Persecution - Present Tense

I had no sooner uploaded a blog post late last month on the seemingly endless number of special days that now exist (pointing out the very worthwhile National Forgiveness Day, however), than I became aware of  another very worthwhile “day”.  November 10  is designated as International  Day of Prayer for the Persecuted (http://www.persecution.org/).  Often people think about the persecution of Christians as something that happened in ancient Rome or in the Middle Ages, but in the past 100 years an estimated 35 million Christians have been killed for their faith, and the problem is ongoing in many parts of the world – it is real and it is now.

Although we can rejoice when facing unavoidable persecution (Matthew 5:10-12), that does not mean we should ignore the needs of those in peril in this way.  In some cases there are things we can do to aid those in danger because of their faith (see the persecution.org website “Take Action!” link for suggestions), but according to the organizers, the  number one thing persecuted Christians ask for is prayer.  As the website reminds us, even when we can do nothing physically,  we are equipped to meet that need!  This day is not only an  opportunity to pull together on behalf of those who face persecution, but also a good reminder that the need is ongoing and that there is something we can do about it.