Christian Holocaust
by William L. NowellWar Against the People of the Cross
Many people in the West relegate Christian persecution to ancient history and quaint Hollywood movies. They envision the Roman Empire, lions and coliseums - images not associated with today's world. But in fact, across the globe, extreme Christian persecution is a daily reality.
Violent acts routinely inflicted on Christians include:
- attacks and beatings
- imprisonment
- acid thrown into faces
- limbs hacked off
- being burned alive
- beheadings
There's a rising tide of extreme persecution sweeping the globe. Yet, this persecution goes largely unreported by the Western media. The year 2014 was one of the worst years of Christian persecution in modern history. However, the escalating violence on Christians receives little media coverage.
Though I'm not surprised by the apathy of the secular media towards Christians, I am alarmed by the astounding lack of knowledge of persecution by so many professing Christians. Even worse is the shameful lack of concern by those who know of the plight of our persecuted family of Believers. I'm reminded of the words of Yeshua to the church in Laodicea, "I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." Yeshua also warned, "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." (Revelation 3:16-17, 19)
Sunday, November 2, 2014, the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for the Persecuted Church, came and went with little to no recognition by many in the Church. We may not be held responsible for the inaction of the Church at large; however, each of us is responsible for our actions, or lack thereof. I urge each of you reading this article to pray for our persecuted family in the Lord. Our family in the Lord is experiencing a Christian holocaust, unprecedented in savagery. The least we can do is support them with our prayers. Use this 30-Day Prayer Calendar as a guide when praying for the persecuted Church.
Printer-friendly 30-Day Calendar: How to Pray for Persecuted Christians
30-Day Prayer Calendar for the Persecuted Church
Day 1
Morning Prayer
Pray that God, in His grace and mercy, takes what persecutors mean for evil and uses it for the good of those who love the Lord. (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28)
Evening Prayer
In 2014, the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram murdered over 9,000 people. On January 3, 2015, they savagely attacked the city of Baga, Nigeria killing over 2,000 people in the second deadliest terrorist assault after the 9/11 strike on America. According to their leader, "This is just the beginning of the killings." Pray for a swift and decisive defeat of these bloodthirsty Islamic terrorists.
Day 3
Morning Prayer
Pray that the persecuted do not feel abandoned by God, but draw strength and courage from the knowledge that God will never leave them or abandon them. (Deuteronomy 31:6,8, Hebrews 13:5)
Evening Prayer
Pray for the 50,000-70,000 Christians imprisoned in North Korean labor camps. Pray for God to sustain them.
Day 5
Morning Prayer
Pray that the persecuted will rejoice in the knowledge that the kingdom of heaven is theirs. (Matt 5:10, 2 Timothy 2:12; 1 Peter 3:14; Rev 20:4)
Evening Prayer
Pray for Eyob Mussie and the thousands of Eritrean Christians held in dungeon-like prisons. Pray that the God of grace and mercy grant them healing and deliverance.
Pray for Strength to Endure
You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. (Mark 13:13)
Day 7
Morning Prayer
Pray that the persecuted are able to forgive and to love their persecutors. (Matthew 5:44, Luke 23:34, Acts 7:60, Rom 12:14)
Evening Prayer
In the United Arab Emirates, the government classifies all citizens as Muslims. The penalty for conversion to Christianity is death. Pray that the government allows its citizens freedom to choose Christianity - freedom to choose eternal life.
Day 9
Morning Prayer
Pray, as Yeshua prayed, that they would be protected from the evil one. (John 17:15)
Evening Prayer
In roughly 52 countries, it is illegal to own a Bible. In North Korea, anyone caught with a Bible is sentenced to prison along with three generations of his or her family. Pray that Bibles and Christian materials get to Believers and remain undetected by the police and government.
Day 11
Morning Prayer
Pray that those who discriminate against, oppress and torment Christians will repent, turn from their wicked ways, and turn to God. (Acts 9:5-6, 15)
Evening Prayer
Pray for Open Doors, Voice of Martyrs, Barnabas Aid and other Christian organizations providing food, shelter, medical aid and trauma counseling to persecuted Christians worldwide.
Day 13
Morning Prayer
Pray that the persecuted see their troubles as brief and insignificant, not worth comparing to the eternal glory that will be given to them. (2 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 8:18)
Evening Prayer
Pray for former Muslims who, having found salvation in Christ, risk being targeted for abuse and/or killed by their own families or communities. Pray for their safety.
There's Power in Prayer
...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
Day 15
Morning Prayer
Pray that our brothers and sisters in Christ feel connected to the worldwide body of believers. Pray that they stand strong in their faith knowing that the Lord's people throughout the world are having the same kinds of suffering. (1 Corinthians 12:20, 26; 1 Peter 5:9)
Evening Prayer
Pray for the effectiveness of evangelistic outreaches through radio and satellite TV, social media and the Internet. Pray for creativity in the use of smart phone apps for sharing the gospel.
Day 17
Morning Prayer
Pray that when the weight of persecution seems beyond their ability to endure, they will rely on God's strength to deliver them and not their own strength. (2 Corinthians 1:8-10)
Evening Prayer
Pray that governments will not enforce Islamic Sharia Law, laws of apostasy, blasphemy and proselytizing.
Day 19
Morning Prayer
Pray that they will be content whatever the circumstances, relying on Christ to give them strength. (Philippians 4:11-13, 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, 2 Timothy 4:16-18)
Evening Prayer
Pray for those imprisoned for their faith. Pray that what Satan meant for evil, God will use for His glory. May the gospel set prisoners free from the power of sin, while behind prison bars.
Day 21
Morning Prayer
Pray that those who have lost loved ones will find both comfort and joy in knowing that they will see their loved ones again at the coming of the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)
Evening Prayer
Pray for unity among all of God's people.
Day 23
Morning Prayer
Pray that churches will continue to meet, and grow, in spite of persecution. (Hebrews 10:25)
Evening Prayer
Pray that Christian leaders receive proper training, bibles and Christian resources needed to shepherd their flocks effectively.
Day 25
Morning Prayer
Pray for the Lord's people to remember all Jesus patiently endured and that this encourages them to not grow weary and give up. (Hebrews 12:3)
Evening Prayer
Pray that threatened Believers find refuge in safe houses.
Our Anchor in the Storm
Almighty God, Eternal Father, may Your persecuted sons and daughters in Christ rejoice in the sure hope of their eternal inheritance(A); an inheritance beyond what any eye has seen, or ear heard, or has entered into the heart of man(B). May this hope be a strong and secure anchor for their souls(C) in times of trouble. Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen.
(A) Colossians 1:12, Colossians 3:24, Hebrews 9:15; (B) 1 Corinthians 2:9; (C) Hebrews 6:19
Day 27
Morning Prayer
Pray that God generously supplies His practical, divine, Christlike wisdom to all who follow His Son, and pray they exercise His wisdom in all situations. (James 1:5)
Evening Prayer
Pray for the families of Christian martyrs. Pray that God's shalom - peace that passes understanding - comfort them.
Day 29
Morning Prayer
Pray that instead of asking "why me?" the persecuted will accept that trials come to prove their faith is genuine. When they have passed the test, they will receive praise, glory, and honor when Christ returns. (1 Peter 1:7)
Evening Prayer
Pray that Christians denied employment, health care, housing and necessities such as water depend on the "Lord Who Provides". Pray He supplies their every need.
Our Father ...
Deliver Us from the Evil One
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12 )
Pray for God's Holy People
pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests... be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)
Day 2
Morning Prayer
Pray that the sincere faith of Christian parents is passed on to their children. (2 Timothy 1:5, Deuteronomy 11:19)
Evening Prayer
Pray for Pastor Saeed Abedini and the other Christians imprisoned in Iran. Pray that physical and psychological abuse ceases and they are allowed to return home to their families.
Day 4
Morning Prayer
Pray that ministry activities will go undetected by those who would stop the spreading of the Gospel. (Acts 9:25; Joshua 2:15-16; 2 Corinthians 11:32-33)
Evening Prayer
Pray for the thousands of Iraqi Christian refugees forced by ISIS to flee to northern Iraq where they are homeless and without jobs. Pray that the Lord will make a way for them to survive.
Day 6
Morning Prayer
Pray that they are able to rejoice in the face of suffering knowing they have a great reward in heaven. (Matthew 5:12, Acts 5:40-41)
Evening Prayer
Pray for churches in Mexico targeted by drug cartels because of their rehabilitation programs. Pray they are successful in rehabilitating former drug addicts and in sharing the life transforming gospel message.
Day 8
Morning Prayer
Pray that the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say and pray that they speak in a way that makes the gospel message clear. (Matthew 10:19 and Colossians 4:3-4)
Evening Prayer
Pray that Christians in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan are kept safe from church bombings. Pray that they find unique and creative ways to come together when no church building is available.
We Are One in Christ
Just as a body... there are many parts, but one body... If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. (1 Corinthians 12:12, 20, 26)
Click the map for a larger image
Day 10
Morning Prayer
Pray that, even in the face of persecution, the Lord will enable them to speak the Word with great boldness, without fear and with all confidence. (Acts 4:29)
Evening Prayer
Well over 10,000 people in Nigeria and Cameroon have been forced to flee from violent attacks by Boko Haram. Pray that they find shelter and that they are protected from further attacks.
Day 12
Morning Prayer
Pray that those who are singled out, ridiculed and harassed because they follow the Savior will never be ashamed of their faith in the Gospel of Christ. (Romans 1:16)
Evening Prayer
Pray for "Musa" and other former Muslims who have been disowned by their families. Pray they are embraced by Believers and welcomed into their new family in Christ.
Day 14
Morning Prayer
Pray that those called to be His holy people are not tempted to repay evil with evil, instead they will trust in the Lord to execute vengeance. (Romans 12:19)
Evening Prayer
Pray that Christians who meet in secrete underground churches are not discovered and that they will grow in numbers and in faith.
Day 16
Morning Prayer
Pray that ministers and Christian workers will give themselves fully to the work of the Lord knowing that united with the Lord, their labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Evening Prayer
Pray that God's hand of protection surround pastors and Christian workers who minister in hostile Muslim areas.
Day 18
Morning Prayer
Pray that imprisoning followers of Jesus serves as an opportunity to spread the gospel behind prison walls. Pray that God prepares the hearts and minds of prison guards and the prison population to receive the message of life. Also, pray that their imprisonment will inspire other Believers to speak clearly and confidently the Word of God without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14, Colossians 4:3-4)
Evening Prayer
Pray that Al-Qaeda's influence and that of other militant Islamist organizations is stifled.
Always Watch and Pray
Be clearheaded and alert at all times. Your enemy, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
Day 20
Morning Prayer
Pray that God will open doors of opportunity for His people to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ. (Colossians 4:3)
Evening Prayer
Pray that governments cease closing churches, that attacks on places of worship end, and that Christians are allowed to worship in peace and safety.
Day 22
Morning Prayer
Pray for governments, political leaders, and all those in positions of authority to allow Christians freedom to live, work, and worship God in peace and safety. (1 Timothy 2:2)
Evening Prayer
Pray for Muslim Background Believers in Christ and converts from other religions. Pray that they are embraced by other Christians and encouraged to stay strong in the Lord though they face intense persecution from their families and communities.
Day 24
Morning Prayer
Pray that Christians driven out of their homes, having lost property and personal possessions, remain joyful knowing they have something better–something that will last forever. (Hebrews 10:34)
Evening Prayer
Pray for the rebuilding of homes, churches, Christian businesses and communities destroyed by radical Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Animists and other nonbelievers.
Day 26
Morning Prayer
Pray that beleaguered Christians remain joyful in the face of discrimination and persecution and confident that the testing of their faith will produce in them spiritual maturity.(James 1:2-4)
Evening Prayer
Pray that members of the Taliban and other Muslim terrorist groups hear the gospel, believe, turn from their evil ways and become protectors of Christians.
Day 28
Morning Prayer
Pray that faithful Believers be not afraid, worried, or ashamed. And pray that they praise the God of heaven because they are called by His name. (1 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 4:16)
Evening Prayer
Pray for children denied enrollment into school because of the Christian faith of their parents.
Day 30
Morning Prayer
Pray that Christians facing opposition and violence be not afraid and remain faithful, even to the point of death. May they find strength and comfort in the knowledge that their reward is everlasting life. (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)
Evening Prayer
Pray for the women and girls kidnapped, raped, forced to convert to Islam and given to Boko Haram and ISIS soldiers as "wives". Pray for their rescue or escape, and pray that they receive trauma counseling and support by the Christian community.
Maranatha! Maranatha!
The Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be suddenly caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
May Your chosen ones hear the words 'Well done, good and faithful servant!' (Matthew 25:21)
Maranatha! Come quickly Lord!
You've Prayed, Now What?
Learn More, Get Involved, Take Action...
You've prayed, but what more can you do? You can get involved with organizations existing to serve persecuted Christians around the world. Here are but a few ways you can change the lives of persecuted Christians.
- Make a Donation
- The Voice of the Martyrs does much to serve the persecuted church. They are worthy of our support.
- Open Doors offers several options for to contributing to the welfare and safety of persecuted Christians.
- Write Letters
- Through the ministry of Open Doors, you can send letters of encouragement to persecuted Christians reminding them that they are not alone.
- Prisoner Alert provides prisoner names and addresses along with a tool to translate selected Scripture verses into the appropriate language.
- Write to government officials and newspaper editors. This is a highly effective way of raising awareness of and becoming an advocate for the persecuted Church.
- Become a Volunteer
- Fill and send "Action Packs" of needed supplies to persecuted Christians.
- Stay Informed
- Receive Weekly Prayer Alerts, read monthly newsletters, or visit websites reporting the latest news of persecuted Christians from around the world.
- Pray
- Join iCommitToPray: A place to gather and pray for the persecuted church. Read prayer requests from around the world and post your own prayers specifically for your brothers and sisters who are being persecuted.
- "Adopt" a Front-Line Worker: Commit to pray every day for men and women working diligently to advance God's kingdom in a restricted nation or hostile area.
Below are links to ministries serving the persecuted global family of believers in our Lord Yeshua (Jesus) Christ.
Barnabas Aid | Christian Freedom International | Christian Solidarity Worldwide | Christians in Crisis | International Christian Concern | Jubilee Campaign | Open Doors | Persecution Project Foundation | Release International | The Voice of the Martyrs | The Voice of the Martyrs - Canada
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. (1 Samuel 12:23)