From Ben – 7 November 2021
As we gather for worship this Sunday, we will join with many other churches in N.Z. and around the world to remember the persecuted church. This Sunday has been set aside for us to pray for their strength, encouragement and resolve to stay strong in the face of growing opposition. Radical Islamic forces in the Middle East and Africa are bombing churches and in some instances, killing Christian leaders. This is happening in Afghanistan too, now that the American forces have pulled out. A new fresh wave of persecution, not seen in the last 50 years, is washing over the church in China. Ministers are being incarcerated, churches are being closed down, bibles are being outlawed and early childhood centres now have to teach against all religion and the evils of the church. New levels of persecution and opposition are being experienced in India, as never seen before.
It is estimated that 340 million Christians are experiencing high levels of persecution around the world. This past year 4761 are known to have been killed for their faith, 4488 churches have been destroyed and 4277 Christians have been imprisoned and are awaiting trial for Christian teaching. We need to pray as never before for those facing growing opposition for Christ. Let us stand together for our persecuted brothers and sisters, remembering that 1 in 8 Christians face persecution in our world today.