(From Open Doors, opendoorsus.org) Open Doors has recently released the “2025 World Watch List”, their annual rankings of the 50 places where it’s most dangerous to be a follower of Jesus. You can visit their website to learn more. It is so critical that we support persecuted Christians around the world through organizations like Open Doors!
North Korea, for example, is one of the most isolated and restricted countries in the world, with one of the very worst human rights records. For 30 years it has ranked at or near the top of the “Watch List”. And yet, the church in North Korea continues to grow!!
Open Doors recently shared the story of a woman they called “Joo Min”, who was unable to put food on her family’s table due to widespread famine. “To make matters worse, Joo Min’s father spiraled into alcoholism and began to blame her for their lack of food. He demanded that she provide for the family. So, in an effort to survive, Joo Min crossed the border into China in search of work.
“While in northern China, Joo Min heard about Christ through the witness of a courageous believer who directed her to an Open Doors safe house. At first, Joo Min wanted nothing to do with Christianity. If she was caught and deported back to North Korea, she would face severe consequences for even meeting with Christians.
“And yet, there was something different about the people Joo Min met at the safe house. They weren’t the dangerous spies her government had made them out to be. They were kind, loving and helped her without demanding anything in return. Joo Min couldn’t resist. ‘Despite what I was told as a child, I accepted Jesus as my Savior!’ After years of discipleship and Bible training at the Open Doors safe house, God called her to a new mission. ‘I felt like God was telling me to go back to North Korea!’ So she returned carrying the hope of Jesus with her. ‘I know the risks involved,’ she said. ‘If I am caught, I could end up in a labor camp, paying a heavy price for being a Christian.’ Yet, as of this writing, she continues her work in the underground church!”
Open Doors says that a gift of $12 could give a Bible to a believer; $50 could provide a bus ride for a new believer to attend a pre-baptism discipleship course; and $125 could help give a month’s safe housing and medical care to a large family of persecuted Christians.
Please continue to pray for persecuted Christians each day, and support organizations like Open Doors (opendoorsus.org)