Open Doors New Zealand

Open Doors New Zealand Serving the persecuted, strengthening the Church. We work in over 70 countries supporting Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus.

Open Doors began in 1955 when Brother Andrew began smuggling Bibles into Eastern Europe. Since then we have expanded to work in over 70 countries, providing Bibles, training and practical support to the persecuted church.

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This page is a place for you to connect with the persecuted church. We want to give you the opportunity to share your prayers, thoughts and comments for our brothers and

sisters. We love hearing from you and do our best to reply and respond to questions! Here are our page guidelines:

We will do our best to make sure that postings to this page are in line with our mission, vision and values (check them out at www.opendoors.org.nz). Community posts to our page are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Open Doors NZ Inc. or Open Doors International Inc. and may not be accurate. We will remove posts and ban users under these conditions:

- Use of offensive, profane or defamatory language
- Discrimination or attacks on specific groups of people or individuals
- Advertisements, personal promotion, competitions
- Content determined to be inappropriate, in poor taste, or otherwise opposed to the purposes of this page
- Act in a manner that violates any law or regulation.

30 names. 30 lives. 30 image-bearers of God.In this post, we've listed the names and ages of all 30 Christians killed in...
07/09/2026

30 names. 30 lives. 30 image-bearers of God.

In this post, we've listed the names and ages of all 30 Christians killed in a recent attack on a community in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

They were children, parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends. They had dreams, families and lives that mattered deeply to God.

In total, nine men, 10 women, and 11 children were slain.

Once again, the attackers showed no mercy for the most vulnerable. They went from house to house, shooting. Shops and homes were also set on fire.

As our legal expert for Open Doors' work in Sub-Saharan Africa shares:

"People are being killed without any resistance in their homes where they expect to be safe, and at their businesses and farmlands where they work to provide for their families."

As you swipe through these panels, pause at each name. Pray over every life. Pray for every grieving family. Pray for the churches and communities left behind. And pray that God would strengthen His people in Nigeria to stand firm in their faith.

🙏 Pray for comfort for every family mourning the loss of a loved one.
🙏 Pray for protection over vulnerable Christian communities.
🙏 Pray for the churches in Kaduna State as they shepherd those who are grieving and traumatised.
🙏 Pray for justice, peace and an end to the violence.

Every name matters. Every life matters. Every prayer matters.

When Bethany’s daughter was abducted by Fulani extremists in an attack on their village, she was forced to pay a ransom ...
04/09/2026

When Bethany’s daughter was abducted by Fulani extremists in an attack on their village, she was forced to pay a ransom that impoverished her family. They owned a lot of land but had no means to build a house on it. Shortly after her daughter’s return, the extremists attacked again, and Bethany was kidnapped.

“All I did was cry day and night and pray to God to rescue me,” she says. “These events left me heartbroken and hopeless.” While Bethany was in captivity, the generosity of supporters like you enabled Open Doors’ local partners to begin construction on a house for her and her family, in faith that she would return.

After she was released, Bethany returned home to find a brand-new house on her land. She was also able to attend a trauma healing program and received a micro loan to start a business. The prayerful and financial generosity of supporters like you has made a difference in the lives of many, just like Bethany, facing unimaginable pressure and persecution for their faith in Jesus.

It doesn’t take a lot to change a life. Imagine what your Gift in Will can do.
To learn more about leaving a legacy to the persecuted Church through Open Doors, visit opendoors.org.nz/bequests

Please continue praying for the ongoing rescue and recovery operations in Nepal, as Nepal’s government warn the country ...
03/09/2026

Please continue praying for the ongoing rescue and recovery operations in Nepal, as Nepal’s government warn the country could face a second flood. A landslide-created lake on the Nepal-China border has begun overflowing due to blockages upstream.

According to the latest reports, the devastating flash floods on 26 August have killed nearly 900 people and left over 3,000 people missing, including security personnel and foreign tourists.

Please pray:

🙏 Pray for the situation in Nepal as the country faces the possibility of a second flood.
🙏 Pray that conditions become safer and the rescue operations can resume.
🙏 Pray for the people in the low-lying areas and districts to be able to move to safer locations.
🙏 Pray for strength and safety for the government, authorities, and army personnel who are fully involved in the ongoing rescue operations.
🙏 Pray especially for our team as they strive to reach out to the communities who are grieving and facing tremendous uncertainty. Pray for wisdom, safety, strength, and open doors to bring help and hope to those affected.

A surprising appointment has put Eritrea in the spotlight. Pray that this moment will also shine a light on those suffer...
31/08/2026

A surprising appointment has put Eritrea in the spotlight. Pray that this moment will also shine a light on those suffering for their faith.

In a surprising decision, Eritrea—No. 5 on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List of the 50 most dangerous countries for Christians—has been appointed to lead the UN Human Rights Council’s 2026 Social Forum.

This, from a country known for its egregious human rights record.

The appointment comes as Christians in Eritrea continue to face severe restrictions on religious freedom. Believers outside government-recognised religious groups can face surveillance, raids, and inhumane imprisonment inside shipping containers.

In response, Open Doors is calling for action.

“…We call upon the Eritrean government to look inward and address its own severe domestic violations,” says John Samuel*, a legal expert for Open Doors’ work in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He is also calling on the international community to press for an end to the persecution of unregistered faith communities and the unconditional release of religious prisoners of conscience.

For the global Church, this is a “for such a time is this” moment to pray.

Esther 4:14 reminds us: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Pray for wisdom and safety for Christians in Eritrea. Pray for those imprisoned because of their faith. And pray that international attention will lead to meaningful change for those who have suffered for far too long.

*Name changed for security.

Pastor Luis*, a Christian leader in Cuba, shares a moving testimony about the difficult circumstances facing his communi...
30/08/2026

Pastor Luis*, a Christian leader in Cuba, shares a moving testimony about the difficult circumstances facing his community amid the country’s ongoing food, energy, and economic crisis. The audio was sent by himself to an Open Doors field colleague.

In the mountainous region where Luis ministers, the situation has become particularly difficult. He describes going seven days without electricity or water and gathering firewood to cook and share with believers who have nothing to prepare food with. The shortages have placed enormous pressure on families and have made daily life increasingly difficult, especially for elderly people and those with limited resources.

“We came to get firewood to cook with, to share with the brothers who have nothing to cook with.”

Beyond the physical hardship, Luis speaks openly about the emotional and spiritual toll of the crisis. As a pastor, he sees the suffering of his community firsthand and acknowledges moments of deep discouragement. Yet, despite the pain, he remains determined to continue serving.

“No, no, we are not going to give up. God spoke to me and said, ‘Don’t give up. Put on your gloves.’”

Luis’s testimony comes in a context where Christians in Cuba continue to face pressure and restrictions because of their faith. Speaking openly about the government or expressing views considered critical of the regime can carry serious consequences. Even Christian communities that simply pray for wisdom, peace, or the future of their country may face scrutiny or intimidation if their activities are perceived as politically sensitive. Despite these challenges, he and other Christians continue to pray, serve their communities, and trust God for strength. We will continue in the name of the Lord. So thank you for your prayers and everything.”

Pray for Cuba 🙏
- For God to provide food, water, and other essential resources for families facing severe shortages.
- For strength and perseverance for pastors and Christian leaders.
- For protection for believers who face surveillance, intimidation, or pressure because of their faith.

*Names changed for security reasons.

At least 25 people were killed after Fulani extremists attacked BinPer Bwai village in Mangu, Plateau State, northern Ni...
28/08/2026

At least 25 people were killed after Fulani extremists attacked BinPer Bwai village in Mangu, Plateau State, northern Nigeria, last week. The assault follows several days of violence in the area, including attacks in which houses, farmland, and churches were burned.

The week prior, on 12 August, a large group of extremists attempted to attack Murish, Jwak Maitumbi, and Mairana communities in broad daylight. Witnesses report that the attackers chanted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greater”) and fired into the air while residents worked on their farms. Local security networks repelled the attacks in Murish and Mairana, but the assailants entered Jwak Maitumbi, where they burned houses, farmland, and churches. No deaths were recorded that day.

These communities have suffered years of ongoing violence. The attacks cause obvious physical loss but also emotional and spiritual trauma that have long lasting effects on families and communities.

"The attacks spreads fear, weakens social cohesion, hinders economic growth, and increases the burden on the church," a local church leader explains. "Congregations often look at church leaders for emotional support, and after large attacks, the church leaders likely also in their personal capacity suffer losses while still supporting others."

Please pray:

🙏 Pray God brings peace to Mangu land.
🙏 Pray God comforts those who lost their loved ones.
🙏 Pray that Christians in Mangu will remain steadfast in their faith amidst persecution.
🙏 Pray for justice for the victims and that the perpetrators will come to know Jesus.
🙏 Pray for churches to be able to support communities physically and emotionally, but also for church leaders to stand strong in responding in biblical ways to the situation.

A flash flood at the borders of Nepal and Tibet on 26 August has reportedly killed at least 160 people and has left hund...
26/08/2026

A flash flood at the borders of Nepal and Tibet on 26 August has reportedly killed at least 160 people and has left hundreds of people missing.

Our local partner, has requested urgent prayer support for the affected people: “Apart from the causalities and the loss of lives, we have learnt that the flood has swept away villages and destroyed several roads and hydropower infrastructure. This is a major disaster that has left many families homeless and without access to basic necessities."

Please pray:
🙏 For the families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones, that they will receive comfort and strength.
🙏 That victims who are displaced, stranded, or trapped under the debris will be rescued soon.
🙏 For recovery and support for those who have been rescued.
🙏 For the rescue efforts which are currently being hampered due to continued challenges in the affected areas.
🙏 That the government authorities will have the wisdom and resources to provide the necessary aid to those affected.

“Just as God reminded Elijah of the 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal, I too, find comfort and strength knowing that you a...
26/08/2026

“Just as God reminded Elijah of the 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal, I too, find comfort and strength knowing that you and others are with us on the path of serving the Lord.” Jinyi, China

Thank you for supporting our persecuted family. To find out more about the underground Church, go to 🔗 bit.ly/4wtFp9N

Please pray for Brother AK, who was recently detained in China after listening to the Bible on a USB while travelling wi...
20/08/2026

Please pray for Brother AK, who was recently detained in China after listening to the Bible on a USB while travelling with his family.

AK’s family still doesn’t know where he is, how he is, or when he will be released. Police are also questioning the Christian family who hosted his family after his arrest.

🙏 Pray for Brother AK. May the Lord protect him, strengthen his faith, and grant his release soon.
🙏 Pray for Brother AK’s family. May God comfort the wife and children and give them strength.
🙏 Pray for the Christian family who hosted Brother AK’s wife and children. May God protect them and guide them with wisdom and courage.
🙏 Pray for the local gatherings of Muslim-background believers. May God protect them and sustain their faith.
🙏 Pray for the Open Doors’ local partner, Jason, and others serving in the Muslim region. May God grant them wisdom, strength, and protection as they continue their work.

*Name changed for security purposes

Below are Jinyi and Ling’s personal prayer requests. Please pray for them. Jinyi 🙏 “Please pray for my husband, still i...
18/08/2026

Below are Jinyi and Ling’s personal prayer requests. Please pray for them.

Jinyi

🙏 “Please pray for my husband, still imprisoned after he was supposed to be released. Ask God to protect him from harm, strengthening, and comforting him with His presence.

🙏Please pray for me. Ask God to strengthen and comfort me and provide for my family. Give me wisdom and guidance to serve the student and youth groups.

🙏Please pray for the student and youth groups in my region and throughout China. Ask God to protect and strengthen them with His mighty hand and fill them with courage to stand firm.”

Ling

🙏 “Ask God to strengthen our faith, protect us, and provide for all our needs.

🙏 Pray that our faith will continue to grow deeper and wider despite persecution. May our lives be living testimonies of God’s goodness and move others to know Him.

🙏 Pray for persecuted leaders and workers who serve ethnic minorities and face the risk of surveillance and harsh measures.”

*Names changed for security purposes

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