Persecuted: Not Abandoned-August 14, 2009- Intercede International

Persecuted: Not Abandoned

FORT ERIE, Ont. (INS)—“Persecuted: Not Abandoned” is the theme for this year’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Intercede International is part of IDOP Canada and encourages Canadian Christians to remember and pray for the millions of Christians who are persecuted for their faith.

This year, IDOP Canada has prepared a prayer kit on the theme of Persecuted: Not Abandoned, in preparation for Nov. 8, which will be this year’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. As we remember our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith, let us also remember that they are being used–like jars of clay–to carry and communicate Christ’s message. We pray earnestly for their safety and for their freedom, that they may express their faith without fear of persecution–but we do so knowing that we have all been called to live our lives for His glory. Because of Christ, we can take comfort in knowing that even in suffering, we are not abandoned by our Saviour, and His grace is made known through us.

IDOP 2009 will take place on Sunday, November 8. If groups are unable to participate in IDOP Sunday on this date, congregations are encouraged to set aside time on a different date to remember their persecuted brothers and sisters.

Together, our prayers demonstrate to suffering believers the faithfulness of God. Intercession through prayer helps the persecuted and those around them to come to know the peace and victory of Jesus. The IDOP Canada partners have put together a free downloadable resource kit and DVD film to assist congregations, groups and friends to pray effectively for persecutors and the persecuted church.

For more information about IDOP and the 2009 resource kit, please go to www.idop.ca.

What is IDOP Canada?

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is an annual event in churches around the world. IDOP Canada is a partnership formed in 1997 to encourage churches to observe the day of prayer. IDOP Canada partners work together to produce resources for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church for churches in Canada. The IDOP Canada partners include Intercede International, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) Religious Liberty Commission, Open Doors with Brother Andrew (Canada), The Voice of the Martyrs (Canada), and International Christian Response.

Why have an international day of prayer?

More than 200 million Christians around the world today face brutal opposition and persecution because of their beliefs. They endure discrimination, intimidation, attacks, fines, imprisonment, torture and death for their faith. We are called to pray for them. Please continue to remember and pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Photo: Daniel Antone, leader of the Indonesian indigenous ministry Oneness Fullness Witness (which is partnered with Intercede), prays for a sick man. (Intercede International Photo)

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August 14, 2009