For children like Robin, in Bangladesh, the cost of faith is heartbreaking. But this Christmas, you can bring hope.
Eleven-year-old Robin* sits at the edge of a field watching children play football. He longs to join in. But it’s not possible.
“I am a Christian,” Robin explains in a sad, quiet voice. “So no one plays with me. I just sit here and feel very lonely.”
Persecution has torn Robin’s life apart in the most heartbreaking way. It started when his mom, Moly*, saw a neighbour carrying a Bible. She borrowed it and read in secret. After an amazing healing from illness, Moly gave her life to Christ and her husband Jubayer* came to faith too. But this family’s joy was short-lived.
Robin’s family attended a church like this one in Bangladesh, until it was destroyed by radicals.
Last August, violence broke out across Bangladesh and radical Muslims began targeting Christians. Moly, Jubayer and Robin were in their house church when a mob approached. The family escaped – but raiders destroyed the church.
That was the last time Robin’s parents were together. Shaken by the attack, Jubayer returned to Islam and divorced Moly. Now Robin and his mom are alone.
‘No place of safety’
More than 90% of Bangladeshis are Muslim. According to Robi*, our local partner, “Religious and political leaders have a dream to make Bangladesh a Muslim country. There is no place where Christians can live entirely safely.”
Children who convert from Islam, like Robin, face severe hostility and ridicule. Without support, their faith will not survive – and the future of the church is at risk.
Today, life is hard for Robin and his mom, but they get by with support from Moly’s brother. Plus, Christmas is coming. “We have fun, eat cake and play with everyone as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday,” smiles Robin, his eyes shining with excitement.
This Christmas, you can give the gift of hope to children like Robin.
Unwrap hope
This year, you can unwrap hope for Robin at Christmas. Open Doors’ vision is to strengthen persecuted children, and your gifts will provide shelter, trauma counselling, education and aid.
Because of you, children like Robin will not be alone.
“We are strangers, yet you are praying for me so that we can be well,” says Robin gratefully.
Will you unwrap hope this Christmas?
Please pray
- Robin longs for new friends, and for people to stop mocking him. Please pray for him.
- For strength for Robin’s mum, Moly, and for Robin’s dad to find his way back to Jesus.
- This Christmas, pray for children everywhere whose lives are torn apart by persecution.
The open Doors Gift catalogue
The 2025 Gift Catalogue has many different options for you to choose from when it comes to where your gift goes – including to children like Robin!
This year:
- $15 provides age-appropriate discipleship materials to held churches minister to the next generation
- $18 puts a Bible in the hands of a persecuted child
- $65 Sends a persecuted child to camp
And there’s lots more! Browse this year’s gifts of hope today.
