Under attack, persecuted Christians around the globe find support from Bible League International. News of radicals persecuting Christian brothers and sisters simply because they profess Jesus Christ as their Savior flood our inbox. News reports indicate numerous religious attacks and anti-Christian groups are targeting Christians not only in China, but also throughout Nigeria, Laos, Pakistan, North Korea, Iran, and India (countries ranked high on the world watch list.) Attackers often strategically plan their violent strikes when Christian worshippers are vulnerable because of their gatherings to celebrate religious holidays like Easter and Christmas. Together we can take a stand against persecution. We can help persecuted Christians know that they are not alone. The reality: Christian persecution is on the rise.
Our vision for China's Church and beyond
Our vision is to see lives transformed by the Word of God. When religious oppression strikes, when violence is real, we have staff, volunteers and Bible training participants in many countries where persecuted Christians bravely live out their faith—every day. We seek to ensure that those who want to be introduced to the Christian faith may do so, despite whatever Christian persecution threats they may face. In Nigeria, for example, persecuted Christians are supported by Bible League International’s seven local offices. Some are near the northern regions where religious extremists seem to be targeting Christians. The staff and volunteers in Nigeria stand with persecuted Christians there, providing materials and encouragement to enable them to continue to boldly share their faith, participate in Bible studies and even start new churches.
In China and India, persecuted Christians must face hardship just to live out their faith. Pastors are imprisoned and churches are burned to the ground. In the Muslim world, Christian worship takes place behind a veil of secrecy and fear. At any moment, Christian persecution can take violent form. “Faced with such obstacles, it would be easy for persecuted Christians in those nations to lose heart,” says Bible League International's CEO Robert T. Frank. “Yet their churches are flourishing, in part because we provide them with the Bibles needed to capture the hearts of new believers.” And that is the heart of Bible League International ministry.
Although the enemy wants to persecute Christian communities, we know that God wants to continue to strengthen His people, and strengthen His Church. In India, where persecuted Christians are high in number, a recent converts’ own family rejected him because of his newfound faith. He admits he had a miserable life before as a drug addict and school drop-out.
“A Jesus follower came up to me one day and asked if I’d like to study a Scripture booklet with him, I liked what we were reading together. As I studied the Bible, I learned about sin, and came to realize that I’m a sinner. The day I professed that I believed in the Lord Jesus Christ was the day my family declared me as an outcast. I never thought I would become a persecuted Christian!” Still today, his family persecutes him for believing in Jesus Christ rather than appreciating the positive transformation. “Pray for me and my fellow Christians persecuted because we stand on the Word of God.”
Friends, persecuted Christians need you to stand with them today and every day. Please support the persecuted church across the globe through prayer. Your prayers are powerful.
Read Shu-Ming's story of Christian Persecution
