International (MNN) — The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is just around the corner. It's a day when believers worldwide will come together to pray for their brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer for their faith. November 11, 2012 is the day Open Doors USA has set aside for prayer for the persecuted church.
Leading up to November 11th, Open Doors encourages believers to stand with "those who share our faith but not our freedom" through their One With Them campaign. This is an initiative designed to bring awareness
to the reality of Christian persecution throughout the world.
Esther is a widowed mother of six from northern Nigeria whose husband was killed in a vicious attack by an Islamic extremist group notorious for attacks on Nigerian Christians. When asked how Christians in the West could be One With Them (persecuted
Christians), she said, "Share our stories so more and more people will
know about the situation in Nigeria, so they can pray for us."
As IDOP approaches, keep people like Esther in mind. Pray for the many followers of Christ who are being persecuted.
"We encourage prayer for the souls of the oppressors, the nations that
promote persecution, and those who ignore it," affirms Open Doors.
Open Doors has also invited Christians to use their artistic ability through an online competition called "One Body-Many Gifts," a creative aspect of One With Them.
The top 10 entries have been announced. You can vote to determine the 3 winning entries! Voting ends midnight November 6.
The top three entries will be announced on November 10. The grand prize is a unique opportunity to travel and meet with persecuted Christians face-to-face. It will change
you forever.
Another way you can get involved is by wearing One with Them wristbands — a tangible reminder to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Open Doors has provided IDOP resources for you or your church. Click here to learn more. Encourage your friends to participate in this life-changing event.
