Bleeding for Christ

Around the world, Believers in Christ are suffering and dying for their faith. Join with Christians worldwide as we unite in bringing hope, help, and relief to the persecuted church during the International Days of Prayer (IDOP) and Suffering Church Action week (SCAW).

by William L. Nowell

Published November 7, 2015

Prayer + Action = Changed Lives

The International Days of Prayer (IDOP) for the Persecuted Church will take place on November 1 and 8, 2015. Each year, the IDOP gives millions of Christians from around the world the privilege of praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

In many parts of the world, Christians live in constant fear of violence and death. Here in the USA we may not suffer as Believers do in other countries and consequently we may feel disconnected from them. Yet, they are our family in Christ. The Scriptures tell us that when one part of the body (of Believers) hurts, we all hurt. (1 Corinthians 12:26-27) The Lord expects us to be connected enough to feel the pain of our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, Northern Africa, North Korea, Colombia, Mexico, and wherever persecution exists. The church in America needs to wake up!

The daily reality of millions of Christians is harassment, loss of jobs, violence, imprisonment, and murder. Studies show that 80% of all religious persecution is against Christians. We MUST stand with and support our persecuted family of Believers.

Hebrews 13:3 tells us to "continue to remember the Lord's people who are in prison and being mistreated. Remember them as if you were in prison with them and suffering with them." How are we to remember them? The Scriptures don't give us specifics, but prayer is a no brainer. The least we can do is to pray for them.

Pray, Pray, Pray

Pray daily for the persecuted church. Use my 30-Day Prayer Calendar for the Persecuted Church as a guide when praying for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ. Visit I Commit to Pray. And, above all, PRAY!

A Call to Action

Prayer is essential, but I am reminded of James 2:17, 20, and 26, that faith without works is dead. We must pray - the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16) - but there is more we can do.

Barnabas Aid, an organization that deals with Christian persecution, has designated November 1 - 8, 2015 as Suffering Church Action Week (SCAW).

Struck Down but Unconquered: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." (2 Corinthians 4:8-10) This is the theme of Suffering Church Action Week.

Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

You may not be a political or military leader, a wealthy businessman, a popular entertainer, or influential in any way. You may feel there's nothing you can do, but that's not so. There are many ways you can impact and improve the lives of persecuted Christians worldwide. Consider doing some, or all, of the following suggestions.

Petitions

Let your voice be heard through petitions such as these:

Letters of Encouragement

Many of you are, no doubt, familiar with the plight of Saeed Abedini. He is an American pastor who has been imprisoned in Iran for the past three years. His only "crime" is being a Christian. If he will deny Christ (which he will not do), then they will release him. I'm sure his wife, Mrs. Naghmeh Abedini, and their children would be greatly encouraged by letters of support. You can send letters of support to:

Naghmeh Abedini
c/o American Center for Law & Justice
PO Box 64429
Virginia Beach, VA 23467

Write notes of encouragement to Christians in Kenya. Also, send letters of encourage to Christians imprisoned for their faith.

Social Media

Use social media to spread the word about Christian persecution, and what can be done about it.

Host a Dinner Party

Use the occasion to tell your friends about the plight of persecuted Christians. Websites such as Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors, and others have up-to-date information, DVDs, videos and other resources to educate and motivate the uninformed.

Action Packs

Get a small group of people together to fill Actions Packs for Christians in need.

Advocacy

Work through government leaders to make a change: Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws. (H.Res. 290)

Stay Informed

Read my article, Christian Holocaust. Also, visit these websites and others dedicated to serving the persecuted church:

Donate

Medical treatment, Bible distribution, community rebuilding, etc. takes money. By partnering with ministries that provide help, hope, and relief to persecuted Christians, you impact the lives of untold numbers suffering Believers in Christ. Your dollars make a difference.

Let's make the most of these 8 days of prayer and action for the suffering church. Remember that prayer + action = changed lives.