A round-up of news on the plight of the persecuted Church. If it helps bring a little awareness, then that’s a great start. There are also some resources at the bottom for practical ways you can get involved and help our suffering family.
Christian Girl in Uganda Seriously Injured, Traumatized after Gang-Rape, Father Says – April 14
UGANDA—A 17-year-old girl was attacked by five men because her father, a pastor, refused to close his church. Uganda, as a whole, is about 85% Christian, but in the district where the attack took place, Christians are a minority.
Why Won’t Obama Help My Syrian Christian Family? – April 16
SYRIA—Not breaking news, but a testimony from a believer who survived persecution in Syria and now lives in the U.S.
There I made sure to be seen by a man who knew my family, who later told them that he saw me with the “Visitors of the Night,” as we call them in Syria.
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15-yr-old Christian boy set ablaze by 2 Muslims, dies from horrific burns – April 16
PAKISTAN—A teenage boy was set on fire when he answered two men who asked if he was a Christian. Although he had burns over 55% of his boy, doctors initially thought he would survive. He died early Wednesday morning, though, because the hospital didn’t have adequate burn treatment facilities.
“Nouman was brave throughout his pain and spoke of forgiveness for his attackers. He dies a martyr and will no doubt be with the Lord today,” Chowdhry said.
Italy accused of bringing in Islamist ‘terrorists’ after Christians thrown into sea – April 16
ITALY—Police are investigating claims that a clash among asylum seekers on a smuggler boat led to a dozen Christians being thrown overboard and drown in the Mediterranean.
Fifteen Muslim migrants, believed to be from Senegal, Ivory Coast,and Mali, were arrested, accused of having thrown the Christians from Ghana and Nigeria into the sea after the fight broke out. They are suspected of being responsible for “multiple aggravated murders, motivated by religious hatred”, police said.
There are, of course, dozens and dozens or other stories being told and hundreds that no one ever hears about.
Some of the sources reporting on Christian persecution include:
How to Help Persecuted Christians
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. (Hebrews 13:3)
1. Pray
Pray first. It’s hard to know how to pray in very difficult situations, so we take our cues from the very first persecuted Christians.
Acts 4:29-30
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Acts 7:60
And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 12:5
So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
2. Give
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? (James 2:15-16)
There are lots of ministries helping persecuted believers in very practical ways.
- VOM Action Packs—Voice of the Martyrs sponsors large care packages that are delivered to Christians in areas of need. You can request an empty one and pack it yourself, or pay to have one packed and shipped directly.
- Open Doors—Give toward Bible distribution efforts, community restoration, programs to advance women and children, and more.
3. Be a Voice
Raise awareness. The Christian experience in the West is very different from the Christian experience in many parts of the world, and most people—Christian or not—don’t know.
- Sign a petition for freedom
- Write a letter to a Chrisian prisoner through VOM, or through OpenDoors
Whatever you do, don’t do nothing.