Children of the global church are particularly vulnerable to persecution. Bullied. Rejected. Attacked. They face persecution from their classmates, their community, and sometimes even their own family. Persecution often means rejection and poverty. Their lives are torn apart because they love Jesus – but, even at such young ages, they hold on to Him.
Robin (11) in Bangladesh has seen his life torn apart by persecution. His church was attacked by a mob, he is rejected at school, and even his father disowned him – all because he follows Jesus. You can unwrap hope for Robin.
 
In Bangladesh, Robin’s faith marks him out. At school and around the village, people don’t even use his name: they simply call him ‘the Christian’. Nobody would sit next to him. Other children wouldn’t play with him

​After Bangladesh’s prime minister was ousted in August 2024, political disorder erupted across the country and religious minorities – including Christian families like Robin’s were targeted.
An extremist group waged a leaflet campaign against other local Christian families that had converted from Islam.  One morning, a mob of 40-50 people descended on their small house church.
Thankfully, the believers were warned and managed to flee just in time. The mob burned everything to the ground.
 
Because of the intense pressure from their wider family & community Robin’s Father left them leaving them with nothing. They still face pressure from their family, as well as the threat of further violence from extremists, but their faith is too precious to abandon.
 
Robin’s mother teaches him Bible stories, helps him memorise Scripture and teaches her son what it means to follow Jesus. Open Doors local partners have given Robin a children’s Bible, and he treasures it.

 
At Christmas, it’s a special time, because Robin and his mother gather with other Bangladeshi families who have converted to Christianity for a celebration run by Open Doors local partners.
For Robin, Christmas is a bright light in a world that often feels dark and lonely. It’s a day to unwrap gifts and gather at church with others who share his faith.
It’s a day of knowing you belong.
 
As well as the children’s Bible and special gatherings, these local partners are stepping in with vital food and relief aid. They’re also paying school costs so that children’s education can continue.
 
From practical aid to spiritual nourishment, your help for children like Robin is a tangible reminder that they are seen, loved and remembered by their global church family – helping strengthen and grow the next generation of the church. Millions of children around the world need this encouragement today, and for the long-term.
 
You can help this Christmas:
 

• Every £21 could give three children a Bible to help nurture their faith.
• Every £34 could support two persecuted families with much-needed emergency relief.
• Every £62 could help a family attend a seasonal gathering, making valuable, lasting friendships with Christian community.

​This Christmas, the JHMT are supporting the Project Antifreeze (Off The Fence) ‘Wet Weather pack’ campaign to benefit our city’s rough sleeping community. This is a direct request from our lovely clients.  As a family, couple or individual, please consider giving £78 which will buy a pack comprising a bivvy bag, a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers and a hoodie for warmth. (half a pack would be a hoodie and a pair of waterproof trousers and be half the price!).

​This Christmas, the JHMT are supporting the Project Antifreeze (Off The Fence) ‘Wet Weather pack’ campaign to benefit our city’s rough sleeping community. This is a direct request from our lovely clients.  As a family, couple or individual, please consider giving £78 which will buy a pack comprising a bivvy bag, a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers and a hoodie for warmth. (half a pack would be a hoodie and a pair of waterproof trousers and be half the price!).

Our vision is to open Casa Camino Antiguo (‘the Ancient Way’) Guesthouse in Zalla in the Basque Country, Spain.
It will be a welcoming place to stay for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago and enable us to
share the love of Christ through hospitality. The space will also be used for our local church which
was planted four years ago, and for us to run outreach activities in the community.

We have found a commercial property located next to the central plaza in Zalla, and right on the
Camino, which we believe is ideally suited for the guesthouse. It was previously a dance studio and has two large open spaces (each 130m2) and well-equipped bathrooms. It only requires internal renovations to provide adequate facilities to host pilgrims.
Praise God that we now have sufficient funds to rent the building for the first year, which means
that we can get started while we also seek to
raise the remaining finances to eventually purchase it fully.
As we look towards being prepared to welcome pilgrims at the start of the 2024 Camino season in
the spring, please would you prayerfully consider partnering with us in this project and helping to
make our vision become a reality!
We are seeking to raise £9000 towards the renovation work required to sub-divide one of the large rooms into smaller bedrooms for pilgrims as well as for volunteers. Your gifts will also help us to install a new kitchen and dining area.
​Thank you for partnering with us as we seek to share the love of Christ in a practical way to
pilgrims on the Camino and to the local Basque community.