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Crisis opens the door
The Church brings lasting change
Empower local churches to respond to crises with hope and help.
CHURCHES MOBILIZED
DISCIPLES MADE
JESUS MAGNIFIED
Confront the crisis head on
Crisis can strike unexpectedly, leaving communities in volatile regions shattered and in despair. Yet, in the midst of calamity, the local church has the opportunity to stand as the heartbeat of hope. However, they often lack the necessary support and resources to lead effective crisis responses.
Hope where it's needed most
When churches are equipped to respond, communities flourish. Local leaders trained and empowered can turn despair into hope, chaos into order. Each crisis becomes an opportunity for spiritual and physical restoration, deeply impacting lives for generations.
Local churches at the heart of crisis response
Hope Over Crisis champions a unique approach where local churches are the frontline of disaster response. We build robust church networks, train leaders in crisis management, and mobilize essential resources, empowering churches to act swiftly and effectively when their communities need them most. By meeting these needs, the church rises from the ashes making the gospel of Jesus visible.
Empowering the church,
discipling communities
We resonate deeply with the struggles of churches in hostile regions. By equipping them with training and resources, we enable them to not just respond to crises but also to lead their communities with dignity and strength to the glory of God. Our commitment is to place the local church at the center of transformation, allowing them to take charge of their communities.
Three Steps to Empower and Uplift
STEP one: Build networks
Form connections among local churches to enhance collective response efforts.
Step two: Train Churches
Provide crucial training in crisis management and community rebuilding.
Step three: Mobilize resources
Channel financial and emotional support to sustain effective responses.
Hear about the Impact
"We need this kind of training. I want to engage my community
and I am looking for tools on how to do this. This is exactly what I am looking for."
~ Pastor Prem | Asia
"I now see how God will use crisis to bring true blessing and healing
to communities and that this is our church’s responsibility."
~ Pastor Khalid | South Asia
Join us in bringing lasting change.
Partner with us to enable local churches and see how you can:
- Provide immediate relief and long-term recovery
- Equip leaders to guide their communities
- Foster resilience in the face of adversity
- Amplify the message of hope through action
- Strengthen faith and build trust in the community
Stand with us in transforming crises
into opportunities for hope and renewal.
Churches in persecuted areas often face significant obstacles when crises occur. Hope Over Crisis steps in by building church networks, training local leaders, and mobilizing resources to support these communities. This model empowers local churches to be the heartbeat of hope, providing both physical relief and a visible picture of the gospel. Crisis opens the door, but the local church creates lasting change.
Let's work together.
We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 10/40 Window?
The 10/40 Window refers to a geographical region between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude, stretching from North Africa across the Middle East and Asia. This area is extremely significant in terms of missions for the following:
1. High Population: It includes over 5 billion people, about two-thirds of the world's population.
2. Gospel Poverty: The 10/40 Window is home to the largest number of unreached people groups (7,300), meaning many have little to no access to the gospel or Christian resources. 3.2 Billion are numbered among the "unreached".
3. Religious Diversity: Major world religions like Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and animism are predominant in this area.
4. Socioeconomic Challenges: Many countries within this region have the highest amounts of and face severe poverty, limited education, and health care, exacerbating their challenges.
5. Persecution: Christians in this area often experience intense persecution for their faith. It is estimated that roughly 13 Christians are killed a day in this region for their faith.
6. Financial Neglect: "According to estimates, in 2021, Christians around the world earned a combined annual income of approximately 51 trillion USD. Out of this, they donated about 848 billion to Christian causes.
Additional estimates report that about 82% of Christian giving stays in local churches. About 12% goes to ministries in their home countries. Less than 6% goes to missions. In other countries, only 1% went to missions that served unreached peoples. This means that for every hundred grand that Christians earn, only about a dollar goes to serving the unreached. To give you some context, the global church spends less on the unreached than the United States spends on golf balls or Twinkies. (source: https://radical.net/video/why-millions-are-still-unreached-by-the-gospel/)
1. High Population: It includes over 5 billion people, about two-thirds of the world's population.
2. Gospel Poverty: The 10/40 Window is home to the largest number of unreached people groups (7,300), meaning many have little to no access to the gospel or Christian resources. 3.2 Billion are numbered among the "unreached".
3. Religious Diversity: Major world religions like Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and animism are predominant in this area.
4. Socioeconomic Challenges: Many countries within this region have the highest amounts of and face severe poverty, limited education, and health care, exacerbating their challenges.
5. Persecution: Christians in this area often experience intense persecution for their faith. It is estimated that roughly 13 Christians are killed a day in this region for their faith.
6. Financial Neglect: "According to estimates, in 2021, Christians around the world earned a combined annual income of approximately 51 trillion USD. Out of this, they donated about 848 billion to Christian causes.
Additional estimates report that about 82% of Christian giving stays in local churches. About 12% goes to ministries in their home countries. Less than 6% goes to missions. In other countries, only 1% went to missions that served unreached peoples. This means that for every hundred grand that Christians earn, only about a dollar goes to serving the unreached. To give you some context, the global church spends less on the unreached than the United States spends on golf balls or Twinkies. (source: https://radical.net/video/why-millions-are-still-unreached-by-the-gospel/)
What is an Unreached People Group (UPG)?
The Joshua Project defines an Unreached People Group as the following: "Less than or equal to 5% Christian Adherent AND less than or equal to 2% Evangelical. An unreached or least-reached people is a people group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group without outside assistance." (source: https://joshuaproject.net/help/definitions)
Can Churches exist among Unreached Peoples?
As you may have seen, because a people group may be considered "Unreached" this doesn't mean there is not a church near or among them. What it means is that throughout the 10/40 Window churches that exists in these regions are often isolated, persecuted, and lack sufficient rapport and resources to advance the gospel among the unreached community in which they live. It can be helpful to consider the opposite of an UPG to understand what is a "Reached People Group". A reached people group has 10% or more of its population identifying as protestant or evangelical.
What is the Persecuted Church?
Open Doors defines the Persecuted Church as the following: "Research for Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List reveals that over 365 million Christians around the world suffer persecution or discrimination for their faith in Jesus Christ. That means they experience some kind of hostility as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus or living out their faith.
The Pew Research Center has found that Christians are harassed in more places than any other religious group. And Open Doors’ research has shown that the number of countries where Christians suffer high and extreme levels of persecution has almost doubled in the last 30 years.
Open Doors defines Christian persecution as “any hostility experienced as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus.” That hostility can look different for each of the millions of believers who face persecution every day. Some experience rejection and isolation from their families, friends and communities. Others are denied access to basic needs like water, food and health care. Some face violent abuse, imprisonment and even death."
(source)
The Pew Research Center has found that Christians are harassed in more places than any other religious group. And Open Doors’ research has shown that the number of countries where Christians suffer high and extreme levels of persecution has almost doubled in the last 30 years.
Open Doors defines Christian persecution as “any hostility experienced as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus.” That hostility can look different for each of the millions of believers who face persecution every day. Some experience rejection and isolation from their families, friends and communities. Others are denied access to basic needs like water, food and health care. Some face violent abuse, imprisonment and even death."
(source)
Why Crisis Response?
As we often say, "Crisis demands a response." Crises are heartbreaking and devastating for those who experience them, but they also create unique opportunities. In times of crisis, people are often more open to receiving help and may begin to question God or His goodness. While this questioning can be challenging, it is not a bad thing. Crises provide opportunities for God's people—the church in Jesus Christ—to share His boundless love and truth. God frequently uses crises to draw people closer to Him, demonstrating His immeasurable mercy. Through this, forgiveness and freedom can emerge from devastation, powerfully revealing His goodness and greatness.
How can my Church get involved?
Your church can get involved in multiple ways. After prayer we can have a "discovery" call with them so they can learn about partnership opportunities with our church networks living under persecution, becoming a financial partner with Hope Over Crisis at large, engaging in our volunteer opportunities, and/or in participating in our stateside trainings where we equip churches here to lead in crisis response. PLEASE contact us to learn more.
Do you ever engage in Crisis Response in the U.S.?
Our primary focus is serving regions facing gospel poverty and spiritual persecution, internationally. However, we also support U.S. churches and communities in times of crisis when needs are severe, resources are available, and when we can add meaningful value. By partnering with churches both in the U.S. and in regions of hostility, we aim to empower churches everywhere to remain beacons of hope where the need is greatest.