Voices Of The Persecuted Church
“No media has the courage to speak up on Christian persecution,” said one ministry leader in South Asia. “But God doesn’t waste our heartbreak. We are beginning to see we were brought here for a purpose.”
This is the voice of the persecuted church.
Their heartbreak is real. Their spiritual battle is never-ending. Sometimes, their grief overwhelms their joy and their blood stains the streets. But through their sorrow, Christ is praised. “Hallelujah!” they say. For, despite their difficulties, they “still try to gladly serve and worship our crucified and exalted King.”
This is the voice of the persecuted church.
Read their stories. Stand with them. Believe in the power of the cross, for its enemies will not prevail.
Lift Up Christian Workers in South Asia
When workers from a native ministry were called on to help a man who had begun to act in an unusual manner, they anointed him with oil and prayed over him. A few days later, he returned to his normal self. In another place, a woman was told she would not survive after both her kidneys began to fail. But church members gathered and prayed for her, and she was healed. “Praise God for His wonderful miracle,” the ministry leader said. Donations help support missionaries as they disciple those who are lost or suffering. Pray that their faithful service to the gospel will be a testimony to their communities.
Strengthen Persecuted Families in Pakistan
A native ministry provided immediate assistance to Christian families who were attacked by an angry mob and who suddenly found themselves homeless and without any basic necessities for life. The ministry provided cooking and eating supplies and temporary housing and meals, and they also distributed Bibles to those who lost theirs to the mob’s attack. “We want to support the helpless and hopeless as God provides,” the ministry leader said. “We encourage them by sharing the Word of God with them and praying.” Donations of $25 or $50 help minister to persecuted Christians. Pray that they will hold firm to their faith in the midst of these trials.
Support House Church Growth in South Asia
Because of increasing restrictions and persecution, native ministries rely more on house churches for evangelism and discipleship of new believers. Christian workers from one ministry visited several house churches and were encouraged by the people’s faith and testimonies. “It is also found that the house fellowships are grown up spiritually and strong in their faith in Christ, amidst increasing opposition,” the ministry leader said. “Believers regularly gather for fellowship, breaking the bread, and teaching of the Word, and also witnessing the Lord’s name in and through their lives.” Your gifts support the growth of house churches such as these. Pray for believers who face increasing hostility to Christianity.
Expand The Gospel’s Reach in Bangladesh
A young Buddhist man heard the gospel when a missionary traveled to his village and preached to the people. As a child, the young man had always questioned Buddhism and would ask his parents why they worshipped an idol that cannot speak or hear. After he heard the missionary teach the gospel message, he wanted to learn more about Christ. The missionary gave him a Bible, and through its stories, he was led to accept Jesus as Savior and was baptized. Gifts of $60 or $120 help native missionaries travel and preach the Word of God in villages such as this one. Pray that those who hear the gospel will come to trust in Jesus.
Celebrate With New Believers in Sri Lanka
A man and his wife, both workers on a rubber estate, faced an uncertain future due to their low monthly income and loans they struggled to pay. But through native missionaries, they heard the good news of Jesus and chose to put their trust in Him. Now, they have worked themselves free of their financial issues and are filled with peace. Missionaries also shared the gospel with other members of their family, and the couple’s son and his family became believers. “Praise the Lord!” the ministry leader said. Your gifts help Christian workers evangelize families such as this one. Pray that doors will continue to open to share the gospel.
Encourage Those New To The Faith in Sri Lanka
A boy who could not speak began attending a native ministry’s preschool program, and ministry staff not only prayed for the child, but they also ministered to his mother. Through their faithful prayers, the little boy began to speak, and his mother accepted Christ as Savior. Though she now faces opposition because of her new faith, she has not wavered.
Support New Believers’ Deepening Faith in South Asia
More than 50 women attended a women’s conference organized by a native ministry to learn about the power of prayer. Most of the participants are ministry leaders themselves, and they expressed their gratitude for the many sessions available for them to attend during the conference, which was called “Empowerment through Prayer.”
Plant Gospel Seeds in Bangladesh
A Hindu woman in a native ministry’s tailoring program was amazed by a missionary’s story of Jesus following the conclusion of class one day. She invited the missionary to her home because her husband, a rickshaw driver, wanted to know more about Jesus too.
Help Lead The Lost To Christ in South Asia
Ministry workers laid the foundation stone for a new prayer hall, an exciting step toward creating a new place of worship in the region. Evangelism has been so fruitful here that many of the 400 to 500 worshippers sit outside the current meeting place each Sunday because there is not enough space inside for all to come together.