Around the world, many many believers in Jesus Christ are suffering. When our brothers and sisters in Christ are under siege for their faith, it can make us feel helpless. We know that persecution is happening in many parts of the world, but if it doesn’t touch our lives, it can seem remote and difficult to handle.
We just don’t know how to respond.
So what can we do to help the persecuted? First and foremost, pray! Pray for protection for the persecuted, pray for deliverance, pray for courage and healing. Pray for physical provision. Pray that they will know joy.
We can also support organizations that minister to our persecuted brothers and sisters, and even work with government officials to advocate on their behalf.
There are a number of ministries specifically created to help the persecuted church. Their websites provide up-to-date detail on current situations and needs. Here are just three:
Christian Freedom International
“The mission of Christian Freedom International is to help Christians who are persecuted and suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. We are a non-denominational human rights organization providing real solutions to conditions of oppression and misery caused by religious persecution. We reach the part of the persecuted Church that is the most repressed, most at risk, and most isolated. In areas of disaster, we provide immediate relief to Christians, and their communities, who are ignored by conventional aid organizations. It is our privilege to minister to the Persecuted through Bible distribution, medical aid, resettlement assistance, advocacy, asylum case-work, and aid to the disabled; to sponsor schools, vocational training, and self-help initiatives; to provide these services at no charge by CFI staff and volunteers. It is our goal to work together with Christians at home to ease the burdens of our struggling brethren around the world.”
Open Doors
“For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement and Christian Community Restoration.”
The Voice of the Martyrs
“The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting our persecuted family worldwide. VOM was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ.”
Take some time to learn about these ministries and how you can serve our persecuted brothers and sisters. Let’s join together with all God’s children in praying for one another, especially for those who are in greatest need.
Do you know of other resources for helping the persecuted? Please share in the comments.
I know that people who are persecuted have different obstacles in coming to faith. What are some of the ways i could minister to people who may not be able to trust easily or be suffering from PTSD. I believe the Holy Spirit can do great works…in this type of ministry, how much is accomplished through prayer and spiritual travail? Are there some people who God just cant reach? (Silly question, but Im thinking of Isaiah 51:19)
Why has God put it so heavy on my heart to love and desire to minister to people who have such stony hearts. They have been through so much, how can I reach them?