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Protect Them from the Evil One

Around the world, on average 8 Christians are killed each day for their faith. This is why we need the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) and Suffering Church Action & Awareness Week more than ever. We must pray, advocate for, and use every opportunity to give desperately needed aid to those suffering for their faith in Christ.

by William L. Nowell
Yeshua (Jesus): "My prayer is not that You take them out of the world, but that You protect them from the Evil One". (John 17:15)

IDOP 2020 / SCAAW

  • Sunday, November 1, 2020: the International Day of Prayer (IDOP)
  • Nov. 1 - Nov. 8, 2020: Suffering Church Action & Awareness Week (SCAAW)

Once again, the annual International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for Persecuted Christians is upon us. For many of us living in the USA, persecution because of our faith in Christ is a foreign concept. However, for an estimated 260 million Christians in over 50 countries, persecution is a daily reality. And this is why the International Day of Prayer is so desperately needed.

IDOP is a time when Christ-followers from around the world unite in prayer for fellow Believers who are suffering for their faith. We know that the Bible describes Yeshua's followers as a family, and figuratively as the “body of Christ.” Now since we individually are parts of one body, then if one part of that body suffers, we all share their pain. (1 Corinthians 12:12, 26-27) Across the globe, persecution against Christians is on the rise. From intimidation to physical violence and/or murder, our brothers and sisters in Christ need our prayers.

Nevertheless, our prayers are but the starting point. In addition to our prayers, they need tangible help. That's why, as we are able, we ought to do everything in our power to alleviate their suffering. In fact, Galatians 6:9-10 instructs us to “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Moreover, Hebrews 13:3 urges us to “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.” So this brings us to Suffering Church Action and Awareness Week. This is the perfect time to connect with organizations that serve on the ground in places you cannot go into. Below are resources to equip Christ-followers with tools to advocate for and aid Christians suffering under the weight of persecution.

IDOP Facebook Live Event

Open Doors USA is hosting a Facebook Live event on Sunday, November 1, 2020, at 10 AM EST - 6:45 PM EST. Meet and pray with persecuted believers from North Korea and Iran.

Suffering Church Action & Awareness Week (SCAAW)

Barnabas Aid, each year in conjunction with the International Day of Prayer, sponsors Suffering Church Action and Awareness Week. Beginning with IDOP 2020 on November 1, SCAAW extends through November 8. This is a time for the body of Christ to rally around our suffering family and be a source of help in their time of need. However, to be effective we must first know what the needs are. This requires that we stay informed with up-to-date news and information.

News and Information

Advocacy

Please sign the petition calling on the Pakistani government to ensure that justice is served and that Huma is returned to her family.

Sign ACLJ's Petition to Defend Christians From Atrocities Worldwide.

Targeted Prayer Resources

prayer booklet

Download a copy of Praying for the Persecuted Church from Barnabas Aid. This booklet contains information on 39 countries where Christians experience discrimination, harassment or violence. Some pages focus on a particular group of persecuted believers.

Visit I Commit to Pray . They are a place to gather and pray for the persecuted church. There you can read prayer requests from around the world. And you can post your own prayers specifically for your brothers and sisters who are being persecuted.

View the World Watch List ; Open Doors' annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.

Ministries to the Persecuted

IDOP Extended

Let's not limit our prayers to just one day or to one week. On November 8, and again on November 15 millions of Christians from around the globe will again unite in prayer for oppressed and persecuted Believers. Make a difference and be part of a vital global prayer movement.

#onewiththem

IDOP Online 2020

Release International , in collaboration with Open Doors and CSW, is hosting a special online event on Sunday, November 15 between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM.

Related Articles

Below is a list of previous IDOP articles and related topics.

A Final Thought

Proverbs 24:11-12:
Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. If you say, "But we didn't know about this," won't He who weighs hearts consider it? Won't He who protects your life know? Won't He repay a person according to his work?

2 Corinthians 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Let Proverbs 24:11-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10 guide your actions on IDOP and beyond.

Three Crosses