The Persecuted Church

Have you ever met someone whose personal story is so overwhelming, you leave stunned and transformed? I am sure if I had ever met the Apostle Paul, that would have been the case. To hear him tell how Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus would have been incredible. To listen to his stories of perseverance in the face of persecution would have been inspiring.

I met such a person while I was a student at Moody Bible Institute. At that time I was part of a group who met regularly to pray for believers behind the Iron Curtain. Someone invited Richard Wurmbrand to come and speak. He was a pastor in Romania when the communists took over the country. He was imprisoned and tortured multiple times for his faith in Christ. I left that meeting with a new respect for those who do not enjoy the religious freedoms we have here in America.

Sunday, November 12, is the International Day of Prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. Make no mistake, persecution still happens today. While the Iron Curtain may have fallen, there is still a need for us to remember those who suffer for their faith in Jesus Christ.

Let me encourage you to learn more about what is happening around the world. Pray for the governmental leaders, that they would allow us to practice our faith in peace. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted that they would be empowered to show the love of Christ to their persecutors. Pray for our government, that they would effectively challenge oppressive regimes to allow religious freedom.

For more information, check out these websites:

There is an International Day of Prayer website with links to a number of organizations who support persecuted believers around the world.

Missions Network News has regular stories about those who are persecuted for their faith, as does the website Christian Persecution Information.

Voice of the Martyrs has stories about those persecuted for their faith; information on how to write to those in prison; information on the International Day of Prayer; and a short biography of Richard Wurmbrand. They also have a blog with stories about the persecution of believers around the world.

Open Doors USA has a free packet of materials you can request that will help you know how to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.