Rev 2:10 (KJV)
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
How to Effectively Help Christians Who Are Persecuted
English: Saint Paul arrested for preaching the Gospel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In ancient Rome, being a Christian was tough business. Persecution was severe. The mad Emperor Nero (who had the Apostle Paul beheaded), even dipped Christians in wax, mounted them on poles, and set them on fire to light his gardens. Here in the US, we have grown comfortable with our climate-regulated and timed worship services, and secure buildings. We don’t expect to get arrested for having a Bible, and we certainly don’t expect to die for the defense of the Gospel. Yet in many areas of the world, such as the Middle East, Nigeria, Kenya, and China, believers still suffer imprisonment, torture and death because they worship Jesus.
In today’s reading, Jesus tells the church of Smyrna that Satan was going to have them imprisoned. He encourages them to be faithful unto death, and promises that those who die for their faith would be given a crown of life. This is a great reward, but in our society of immediate gratification, where we want the promise of tomorrow right now, we would be hard pressed to be obedient unto death.
Our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries suffer loss of property, health, and life every day. Here in the US, we have a double standard: It’s OK for others to die for Jesus, but not us. Instead of feeling guilty because of our comfort, there are many things we can do to help persecuted Christians:
- Be sincere in your own faith and worship, and use your talents to strengthen your church home.
- Intervene in prayer for those who are persecuted. Remember: “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
- Share your testimony with friends and relatives. Your life may be the only Gospel some people will ever read. (“..let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 16, NIV)
- Donate clothes, and other goods to those in our neighborhoods and cities who lack material possessions.
- Donate your time, skills and money to help missionaries abroad.
Friends, have you done anything lately to help someone in need? Have you done anything to support persecuted Christians? If not, repent, and get busy with both prayer and material support today!
Send help to believers who are persecuted in countries around the world. United (States) Parcel Service. (Photo credit: matt.hintsa)
Here is a list of top 50 countries where Christians are most persecuted. The following “World Watch List” is taken from the Open Doors USA website. Please print, share and pray for countries on this list. Read more about the World Watch List at the link provided below. This link is updated as persecution changes around the world, so visit it often: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/wwl-downloads/
- North Korea
- Saudi Arabia
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Somalia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Iran
- Yemen
- Eritrea
- Syria
- Sudan
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Ethiopia
- Uzbekistan
- Libya
- Laos
- Turkmenistan
- Qatar
- Vietnam
- Oman
- Mauritania
- Tanzania
- Egypt
- United Arab Emirates
- Brunei
- Bhutan
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- India
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Kuwait
- Jordan
- Bahrain
- Palestinian Territories
- China
- Azerbaijan
- Morocco
- Kenya
- Comoros
- Malaysia
- Djibouti
- Tajikistan
- Indonesia
- Colombia
- Uganda
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Niger
Don’t just sit there: Start giving! Remember: “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.”
May these words educate and comfort you today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Your friend in Christ,
– Verneda
Twitter handle: @vlights
© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
Updated April 4, 2015
