Persecution Sunday

Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant when He said, “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers”? Does it seem to you as though this statement doesn’t apply to the current day and age? We want to encourage you then to visit the websites for Open Doors USA and Voice of the Martyrs. These organizations seek to inform others about the tremendous persecution of Christians that is taking place throughout the world. Here are a few stories:

“A 17-year-old Christian was beheaded by al-Shabab extremists on Sept. 25 as he prepared for school. Al-Shabab, determined to rid Somalia of Christianity and Western influence, had carefully monitored Guled Jama Muktar and his family since their arrival from Kenya in 2008, a source told Compass Direct News. ‘I personally know this family as Christians who used to have secret Bible meetings in their house…’” (VOTM News)

“NAIROBI, Kenya, November 4 (Compass Direct News) – A Somali Christian in Kenya is nursing injuries after young Muslim men from his country beat him with iron rods and wooden clubs last week, leaving him unconscious at a church entryway.” (From Open Doors USA)

Most Christians in America seem to be oblivious to the persecution that their brethren face in other parts of the country. Persecution that is not reserved for only “closed nations” or underground churches. There will be a day when all Christians everywhere will be persecuted for their faith, but we must not forget those that are being persecuted now!

This Sunday, November 13, 2011, is the National Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Missional Evangelists for Jesus Christ wants to encourage you and your church family to take a moment to put down your coffee and lift up your persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ through prayer this Sunday. We also encourage regular prayer for the persecuted church, not just once a year. Both ministries listed above offer some amazing resources to help your church take part in the National Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. May God bless you as you pray for your persecuted brethren!