WRITE TO A PERSECUTED CHRISTIAN
You can write a letter to a persecuted Christian to encourage them with your words! Send a physical or digital letter to those that are going through hardships so that our persecuted family knows that they are loved and cared for by the global church.
Review these steps first:
There are different letter writing opportunities available at different times of the year. Below, you can find the current opportunities. All letters must be received by the Open Doors Canada office by their noted due date.
Please note the important guidelines for your letter. For security reasons, if the letter does not adhere to these guidelines, we will be unable to send it.
- Show sensitivity. Please do not dwell on the recipient’s plight, share about the blessings of life in your country, or your own struggles.
- Do not mention Open Doors
- Do not mention other religions
- Do not refer to Israel, even when using scripture
- Do not criticize religions, religious extremists, governments, judicial systems or political leaders
- Do not send money or make proposals to help
- You can disclose your name and the country you live in, but do not provide your full name or full address.
For physical letters:
Mail all letters to Open Doors Canada:
Open Doors Canada
8-19 Brownridge Road
Halton Hills, ON
L7G 0C6
For digital letters, fill out the form here:
By submitting this form you are agreeing to receive communications from Open Doors Canada.
For physical letters:
Mail all letters to Open Doors Canada:
Open Doors Canada
8-19 Brownridge Road
Halton Hills, ON
L7G 0C6
For digital letters, send an email to encourage@odcan.org. Please state the persecuted Christian you are writing to, as well as your write-up that follows the writing guidelines.
1 Corinthians 12:26 reminds us of this truth about the body of Christ, that “if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.”
Thank you for taking the time to write and pray for a member of our persecuted family. Your words can help to encourage persecuted believers that they are not alone, but that their global family stands with them.
Current Opportunities
Encourage teenagers and young adults in Syria to remain steadfast in their faith and to place their hope in Jesus. Send them a short message to let them know you’re standing with them!
After the change in government in 2024, the mood in the country was initially one of cautious hope. Now many young Christians in Syria are losing hope for a better future. Most of them grew up during the civil war, and the new, Islamist-oriented government is intensifying their sense of insecurity and uncertainty.
Many adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 30 want to leave the country because of this uncertainty. They face hostility, are often unable to find work because of their faith, and have few career prospects—and thus little chance of improving their current living conditions.
Pastors and church leaders are concerned about the youth. Ever since the attack on St. Elias Church in Damascus in June 2025, churches no longer feel safe, and many Christians—including young people—are staying away. However, the churches depend on the youth, and young Christians are missing the sense of community within the church.
Young people in Syria need encouragement to hold fast to their faith in the face of difficulties and to focus on God’s hope, peace, and justice
Please note this is an email campaign only. You can send your emails to encourage@odcan.org.
*representative image used
From a human perspective, Aicha doesn’t have much to be joyful about. Aicha’s been beaten by her relatives. her parents can’t always make ends meet, and her extended family has rejected her. But joy burns bright in the eyes of this 12-year-old from Burkina Faso.
Why? Well, it might have something to do with the promise of Christmas.
“Christmas is the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world,” Aicha says. “Christmas is not about food and clothes, but receiving Jesus in our hearts. The main message of Christmas is that Jesus the Son of God was born to save the world.”
As Aicha retells the miraculous story of Christmas, it is clear how much it means to her. Though she is young, and has suffered ongoing persecution for following Jesus, she has a steadfast faith and fervour for others to know God. “This is my message to the whole world,” she says. “No matter the life you live, come and receive Jesus as your Saviour. Jesus loves you and He will save you from your sins.”
Aicha came to faith in Jesus when she was only seven years old. Her childlike faith consequently has led her brother, sister and parents to Jesus, but this has not been without cost. The family was rejected and Aicha was beaten for trying to attend church. But they have continued to follow Jesus despite the opposition and rejection they have face.
Write a short letter or card of encouragement to Aicha and her family. Children’s drawings are also welcome!
End Date: March 31st.
*representative image used