‘This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal; But God’s word is not chained.’ 2 Tim 2:8-9

As we go about our lives as Christians in this country it’s sometimes easy to forget about our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith in other countries. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 31:8 that we should ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute..’

We are blessed that in this country we can read our Bible in public and walk into our place of worship without being beaten. For an increasing number of Christians around the world this is not the case. As we prepare to enjoy Christmas I Do Not Conform would like to remind you about our brothers and sisters who suffering for the gospel and encourage you to get involved in one way or another.

Open Doors is an evangelical Christian ministry that serves and supports millions of persecuted Christians around the world. It supplies Bibles, conducts leadership and discipleship training, and Scripture-based literacy programs in more than 50 high-risk countries.

The organization was started by Brother Andrew, a Dutchman, who received a call from God in 1955 to act on the basis of Revelation 3:2 “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die." Brother Andrew began his mission by smuggling suitcases that contained Bibles into countries in Eastern Europe. The work of Open Doors broadened to taking Bibles into China, Vietnam and later Africa and the Muslim World, and organising training seminars and practical aid for suffering Christians.

Eventually he founded what is now known as Open Doors Youth to encourage young Christians to get involved in supporting the persecuted church. Open Doors Youth wants to prepare the next generation by encouraging them to pray for the persecuted Christians around the world.

17 Year Old Killed by her family for loving Jesus

They tell us of stories such as that of Nurta Mohamed Farah a 17-year-old girl in Somalia who converted to Christianity from Islam. She was shot to death in an apparent “honor killing,” area sources said. She had fled her village of Bardher, Gedo Region to go to the Galgadud Region to live with relatives after her parents tortured her for leaving Islam but was eventually killed and died on Nov. 25.

Nigerian Christians Tortured and Killed

In Plateau State in Nigeria has long been home to many Christians, however there is increasingly a feeling that they are no longer welcome there. Christian leaders suspect Islamic extremists are encouraging attacks, seeking to use religion as a reason to stir up trouble regarding existing land and ethnic conflicts. The battle for Plateau State intensified during 2001 when attacks left more than 1,000 people dead. Another 700 people were killed in sectarian outbreaks of violence in 2004.

On 7 March this year,  Dogo Nahawa, Zot and Rastat, three farming villages near Jos, the state capital, were attacked by Fulani herdsmen, who set fire to 75 houses and left hundreds dead. The victims included women, children and babies, who were killed with machetes.

Since the start of the Violence Open doors has been working with Christians in this area, bringing encouragement, prayer and relief to those in need. Open doors were the first organisation to come to the aid of the people there. They sent in workers to bring food, bedding and Bibles to those in need. A village leader said 'Thank you for your love and concern for my people. At a time when no one else would come to our aid, you took it upon yourself in spite of the difficulties. This is what Christ has asked us to do. We are so grateful to have you here.”

How can I get involved?

Open Doors Youth are asking us to Use our freedom and voice to influence those with political power, to bring about positive change for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

There are several campaigns which we can get involved with.

• You can write to the Nigerian High Commissioner in the United Kingdom voicing your concern about the recent violence in Plateau State, Nigeria. Click here to send a letter to Dalhatu Tafida »
• You can write to the Chinese Ambassador in the United Kingdom voicing your concern about China’s policy of forced repatriation. Click here to send a letter to Fu Ying »
• Join them on Facebook www.facebook.com/opendoorsyouth
• Would you spare 3 minutes and take part in our online survey.
• Provide a teenager in the persecuted church with a Bible for less than a Big Mac meal or a grande latte, young people can pledge £2.50 a month to provide the persecuted church with Bibles- donate now!

Every summer, Open Doors Youth raises awareness and action for the persecuted Christians at big Christian festivals. Volunteer Now Other than that, it also gives opportunity to those who are brave and bold enough to travel and meet persecuted Christians in restricted countries. Travel Now

It has called for every youth group and churches to pray simultaneously on March 4-6, 2011 and cry out to God for His church to be built in places that are hostile to the gospel.

Please check out their website for more information about persecuted Christians and how you can use your voice of freedom to help them.

Sources:

http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=_LockedUp_page

http://www.opendoorsuk.org/

Written by :

John David O Moncada