Until recently, reports of Christian persecution were rarely front-page news. ISIS and its particularly nauseating brand of cruelty has awakened the disinterested news outlets, and social media has exploded the reports, refusing to let the stories go unnoticed.
And yet …
Folks, this happens daily. All over the world. And has, since Jesus left his friends scanning the skies after his departure.
Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Today is the day set aside to remember and spread awareness of the simple fact that being Christian means being an enemy of the world … and someone, somewhere is paying the price.
A day of prayer is incredible. A day of prayer is needed. But friends, it shouldn’t stop there.
Please, consider the following resources to help your family walk alongside those who call upon Christ in places where to do so means trial and perhaps death:
Voice of the Martyrs has a variety of ways to get involved and learn more. Check out their action page, paying close attention to the tools we’ve found truly priceless in our family: the Torchlighters DVD series, which sets the stage for understanding the current age of martyrdom in which we live, and the prayer map, an interactive tool for tracking today’s headlines in terms of the faith.
Kids of Courage (VOM’s youth site) has so many resources, a homeschooler could make an entire unit study of the persecuted church … for an entire lifetime of education. We’ve downloaded and bound the Bold Believers workbooks, using them alongside country studies. We’ve watched videos to put faces to the idea of “those suffering for Jesus.” And we’ve worked through the Belief Chart, answering our questions about who believes what in the world.
Bonnie Rose’s A Martyr’s Christmas refocuses our eyes on those truly in need during the time of year we tend to focus on our wants. Her site offers many more resources, too. Take some time to explore!
Partner with a ministry or support missionaries working in areas of persecution. Our family would be honored to answer any questions about our call to serve, but there are also countless others laboring to shine the light of Christ in the most hostile places. Find them, support them, and be a part of the hope!
Thank you for sharing my resources and for all you and your family do for the Church around the world.