What Is Persecution? “Any hostility experienced from the world as a result of one’s identification as a Christian” -Open Doors USA Research suggests that Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution from governments, neighbors, and even family members. Persecution comes in many forms from hostile words and attitudes to physical torture and death. Each day Christians make the choice to endure this harsh treatment rather than turn from Jesus Christ.

Persecution Comes in Many Forms Verbal abuse Isolation from family Discrimination from teachers, employers, and landlords Higher taxes Imprisonment Physical torture Rape Slavery Destruction of property Death

Top 10 Most Persecuted Countries 1.North Korea 2.Iraq 3.Eritrea (North Africa) 4.Afghanistan 5.Syria 6.Pakistan 7.Somalia 8.Sudan 9.Iran 10.Libya

Last Year Alone... Over 7,000 Christians were killed for their faith Millions of believers were forced to flee their homes Over 2,400 churches were attacked or destroyed

Persecution at a Glance China: Christians who worship apart from government- approved churches are subject to discrimination, physical threats, and arrest 17,884: The number of Chinese Christians persecuted last year

Persecution at a Glance Central African Republic: Violent clashes between Muslim and Christian groups make this a volatile place for Christ-followers 1 million: The number of people displaced due to religious conflict

Persecution at a Glance India: Despite this country’s rich tapestry of culture and ethnicity, a hostile political atmosphere makes it difficult for Christians to openly practice and share their faith 2.3 percent: The small number of India’s population that are Christians

Persecution at a Glance Iraq: ISIS has given Christians the ultimatum to “convert to Islam, pay a tax, or face death,” causing countless families to flee their ancient homelands No. 2: Iraq’s rank on the World Watch List of most dangerous places for Christians

Persecution at a Glance Myanmar: Christians in this nation face discrimination by the government as well as violence by groups of radical Buddhist monks 17: The number of major Christian monuments destroyed by officials

Persecution at a Glance Nigeria: Boko Haram, the militant Islamic group, continues to terrorize Christians and has forced millions to flee their homes in fear of capture 11,500: The number of Christians killed by Boko Haram since 2000

Persecution at a Glance North Korea: In this country, being a Christian is forbidden by law, and public expressions of faith or possession of Bibles can result in execution Approximately 70,000: The number of Christians imprisoned in labor camps

Persecution at a Glance Syria: Islamic State militants have taken advantage of the power vacuum caused by civil war to spread their violent persecution of any who do not convert 4.8 million: The number of Syrians who have fled the country to escape violence

What Does the Bible Say about Persecution? Job 36:15 But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

What Does the Bible Say about Persecution? 2 Corinthians 1:5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

What Does the Bible Say about Persecution? Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

What Can You Do? PRAY: Intercede on behalf of fellow believers ADVOCATE: Use your voice and social media to raise awareness about persecution PROVIDE AID: Give live-saving relief to a Christian in need PROVIDE GOD’S WORD: Give the gift of everlasting hope found in the Scriptures Visit worldhelp.net/prayer for more information about how to get involved.

What Should I Pray For? For strength and courage For opportunities to share the Gospel despite persecution That those separated from their families will be reunited For comfort for those who have converted and been disowned by family For health and safety That God will touch the hearts of oppressors That those displaced from their homes will be able to return That believers will forgive, love, and pray for their persecutors

Get Your Church Involved Create a prayer calendar leading up to Nov. 6 Have each Sunday School class or small group pray for a specific persecuted country Join other congregations to raise awareness for International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Get Your Church Involved Dedicate a children’s service to teaching about persecution and praying for children in persecuted countries Find stories of persecuted believers at worldhelp.net/blog and share them with your congregation