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Wake Up Believer!

Wake Up Believer!

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3)

Did you know that today over 200 million Christians worldwide face persecution for the sake of the Gospel? Here in the United States it’s hard to fathom what religious persecution really means. Christians in other countries where religious freedom is not granted are harassed, threatened, beaten, imprisoned, tortured, starved and even killed for following Jesus.  Yet many believers in the United States remain uninformed about religious persecution. It’s far too easy to forget our fellow brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith.

Not surprising, however,  every attempt to wipe out Christianity and to silence the Gospel message has failed. In fact, government restrictions, extremist groups and relentless persecution have not stopped the growth of God’s triumphant church!  (Matthew 16:18)  So what can you do?

Did you know that the first request of persecuted Christians is “Please pray for us”?

Christians like you have a crucial role to play in this spiritual battle. Prayer is a powerful and effective weapon for protecting, strengthening and encouraging persecuted Christians throughout the world through the Holy Spirit.  This Sunday, November 3rd, is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Please make time on this day to spend in prayer on behalf of those suffering for their faith. But don’t stop there. We will be handing out prayer guides that you will be able to use for seven days to help you pray specifically for the Persecuted Church.

After that, continue to pray without ceasing! (1 Thess. 5:17). Remember the first request of those being persecuted!

Below you will find just a few of many websites available for more information. We encourage you to check out some of these websites in order to familiarize yourself with the countries around the world that face major persecution and to better enable yourself to pray.

We encourage you to pray, lifting up our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing such persecution, even to the point of death. It means so much to them to know they are not alone, that you stand with them as brothers and sisters in Christ.

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3)

Persecution in 55 Countries – map showing 55 countries where Christians face persecution

Children of Courage Prayer Guide – tells the stories of children in different countries and how you can pray for them

How to Pray for Persecuted Christians – great resource using scripture to guide your prayers

Voice of the Martyrs – website geared towards the persecuted church; also gives info on how you can write to those who are imprisoned for their faith

Barnabus Fund – website geared towards hope and relief for the persecuted church

Smyrna Ministries – dedicated to interceding for persecuted Christians and resourcing national ministry projects in places where Islam is dominant.

Morning Star News – independent news service focusing exclusively on persecution of Christians