International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
As you may know, today is recognized as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church by churches and ministries around the world. As fellow laborers, we must not forget the plight of brothers and sisters across the globe who face heavy persecution for claiming the name of our Savior - the Lord Jesus Christ.
From Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and beyond, over 360 million Christians now live in places where they face high levels of persecution, equating to one in seven Christians globally. What this looks like may be different for each individual, but it includes suffering extreme injustice, disowning from family, ostracization, displacement, imprisonment, and even martyrdom.
The statistics for the rising Christian persecution are distressing. According to the World Watch List, 5,621 Christians were killed, over 2,100 churches were attacked, and more than 4,500 Christians were detained for their faith in 2022. These staggering numbers highlight the harsh reality that many believers endure daily – harassment, discrimination, wrongful imprisonment, and even death for their devotion to Christ.
However, though believers may be struck down by persecution, it does not destroy their faith. We are powerfully reminded of this by Paul, who says in 2 Corinthians chapter 4: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” (4:8-10)
Even as we lift these precious brethren up in prayer for the struggles they endure, we can be encouraged and strengthened by the testimonies we hear of their faithfulness in the face of evil and mistreatment. The resilience and unwavering trust in God they display serve as a testament to the enduring power of Christ in their lives.
Hebrews 13:3 exhorts us to “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
So as we are reminded of their plight, let us commit to following this biblical command and pray for them in unity with other Christians across the world. Let us lift up our persecuted brothers and sisters, praying that the Holy Spirit would empower them to stand firm in their faith, obedient to Christ even amidst hardships.
Nigerian doctor hacked to death by Muslims; Terrorists Kill & Kidnap
Hundreds of Christians have been killed this year in Nigeria’s Nasarawa State at the hands of radical Muslims. Morning Star News reports that the latest attack came on a medical doctor.
Dr. Stephen Angbas, head of the Angbas Medical Clinic in the town of Lafia, was hacked to death in the afternoon of October 17th, as he was returning home from his work. He was a member of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ.
Pray that God would comfort his family in their horrific loss.
Meanwhile in Northern Nigeria, the Christian village of Ungwan Baka was attacked by suspected Fulani terrorists in the early hours of this past Tuesday. One christian was killed, two were wounded, and twenty-five others were kidnapped
Source - Doctor slain
Source - Terrorist attack
