Open Doors Youth, PO Box 6, Witney, Oxon, UK, OX29 6WG
We serve Christians around the world whose brave faith in Jesus means they are, beaten, threatened, imprisoned, tortured, falsely accused, disowned and hated.
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We passionately believe the persecuted church has much to teach us about what being a Christian looks like – our persecuted family aren’t just victims, but courageous and passionate followers of Jesus who can inspire and challenge us to a braver faith. And that’s why we’ve put these ideas together.
Download…We’ve created NANO as way to show that the real stories from persecuted Christians can inspire all kinds of areas of our faith as we grow as Christians. We shouldn’t just hear from our global church family one Sunday a year or when the theme of persecution arises in the news. Persecuted Christians have so much to teach us about prayer, forgiveness, passion, worship, giving, distraction, hope, perseverance, God’s plan for us and much, much more. And the lessons they can bring to us just seem all the more authentic and valuable because of the context of threat, violence and intimidation that they live with.
Just sign up to check out the sessions and see for yourself. We’re releasing sessions regularly (every 2-3 months). Most will have videos, all will have interactive activities, Bible material and prayer times, plus all have been written to work both online or in person (depending on lockdown restrictions). The outlines aren’t exhaustive – they can be used as a script for a session or you can take the elements you think that will work for you and adapt the rest.. you’ll know what will work best in your group.
Download…
To launch Nano we’ve created a series on prayer. These four short sessions look at what prayer is (and how to do it authentically), answered prayer, unanswered prayer and how to persevere in prayer.
A simple session featuring an incredible video story from teenager Jeovani whose life was radically changed after an attack on his church several years ago. Includes game ideas, Bible reflection and questions along with suggested prayer points too.
A session outline focussing on truth and lies, looking specifically at the way Christians in India are being excluded, threatened and attacked because of the lies being told about them. This session has some real concrete actions to take that will help your group make an active difference to the situations facing Christians in India.
A simple session focussing on a video story from Manga in Nigeria whose dad was killed in an attack by Boko Haram. Manga was left with serious scars after the attack, but instead of letting those who gave him the scars define his identity, he chose to see the scars as a sign of how God saved his life. It’s a powerful story that we’ve combined with some Bible passages, discussion points and a reflective prayer activity too.
How much importance do we place on what others think of us? We all want to have a good reputation, to have decent cred, but do we forget to prioritise the fact that it’s God’s love for us that matters most. This session uses the incredible story of teenager Soy in Laos to inspire us to let how God sees us come first. Featuring Soy’s video story plus Bible, prayer, game and discussion ideas.
How do we react when faced with change and uncertainty. Learn from young Christians in China whose youth camp was raided unexpectedly by police.
A simple session that explores the inspiring life of Brother Andrew, encouraging us to say ‘yes’ to God and to be braver in our journey with Jesus.
A quick session with video, discussion points and creative prayer response using the story of Ayuba from Nigeria. Ayuba’s dad was killed and he had to flee his home, but after counselling, gave up the idea of revenge and embraced forgiveness and freedom.
A session focussing on the story of Joshua in the Bible and teenager Farah from Iran, with video, discussion, prayers, games and activities to help your group be inspired to be strong and courageous in their walk with Jesus.
Read and watch inspiring stories from young persecuted Christians…
“They fear that if they have connections with me, the teachers will start to look down on them, too”. Pray for 16-year-old student Malith…
“Even though they don’t know me, they prayed for me…” See how your prayers can encourage those in prison!
“Even when I was in prison, I felt I was not alone. I felt your prayers.” Watch this video story of brave faith from Laos…
Standing up to prison guards and seeing a fellow inmate healed. Meet the courageous Pastor Timothy…
Daniel only wanted to prove the New Testament was wrong, instead he ended up following Jesus…
Ayuba was only 20 when his father was murdered by Islamic extremists. Watch his extraordinary story, from seeking revenge to choosing to forgive.
Sign up below to get an inspiring monthly email full of stories and ways to pray and act for your persecuted church family.
