International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

November 13th is a day when thousands of Christians around the world make an important observance. Since 1996, this has been a weekend to remember the suffering Christians around the world.

Like never before in history, Christians are being subjected to widespread persecution for their faith.

Christians living in free societies have been largely unaware of or silent to this increasing tragedy. You're invited to gain a deeper understanding of the plight of our Christian family. We can also grow in knowledge about human rights issues affecting all people. Visit www.persecutedchurch.org, and learn how to pray more effectively and become involved as an advocate for change so that the Gospel can spread freely.

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is a global day of intercession for persecuted Christians worldwide. Its primary focus is the work of intercessory prayer and citizen action on behalf of persecuted communities of the Christian faith. We also encourage prayer for the souls of the oppressors, the nations that promote persecution, and those who ignore it.

As a human rights issue, the persecution of Christians dwarfs all other forms of religious injustice (based on the sheer # of people who are effected by it). It is beneficial to take advocacy for fellow believers who suffer for their faith as a starting point, as Christians living in free societies have been largely unaware of or silent to this increasing tragedy. As we gain a deeper understanding of the plight of our Christian family, we can also grow in knowledge about human rights issues affecting all people. A Christian’s compassion is not reserved only for fellow Christians, but is to be given to all who suffer injustice and oppression (Luke 12:29) and to those whose dark consciences press them to perpetrate evil (Matthew 5:44). Christians are encouraged to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

Many other great links exist to learn more, including:

http://www.jubileecampaign.org/

http://www.gfa.org/gfa