Steadfast in the Face of Adversity

Steadfast in the Face of Adversity

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint.” -Psalm 61:1-2

This Sunday, November 3, is the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians. Please set aside time during the day to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who face unspeakable persecution and even death for choosing to follow Christ Jesus.

As a friend of this ministry, I invite you to pray with Alpha Ministries for the regions in the 10/40 Window where we focus much of our efforts. It may surprise you to learn that certain areas of South Asia where we minister are now ranked among the top ten most dangerous places to be a Christian.

According to Open Doors USA, there were 775 documented incidents against Christians last year, including 14 murders. That represents the religious persecution of 50,819 unique people; 18,956 of whom were men; 18,858 of whom were women; and 12,790 of whom were children. Keep in mind that the majority of attacks go unreported because little will be done, and a report could cause more backlash. Some victims of anti-Christian riots have been waiting for justice for ten years.

Due to heightened security concerns, we are limited in what we can share publicly, but many of our dedicated pastors and workers have experienced intense persecution for their faith. Families are denied access to public water sources in their villages. Wives are harassed and abused by other women. Men are denied work, others who have farms or business to run often have help turned away. Families disown those who become believers, cutting them off from all contact. Christian gatherings have had worship interrupted by mobs who threatened, and in some cases attack those in attendance.

In the midst of all that, the light of the Gospel continues to shine brightly. Someone said that, though Christianity in this region is under siege, the Church continues growing exponentially.

With the help of our dedicated ministry partners and friends, we have aided hundreds of believers and their families with spiritual encouragement, relief aid, medical aid, legal aid, water wells and other resources to help them stand strong. We also work with Voice of the Martyrs to provide relocation assistance if needed.

HOW TO PRAY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS
Jesus said that persecuted Christians will receive their great reward in heaven. But as believers enjoying God-given blessings and freedoms now, we can bless our brethren in turn by standing with them in prayer, and doing whatever practical ministry we can to strengthen their spirit and help ease their burden.

PLEASE PRAY:

• For the safety of church leaders, frontline pastors and their families, Christians and new believers who face great danger for boldly believing and sharing the love of Jesus.
• For the hearts and minds of the oppressors to be open to the truth of the Gospel.
• For the new believers to grow strong in their faith in the face of such adversity.

Please remember to pray with us for our persecuted brethren, especially as we come together with like mind on November 3. As the Word tells us, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 11:3).

Thank You for your partnership that helps Alpha Ministries fulfill the great commission by reaching the unreached and unengaged, making disciples, and planting churches where no church exists!