Dear family in Christ

All over the world today, just like in the book of Acts, Christians are persecuted for following Jesus Christ.

Let me share a short article from OPEN DOORS ministry.

“Christians remain one of the most persecuted religious groups in the world. While Christian persecution takes many forms, it is defined as any hostility experienced as a result of identification with Christ. Christian torture remains an issue for believers throughout the world, including the risk of imprisonment, loss of home and assets, physical torture, rape and even death as a result of their faith.

Trends show that countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East are intensifying persecution against Christians, and perhaps the most vulnerable are Christian women, who often face double persecution for faith and gender. Every day we receive new reports of Christians who face threats, unjust imprisonment, harassment, beatings and even loss of family because of their faith in Jesus.

Every month, on average:

• 345 Christians are killed for faith-related reasons.
• 105 Churches and Christian buildings are burned or attacked.
• 219 Christians are detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned.

Our research found that 245 million Christians experience high levels of persecution in the countries on the “World Watch List”. Islamic oppression fuels Christian persecution in 8 of the top 10 countries. North Korea is ranked #1 for the 18th consecutive year as the most dangerous country for Christians.”

Let us remember our brothers and sisters in prayer as they face persecution and suffer for the gospel. May they experience God as their Refuge and Strength, find rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace, and trust in the sovereignty of God’s power.

Maranatha
Pastor John