Hope in Hard Places: The Church in Eritrea

Mozambique’s Hidden Battle: Hope Amid Extremism

7th Episode: Ranked number 39 on the World Watch List 2026, Mozambique is a nation of vibrant faith – yet growing fragility. While over half the population identifies as Christian, believers in the northern Cabo Delgado province face relentless violence from Islamic extremist groups, some linked to the Islamic State. Churches have been burned, homes destroyed, and families torn apart. In some areas, Christians – especially converts from Islam – must keep their faith secret for fear of abduction, execution, or rejection. In this episode, we uncover what life is really like for the Church in Mozambique. Why has persecution intensified, even as the country dropped two places on the list? What is happening in Cabo Delgado? And how are believers responding in the face of overwhelming pressure and staggering violence?  Through powerful stories, including voices like who risked everything to stand firm in his faith, we explore both the cost of discipleship and the resilience of hope. Join us as we look beyond the headlines and discover how the Church in Mozambique continues to endure – and why their story matters to us all. You can make a difference today. Join thousands standing in solidarity with persecuted believers across Africa by signing the Arise Africa Petition at opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition [https://www.opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition/]

How The Church Is Standing Strong In Burkina Faso

In the sixth Arise Africa episode, we turn to Burkina Faso, ranked 16 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2026, where Christians face extreme persecution amid a collapse of state authority. Islamic extremist groups dominate large areas, carrying out violent attacks, burning churches, destroying homes and displacing entire communities. With a violence score of 96.7%, believers—especially those who leave Islam to follow Jesus—are at severe risk. We speak to Open Doors speaker, Laafi Bala, who share stories of resilience, including how they continue to minister despite devastating loss in the west of Africa. Listen, learn, and act – because silence is not an option. Sign the Arise Africa Petition today opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition [https://www.opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition/]

Hope in Hard Places: The Church in Eritrea

In the fifth Arise Africa episode, we turn to Eritrea, ranked 5th on the World Watch List 2026, where following Jesus can mean surveillance, imprisonment and forced military service. Only four religious groups are officially recognised, leaving many Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians treated as illegal. Believers face violent raids, indefinite detention in harsh conditions and severe punishment for worshipping—especially within the military. Converts from Islam or the Eritrean Orthodox Church risk rejection from family and community alongside state persecution. With intense pressure and widespread fear, Eritrea remains one of the world’s hardest places to live out the Christian faith—yet courageous believers continue to stand firm. Haile is an Open Doors speaker, and he shares his life’s testimony and how the Lord has seen him and his family through as believers in an Islamic country. Listen, learn, and act – because silence is not an option. Sign the Arise Africa Petition today at opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition [https://www.opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition/]!

God’s Everlasting Presence In The Midst Of Sudan’s War

In the fourth Arise Africa episode, we focus on Sudan. It’s ranked 4th on the Open Door’s World Watch List 2026, where Christians face extreme persecution amid civil war and political upheaval. Since the 2021 military takeover and the outbreak of brutal conflict in 2023, religious freedom has sharply deteriorated. Churches have been bombed, occupied by militias and forced to close. Believers face discrimination, arrest and violence, while converts from Islam endure intense pressure, isolation and threats from family and community. With a violence score of 100%, Sudan’s Church is under immense strain—yet Rafat Samir testifies about God’s goodness and faithfulness amid a war-torn country. Listen, learn, and act – because silence is not an option. Sign the Arise Africa Petition today! opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition [https://www.opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition/]

Broken but Not Forgotten: The Women Central Africa Abandoned

Many women survive the unthinkable – they get kidnapped from their villages, enslaved, and violated in ways no human should endure. But when they finally escape and return home, expecting to be embraced, they find rejection. Their community turns its back. Their family whispers in shame. This is the devastating reality for countless women across Central Africa (number 22 on the Open Doors World Watch List) [https://www.opendoors.org.za/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/central-african-republic/] and the Democratic Republic of Congo (number 29 on the Open Doors World Watch List). [https://www.opendoors.org.za/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/] Targeted because of their Christian faith, they’re abducted by armed groups and forced into sexual slavery. Yet the cruelty doesn’t end with their captivity. Survivors who find their way back discover that stigma and rejection await them – punished by their own communities for crimes committed against them. These women carry invisible scars while bearing visible shame. In this episode, Amora Farjara, who is the communications officer for our Central African Base, working in Cameroon, CAR, DRC, Chad. She is responsible for telling the story of the persecuted church with accuracy and compassion and is one of the staff members who interfaces most regularly with persecuted Christians. She is often part of the team of first responders and is also usually involved in emergency responses. You can make a difference today. Join thousands standing in solidarity with persecuted women across Africa by signing the Arise Africa Petition at opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition [https://www.opendoors.org.za/arise-africa-petition/] One signature. One voice.