K O PERSECUTION

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Website: http://www.secretbelievers.org/
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Latest Activity: Jul 9

Remember The Persecuted Church...by Katherine Britton

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering - Hebrews 13:3

How relevant is the persecuted church to your everyday life?

I keep a daily pulse on religious freedom issues, and channel my findings into Crosswalk.com's Religion Today newsletters. But for all of that awareness, I've realized that I don't really do that much for my fellow believers worldwide. Not on a personal level, anyway.

Safe in the U.S., the persecuted church often exists more as an object lesson in perseverance than as individuals I can relate to. These men and women in North Korea, Egypt, Somalia, Uzbekistan, China, and beyond are so far removed from me physically that I forget the unity we share as believers. And after all, the most I can do is support ministries that directly help these Christians, right?

Lately, I've questioned this attitude not just for its impersonal nature, but for its faith implications. If faith is hoping and praying for things unseen, then why don't we apply this to our relationship with believers on the other side of the world? It takes a bigger faith than I've had to consistently pray for that something and someone I'll probably never see, never know by name.

Consider James 5:16, where the early church father wrote that "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." That's not efficacy as we think of culturally, with measurable results and visible signs. James's vision extends so far beyond that, into an eternity where all of God's children from around the world will worship around the same throne. Do we believe that God uses our prayers to support our brothers and sisters today, on this side of heaven, as well?

Researchers guess that about 176,000 Christians worldwide may have been killed for their faith between mid-2008 and mid-2009. Many of those believers died in secrecy, as in the North Korean prison camps, and were cut off from other believers at the end. Now, consider that we have a daily opportunity to partner with these men and women in prayer. I have to think that's what the author of Hebrews really meant when he encouraged us to "remember" imprisoned believers.

I'll be the first to admit it: I'm guilty of not remembering my brothers and sisters in Christ. My unfaithfulness to them reflects a heart that hasn't quite grasped the enormity of the power of prayer. And yet there James is, telling me that the Christian's prayers have more impact than perhaps we'll ever know. So - how about it?

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is November 8. What if we all pick a country and pray for the believers living there in the coming month? I'll be praying for North Korea, and believe me, there are plenty of places to go around. Let's remember that we serve a God who delights to use our prayers in ways we can't even imagine. Let's remember the persecuted church.

Discussion Forum

Remember The Persecuted Church...by Katherine Britton

Started by ANOINTED FIGHTER Oct. 14, 2009.

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Comment by Larry E. Foreman on June 18, 2010 at 3:16pm: I was just reading different post on this website and it definitely woke me up to the fact that here in America we have the freedom to choose whatever religion we want while in foreign countries they are victims of Islam. If anyone don't know what "Islam" means the definition of it is submission; and that is what foreigners are dealing with on a daily basis. It also let me know how blessed most American christians are that we're not faced with this everyday because we could be in the same boat with a majority of foreigners who are confronted with this regularly.However, we must still pray for them that God will be their protector through all the trials and tribulations they are faced with and for these radical islamist who are like zombies in their way of thinking following the Koran.Islamic terroroist had already proven that they can harm us on 9/11 and the smell of death during that time was an experience that I would NEVER want to witness in my life again. As we continue to pray for our brothers and sisters here in America, we should also pray for the persecuted brothers and sisters of foreign blood for they are our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Comment by James Mace on February 21, 2010 at 2:25pm: My friends are administration and faculty at the seminary in Jos, Plateau State, central Nigeria. Muslims empowered by international jihadist groups like Al-Qaeda have long been waging jihad from the north of the country against our brothers and sisters in Christ, rioting, burning churches, kidnapping, raping and murdering believers, etc.

On Sunday 17 January Muslims conspired to impersonate policemen then surrounded a church service; while muslims attacked the innocent worshipers, they fled out and the fake police shot them, murdering many. This was the signal for attacks to begin against Christians all around the city of Jos. One seminarian who was almost graduated was targeted and murdered. Rampaging muslims burned and looted Christian churches, businesses and homes. In an ongoing manner even this month, Christians who seek to rebuild their demolished homes have them destroyed again by muslims.

Propagandists in the press deceive foreigners with false reports, and UN groups refuse to name the aggressors (since they are muslims). UN and ignorant foreigners say the government needs to take to themselves more powers to stop the violence, but the government doesn't have the will to oppose Islam. For example, after several murderous muslims were arrested after last year's seasonal attacks against Christians, nothing was done to them. The muslim agenda in Nigeria is jihadist in scope, with the intent to bring acquisition of territory and rule to themselves by hook or by crook. Then they deceptively cry to the world that they are being wronged, and the complicit press assists their propaganda.

Our own brothers and sister in Christ are undergoing persecution and genocide by imperialist muslim jihadists in Nigeria, and the fact is kept hidden from us by a lying Humanist press. Please pray for the work of the Church in west Africa as muslims do all they can to stop missionary work and the exercise of Christianity. Pray for ways we can assist our brethren being oppressed and killed. Pray and work for the awakening of the Church to love one another and spread the truth.

Comment by ANOINTED FIGHTER on February 19, 2010 at 9:49am: LAOS — Christians Evicted

In January, 48 Christians were forced from their homes by more than 100 officials and villagers in Katin village, Saravan province, Laos, according to Compass Direct News.

After gathering for Sunday worship, the believers were expelled from their church at gunpoint and taken to an open field. Officials then confiscated personal belongings from 11 Christians' homes, and six of the homes were later destroyed. Officials also took a pig, worth the equivalent of six weeks' salary, from one of the believers. When believers refused to renounce their faith, they were forced to leave the village. Officials have posted police at the entrance to the village to prevent the Christians from returning home or retrieving their valuables. At last report, the believers were staying in the woods, with barely any food or survival supplies.

The Christian community in Katin village has endured repeated persecution in recent years. In July 2008, 17 Christian families were detained and ordered to deny their faith. Ten families signed the documents and were able to return to the village, while the other families were evicted. Eventually, the seven evicted families also signed the recantation forms and moved back into the village. At last report, some of these Christians had again begun to gather for prayer and worship.

The Voice of the Martyrs stands with these persecuted believers and encourages you to pray that they will grow stronger in their faith. Ask God to protect and provide for the 48 Christians who have been expelled. Pray that the Christians who renounced their faith will turn to Jesus for strength and boldness. Finally, please pray that officials and villagers will stop persecuting Christians in Katin village.

Comment by ANOINTED FIGHTER on February 12, 2010 at 11:30am: SOMALIA — Underground Church Leader Killed

On Jan. 1, Mohammed Ahmed Ali, a 41-year-old underground church leader, was shot to death by members of the Muslim extremist group al-Shabaab, according to Compass Direct News.

Mohammed and his wife, Amina Ibrahim Hassan, were reportedly being monitored by the extremists because they had converted from Islam to Christianity. The extremists killed Mohammed, who became a Christian in 2000, after learning that he had organized New Year's Day festivities for Christians.

After Mohammed was killed, Amina received threatening phone calls from extremists saying, "We also know your home and that you are a follower of the Christians, and we are going to kill you the way we killed your husband." Amina and her two-year-old son, Abdi Asis Mohammed Ahmed, have safely relocated to Kenya. Pray that God will give Amina and Abdi peace and comfort as they mourn their loss. Ask God to provide for and protect this family. Pray that they will continue to grow in their faith in Christ. Pray for believers in Somalia, who risk all for their faith, and ask God to give them opportunities to share the love of Christ with their persecutors.

Comment by ANOINTED FIGHTER on February 8, 2010 at 9:11am: New Believers Attacked by Family

When Soumil Dutta, Shreyas Das and Saaz Das decided to surrender their lives to Christ, their families turned on them.

Their attackers beat them in an attempt to intimidate them in to denying Christ, but the three young men remained steadfast.

After the beating and threats did not work at home, the relatives tracked down Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Dadra Thackeray. Since it was through his church that these new Christians heard about Jesus, they threatened Dadra with extortion, saying they would make him pay 100,000 rupees ($2,164 US) for each person who became a believer through his church.

Our GFA field correspondent noted that the Lord is using Pastor Dadra in a great way to reach many souls for the Kingdom in the village where these three believers live. Pastor Dadra needs prayer for protection for him and his family, and that he will have grace and wisdom to handle the situation wisely.

He also asks for prayer for the new believers who are being treated badly by their family, that the Lord will also protect them and strengthen their hearts so their faith will remain strong.

The family members and the others tormenting them, who are still furious about the choice these young men have made, need prayer as well, that they will come to know the love of the Lord and realize the truth about Jesus.

Comment by ANOINTED FIGHTER on January 8, 2010 at 9:11am: ISRAEL — Jewish Christian Seeks Protection Following Repeated Attacks

Yossi Yomtov, a Jewish Christian, is seeking police protection following four attacks against him because of his faith in Jesus Christ, according to Compass Direct News. Yomtov, a resident of Jerusalem, told Compass that police have been slow to investigate hate crimes committed against him by youths wearing kippahs, cloth skullcaps typically worn by observant Jews.

"In two of the attacks, a youth plied him with pepper spray and stun gun shocks," Yomtov told Compass. "This young man cursed me for my belief in Christ," he said. "He used ugly curses and spoke in highly abusive language." Pray for Yomtov's protection as he courageously lives for Christ. Pray that his testimony will draw others into fellowship with Christ. Praise God for Yomtov's witness.

Comment by ANOINTED FIGHTER on January 1, 2010 at 10:29am: On Dec. 17, security police and undercover officers attacked a Christmas gathering of more than 70 newly converted Christians in the city of Karaj, Iran, according to Farsi Christian News.

Officers photographed and videotaped the believers and also confiscated Bibles, Christian books and a computer. Christians were told they must be available during the period leading up to formal and legal interrogations and that they must appear before prosecutors when ordered. Two of the leaders of the group, Kambiz Saghaee and Ali Keshvar-Doost, were arrested.

At last report, Saghaee and Keshvar-Doost remained in detention at an undisclosed location, and their families had neither been able to contact them nor received confirmation from police of their whereabouts. Pray that Saghaee and Keshvar-Doost will be released.

The Voice of the Martyrs actively supports persecuted believers in Indonesia by providing resources for churches and pastors and helping displaced believers rebuild their lives. Pray that the new converts who attended this meeting will grow stronger in their faith in Christ. Pray for the safety of Iranian believers celebrating the birth of Jesus and the beginning of a new blessed year, as many must gather in secret to avoid attention from authorities.

Comment by ANOINTED FIGHTER on December 28, 2009 at 11:28am: IRAQ — Churches Bombed in Mosul

On Dec. 15, two churches and a school were targeted in bomb attacks in Mosul, Iraq, according to VOMCanada. In the late morning, a car bomb exploded in front of the Church of the Annunciation in the al-Mohandiseen neighborhood, damaging walls and windows. The assailants also threw grenades at the nearby Christian school, killing a baby girl and injuring many others.

In another attack, an explosive device was detonated in front of the Syro-Catholic Church of the Immaculate in the northern neighborhood of al-Shifaa. No one was killed or injured. The bombings are the latest in a series of recent attacks on Christian sites in Mosul. Many Christians have fled Iraq, while others are afraid to even leave their homes.

The Voice of the Martyrs stands with and supports persecuted Christians in Iraq. We encourage you to pray that God will comfort the family of the young girl who was killed. Ask God to heal the injured, and pray that Iraqi Christians will be filled with hope and peace as they celebrate the birth of Christ amid the threat of violence.

Comment by ANOINTED FIGHTER on December 7, 2009 at 1:46pm: SOMALIA — Christian martyred

On Nov. 14, the body of a 23-year-old Christian convert, Mumin Abdikarim Yusuf, was discovered in Mogadishu's Yaqshid district, according to Compass Direct News. On Oct. 28, members of al-Shabaab, an Islamic extremist group, detained Yusuf and searched his home for Christian materials. A 15-year-old Muslim boy had accused Yusuf of trying to convert him to Christianity.

In an attempt to gain evidence against Yusuf and to gain information about other Somali Christians, the extremists knocked out all of Yusuf's front teeth and broke several of his fingers. They then shot him twice in the head and dumped his body on an empty residential street. Since it is unknown whether Yusuf revealed information about other Christians during his torture, the underground Christians who knew him have relocated for their safety. Yusuf's Muslim family members are also in danger, as extremists have accused them of failing to report his conversion to Christianity.

The Voice of the Martyrs supports persecuted Christians through a project to assist evangelists and encourage converts from Islam. Pray for all those mourning the death of this brother in the Lord. Pray for safety for the relocated believers. Pray that Yusuf's faithful witness will be a testimony to his Muslim family members and that they will turn to Jesus for their salvation.

Comment by ANOINTED FIGHTER on November 30, 2009 at 9:20am: ISRAEL – Christian Family Continues to Be Persecuted

Eleven-year-old Rivka's Messianic Jewish family continues to face persecution from extremist Jewish factions in Israel, according to VOM contacts and the Jerusalem Institute of Justice.

Rivka's father, a pastor, relocated his family after a car bomb exploded in the family's driveway.Now, their new landlord has received threats from Jewish extremists who want them evicted. Recently, somebody poured sugar into the fuel lines of their vehicle, which destroyed its engine. Earlier this year, Rivka was questioned by a prominent rabbi and two activists from Yad L'Achim, an organization whose stated goal is "fighting Christian missionaries."

Rivka's family is facing what has become a growing problem in Israel — persecution against Christians by extremist Jewish factions. The Voice of the Martyrs stands with Rivka's family and encourages you to pray God will provide for this family and protect them. Ask God to use the family's courageous testimony to draw non believers into fellowship with him.