Open Doors.

Happy new year from Open Doors You are always in our prayers at Open Doors. I am so grateful for your continuing prayers, support and care for our persecuted church family. As a new year starts, I am praying that you know God's love, joy and peace more closely than ever before.

Many of you pray regularly for persecuted Christians using the Open Doors Prayer Diary, and we often hear that it's an important part of your daily prayers. I'm aware that postal strikes might mean your copy arrives late - so I've included the first week of prayers, below. (If you don't receive the Prayer Diary through the post, you can subscribe to it or find the pdf online.)

Don't forget, you can also join a special evening of prayer for the World Watch List launch at 8pm on 18 January 2023 in Westminster Chapel. I'd love to see you there - find out more, and register, on the Open Doors website.       Sunday 1 January Christianity is seen as a particular threat to the ideology and governance of North Korea’s dictatorial regime. Christians are viewed as enemies of the state and of society. Pray that the country will be liberated from oppressive leadership and that God’s people will be free to worship Him in freedom. Monday 2 January  If their faith is discovered, Christians are often sent to labour camps, where conditions are appalling. Pray that God will pour His supernatural peace and strength into believers who are in detention, as well as their families. Pray for an end to this brutal subversion of their human rights. Tuesday 3 January  Given the hostility towards Christianity in North Korea, the number of believers is few. But their love for Jesus is strong. Pray that the seed of faith sowed into their hearts will bear much fruit across North Korea. Wednesday 4 January Open Doors fieldworkers like Rebecca (name changed) give support to women who  have been trafficked into China and sold into marriage. They share the love of Jesus and run Bible study groups for them. More female workers are needed for this ministry. Ask God to provide the right people.  Thursday 5 January  Praise God that Sook-ja (name changed) has been rescued from trafficking and is being helped by Open Doors fieldworkers. She regularly attends a Bible study group and is learning about being a disciple of Jesus. Pray that her faith will continue to bring her joy, healing and hope. Friday 6 January Through networks in China, Open Doors facilitates secret deliveries of food, medicine,  clothes and Christian materials to North Korean believers. Ask God to guide and protect those involved in this distribution.  Saturday 7 January  Secret believers depend on support from Open Doors’ underground network. Sometimes it is a simple hot meal, but in their hardship, this means a lot to them. Pray that believers will continue to be encouraged in faith and that God will provide all their needs.   Thank you for all your support and encouragement in 2022, and for all your prayers. Every blessing to you and your family this new year,

Henrietta, CEO, Open Doors UK and Ireland