageous leadership in the face of persecution has become their way of life.

Not long ago, an Indonesian official refused to grant a local church a permit. Instead, he ordered their building sealed. A seal, however, was not enough to prevent homemaker and mother, Rouli*, from accessing her church.

For the last seven years, Rouli has served as the elder of Indonesia’s Batak Protestant Church Filadelpia. During this time, the church won an appeal in court and was granted the legal right to a permit. Still, the local mayor refused to unseal their building. And higher courts, even the Supreme Court, failed to intervene.

Rouli and the church were forced to worship in front of their building next to the ditch and streets. She didn't want the unwelcoming location to discourage church attendance, so Rouli pleaded with God for help. She also created weekly communications to notify attenders when the church’s venue needed to change. And when Rouli preached during Sunday services and women’s fellowship meetings, she continuously warned members not to despair over the fragile condition of the church. The church, she insisted, was alive and stable.

“There are times when I feel tired,” Rouli admits, but she persists. “If [people] feel afraid and lose their spirit, who else is going to be the church members?”

ROULI

If it wasn’t for women like Rahab, who sheltered Hebrew spies, how would Israel’s story have changed?

Through Prayer and Boldness Women Are Empowering the Church in the Most Persecuted Regions

6 | 7

*Representative names and photos used for security reasons.

“ This is our price for following Christ”

After converting to Christianity, Alia’s* husband Rudy–a Muslim scholar and the son of a famous Muslim leader–was sentenced to three years

of imprisonment. The charge? Desecrating Islam and spreading false teachings.

One morning soon after, Alia woke up before dawn and fled with her children to avoid a planned attack on her family. In the coming days, she was forced to move her family five times.

“The hardest part was that we usually had to leave late at night–as that was the safest time to travel–and it was always raining. I had to carry my youngest toddler on my back,” Alia recounts.

Alia cried out to God, and she believes God heard her prayers and directed her to a Christian community, away from Rudy’s hometown, where her children could be raised and educated safely. While staying involved in her local house church and visiting her husband in prison, Alia wakes up at 2 a.m. to pray and read her Bible. She then takes her daughter to school, does household chores and begins her tailoring work.

She says she and Rudy cried when they first met at prison. “This is our price for following Christ. If you feel that you can’t bear the suffering, I don’t mind if you decide to go back to your parents.” Rudy told her.

But Alia refused, “I won’t go. We have committed ourselves to follow Jesus. Whatever happens, we will face it together.”

In January of 2015, Larasati*–the coordinator of a house church in a remote village in East Java–was summoned by the local government.

When she arrived with a church member, Islamic religious leaders accused her and her house church of illegal proselytizing by distributing food, praying for the people and paying school fees. Then, they banned the church’s charitable activities and threatened Larasati with death. They even threatened to burn down the house of the church member who accompanied her. As if this affliction wasn’t enough, Larasati’s husband also suffered from a tumor and required ongoing care.

While praying, Larasati sensed God understood the troubles she faced. “I believe that He [would] keep me strong because my flock needed me.”

Larasati’s determination would quickly be tested. When the house church was forced to stop activities for two weeks due to threats, she had to alter her appearance–donning old clothing, hats and slippers–to sneak out and visit each church member in their homes.

When the church did meet, in a remote location about 12 miles from Larsati’s home, she traveled through slippery, mountainous terrain to get there. Sometimes, muddy conditions made it impossible to walk. When that happened, Larasati–undeterred–would climb the jagged hillsides.

Women like Larasati are facing hardships and persecution to advance God’s Kingdom. Mud and rugged terrain are no match for a woman who is on mission for the Lord.

“Without adversities, Christians would be living a casual life and making no difference in the world,” Larasati says.

* After Open Doors organized an Advocacy and Legal Seminar about citizens’ right to worship, Larasati encouraged the church to surrender their fears to God and regather.

ALIA LARASATI

Without adversities, Christians would be living a casual life and making no difference in the world.

Open Doors Presence Magazine ~| Vol. 2.2

“ No one can give me strength but God. And he always does.”

“Those in need of legal assistance in cases regarding their faith, please contact Suhendra*.”

Maryam* discovered this handwritten message scribbled

onto a pamphlet she was given at a revival meeting. She tucked it away in case someone someday needed support. Just five months later, the person who needed help was her own 19-year-old son, Tino*.

A mob of Muslim extremists showed up at Tino’s house and drug his wife, Dini*–who was seven months pregnant–out of their home. Tino snatched up a machete and rushed out to save his wife, but Tino’s brother advised him to put it down. Tino listened.

The mob, led by his wife’s uncle and family, accused Tino of abducting Dini and forcing her to convert to Christianity. Tino explained that Dini married him out of love and voluntarily accepted Christ. Still, the police arrested and imprisoned him on July 23, 2015.

While begging God to send someone to help her son, Maryam suddenly remembered the pamphlet. After calling the number, she was introduced to Mr. Suhendra, a lawyer who partners with Open Doors to help persecuted Christians. Mr. Suhendra walked alongside Maryam, hand-in-hand, throughout her son’s trial.

Maryam was not without fear, but neither bouts of physical sickness nor the men who watched her house every day could deter Maryam from visiting Tino four times a week. “When I was watched, it made me terrified,” she remembers. Yet, Maryam insists God is faithful. “No one can give me strength but God. And He always does. Every time I fall, He raises me up and enables me to face this again.”

Believers like Rouli, Alia, Larasati and Maryam make up the persecuted church. They endure day after day, and depend on the Lord. Their perseverance is a beautiful portrait of obedience and radical faith. v

* Representative names and photos used for security reasons.

MARYAM WOMEN ARE THE PILLARS

8 | 9

Continued from previous page...

3 Reasons We Pray During Ramadan

Join Us in a Prayer Campaign for Persecuted Christians

M illions of Muslims around the world observe Ramadan. Requiring a daily fast from food, drink and smoking, Ramadan is one of the Five

Pillars of Islam and one of the most visible expressions of the faith. This year, it begins on May 27 and ends on June 25.

WHY SHOULD THIS MATTER TO CHRISTIANS?

Because 1.6 billion people identify as Muslims. That’s 23% of the world’s population, making Islam the world’s second- largest religion behind Christianity (31%).

And Islamic extremism is the number one cause of Christian persecution, meaning life is especially difficult for Christians living in countries where Muslim extremists have a strong influence on society. A large majority of persecuted Christians live in regions of the world dominated by Islam, and they’re asking us to pray, especially during the month of Ramadan.

Join us in a prayer campaign for persecuted Christians—and the Muslim world—during Ramadan, and here’s why:

1. CHRISTIANS FACE INCREASED PERSECUTION DURING RAMADAN.

Believers who live in Muslim-dominated societies say that persecution is often heightened during Ramadan. If they decide not to fast, they stand out, which brings unwanted attention. This can result in increased harassment or violence, making prayer for them especially important this time of year.

2. JESUS TELLS US TO PRAY FOR OUR PERSECUTORS.

Islamic extremist groups like ISIS are some of the worst persecutors of Christians worldwide. Jesus instructed us during His time on earth to not repay evil for evil, but rather to pray for those who persecute us: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This month reminds us to pray for Islamic extremists that persecute Christians.

3. WE DESIRE FOR MANY MUSLIMS TO COME TO FAITH IN CHRIST.

Many Muslims fast during this month in hopes of getting closer to Allah, and are often more open to those sharing the truth of the gospel. We have heard countless accounts of Muslims coming to faith during Ramadan. We pray for God to work through His people around the world to share the truth of Jesus with Muslims during this time.

Ramadan is a great time to pause and pray. Will you join us in marking this on your calendar? Download your Ramadan Prayer Calendar to help remind and guide you during this Islamic holy month to pray for God to strengthen the persecuted and reach Muslims with the gospel.

Download your copy of the calendar at live.OpenDoorsUSA.org/Ramadan

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

Open Doors Presence Magazine ~| Vol. 2.2

“I WISH YOU CAN SEE THE JOY I FEEL

IN KNOWING THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE AND

THAT PEOPLE OUT THERE ARE PRAYING FOR US AND

GIVING THEIR SUPPORT TO SEE THAT OUR NEEDS ARE MET.”

10 | 11

On the Ground: An Unwelcome FaithYou won’t find the farming village of Danbango in Kebbi State on Google Maps. There aren’t any roads leading directly to it—anyone who wants to go there must know exactly where it is located.

In 2012, missionaries came here to preach the gospel. In Danbango, a few people heeded the call to repentance and left their idols to follow Christ. Though few villagers can read the Bible, a handful of pastors have persisted and have, with the help of the Holy Spirit, shaped a community of believers who show remarkable strength in resisting pressure to deny Christ. But given that Danbango is under Islamic rule, it wasn’t long before this fragile faith community found itself under attack.

While violent persecution of Christians at the hands of Islamic extremist groups Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen might grab more headlines, the persistent social pressure Christians face goes mostly unnoticed. Media attention might focus on massive acts of terror and violence, but each day, Christians in Kebbi face blatant discrimination along with constant pressure to convert to Islam. Open Doors’ encouragement and support are helping them remain strong.

THE PAIN OF RELIGIOUS PRESSURE

Muslim leaders recently visited communities in Kebbi to urge people to accept Islam and be rewarded with wells, schools and clinics. Many gave in, but the Christians would not agree. “We still fetch water from a brook. Sometimes it is very dirty, but we have no option but to drink it and cook with

it,” one woman explained. “God has been protecting us from different diseases and ailments.” The women are often responsible for fetching water, yet have chosen to sacrifice safety and convenience instead of denying Christ.

But there was an even greater cost to this resolve. “When my son became very sick, I took him to hospital, but the doctors said they would treat him only if I denounced Christ,” one area believer said. “I refused and took him home. Some days later, he died. I blamed myself for causing his death, but I later remembered that the Scriptures say that we will meet again at the Lord’s feet one day, and that comforts me.”

CHURCH ATTACK

In April 2016, the pressure escalated to assault. The district head, along with a vigilante group of Muslim extremists, interrupted a worship service at a local church and attacked. “[The group] beat us and claimed that the land our church was built on wasn’t approved by the government,” said Joshua Wede, pastor of the church. “But it belongs to one of our church members who gave it to us to build a place for our services.”

“On May 11, we were arrested and taken to prison

“The doctors said they would treat him only if I denounced Christ.”

*Representative photo used for security reasons.

A Snapshot of Persecution from Nigeria


where we were beaten again and given hard labor,” Pastor Wede continued. “We had no opportunity to contact a lawyer, and some officials told us if we pleaded guilty, we would be set free. We didn’t have anyone to speak to or anyone who could stand for us, so we agreed. The final judgement was passed on May 18, and we were sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labor or a fine of $150 each.”

As soon as partners alerted Open Doors, representatives traveled to attend the final hearing and paid the fines the Christians received. “We did not know how to raise the money, but God in His mercies used Open Doors to wipe our tears when the entire world was silent,” Pastor Wede said. “Today, we are as free as any other person because of your support. When others were afraid to identify with us, Open Doors came to give us hope.”

Sadly, Pastor Wede’s is not an isolated case. Pastor Kabiru, who cares for a small group of believers in the area, has far too many similar stories. “I have been arrested many times (on false accusations) and have been imprisoned three times,” he said. “It is all just an effort to frustrate evangelism.”

“WHERE THERE IS LIFE, THERE IS HOPE”

When Open Doors traveled to Kebbi to see the situation on the ground, organizational leaders were shocked to see that many believers had run out of food. Thanks to the faithful support of Christians around the world, Open Doors returned with some relief aid to assist these families for a few months. Thirty-two families each received a bag of guinea corn, some spaghetti, three wrappers and money which will be used to cover other household needs.

“Life has been hell on earth for us.” Pastor Kabiru said. “I wish you can see the joy I feel in knowing that we are not alone and that people out there are praying for us and giving their support to see that our needs are met. These items we received will go a long way to encourage and strengthen the believers in this community. We live every day looking forward to when we will die and finally rest from all this pain and turmoil. But seeing [the help we received], today we know that where there is life, there is hope.”

“We shall continue to be strong in the faith and extend the love of Christ to those who inflicted injury on us,” Pastor Wede echoed. “It is a privilege to share in the pain of Christ.” v

“When others were afraid to identify with us, Open Doors came to give us hope.”

“It is a privilege to share in the pain of Christ.”

Please join us in prayer for the pastors and churches in Nigeria to stay strong through these extreme trials.

12 | 13

Did you know that taking one minute to talk to your pastor can drastically change the lives of persecuted Christians? Ask your pastor to lead your church through The Ripple Effect series. This six-week series will deepen your understanding of what our persecuted brothers and sisters endure, and will provide different ways for you and your church to be involved in helping them.

A simple conversation with your pastor can have an incredible ripple effect. Members of your church can move from simply being aware of Christian persecution, to being active members of the Body of Christ…standing with those who are suffering for our faith.

Included are:• ‘How to Host’ guide• Event signs• Handouts• Take home resources• Prayers and sermons• PowerPoint slides• Event videos

The Ripple Effect

Be sure to talk to your pastor today and visit RippleEffectSeries.com for more information.


MORE WOMEN ARE INVOLVED IN

MINISTRY IN IRAN THAN IN MANY

WESTERN COUNTRIES, DESPITE WOMEN NOT

HAVING EQUAL STANDING UNDER

IRANIAN LAW.

* Representative name and photo used for security reasons.14 | 15

* Representative name and photo used for security reasons.

They run the risk of experiencing rejection from their families and imprisonment by police.

Women work as evangelists, Sunday school teachers and, increasingly, house-church leaders. More women are involved in ministry in Iran than in many Western countries, despite women not having equal standing under Iranian law.

Although Christianity is suppressed in Iran and conversion away from Islam is illegal, there are an estimated 800,000 converted believers, many of them are converts from Islamic backgrounds. At least 193 Christians were arrested or imprisoned for their faith there last year.

Shadi*, a woman who runs a church, is in contact with Iranian women converts on a daily basis. She said that, in Jesus, Iranian women gain confidence that they did not have from the honor-based culture in which they had grown up. This type of culture takes the actions of an individual and associates either shame or honor to their entire family because of their deeds.

Shadi says women who become Christians find that they “are loved, they are wanted, and they can come to God just as they are, without any shame.”

“Many women risk imprisonment and torture by being active evangelists,” she continued. “And because God gives them the strength to take this risk, each day new people, men and women, get to know

Leading theWay in Iran


Women Play a Key Role in the Underground Churches of Iran


the love of Christ and get to know their true identity: beloved children of God.”

LEARNING TOGETHER

Another woman, Shifa*, has launched an online church group where Iranians who have become Christians can connect and receive pastoral care and discipleship. She no longer lives in Iran, but

was motivated to do this after her cousin, who first shared the gospel with her, was imprisoned

for her faith. Her cousin’s arrest left her with no one to help her understand the Bible or answer her questions.

“At the time, I didn’t have pastoral care or anyone to disciple me. However, I can give that to others now,” she said. “The Bible alone is not enough. To grow as a Christian, you also need your fellow Christians to grow and pray alongside of you.”

IN CHAINS FOR HIS NAME

One Iranian Christian woman, Maryam Naghash Zargaran, has spent more than three years in prison because of her faith.

Amnesty International referenced her case when it accused Iran of “cruel” denial of medical care in its prisons.

Zargaran, a convert from Islam, was originally arrested in January 2013, in connection with her work at an orphanage alongside Saeed Abedini, who was also imprisoned but eventually released in January 2016. v

According to the 2017 World Watch List, Iran comes in 8th out of 50 of the most dangerous countries to live as a Christian. In the 2016 list, Iran was in 9th place.

These women, and many more, are spearheading the spread of Christianity in Iran. They are not letting persecution, imprisonment or fear stop them from

following Christ. Keep the women of Iran and the growth of Christianity in Iran in your prayers.

16 | 17

An interview with Paul Estabrooks—former missionary and Open Doors field worker.

WHAT IS STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM?

Standing Strong Through the Storm is a training curriculum for persecuted believers. We completed it in the year 2000, and it’s been field tested all over the world. Now the textbook is in 44 languages, and it’s being

taught almost exclusively by national trainers.

WHY IS THIS TRAINING CURRICULUM SO IMPORTANT?

Many new believers in persecuted countries don’t have a good grasp of the gospel or a solid understanding of the Bible. When these new believers face challenges they often ask “Why is this happening to me?” They don’t understand what the Bible teaches about persecution and our response to it. Some of them seek revenge in an effort to prove the strength of God to their persecutors, but God doesn’t call us to retaliation. Scripture teaches us three options when we face persecution:

RUN…sometimes this is required. STAY…and endure, even to death. APPEAL…to legal rights and authorities.

The difficult part is to distinguish which option is necessary in the midst of persecution.

HOW DOES THE STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM TRAINING WORK IN THE FIELD?

The training is shared over a three-day period. The essence of the course teaches persecuted believers about the tactics of Satan—especially his use of fear to immobilize believers. We teach them who Jesus is and how he suffered and was persecuted and, finally, how to respond to persecution as Jesus would.

When persecuted believers understand what the Bible really teaches, it makes a difference in their own lives and throughout the whole community.

This unique and field-tested training seminar is equipping persecuted believers to follow Jesus with boldness, forgive their persecutors—even in the most extreme circumstances—and to bear the fruit of the gospel in their communities.

This year, Open Doors is planning to launch 194 Standing Strong Through the Storm seminars. Please join us in prayer and ask God to use this seminar to strengthen the faith of persecuted Christians around the world.

Spotlight: Standing Strong Through the Storm

Empowering Persecuted Christians Through Training & Discipleship

“I was scared to death with the thought of being attacked and stoned by my persecutors for my faith in Jesus. Listening to the stories of other believers who faced persecution—and continued in ministry— helped drive away my fears. I thank God for this training.” —Pratima Pagare*, a Standing Strong Through the Storm participant from Northern India

* Representative name and photo used for security reasons.


NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDST. CLOUD, MN

PERMIT NO. 1208

PO Box 27001 / Santa Ana, CA 92799 USA

888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535)[email protected]

OpenDoorsUSA.org

Photo: Trauma counseling in Ethiopia

women rise above in the middle east - open doors usa...2017 world watch list, women are not...

Documents