Helping the persecuted

Open Doors UK   
https://www.opendoorsuk.org

Every day, millions of Christians risk their lives to follow Jesus. In more than 70 countries, Open Doors supports them by supplying Bibles, providing emergency relief, and helping persecuted believers stand strong for the long term.

I think it is fair to say that in the busyness of everyday life we forget the amount of freedom we have to practice our faith in the UK. We go to church, prayer meetings, music practice, and small groups, without a second thought for our safety. However, Open Doors UK make it their mission to not only raise awareness, but to pray for the persecuted church across the globe.

Reading about the top 50 countries where persecution is most extreme, a few countries on the list surprised me. Cuba (22) and Mexico (37) are two examples.

I’ve had the privilege of twice travelling to India for ministry purposes. However, you are constantly aware that a) the government don’t know you’re there for that reason and b) you are slightly on edge that at any time there could be opposition or police/government taking a dislike to your activities. Thankfully, we have always been safe, but there have been one or two close calls.

There are many ways to get involved: pray, give, raise awareness in our churches (prayer, church, and small-group resources are available on their website), you can volunteer, and even send a personal letter to a Christian in a persecuted nation.

When we think of the country ranked number one, North Korea, it almost feels impossible that we could penetrate such a closed, state-run nation. But when we look back to our Saviour Jesus, we see that He entered a Roman-led Israel and with the gospel turned it upside down. Not by force, or might, but by the power of the Spirit.