2016 ANNUAL REPORT 1

Transcription

1 2016 ANNUAL REPORT 1

2 Over 215 Million Christians Suffer For Their Faith Christian persecution is any hostility experienced from the world as a result of one s identification as a follower of Jesus. These are a few examples of persecution experienced by Christians in some countries on a daily basis: Death Discrimination in education & employment Beatings Isolation Imprisonment A LETTER FROM DAVID CURRY Dear Friend, Over the few years, persecution against Christians has been on the rise and this past year proved to be the worst in the modern era. More than 200 million Christians are persecuted for their faith around the world that is 1 in 12 Christians. Though the situation may seem grim, I am amazed by what God is doing... and He is using friends like you to help expand His Kingdom. Often, where persecution occurs, the gospel thrives. Iran has the largest number of converts in the region, and North Korea has a thriving underground church, in spite of the government making Christianity illegal. Former persecutors are coming to Christ in Colombia because persecuted Christians remain strong in their faith. Vital tools like Bibles, trauma counseling and refugee kits strengthen those who choose to remain in the face of persecution. When friends like you give towards these programs, you are providing our brothers and sisters with the tools they need to survive and spread the gospel... even to their persecutors. In this report, you will see the amazing impact your gifts are having and how many Christians you helped serve this past year. Thank you for being used by God to strengthen the persecuted and grow His church! Blessings, Dr. David Curry, CEO, Open Doors USA 1 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 1

3 The Great Commission calls us to bring the gospel to all the earth even the most hostile places. Open Doors is on the ground in over 60 countries, working with local Christians to bring Christ s light to their countries, and even their persecutors. Because persecuted Christians have needs that vary by region, Open Doors strives to serve them accordingly. Here is a list of the services we offer Christians around the world: BIBLE & GOSPEL DEVELOPMENT + Bible distribution + Bible study materials + Evangelism training + Christian literature distribution + Teaching & seminars WOMEN & CHILDREN ADVANCEMENT + Support for persecuted orphans + Women s literacy training + Microloans for Christian women + Job training CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY RESTORATION 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW 2,724,054 BIBLES, TRAINING AND BOOKS WERE PROVIDED 315 ITEMS EACH HOUR 645,615 Christians have been helped through microloans, education, job training, medical assistance, relief and community development. Learn more about the specific ways Christians have been helped around the world in this report! + Rebuilding churches & homes + Socioeconomic support + Refugee support for persecuted Christians 3 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Program results shown throughout this report are the result of the world-wide efforts of Open Doors Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 4

4 2017 WORLD WATCH LIST In Central Asia (part of the former Soviet Union), Christians have faced fines, prison sentences, eviction from their homes and even threatening notes from ISIS... all because of their Christian faith North Korea has been #1 on the World Watch List for the past 13 years. It is illegal to be a Christian in North Korea believers are often sent to labor camps or killed if they are discovered. In northern Nigeria, an average of five churches are attacked each Sunday PERSECUTION AROUND THE WORLD The Open Doors World Watch List ranks the top 50 countries where Christians face the most persecution. Persecution is not only increasing it s spreading Cartels and rebel groups see Christians as a threat in countries like Mexico and Colombia, because people are leaving lives of crime and drugs to follow Christ. As a result, believers are often attacked. In Iraq and Syria, ISIS continues to remain a real threat, attempting to eradicate any trace of Christianity from the region. In spite of spreading and growing persecution, God is at work... and He s using friends like you! The World Watch List generated over 200 stories, 22 interviews which reached nearly a combined 365 million person audience. Turn the page to see some of the incredible things that happened last year. Christians have lived in Iraq for two millennia but are currently on the verge of extinction. Pray for the Christians who have been displaced internally and in neighboring countries. Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 6

5 ON THE GROUND IN LATIN AMERICA LIVING IN LATIN AMERICA In countries like Colombia and Mexico, Christians face persecution from cartels and rebel groups. When Christians spread the gospel in these countries, they are viewed as threats, since converts are no longer willing to join crime rings or sell drugs. This threatens the groups power, and even their existence. As a result, there are many attacks against Christians. But the church in this region remains strong, and God is using Christians like you to equip and encourage them in the face of persecution. Through the support of friends like you, Open Doors is able to provide resources like these to help persecuted believers in this region: You helped distribute 34,562 Bibles & training materials to adults and children in Latin America. The Children s Center in Colombia provides a safe place for children who come from areas where Christians are threatened and attacked by rebel groups. 7 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Development of Biblical materials Construction of indigenous Christian schools Education programs Distribution of Bibles and other Christian literature Distribution of training materials Emergency persecution relief aid 2,946 people were helped through socioeconomic development programs like safe houses and the rebuilding of Christian homes in Latin America. Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 8

6 We gathered with other Christians deep in the jungle. A soul won for Jesus is a soul lost for the guerrillas. They knew that too. PASTOR TRAINING IN COLOMBIA More than 140 pastors in Colombia attended training on how to care for victims of trauma and sexual abuse. Due to the ongoing war in their country, many people they minister to have been victims of horrific crimes. Your gifts are allowing Christian leaders to reach some of the most vulnerable people with the hope of the gospel! STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM TRAINING IN MEXICO In parts of Mexico, Christians can face a great deal of persecution for leaving their tribal beliefs. In other parts, their very lives are threatened by the cartels. Training like Standing Strong Through the Storm equips them to stand strong in the face of persecution and to not lose faith. CHILDREN S HOME IN COLOMBIA This home serves children who are at risk because of where their families live. Pastors and their families are at risk when they preach the gospel in rebel territory. This home provides a safe place for these children I feel safe here and I am able to learn more about God too. Juan Carlos, Children s home resident. Pastor Ricardo has been ministering to his neighbors in spite of the threats he has received from the guerrilla groups. He knows that Jesus is the only one who can bring change in his country and that is why he is willing to risk it all. Your support is helping provide training for brave believers like Pastor Ricardo. LOOKING AHEAD As tribal antagonism and rebel groups continue to be engines of increasing persecution, Open Doors will continue to provide vital resources like trauma counseling, training seminars and projects like the Children s Center to best serve Christians in this region. 9 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Representative photos and names were used to protect the identities of persecuted Christians Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 10

7 ON THE GROUND IN CENTRAL ASIA CHRISTIANS IN CENTRAL ASIA FACE PERSECUTION IN ALMOST EVERY FORM Local governments will fine Christians with exorbitant fees for gathering without a permit. They have banned books and have shut down or refused registration to churches who have followed all of the rules. Those who come to faith from a Muslim background may be ostracized, threatened and even attacked by their family members. And recently, Muslim extremist groups linked with ISIS have been threatening Christians in this region. Though Christians are facing unimaginable persecution in almost every aspect of life, they are able to stand strong because of the faithfulness of brothers and sisters like you. You helped distribute 911,136 Bibles and training materials to adults and children in Central Asia in ,293 Christians in Central Asia benefited from discipleship and ministry training. You helped 29,161 people through socioeconomic relief projects for Christian communities in this region. Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 12

8 BIBLE DISTRIBUTION Pastor Sasha delivers Bibles by night to believers across the region. The need is great, with so many new believers coming to Christ. More Bibles were delivered here than anywhere else in the world! SAFE HOUSES Families often live together in this region, so when someone s faith is discovered, they have nowhere to go if they are kicked out of their homes. Thanks to your ongoing support, we are able to provide safe homes for these new believers! I spent my first Christmas as a Christian in a safe home. It was an amazing experience we all woke up and read God s word together and had breakfast together. It felt like I was with my new family. Christian in Central Asia I have been able to hire 14 other believers to work for me with my business. I no longer have to take a salary from my church and we can use the savings to fund our ministries. Pastor Dimity is an Open Doors micro-loan recipient. After receiving funding from Open Doors, he has been able to have a big impact on his community. Thanks to your support, we are able to fund important programs like this! LOOKING AHEAD Persecution is growing rapidly and is spreading in this region. Since persecution materializes in almost all forms, Open Doors is equipped to provide trauma counseling, business assistance, Biblical training, Bibles and many other resources. 13 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Representative photos and names were used to protect the identities of persecuted Christians Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 14

9 ON THE GROUND IN IN NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST LIVING IN NORTH AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST As ISIS continues to spread across this region with the goal of extinguishing Christianity from the area, the church remains! Christians in Iraq are actually choosing to stay in the country, so they can remain as lights for Christ. And in Iran, people are coming to Christ in unprecedented numbers, in spite of a repressive regime. Faithful friends like you are helping to make this happen. Food kits and refugee aid help Christians remain in their homelands. Training to withstand persecution helps countless other believers throughout the Middle East. And Bibles are being delivered at rapid rates due to a historical high in demand! You distributed 897,761 Bibles and training materials to adults and children in this region in ,784 people participated in persecution preparedness and other vital training programs. You provided food and medical help to 542,974 people in need. Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 16

10 BIBLE TRAINING There aren t many seminaries in this part of the world, so Christian leaders rely on Bible training courses. Thanks to your faithfulness, we have been able to reach more and more Christian leaders! TRAUMA COUNSELING Christians in this part of the world face some of the most traumatic forms of persecution. Because of you, Open Doors is able to provide vital trauma counseling programs. I had never met another Christian till I participated in this training program. I used to feel so alone, but this brought me great hope! Christian from the Middle East I called him, and we prayed together Now I m going to tell my parents about my new faith! he said. No need, I replied, leaving Payam surprised. They will see for themselves how Jesus has changed your life. Pastor Kouroush is leading an online church in Iran. In this country, he can t evangelize in the open, but through the internet, he s been able to lead many young people to Christ. Thanks to your support, we are able to provide training to new believers in this region who are led to Christ online. LOOKING AHEAD Bibles are being requested at unprecedented rates... especially in Syria. Open Doors will continue to provide Bibles and other vital resources to this region to equip the multitudes that are coming to Christ! 17 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Representative photos and names were used to protect the identities of persecuted Christians Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 18

11 ON ON THE GROUND IN IN THE GULF LIVING IN THE GULF In the Gulf region, there are few open communities of Christians. To be a citizen in most of these countries is to be Muslim. But an underground church exists... and these believers are standing firm in their faith, even though it is at great risk. When you give to Open Doors, you are helping believers like these stand strong through vital resources like training, Bible delivery and socioeconomic development. You distributed 257,496 Bibles and training materials to adults and children in You helped train 33,399 people in this region. You provided food and medical help to 24,227 people in need. Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 20

12 BIBLE TRAINING When God s Word is all these believers have, its vital that they receive training. Many aren t able to fellowship and are so thankful for these trainings to help them grow in their faith. BIBLES Christians in this region often have to hide the word of God in their hearts because they don t have access to it. Through your support, you are providing more and more believers in this region with God s Word. I had heard that a man was wanting to learn more about Jesus, so I met him by a tree in an isolated part of the dessert and gave him God s Word. God is amazing A Christian leader in the Gulf I have not ever seen another believer before. I have only ever had contact with them online. And I am so glad that I have found this community. Sadly, this story is all too common in this region. But the digital age is changing everything! Thanks to your support, we are able to provide training to isolated Christians in this region. LOOKING AHEAD Training will continue to be one of the most vital resources we can provide to believers like Sultan in this region. Not only are they learning to love their persecutors, but they are also learning practical ways to share the gospel with them. 21 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Representative photos and names were used to protect the identities of persecuted Christians Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 22

13 ON ON THE THE GROUND IN IN EAST & SOUTH ASIA LIVING IN EAST & SOUTH ASIA Persecution in this region varies greatly. In Vietnam and Laos, Christians face persecution from the remnants of communist governments. In Myanmar and Bhutan, Christians are often persecuted by Buddhist monks and other Buddhist leaders. Hindu extremists in India have increased their violent attacks against Christians. And Indonesia hosts the largest Muslim population on earth, with increasing numbers of extremists attacking Christians. But God is at work in each of these areas, and He is using friends like you to make it happen. You distributed 303,223 Bibles and training materials to adults and children in You helped train 115,522 people in this region. 93,817 people benefited from aid to persecuted Christian families in this region. Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 24

14 My brother discovered my faith five months after I became a Christian and now I cannot return home. LITERACY TRAINING In this region, many Christian women have never been given the chance to learn how to write. Through training courses, these women now have new opportunities they never had before such as employment. REBUILDING CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES Christian homes and churches can sometimes be targeted in this region. Their persecutors believe this will cause fear and drive the Christians out. But your support makes it so these Christians can stand strong! I am so thankful for the gift of reading and writing I never thought I would have this opportunity. Participant in Women s Literacy training. In a province in Northern Vietnam, Khanh endured a beating from his own brother on the evening of March 29 that left him bloodied and injured, with wounds on his leg and head. To stand with persecuted believers in Vietnam, Open Doors provides them with trainings for ministry workers, discipleship programs, Bible and literature distribution, literacy education, advocacy and more. LOOKING AHEAD Job skills, literacy and persecution preparedness training programs are in increasing demand in this region. Open Doors will continue to reach out to Christians in this region with these and other vital resources. 25 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 26

15 ON THE GROUND IN EAST, WEST, & SOUTH AFRICA LIVING IN AFRICA This past year, Africa has seen the greatest spike in persecution and violence of any region. Even Christianmajority countries like Kenya are facing persecution from Muslim extremists. In Nigeria, there has been a 62% increase in the killings of Christians in the north since last year. And in the Central African Republic, Christian women are often the victims of sexual assault and rape at the hands of their persecutors. Violence against Christians in this region is at an all-time high, but God is at work in spite of this. You distributed 15,34 Bibles and training materials to adults and children in You helped train 516 people in this region. You provided socioeconomic relief to 223 people in need in this region. Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 28

16 I am at peace. Going back to Islam is not an option. Believers in Somalia risk everything for their faith. Some are executed on the spot if their faith is discovered. MICRO-LOANS In Nigeria, Boko Haram often targets men because they are the bread winners in the family. You are helping widows take care of their families through vital micro-loan programs. REBUILDING CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES Christian homes and churches are often targeted in this region. But the church remains strong thanks to you! Since these Christians are able to stay, they are choosing to remain! I am so thankful that we have been able to rebuild our lives and stay in our community. A Christian who lost their home in an attack But thanks to you, Open Doors is working with local partners to provide these isolated believers with the resources that they need to stand strong! LOOKING AHEAD Africa continues to see an upward trend of violence against Christians. Open Doors is prepared to meet the need through vital programs like trauma counseling and church rebuilding projects. 29 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 30

17 PROGRAMS ABOUT PERSECUTION These programs have been designed to help American Christians learn about their persecuted brothers and sisters and grow in their own faith THE RIPPLE EFFECT (RIPPLEEFFECTSERIES.COM) The Ripple Effect is a 6-week series to help you and your church and small group grow in your understanding of persecution and learn what you can do to strengthen our brothers and sisters who suffer for the sake of Christ. This unique series will give you a strong biblical foundation on Christian persecution as well as vital resources for awareness and advocacy. Ask your pastor or small group leader to get The Ripple Effect today! VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (OPENDOORSUSA.ORG/TAKE-ACTION/ VOLUNTEER/APPLY-VOLUNTEER) Did you know that you can help the persecuted Church using your gifts and talents? Whether you are an advocate, a connector or have other gifts and talents, you can use these gifts to serve persecuted Christians. Get involved today by becoming a: Prayer Partner Prayer Group Leader Connector Campus Connector Influencer Encourager Advocate Crowdfunder 31 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 32

18 SECRETBELIEVERS TV SHOW (SECRETBELIEVERS.ORG) Secret Believers is a new television show by Open Doors USA which seeks tell the untold story, of believers who are persecuted for their faith. We, as Christians in the West can read the Bible at any time. We can worship without fear of being arrested, tortured, or killed. But millions of fellow Christians around the world face this kind of persecution WWL PRESS CONFERENCE Each year Open Doors releases the World Watch List at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. Politicians, media outlets such as AP, PBS, Fox and other major networks come to learn about this vital list. This year Open Doors was joined by Knox Thames the Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South / Central Asia and a Christian leader from Syria named Brother Edward. The vast coverage of this event has aided in bringing about special appointments for international religious freedom in the government, as well as making more and more Americans aware of this issue. Watch the recording of this conference at OpenDoorsUSA.org INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH The number one thing persecuted Christians ask for is prayer. The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is an amazing way to get your church involved in learning and caring about the persecuted church. This important date falls on the first Sunday of November each year. Open Doors provides several free resources to help your church get involved. Learn more at OpenDoorsUSA.org. 33 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 34

19 2016 OPEN DOORS USA FINANCIALS RESOURCES RECEIVED RESOURCES UTILIZED Contributions...$20,649,452 Books and ministry products...$30,909 Other revenue...$185,238 TOTAL REVENUE... $20,865,599 Bible and literature distribution... $4,955,672 Training... $1,082,257 Public awareness and local ministry... $5,074,786 Research and advocacy...$409,651 Socio-economic development... $4,734,166 TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES... $16,256,532 Administration... $2,095,423 Fundraising... $2,512,947 TOTAL SUPPORTING SERVICES EXPENSES... $4,608,370 TOTAL EXPENSES... $20,864,902 Net assets at the beginning of the year...$5,528,847 Net assets at the end of the year...$5,529, C Socio-economic Development Research & Advocacy PROGRAM EXPENSES 29% 3% 31% 30% 7% Public Awareness & Local Ministry Bible & Literature Distribution Training ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCY C Administration 78% Programs for the Persecuted Church 10% 12% Fundraising 35 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report These financial results are for ODUSA only. These financial results are for ODUSA only. Open Doors 2016 Annual Report 36

20 GET INVOLVED ADVOCATE Encourage your congressmen, leaders and other policy makers to act on behalf of persecuted Christians by checking out our latest advocacy campaigns. You can also join letter writing campaigns and sign petitions at OpenDoorsUSA.org/Advocate VOLUNTEER Help persecuted Christians with your time and skills. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities at OpenDoorsUSA.org/Volunteer PRAY Sign up for the World Watch Prayer Alert to receive weekly prayer updates from persecuted believers. And download the monthly Prayer Force Alert calendar to pray for persecuted believers every day. Visit OpenDoorsUSA.org/Pray DONATE Change the lives of persecuted Christians by donating today.visit OpenDoorsUSA.org/Give BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Curry President & CEO (Ex Officio) Bruce Dingman Director Steve Haas Director Vice Chair Tim Kachuriak Director Caryn Ryan Director Nathaniel Spoelman Director Colin Stewart Director Chair Daisy Szabo Director Matthew P. Yates Director Secretary OPEN DOORS CORE VALUES We are part of the Body of Christ A people to people people We are persecuted church driven We are people of the Bible We are people of prayer We live and work by faith We are devoted to Jesus Christ and His commission We are motivated solely for the glory of God IF ONE PART SUFFERS, EVERY PART SUFFERS WITH IT; IF ONE PART IS HONORED, EVERY PART REJOICES WITH IT... I Cor. 12:26 SIGN-UP TO RECEIVE THE LATEST AND MOST UP TO DATE NEWS FROM PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS ALL OVER THE WORLD AT OPENDOORSUSA.ORG * Throughout the report, representative photos and names were 37 Open Doors 2016 Annual Report used to protect the identities of persecuted Christians 39

21 OpenDoorsUSA.org PO Box / Santa Ana, CA USA To contact Open Doors by phone, call BIBLE-5 ( ) /OpenDoorsFans /OpenDoors /OpenDoorsUSA