Letter from Lisa: Faithfulness

What does faithfulness look like? To me, it looks like the persecuted church. In the Horn of Africa, where every country is on the Open Doors World Watch List, persecution is intensifying with the kind of radicalism, violence and fear that we see in the Middle East. While in Garissa, Kenya, a few years ago, I saw the risks that Somali believers are taking to be faithful. Their witness inspires me - it feels like a real gift to be connected with such brothers and sisters who give us the incentive we need to be faithfilled and bold. I see this, too, whenever I meet our amazing supporters, so full of passion and love for God and ready to go the extra mile for their persecuted family. It gives our field teams huge encouragement to know that believers here are supporting them and those they serve and the enclosed annual review shows that same spirit – of Christians standing together, shoulder-to-shoulder.

By Lisa Pearce, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland

What does faithfulness look like? To me, it looks like the persecuted church. In the Horn of Africa, where every country is on the Open Doors World Watch List, persecution is intensifying with the kind of radicalism, violence and fear that we see in the Middle East.

While in Garissa, Kenya, a few years ago, I saw the risks that Somali believers are taking to be faithful. Their witness inspires me, as do the stories of Hassan and others. It feels like a real gift to be connected with such brothers and sisters who give us the incentive we need to be faithfilled and bold.

I see this, too, whenever I meet our amazing supporters, so full of passion and love for God and ready to go the extra mile for their persecuted family. It gives our field teams huge encouragement to know that believers here are supporting them and those they serve and the enclosed annual review shows that same spirit – of Christians standing together, shoulder-to-shoulder.

Nevertheless, the need remains much greater than we are currently able to meet. Just look at Syria. Thank God, an increasing number of churches are stepping up to the challenge, but I’d love something to click so that every church sees it’s not just another good cause. It’s family – and it’s for all of us. Trying to get our persecuted family on the radar of 51,000 churches is a massive job – but we’re much further on than we were. And we’re in a new season, where government and media are approaching us to hear the authentic voice of persecuted Christians, so we all need to be ready to share their stories, in our churches, on social media, backing up all we do with a groundswell of prayer.

As I hand over the baton to Henrietta Blyth, I am so grateful for all the wonderful staff and volunteers who are committed to continuing this tremendous work. I first met Henrietta at a conference in 2016, where we shared a platform, leading a joint seminar on women and leadership. I was struck, at the time, by her passion for the Lord and her love for people – and am excited to see what she will bring to Open Doors. Meanwhile, I won’t be disappearing, but look forward to working together as colleagues in my new global role as Chief Development and Advocacy Officer; my role is to make sure brilliant teams like this have everything they need.

Thank you for your continued support for your persecuted family. May your love and faithfulness never leave you – for the glory of God and His people. Amen!