The Bible says, "For God so loved the WORLD that He gave His one and only Son..." (John 3:16). As we seek to follow the Lord's example, we must grow in our heart for the world He "so loved." In this world are believers in Christ. They committed their lives to their Savior. As a result of that commitment, they suffer terrible persecution in many parts of the world. In your prayer times, remember brothers and sisters in Christ who are part of the persecuted church.
American Christians are largely disconnected from the real persecutions taking place daily in our world. In order to focus your praying and care for the persecuted church and God's work in the darkest places on earth, go to the Voice of the Martyrs website - http://www.persecution.com/
Here is a list of the ten nations where Christians face the most severe persecution.
It is always convicting to me to see this annual list and to realize that brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are risking their lives and the lives of their family to have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. We complain when the pews are uncomfortable, the worship music is not "our style" or the pastor keeps us too long and we don't beat the Methodists to the restaurant for Sunday lunch! It is my prayer that we would truly come alongside our persecuted brothers and sisters, with comfort and encouragment.
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