In each Epistle, this column features a single question to which our pastors are asked to reply. It is usually connected to the issue’s theme and crafted to reveal the unique personalities and experiences of our beloved leaders.
How can we pray for the persecuted church?
Pastor June Barrow
The are so many troubles that it is easy to get overwhelmed with information. It is not possible to pray for every need in every place. You can choose a country or region to which you have some connection. Perhaps you’ve traveled there or know something about the needs there. Perhaps you have a Compassion child in that country. Once you have a connection, you may find yourself drawn to news about the people of that place. For us, the country is China because we have witnessed first-hand accounts of the difficulties and pressures on Christians there.
Pastor Steve Clark
In college, I started carrying a tire gauge and air compressor in my car. Why? I’d gotten a flat tire once and resolved to be prepared next time. When something happens to us or someone we know, it changes our behavior. I think the same is true for how we pray. In Southwest Florida, I don’t often think about or pray for the persecuted church. However, when I was in a Muslim country, meeting people who would be in big trouble if the government found out they were Christians, I prayed very differently. We can only pray about what we think about. If we desire to pray more for the persecuted church, we can start by listening to their stories—reading missionary biographies, pinning a map of unreached nations to our wall, or making friends from different backgrounds. When our compassion is stoked, it fuels our prayers. One easy step is to visit The Voice of the Martyrs website to learn about the reality of persecution and people’s stories. It also offers some awesome ways to get tangibly involved in ministering to the persecuted church.
Pastor Steven Grant
I would encourage us all to pray that the Holy Spirit will consistently strengthen our missionaries’ faith and devotion to Christ so that they live empowered to face any challenge and not lose heart. As Jesus commanded John to encourage persecuted Christians in the first century by writing the book of Revelation, our message to our missionaries should be the same. Through all the trials and tribulations that go with spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth, never forget: Jesus has already won, He will not forsake you, and Christians’ humble efforts will result in God’s will being done, His kingdom will never end, and God will add to those being saved!
Pastor Brad Rogers
When I was a teenager, my mother worked at a Christian bookstore and brought me a book written by DC Talk (a Christian music group) and The Voice of the Martyrs. The book was entitled Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus. It inspired and challenged me to wrestle with how I might respond to persecution or opposition because of my faith. Those privileged to live in a culture with comparatively little persecution often find their faith is bolstered by the commitment of Christians who boldly proclaim Jesus at great cost. For instance, the book of Acts portrays the birth and rapid growth of the church in the
immediate aftermath of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord. Jesus’ disciples, who were scattered by fear during the Passion, were empowered and equipped by God’s Spirit to proclaim the Good News with “boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:31). Acts inspires me to pray for the spread of Christianity against all opposition. Another resource that keeps me connected and praying for the persecuted church is The Voice of the Martyrs. This website tells the stories of our worldwide brothers and sisters who are experiencing persecution, directs our prayers, and challenges our faith and commitment to the Lord. Staying connected to missionaries and organizations of First Church further catalyzes my prayer life.
Pastor Allen Walworth
It is sobering—and perhaps surprising to those of us who live in America—to realize that more than at any other time in history Christians worldwide are persecuted, even to the point of death, in our modern-day. So, our prayers must be earnest and fervent for our fellow believers for whom following Jesus is literally “taking up the cross” themselves.
Another Perspective | Trusha Barner, Missions Director
“Let us pray boldly and consistently for the persecuted church!”… Explore another perspective on how we can pray for the persecuted church.
