Open Doors Seeks to Collect One Million Prayers and Petitions in Support of Persecuted Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa

New Arise Africa Initiative Focuses on 16.2 Million Christians Displaced for their Faith in Nigeria and Surrounding Region

SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 7, 2024 — As part of its new Arise Africa campaign to bring attention to the extreme persecution experienced by Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, Open Doors seeks to gather one million prayers and petitions in support of these beloved family members.  People from around the world are invited to sign a virtual petition and commit to pray for believers in this region, the most violent place in the world for Christians, as reported in Open Doors’ annual World Watch List of the 50 nations most hostile to the Christian faith.

“Christians across sub-Saharan Africa are facing violent persecution for their faith in Jesus. With thousands killed in the last year and millions more displaced, the hope of the African church seems grim,” said Ryan Brown, Open Doors US CEO. “And yet, through our faith in Jesus, we believe there is always hope for God's people. We want to express our support for the church in sub-Saharan Africa by raising one million prayers and petitions to aid these precious family members in living out their resilient faith.”

In addition to uniting the global family of believers in prayer for their brothers and sisters facing extreme persecution, the petition portion of this initiative seeks to drive attention and facilitate change. Campaign organizers believe a collective “knock” from a million (or more) individuals can open doors and encourage those in positions of influence to address the issues.

The African church has challenged Western believers to join them in reaching 1 million prayers and signatures. Through this joint action, Christians around the world unite with their African family members to call upon the global community to ensure that Christians and other vulnerable individuals in sub-Saharan Africa are treated with dignity and respect by:

1. Protection: Providing robust protection from violent militant attacks

2. Justice: Ensuring justice through fair prosecutions of the attackers

3. Restoration: Bring healing and restoration to all affected communities

Another part of the Arise Africa project, Open Doors’ new “No Road Home” report shows how Christians are victims of violent displacement—many times because of their faith—and then deal with additional discrimination and mistreatment as they flee the violence. The situation is grim and requires a massive response from the global community; step one is the “No Road Home” report to raise awareness, and step two is the invitation to prayer and advocacy.

“When you pray with your family in sub-Saharan Africa, you are helping to strengthen their resilient faith and remind them they aren’t alone or forgotten,” Brown added. “This is why we invite everyone to join us as we raise 1 million prayers and petitions for Christians across the African continent.”

About Open Doors US

Open Doors US is part of Open Doors International, a global membership organisation with 25 national bases that has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians for more than 60 years and works in 70 countries. Open Doors provides practical support to persecuted Christians such as food, medicines, trauma care, legal assistance, safe houses and schools, as well as spiritual support through Christian literature, training and resources. Ryan Brown serves as Open Doors US CEO.

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