Open Doors USA will call all American Christians on the 7th of November 2021 to participate in an International Day of Prayer for the persecuted Church.
This organization estimates that more than 340 million Christians suffer extreme persecution for following Jesus. One in eight Christians worldwide is affected by this. Extremists attacked Indian churches by destroying crosses, attacking priests, and attacking their parishioners. These acts of persecution are expected to escalate in 2021.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un is extremely oppressive. Any hint of loyalty to Christianity would be considered a pledge of allegiance the West and betrayal by the state. Your family and you will all be sent to labor camps if you have a Bible. Through facial recognition software, the Chinese Communist Party monitors Christians and targets them, forcing and torturing believers to abandon their faith.
Converting to Christianity in Iran is against the law
These hardships aside, the international Christian church is vibrant, full of joy, power, and growth, As Paul exhorted Timothy:
As proclaimed in my gospel, Jesus Christ was raised from death and descends from David. 9 This is why I feel like a criminal being held captive. However, the Word of God can’t be Chained 10 Therefore, I have endured all things in order to save my elect so they can also be saved through Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 8-10 (BSB)
Open Doors USA:
Participate in the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians, a prayer event that focuses on helping suffering Christians worldwide.
Christians are marginalized and targeted by the Muslim Brotherhood and ISIS in Egypt.
WATCH:
Open Doors USA CEO David Curry is a frequent traveler, offering encouragement and support to persecuted Christians and leaders and providing resources and support through Open Doors. Curry is also an advocate for religious freedom and the persecuted church internationally in our nation’s capitol. Curry testified in front of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He also interacted with policymakers representing both the Senate, White House and State Department.
Open Doors USA provides a range of resources for churches and other organizations, including slides and bulletin inserts, as well as video presentations such the one shown above. Churches can incorporate the day seamlessly into their Sunday worship, bringing attention to persecuted Christians all over the globe.
To help you share the stories of persecuted Christians with your church or small group, we’ve assembled a complete digital kit that has everything you need for IDOP. This kit contains a brief video, bulletin insert, and slides.
As we pray on Nov. 7, we’re confident God will continue to do amazing things in our lives—and in the lives of our persecuted brothers and sisters. Your prayers help them know they’re not alone … and they’re not forgotten.
Use the links below to download the materials and invite your church into the lives of their families through the International Day of Prayer.
If you are a person of faith, won’t you take the time today to pray for your fellow believers around the world? These are some guidelines to help you get started.
PRAY for the small community of Christians who remain in Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover. For their protection and needs. Let them know that they are not the only ones and that God is there to help them.
PRAYChristians in Egypt and Syria should be able to see the light of Jesus Christ in the face discrimination. Ask God to help Christians prepare for extremist attacks in certain parts of the country.
PRAYFor Christians living in North Korea and Eritrea who have been imprisoned for their faith. Ask God to give them the comfort of the Holy Spirit—and pray for their expedited release and freedom.
PRAYFor young Christian girls in danger of being abducted and forced to marry in Muslim countries such as Egypt. Ask God to help the authorities take the abductions seriously, and to prosecute those responsible swiftly and with justice.
PRAYFor persecuted Christians who were forced from their homes in the face of extremist attacks in Nigeria, Egypt and Syria.
They have all of their material possessions gone. Ask God to provide all their needs, and let them know that He is not indifferent.
PRAYFor the Pastors and Christian Leaders of the Persecuted Church. Ask God to give them wisdom in leading their congregations, guiding them to be prepared for persecution—helping them forgive and love their enemies.
Open Doors USA offers an app which allows you incorporate prayer for persecution church in your prayer time. It shifts your focus away from one International Day of Prayer and instead allows you daily intercession for fellow believers.
Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive regions for over 60 years. Birthed from the ministry of Brother Andrew, known as “God’s Smuggler”, Andrew smuggled Bibles into the Soviet Union and other Eastern bloc countries during the Cold War. Open Doors’ work continues in 60 other countries. It provides Bibles, training and programs that strengthen persecuted churches. The World Watch List is an annual list of 50 countries where Jesus Christ most hard to follow. Open Doors workers are able to provide information on the ground and analyze data from outside specialists. This allows us to better target persecution around the world.
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