The 2019 Open Doors World Watch List ranks the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.
Why the world watch list matters:
- It Shows Us Where God Is At Work
As a ministry, we don’t exist to end persecution. The reality is, wherever the gospel is being shared, persecution exists. Instead, we work to strengthen the Church to continue sharing the message of Jesus. The World Watch List shows us where persecution is on the rise, how God is at work and where the gospel is advancing.
- It Is Trustworthy
For almost 30 years, Open Doors has produced the World Watch List, compiled by a group of eight full-time persecution analysts, all experts in their field of study. The list is audited externally by the International Institute for Religious Freedom, and is accepted as the most authoritative list of its kind.
- It Impacts The Church in Canada
Open Doors seeks to strengthen Christians living under persecution, and to mobilize the Canadian church to identify with the global body of Christ. Your support helps our persecuted family around the world to be the light of Jesus in their communities. And as their stories make their way into our churches, Bible studies and homes, we become bolder in our faith.
- It Affects The Work We Do
We work to strengthen the persecuted church to withstand persecution and to continue sharing the gospel in their nation. As persecution in each country changes, we are able to adapt and to fine-tune how we can best serve the persecuted church.
- It Impacts You
The World Watch List reminds us we shouldn’t be trying to avoid persecution (2 Tim 3:12). Instead, we should be prepared to stand firm in courageous obedience, knowing that wherever the gospel is being shared, persecution exists. Read more about where God is at work: www.opendoorsca.org
EXTREME LEVELS OF PERSECUTION (Top 10)
1-North Korea
2-Afghanistan
3- Somalia
4-Libya
5-Pakistan
6- Sudan
7-Eritrea
8-Yemen
9-Iran
10-India
Other Notable areas we have connections:
11-Syria (homeland for our sponsored families)
28- Ethiopia (partners we support through Empower Ministries and Global Disciples)
39-Mexico (Chapples, missionaries we support)
40- Kenya (Ogaja’s missionaries we support)
HOW YOU CAN HELP…
PRAY
Open Doors founder, Brother Andrew, says, “Our prayers can go where we cannot... there are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed to us when we pray.” Commit to praying for the Persecuted Church. Engage your heart to better pray by reading Nik Ripkins's The Insanity of Obedience or subscribe to a ministry that sends updates such as Open Doors or Voice of the Martyrs.
ACT
As members of one body, let us rally with those who suffer for the sake of Christ. Write letters of encouragement to believers; petition our government to stand for religious freedoms around the world; or bring awareness of the Persecuted Church to your circle of influence. Let’s use our freedom to help our persecuted family.
GIVE
Through your generosity to organizations such as Open Doors or Voice of the Martyrs, you are helping to sustain our persecuted family and enabling them to shine the brightest in some of the world’s darkest places.
