At 9am on Sunday the 11th of May, five of us from Staines Congregational Church will be running the Staines 10k race. Why? we enjoy running and want to get involved with our local community as a Church, but we also would love to be able to raise some money for OpenDoors.

OpenDoors are a charity that aim to support persecuted Christians around the world and raise awareness of their situations. Every day, millions of Christians risk their lives to follow Jesus. In more than 70 countries, Open Doors supports them by supplying Bibles, providing emergency relief and helping persecuted believers stand strong for the long-term. In the UK and Ireland, Open Doors helps the church to pray, give and speak out for those who share our faith but not our freedom. As a Church who does not face this level of persecution for our hope in Jesus we want to raise money and pray for our brothers and sisters 'running the race' in surroundings that are so violent towards them.

We are so thankful for anyone who feels that they want to give or join us in raising awareness for the work of OpenDoors!

'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.'

-Hebrews 12 v 1-2a

Every year OpenDoors creates a world watch list for the countries where Christians face the most and harshest persecution. Have a look for yourself or find out more about OpenDoors: click here