On the first and second Sunday in November, we recognize the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Calling yourself a Christian often comes at a cost. People may act differently around you, label you a hypocrite, or even exclude you. But in some parts of the world, people are physically injured, abandoned, or even killed for their Christian faith. This level of harm is called persecution.
These resources will help you pray for and reflect on persecution from a biblical perspective.
For Your Church Worship Services
These resources will help your church reflect and pray for the persecuted church
Along with the video above, our French ministry leader recently shared a story of hope despite persecution in West Africa. You can see his video here.
Pray
Read and pray using insights from our partners around the world, many of whom live in areas where persecution takes place
Order Bulletin Inserts
Christian Reformed congregations can order these bulletin inserts free of charge from Faith Alive's website
Read
Read: Persecution of the Church (Acts 12)
Why did God allow James to be killed, but then God sent an angel to save Peter? Was God showing favoritism?
Read: Faithfulness Through Persecution (1 Peter 4)
Discover how the resurrection of Jesus provides unwavering hope and victory amid life's trials, assuring believers of an eternal inheritance that outshines suffering and empowers us to boldly share the gospel.
Read: Justice Like a River (Amos 5)
Here, Amos and Isaiah highlight the call for true justice and compassion amid oppression while finding hope in the promise of complete justice through Christ for those who repent and seek His way.
Read: Rejoicing in Suffering? (Acts 5)
There are many stories and testimonies of Christians who suffer daily for the name of Jesus Christ, and continually they thank the Lord for counting them worthy to suffer for his sake
Listen
Listen: Daniel and the Lion's Den
Daniel needed to be brave and courageous and trust that God would protect him even when things seemed terrible.
Listen: The Story of Stephen
Stephen was killed because he followed God. Listen to this story of the first Christian martyr.
Listen: The Story of Paul and Silas
The great irony of the early persecution of the Church is that if you hated the Church, persecution ended up making matters worse for you because it only spread.
Listen: Good News Bad News
Perhaps you heard about people who are being persecuted, punished, or put in prison for their faith. You may feel like there’s no way you can help, but there is: you can pray for God’s justice. This children's devotional also includes an accompanying devotional for parents.
Help Persecuted Churches Around the World
Your Generosity Sustains the Faith of those Suffering for Christ