Conversion from Islam is strictly forbidden in Yemen, and even comes with the death penalty – so when Saleh* chose to follow Jesus, you might have thought he’d keep his new faith secret. Instead, he decided to evangelise outside his local mosque. “If we sit at home and do nothing, we would be safe,” he says. “But what kind of a Christians would we be if weren’t risking our life for others to know Life?”   

During his ministry, he has been arrested and harassed by the authorities. Close friends have been locked in prison. He has received death threats, and had his name and contact information shared with those who wish him harm. But he continues to follow Jesus despite the enormous cost. 

“In those tough moments, I would receive a call from someone and they would pray for me, or I would receive text messages from brothers and sisters from the global church, encouraging me that they were praying with us and for us. The church in Yemen is living in very harsh conditions but is growing nonetheless!”  

Saleh lives outside Yemen but still travels back to meet and disciple believers – currently serving 70 Christian families in Yemen. Open Doors local partners are enabling Saleh to give food packages and medical aid, train leaders and provide trauma care and discipleship. 

“We are grateful for your support,” he says to Open Doors supporters. “Without these resources we won’t be able to grow and to serve the church in Yemen. Your prayers are important and uplifting to us, giving us strength and encouragement to keep going.” 

All Christians are in danger in Yemen. Those in Houthi-held areas live under the strictest prohibitions against Christianity – with a high level of monitoring and spying, it’s very difficult for Christians to meet up in person and online.  

Christians trying to survive in places where al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State have power are also in danger of being discovered and killed. 

Yemen rose by two spots on this year’s World Watch List. Increasing Houthi power and further radicalisation means dozens of Christian house churches can no longer meet.  

There is more fear than a year ago, and fewer opportunities to talk about Jesus. At least one believer was killed for his faith in 2024, and dozens of house churches can no longer meet. 

But Yemenis disillusioned with Islam are searching for truth and finding out about Christ through online chats with secret Christians. 

Open Doors partners support the body of Christ in Yemen by raising prayer, distributing relief aid, training believers and pastors, and offering shelter, protection and livelihood support to persecuted believers and their relatives.