The simple act of living out their Christian faith is dangerous for so many Christians around the world. Because of extremism, many are part of underground churches that worship in secret. Other have no community support at all and worship on their own.

Let's consider some facts on persecution. According to Open Doors, every month around the world the following occurs:

• 322 Christians are killed for their faith
• 214 churches and Christian properties are destroyed
• 772 forms of violence are committed against Christians (this includes beatings, abductions, rapes, arrests, and forced marriages)

According to the Pew Research Center, among the world's 25 most populous countries, these five countries have the highest religious restrictions: Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Russia, and Turkey.

2016 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

This Sunday, November 6, 2016, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Please take some time to pray for those who are suffering for their faith. I have listed resources here that will help you to pray in an informed way. These resources also highlight other ways you can help if you desire. For example, through VOM I have purchased Action Packs and filled them with blankets, clothing, etc. for displaced Christians. You'll find numerous opportunities to make a difference. But remember, we need to start with prayer, as that is the most powerful way to affect change.

Resources for the Persecuted Church

• IDOP
• Open Doors
• Voice of the Martyrs
• International Christian Concern
• International Justice Mission

There are other organizations as well. These will get your started as you seek to become informed and to help. Thank you for supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ, and feel free to post your prayers in the comment section.

Pray on!

On today’s podcast I (Jane VanOsdol ) welcome Todd Daniels, the regional manager for the Middle East for International Christian Concern. With the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) coming up on November 3, 2013, we wanted to draw attention to this issue. Be sure to see the link below for your IDOP kit. The kit includes several resources to use for yourself, with a small group, or your church. You will even find a lesson for children in it.

In this podcast’s session, we discuss several issues concerning the persecuted church, including the following topics:

• The scope of the problem of persecution
• Steps to take to make a difference to suffering Christians around the world
• How to pray for persecuted Christians
• Relevant scriptures
• Parts of the world where persecution exists

Resources

www.persecution.org

IDOP kit: http://info.persecution.org/IDOP2013

Save Our Sisters: http://www.persecution.org/assistance/save-our-sisters/

Suffering Wives and Children: http://www.persecution.org/assistance/suffering-wives-and-children/

https://www.facebook.com/persecuted

https://twitter.com/persecutionnews

The following organization is working with resettled Christians. It is a need, but a really challenging task:

http://www.iraqichristianrelief.org/our-projects/

Thank you for joining us for Reflections, short meditations on scripture intersecting life.

Show Notes

In today's Reflections we are meditating on Isaiah 61:2-3

To comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor.

The loss of a loved one is the most devastating loss we can endure. It shakes us as nothing else can. We are left bereft, dealing with a toxic swirl of emotions.

Like many of you, I know grief. I lost my second daughter when she was just 11 days old. God inserted Himself into the midst of my suffering, and walked through that time with my family and me. It was not easy, but as I held on to Him, He held me.

For those of you who know grief as your constant companion right now, I want to give you hope. You will get through this. I hope today's podcast encourages you in this journey.

To listen, just click on the triangles or subscribe on iTunes.

Pray on!