[ NOTE: For several years Voice of the Martyrs has held conferences around the country to raise awareness of persecution. These conferences feature believers from countries where persecution is strong. Recently, the VOM conference is “virtual” because of the pandemic, and you have the benefit of attending without the travel. Register and attend here. ]
Would you pray daily for the persecuted church around the world? (Hebrews 13:3)
Here are some resources to assist with your awareness and prayer:
IDOP:
IDOP (International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church), Normally observed the first Sunday in November, “every day is IDOP.” Why It Matters Global Prayer Guide
Focus:
Spotlight: Nigeria: Report: This country has become a burial ground for Christians; Nigeria Rises on 2023 Watchlist; Nigeria’s Silent Slaughter; Violence Escalates; Are We Looking the Other Way? Attacks Displace Local Missionaries (2023 update: “5,621 Christians were killed for their faith last year. 90% of these were from Nigeria alone… Christians killed in [2022] numbered 80% more than five years ago (3,066).” – Source )
General:
World Watch List Some observations from the World Watch List:
The Top 50 Countries Where It’s Hardest to Be a Christian in 2022
How COVID has Enabled Religious Persecution
10 Things You Should Know About Persecution
International Christian Concern
News, Prayer Requests & Updates:
Genocide in Nigeria (BP) FRC Info Forbes
Christian News Network – Persecution
Bitter Winter (A magazine on religious liberty and human rights in China)
Videos:
Global Christian Relief Videos
Open Doors (Australia) on YouTube
Pray for:
* Suffering families
* Underground pastors
* Persecuted communities
* The spread of the Gospel
Not just today, but daily
“IF WE UNDERSTOOD THE POTENTIAL POWER OF OUR PRAYERS, WE WOULD BE ON OUR KNEES A HUNDRED TIMES A DAY, ASKING HIM FOR THINGS THAT WOULD TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE-DOWN.” – Brother Andrew, founder of Open Doors
PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
3 WAYS TO PRAY
Pray for strength
Eph. 3:16-19
Suffering believers need strength to endure the pain, and pressure of persecution.
Pray for provision
Phil 4:19
Faced with poverty, loneliness and isolation, suffering believers need our prayers for God to provide.
Pray for gospel to advance
Phil. 1:9–11
Pray for believers to be bold and wise in sharing their faith and – that despite the challenges – people would come to Christ.