According to at least one news agency, persecution of Christians is greater than at any other time in history. The top 5 countries where there is extreme persecution include North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, and Pakistan. However, there is significant persecution of Christians in other parts of the world as well.

We should not be surprised. Paul told Timothy, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). It is not a pleasant thought but a present reality in many parts of the world. Even in the United States there are believers who are maligned for their faith, Christian businesses are sometimes boycotted, and families are often divided.

Although persecution of believers is widespread, most Christians in America have been spared. Because we have not experienced the level of persecution that believers in other parts of the world have endured, it is easy for the American Church to become indifferent to the suffering in places that seem so far away. It is important that we continue to remind the Church in America of the needs of our brothers and sisters around the world.

SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 4 IS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

The video that is available at https://www.persecution.com/idop/ would be very appropriate to share during worship on Sunday morning, November 4. Allow time in the service to pray for believers who are being persecuted. Pray they will remain faithful. Pray for their protection. Pray that the churches will flourish and continue to make disciples.

Pray for the persecutors. Pray that God will reveal Himself to them. Pray that God will deliver them from the bondage to the enemy. Pray they will trust Christ as their Lord and Savior.