Global persecution of believers

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). The U.S. State Department identifies more than 60 countries around the globe where Christians face active, often violent persecution from their governments and/or fellow citizens, solely because of their professed faith in Jesus—reports that are confirmed by numerous Evangelical monitoring groups.

Of course, one of the paradoxes of church history—which has been proven over and over through the centuries—is that the Body of Christ often flourishes under such conditions. Still, those enduring hostile environments all over the world for the sake of the Gospel certainly need our prayers, and believers shouldn't minimize the importance of praying for these brothers and sisters in Christ. "God has so composed the body... If one member suffers, all suffer together ..." (1 Corinthians 12:24-26).



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excerpt from an email by Focus on the Family