Praying for the Persecuted Church: 'Sorrow and Triumph'
More than 7,000 Christians were killed because of their faith last year alone. News like that motivates organizers of the annual International Days of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
Hear the powerful testimony of a South African woman, Hannelie, whose family paid the ultimate sacrifice to serve Jesus Christ in Afghanistan.
This year, IDOP events will be held on consecutive Sundays, Nov. 6 and 13. Organizations who serve the persecuted Church like Open Doors USA urge people to pray for persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries around the world.
Open Doors president and CEO David Curry says the event is an important reminder for Christians who live in Western countries.
"Time and time again we hear Christians who live in fear everyday because of their faith saying prayer is the most important thing we can do," Curry said.
"Having a day specifically set aside to pray for the persecuted is an important encouragement to those who are suffering, and we must never forget those who are facing the unimaginable for their faith," he said.
Open Doors says Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world. In fact, statistics show that at least 100 million Christians face daily persecution.
The theme of this year's prayer events is "Sorrow and Triumph."
"We believe that God uses the prayers of his people to strengthen and deliver suffering saints," wrote Godfrey Yogarajah, the executive director of World Evangelical Alliance, Religious Liberty Commission. "Based on scripture, we are also convinced that though sorrow may be the present reality of those suffering for Christ, triumph is their ultimate reward."
The Voice of the Martyrs has put together a video sharing the powerful testimony of a South African woman, Hannelie, whose family paid the ultimate sacrifice to serve Jesus Christ in Afghanistan.
"I believe they are in front of the Lord's throne, worshiping, praising him, glorifying him," she said in the video. "And that they are just waiting for me to finish the race as well."
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