Support Christians Experiencing Persecution in Sub-Saharan Africa with Open Doors
- Jenni Lien
- Sep 17
- 4 min read
I’m writing this from Toronto, where my days are spent working at a Christian non-profit and my evenings are filled with Bible studies, prayer meetings, and creating Christian content. I don’t often worry that being a Christian is limiting.
That said, a few years ago I was living in a different city and experienced first-hand what it feels like when religious freedoms begin to tighten. It was… unsettling to say the least. Yet even then, I didn’t fear being murdered or tortured for my faith. Unfortunately this is the daily reality for millions of Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Persecution in Sub-Saharan Africa Today
Did you know that out of every 10 Christians murdered for their faith worldwide, nine are in Sub-Saharan Africa? This region has over 1 billion people in more than 40 countries south of the Sahara Desert, including Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Sudan.
Research from Open Doors – a Christian non-profit that operates in over 70 countries and whose mission is to support persecuted Christians worldwide – shows that persecution in this region is happening like never before, driven in part by growing Islamic extremism.
Extremist groups target Christians daily by burning homes, kidnapping children, attacking worship services, and forcing believers to flee their homes causing them to live as displaced peoples. At least 16.2 million Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa are displaced from their communities and for many this is simply because they follow Jesus.
It might sound dramatic but many believe the crisis is threatening the survival of the church in parts of Africa.
How Did I Not Know About This?
When I first learned about Open Doors’ Arise Africa campaign (disclosure: I’m partnering with them on this campaign #sponsored), I was interested to dig into their work as, growing up in the church, I did hear about persecuted church groups from time to time but honestly it hadn’t been on my radar for a while.
If you’re the same way, there’s no shame, amen? God has his ways of opening our eyes.
I asked a few ministry friends about Open Doors and their work and some shared stories of friends who work at the organization and the great work they do raising awareness of the needs of persecuted Christians as well as mobilizing Christians around the world to offer support (more below).
As this area is often underreported in the media, we have an opportunity now to share this information with our circles right where we are.
Can You Give Me Some Examples of What Persecution Looks Like?
This past July, at Blessed Anuarité Parish in Komanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Christians had gathered from nearby towns for a two-day celebration. In the middle of worship, Islamist extremists attacked. Before and after storming the service, they killed Christian villagers nearby, set homes on fire, and burned cars. By the end, they had taken the lives of 49 ordinary Christians who had gathered to worship Jesus.
As well, last Christmas, 11 Christians were killed on Christmas Day while preparing for celebrations when armed Fulani militants attacked communities in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria.
Stories like this aren’t rare but are happening every week.
What Can I Do?
Proverbs 31:8 and 9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves:
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9)
May we always fix our eyes on God’s greatness and remember that he calls us to stand with those who are persecuted.
Will you join us in e-signing Open Doors’ Arise Africa campaign today?
By signing, you’ll support efforts to ensure that Christians and other vulnerable individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa are treated with dignity and respect through:
Protection: from violent militant attacks
Justice: through fair prosecution of attackers
Restoration: to affected communities
Open Doors hopes to gather one million signatures to take practical action on behalf of persecuted believers. Their goal is to present this petition to the United Nations and local governments worldwide by 2026. So far, 225,000 Christians worldwide have joined.
Learn more and sign the petition here.
Note: You can sign the petition from wherever you are in the world.
I’ve Signed! Is There Anything Else I Can Do?
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus calls us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Prayer works and here are a few points from Open Doors:
Pray for God’s comfort for all who have lost loved ones in attacks. May he be their strength.
Pray that God transforms the hearts of attackers, bringing them to repentance and to know Jesus.
Pray that God confuses those who plot violence against Christian communities and leads them to the truth of Jesus.
Pray for the church to boldly proclaim the Gospel amid fear and hardship.
Pray that local governments use their power to protect all citizens and ensure safety.
Additional Resources:
Giving financially is another way to act on behalf of persecuted believers. Every contribution helps provide safety, resources, and hope:
$48 could provide trauma care to a Christian who has faced extreme persecution.
$75 could give food, shelter and clothing to four believers in Africa for a month.
$110 could help a persecuted believer set up a business and give financial security.
“Your gift today ensures that persecuted believers are strengthened so they can continue to be salt and light for Jesus in some of the darkest places on earth.” – Gary Stagg, Executive Director, Open Doors
Thank you for learning with me and considering adding your voice to support Open Doors’ Arise Africa campaign.
About Open Doors
Open Doors works in over 70 countries, supporting persecuted Christians. Their programs include:
Bibles and Christian Resources: Providing Bibles and contextualized Christian materials in minority languages. In 2023, over 1.8 million people received resources worldwide.
Training Christians and Church Leaders: In the past year, Open Doors trained over 3.6 million persecuted believers in leadership, discipleship, trauma care, and persecution survival.Supporting Victims of Violence or Disaster: Emergency relief, community development, education, and medical care for those affected by persecution or natural disasters.
Raising Awareness and Prayer: Mobilizing the global church to stand in prayer so persecuted Christians know they are not alone.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).