Open Doors 

Sometimes we Christians slip into complacency, taking for granted this lovely country where we can come to a splendid period church, sing and celebrate our love for God and, at any time, chat, discuss or argue about our faith with no fear of consequence. But that’s not the case in many countries: believers might face prosecution under unjust laws, intimidation, violence, death threats and even martyrdom from hostile mobs, sometimes with official acquiescence. In many more countries Christians endure more pernicious discrimination, finding barriers to jobs, housing, and education for their children. Worldwide, hostility towards Christianity is increasing. There were record numbers of Christians jailed for their beliefs and more martyrs last year than in any previous year on record.

The work of Open Doors is therefore needed more than ever before. It is multi-facetted, often taking place in secret through partners in the affected countries. Open Doors provides Bibles, support and training, help with livelihood skills, emergency support and trauma care. The organisation also carries out a lot of advocacy work.

The Inghamites support Open Doors financially, through prayer and the active involvement of members in campaigns by signing petitions and writing to their MP and foreign embassies in support of persecuted Christians.

Believers facing hardship are helped to grow and stand firm in their faith, in some cases even to survive and to earn a living. We have found that Open Doors do an excellent job of reporting back about their work, highlighting projects and letting us know how often, at a personal level, an individual’s dire situation has been turned around. Many of their reports are both harrowing and uplifting.

In the Bible Jesus tells us: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35. We in the Inghamite Church believe this passage applies equally to us individually, to our church and to the Church worldwide. Open Doors is a practical demonstration of our love for our Christian brothers and sisters and genuine concern about their situations and welfare. If you would like to find out more about the work of Open Doors have a look at their website:  https://www.opendoorsuk.org