Remember the Persecuted

"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body." -Hebrews 13:3 ESV

This scripture is specifically referring to people imprisoned for their faith in Jesus. This verse is still very much relevant, but sometimes hard to remember if you live in America. However people are currently being persecuted in places all around the world...because they love Jesus and serve Him as Lord.

Most of us don't really want to think about it. It's disturbing. But actually, as I have read these people's testimonies and heard of their experiences, my faith is encouraged. It's not just about the terrible things that happened to them. They declare God's goodness and power even in those horrendous circumstances. In my last post I shared just one of Corrie ten Boom's many testimonies of His love, which nothing and no one can stop. Corrie's sister Betsie, who was with her at Ravensbruck concentration camp, used to always say, "No pit's so deep that God's great love will not be deeper still--His great love will endure." In fact these were Betsie's last words. She died in the camp. 

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For Your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, not things present not things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, not anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:35-39 ESV

Richard Wurmbrand-Imprisoned 14 years-Founder of VOM

One good resource that I have found, which shares current stories and offers MANY ways to help, is "The Voice of the Martyrs". Their website is www.persecution.com. Please check it out! You can subscribe to their free newsletter here.

Again, the stories can be hard to hear. But what is even greater than the suffering, is the glory that they give to God! That is what I always come away with. That is what really sticks with me...encourages me. It doesn't stir up fear, it increases faith!

"For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise His own people who are prisoners." -Psalm 69:33   Pray for your brothers and sisters around the world, and see how God might lead you to help them.