Praise: 300+ families helped in Mali with emergency aid

Thanks to your gifts and prayers, hundreds of people have been encouraged.

When it first began more than a decade ago, the insurgency in Mali was mostly isolated to the northern part of the country.

However, in 2015, terrorist groups expanded to the central part of Mali. And while the expansion of these Islamic extremist groups has complex roots, the impact on the church in Mali is simple: Churches have been razed and Christians have been displaced, leaving many homeless and their places of worship in ruins. Countless believers have been left traumatized and wounded.

In the Bandiagara region in central Mali, many communities have been forced to sign agreements with some of the extremists. If anyone refuses to sign, they must leave or face violent attacks.

In this way, the area around one town, Bankass, became the stronghold of an Islamic extremist group—one that has links to al-Qaeda. This led to the
displacement of thousands of people from rural areas into the actual town of Bankass.

Since 2022, there has been an attack in this region almost every week. People are either killed, kidnapped or injured, and among the victims, there are always at least two or three Christians. As a result, more 300 displaced Christian families currently live in Bankass. This has put immense strain on the local church, which can no longer singlehandedly support the displaced.

But thanks to your support, Open Doors partners were able to provide 320 Christian families with vital relief aid this past June! Each family received an emergency package of 100 kg (220 pounds) of rice, 5 liters (a little more than 1 gallon) of oil and some financial support so they can address other needs like clothes, school fees or medicine.

The relief was much appreciated.

“I can’t even describe my joy!” said Pastor Thomas, a local church leader. “Our Christian brothers came to support us with rice, oil and money. More than 300 people were supported. Sincerely, I thank God and our brothers who came to support us.”

Esther, one of the recipients shared: “I give thanks to God that our brothers came to support us. My family and I are really happy. We give thanks to the Lord for His glory. God willing, we will eat rice with fat or with sagasaga (a cassava leaf stew) with our families.”

Will you support persecuted Christians in Africa by sending a gift today?

Every PHP 1,200 could provide emergency shelter to a Christian driven from their home.

GIVE TODAY

Right now, huge numbers of Christians are displaced across Mali and in many other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, Open Doors research estimates that more than 16 million believers are displaced in sub-Saharan Africa—many of them simply because they follow Jesus.

The problem is massive and requires an equally massive response. That’s why Open Doors has partnered with the church in Africa to start the Arise Africa campaign, a multi-year effort of prayer and advocacy to stop the violence—and start the healing.

The vital relief aid Christians received in Mali is only possible thanks to the gifts and prayers of Open Doors supporters. It’s also a reminder of the incredible spirit of Christians in Mali and across sub-Saharan Africa who both endure incredible violence and show the hope of Jesus.

YOUR VOICE AND YOUR PRAYER MATTERS

We want to help believers—like those in Mali who received emergency aid—across the continent remain resilient for Christ, and we’d love you to join us.
ADD YOUR VOICE AND YOUR PRAYER NOW

GIVE TODAY

Will you support persecuted Christians in Africa by sending a gift today?

Every PHP 1,200 could provide emergency shelter to a Christian driven from their home.

Every PHP 2,000 can sustain a displaced believer with food, clothing and medical care.

Every PHP 4,350 could provide a month of education to a displaced child, to give them a future.

GIVE A GIFT

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Leader
No. of Christians
Main Religion
Persecution Source
Government

Persecution Level

Violence %
Private Life %
Family Life %
Community Life %
National Life %
Church Life %

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Praise: 300+ families helped in Mali with emergency aid

Will you support persecuted Christians in Africa by sending a gift today?

Will you support persecuted Christians in Africa by sending a gift today?

17

Persecution Level

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