Written by: Open Doors SA
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Saleh*, who bravely started an underground house church network in Yemen, picks up his phone when it beeps ominously. Another death threat… “They are searching for you,” the message reads. “You are dead. Your days are numbered.”
The words are shockingly sinister. But they won’t stop this courageous Yemeni evangelist from telling people about Jesus. And all the death threats renew his determination to proclaim the message of Christ – risking everything to strengthen the Church.
Saleh lives in Yemen, which has been gripped by a civil war since 2014.
Dangerous country for believers
According to Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List, Yemen is the most dangerous country in the Middle East and the fifth most dangerous in the world for followers of Jesus. In this Islamic state, persecution comes from the government, family, and community, and the influence of extreme and violent Islamic groups is growing. About 70% of believers keep their faith secret and never meet each other. If their faith is discovered, Christians risk abuse, imprisonment, torture, and even death.
A bold evangelist
Saleh is one of Open Doors’ partners in Yemen. He came to faith as a student and developed a reputation as a bold evangelist. He was in a refugee camp in a neighbouring country, having fled Yemen’s civil war, when he decided to start a house church network in his homeland.
“In the refugee camp I became known as the person who knows Jesus,” recalls Saleh. “Many people came to know Christ as their Saviour and I encouraged them to return to Yemen to serve. We went to a safer part of the country and started a church, where leaders could come to train and be launched into ministry.”
Taking a step of faith
Starting a church was a step of faith – but it was also extremely dangerous. It wasn’t long before Saleh’s brother and another believer were captured by the Yemeni authorities and thrown into jail. Saleh, at risk because of his high profile, went into hiding – where he was sustained by the prayers of his brothers and sisters in Christ.
“I cried in my room for hours. Some days I was hopeful and strong. Others, I felt weak, guilty, and depressed. In these dark times, I felt God’s presence. I received messages from brothers and sisters in the global Church, encouraging me that they were praying,” he says.
After two months, these prayers were answered. Saleh’s brother and the other Christian were released from jail. He says: “God did a miracle. He even brought several prisoners to faith through my brother.” And Saleh was able to safely escape from Yemen.
Serving the Church
Today, he travels regularly into Yemen to disciple, teach, and pastor other believers. Thanks to the gifts and prayers of Open Doors partners, he delivers medical help, transport, food packages, and training to 70 Yemeni Christian families.
“We are grateful for you,” said Saleh. “Without these resources, we won’t be able to serve the church. Your prayers are important and uplifting, giving us strength to keep going.”
And Saleh’s vision for the future? “I hope that soon there will be Christians in every corner of Yemen.”
Prayers and support
As the persecution of believers increases at a rapid rate, persecuted Christians now need your prayers and support more than ever.
Visit opendoors.org.za to download a FREE 2024 World Watch List Prayer Map to help you pray for persecuted Christians and view the top 50 countries on the 2024 World Watch List.
*Name changed and representative images used for security reasons. | Photos: © 2024 Open Doors International
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Date published: 22/02/2024
Feature image: Saleh runs a house church network with 70 families in Yemen.
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