Friends, our Christian brothers and sisters are being persecuted. Please remember to be in prayer for the saints in Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, Iran, Afghanistan, and other hostile areas around the world.

It’s critical for us to be reminded that there are demonic powers at work behind the political regimes and religious fundamentalists threatening the church. We can’t afford to look only at the surface of these atrocities.

“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

Our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour followers of the Lamb. We need to pray for our spiritual family (1 Pet 5:8-10).

They are counting on us. Tell your local church to pray for the persecuted.

As Jesus said to Saul, a persecutor of Christians, on the road to Damascus, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me” (Acts 9:4)? It is Jesus in us, the church, that is being mocked, reviled, and struck down.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus, Matthew 5:10

Stay informed and connected to the persecuted church through The Voice of the Martyrs and International Christian Concern at persecution.org.

Watch this video by Open Doors USA and learn more.

Do you feel a connection to the persecuted church around the world? What can you do to be more aware of their sufferings? How can you help? 

D.D. Flowers, 2013.