Global Christian Relief urged us to participate in the “International Day of Prayer.” If you didn’t know such a day existed, that’s the organization’s point—we need to know more about Christian persecution worldwide.
The full name of the commemoration on November 3 each year is “The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.” The day was established so those with freedom of choice and religion would intercede for those without. People in many other countries have to worship in secret, smuggle Bibles into their country, and evangelize the lost in fear of being arrested, punished, or even put to death.
For organizations like Global Christian Relief, International Day of Prayer is every day as they support missionaries and church leaders in five global regions: Central, East, and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of those regions are Islamic fundamentalist, where they have outlawed Christian practices.
“There has been a rise in the persecution and oppression of Christians over the last 15 years or so,” GCR President and CEO David Curry told The Christian Post. “And we need to awaken to that and do a couple of things.”
Some people endure horrific conditions if they are labeled as a Christ’s followers. That heinous treatment, which the majority of Christians in the states Christians are urged to understand, may cause us all to do more than a couple of things.
Inside the Numbers of Christian Persecution
Open Doors, another global organization that supports those living in fear of Christian persecution, releases an annual “World Watch List.” It shares mind-boggling numbers about the fifty top countries worldwide where believers face “extreme persecution.” These statistics underscore the importance of times like the “International Day of Prayer.”
- 365 million Christians are subjected to “high levels of persecution and discrimination.”
- This equals 1 in 5 Christians in Africa and 1 in 7 in Asia.
- In 2023, 4,998 Christians were killed for “faith-related reasons”–90% of those were in Nigeria.
- Over 14,500 churches and other Christ-centric properties were sacked or vandalized last year.
- Other countries outside of Nigeria that top the Open Doors list are North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, and Yemen.
Christians risk their lives daily to share the good news of Jesus Christ. In America, religion is becoming a pastime. In other countries, prayer for the future is required. Curry shared his opinion about the genesis of Christian persecution.
“Because we have to recognize this is a spiritual battle,” he continued. “First, we’ve got to start with prayer. It’s life or death. So we’ve got to understand it’s more than just politics; that’s why we start with prayer, and then there’s advocacy. I think once people get into this and they see that their voice makes a difference, then we can start talking about this with our representatives, having our churches pray about it, and we can move the needle on Western governments, the U.S., the U.K., France, speaking out for Christians who are being persecuted for their faith.”
Other harrowing statistics about Christian persecution include:
- Another 4,000 Christians were jailed, imprisoned, or otherwise detained
- Close to 300,000 were displaced from their homes or deported from the country
- In 2023, Christians faced more violent attacks for their faith than any time in recent history
According to Global Christian Relief, there is more we can do in the U.S. to help our brothers and sisters in other countries. We should consider standing in the gap and petitioning the Lord to fill it.
How to Help Persecuted Christians Globally
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
It will happen. Christian persecution is everywhere. If it isn’t hiding from people who seek to do you bodily harm for your faith, we are teased and lambasted in open media for believing in Jesus Christ. It’s only getting worse, so what are some ways we can raise our own awareness and become more mindful of those in jeopardy for loving the Lord?
1. Know the News
Christian publications and outlets, like Beliefnet and Patheos, stay in tune with news about Christian persecution. National media networks occasionally share news about the subject, so we need to be diligent about finding headlines sharing these stories. There is also missionary news in churches or newsletters from GCR or Open Door. Subscribe, research, and learn more about this plight.
2. Pray for Protection
The Bible says in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” The Body of Christ should pray for the Lord to help those being persecuted overcome their tribulations. God longs to hear from us, but when we have a mission to our prayers for a hedge of protection for those around the world, it commissions need and creates an opportunity for God to show Himself to be true.
3. Donate for Help
Each of these organizations, many others nationwide, and possibly in your church, need financial resources to purchase Bibles, supplies, or even food. Send them money or organizations that can provide direct care for those missionary organizations and underground churches. That helps us all stand in solidarity with those persecuted for their faith and punished for doing the Lord’s work.
4. Keep in Touch
One aspect of ministry many of these missionary-focused organizations provide that few realize is a mailing list. Imagine being in a foreign land hunted for extolling the name of Jesus. It can be difficult to stay encouraged. A letter or a card from fellow believers helps them understand they are not alone. Reading inspiring messages keeps them motivated to continue their good work and reach more people for the glory of God.
5. Ask the Church
Do you know if your church acts as an extension of missions in these sensitive countries? Ask your pastor and find out. If your church is supporting the mission field, consider asking what you can do to help. More importantly, if not, talk to a church leader to see if raising awareness, funds, or supplies could be something for your church body to create. Plan campaigns and establish ways to support these missionaries facing persecution worldwide.
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