Open Doors is thrilled to announce that Christians around the world have risen to the challenge, and the Arise Africa petition now has more than 1 million signatures representing the voices and prayers of believers like you.
Thank you for helping to make this happen!
In 2024, we shared the story of Pastor Barnabas, a leader displaced by violence in Nigeria and forced to live in a makeshift camp for internally displaced persons.
As one of millions across Sub-Saharan Africa who lost everything, he had a sobering message: “Where we are, millions of Christians are displaced,” he said. “News doesn’t cover it. Politicians don’t talk about it. Nobody talks about it. We remain in the darkness.”
Breaking the Silence on Violence
The situation of violent displacement, murder, and sexual assault across the continent has been ignored by many. The Church in Sub-Saharan Africa stepped out to challenge the rest of the world to pay attention—and to speak out. Their challenge needed to answer an important question: Can we raise 1 million voices of prayer and petition as a symbol of the global body of Christ standing with persecuted Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa?
We now have the answer. Praise God! More than 1 million people have raised their voices and shared their prayers for persecuted Christians across the continent.
Tim Hamilton, Chief Development Officer of Open Doors International and chair of the Arise Africa Task Force, says, “Pastor Barnabas asked us to break the silence and called the world to pay attention to the violence in Sub-Saharan Africa. These million voices cannot be ignored. We are so thankful to all who spoke up, prayed, and shared. Now, we must continue to pray and advocate for an end to the violence, for restoration, and for healing.”
We Need Your Prayers
The petition represents just one step toward breaking the silence of what’s happening to our brothers and sisters in Sub-Saharan Africa—but it’s a big step. On 18 November 2026, an Open Doors delegation will present the petition to leaders in the European Union and on 8 December 2026, our team will present the petition to the United Nations.
We’ve already seen God’s blessing at work in other ways. More governments and media members round the world are beginning to pay attention to the violence impacting Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa. Will you pray that our presentation of the petition will bear much fruit?
What’s Next?
The Arise Africa campaign isn’t over. You’ll be hearing from us in the coming months (and years) about how your prayers and advocacy have made a huge impact. Thanks to your invaluable support, Pastor Barnabas has a new home for his family. Countless others have been blessed with expanded trauma care.
The violence is still present, but so is the Church. They continue to be salt and light. The resilience of Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa is a miracle; we’re so grateful for your help in fostering that.
Please pray
- Praise God that more than 1 million people signed the Arise Africa petition!
- Pray this huge number of voices will spur more action from the international community.
- Ask God to bless and encourage His people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
