Persecuted children’s projects
Like many young Christians around the world, Moryom in Bangladesh can feel very isolated in her faith. She’s 10 years old now, and still faces persecution and discrimination at school. “Most of the people in my school don’t treat me well,” she says. “Sometimes they beat me with sticks. My classmates don’t allow me to pray with them.” Recently, teachers tried to force her to pray Namaz (Muslim prayer).
“We learnt that Jesus loves children.”
Moryom
Persecution intensified last December, when Muslim leaders came to Moryom’s house and forbade them from celebrating Christmas. Moryom’s father was told he would be killed if he didn’t comply with the religious leaders’ demands.
A Christmas party may not seem like a life-changing event – but this context shows how important it is to Moryom. She couldn’t celebrate at home but, thanks to your gifts and prayers, she went to a party organised by Open Doors partners in another city – gathering children from Bangladeshi families of converts from Islam.
329,600 persecuted children received practical and spiritual care to encourage their faith.
“The best thing about the party was singing Christmas carols with many friends, learning new songs, cutting Christmas cake and playing with friends,” says Moryom. “We also learnt that Jesus loves children, and they need to share that love with others.”
The celebrations last a few days – but the knowledge that she is not alone, and has uncles and aunts around the world supporting and praying for her, will stay with Moryom for years.
