USA (MNN) — With the 100 million Christians suffering interrogation, arrest, and even death for their faith, you would think that persecution would be a hot topic in the church today.
Unfortunately, a recent Barna Research Group report shows that while 74% of Christians are interested in learning more about the persecuted church from their pastors, only 48% of pastors want to present the topic of persecution to their congregations.
Dr. Carl Moeller, President and CEO of Open Doors USA, says, “This gap in interest shows that many Christians in America have a desire to hear more about persecution around the world, but they have not been introduced to the topic in their churches.”
Moeller goes on to point out, “The Bible says so much about persecution. The early church faced widespread persecution. It is still prevalent today. Only 10 days ago, a suicide bomber detonated eight pipe bombs outside a church building in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, wounding 20 church members. We cannot ignore what is happening to our suffering fellow believers.”
Open Doors USA has come up with an easy way for Christians to bring awareness of the persecuted church to others. Their latest campaign, "One With Them," provides wristbands which Christians can wear and show support for their brothers and sisters who are worthy of suffering for their shared faith in Christ.
"One With Them" wristbands are black silicone and shaped like barbed wire—a great conversation-starter which can give Christians the opportunity to talk to others about why millions are willing to suffer and even die for their faith.
“'One With Them' is a perfect way to introduce Christians in America to the topic of persecution,” says Moeller. “Open Doors USA is offering some excellent tools to help us stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
This would even be the perfect time to start raising awareness with International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) coming up on Sunday, November 13. Open Doors USA has been preparing for this event along with "One With Them" through an online training webinar about the persecuted church for pastors and church leaders.
To get involved in supporting the persecuted church, you can order wristbands by clicking here. Wristbands are also being distributed on MNN’s webpage this month. The first two wristbands are free, and all profits from additional bulk orders go to support persecuted Christians.
Start conversations about the persecuted church. Wear barbed wire.
