Grace Abounding

At Grace Church of Alexandria, a friend recently asked me how to learn more about Christians who are persecuted for their faith. I’m glad he asked because Hebrews 13:3 commands us to remember and care for our fellow believers who do not have the liberty to follow Christ freely: “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

Below are five resources I recommended to my friend to become informed about Christians suffering for their faith in Christ. In the new year, at least once a week why not start praying for believers in countries where it is dangerous to follow Christ openly. If you’re a parent, why not take time in family devotions to develop a heart in your kids for the persecuted church by telling them stories of courageous believers and taking time to pray for them. These magazines, emails, and books will help you get started in remembering your brothers and sisters in chains, as bound with them.

Christian Freedom International (CFI)
www.christianfreedom.org

CFI was founded with the help of a religious freedom lawyer I previously worked for and has made a significant difference in ministering care to afflicted believers. The CFI Newsletter, mailed to you for free, provides a stunning visual report of persecution against believers. CFI’s 2010 Ministry Guide gives a helpful overview of worldwide hot spots of persecution.

Frontline Missions, International
www.frontlinemissions.info

Check out Frontline’s great Action Center to learn how you can make a difference for the persecuted church through prayer, advocacy, and giving. I recommend you sign up for their Haystack Group email that sends a monthly update and prayer requests to your email inbox. To sign up, email them here and ask to be added to the Haystack Group e-mail list. Include your full name and city/state/country, and mention you heard about them from Grace Church of Alexandria.

Voice of the Martyrs (VOM)
www.persecution.com

VOM has been on the front lines of ministering to afflicted believers for decades. Though from a biblical perspective, their definition of “Christian” can be overly broad, they rightly detail persecution against people of faith, and we ought to stand up for any person’s right to freedom of conscience. Their web site is a treasure trove of resources on this issue.

Operation WORLD
This handy book is an excellent guide to prayer you should consider keeping next to your Bible. For over a decade I’ve used Operation WORLD to help me know how to pray for the spread of the Gospel and for the persecuted church. Every country in the world is described, along with suggestions for prayer for each nation. It is a worthy investment. Click here to download a sample .pdf. Purchase it for 37% off here. (as of 12/19/10).

Do you have other ideas for learning about the persecuted church? Share them in the comments section below.