3 Ways to Support the Persecuted Church in 2022
New Years resolutions aren’t easy to keep.
How many of us have decided to work out every day, beginning on January 1, but fall out of habit by February? How about a new Bible reading plan that we fall behind on within a couple months? Planning out resolutions can feel intimidating, especially in such turbulent times as this.
Around the world, our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world have had their lives impacted not only by COVID, but by the ongoing presence of persecution and pressure. Going into 2022, the situation in many countries is volatile and increasingly dangerous. As Christians, we are called to stand together as the body of Christ, even in difficult times. When one part of the body suffers, we are told, the whole body suffers with it.
As we go into 2022, why not make a resolution to support the persecuted church? There’s many different ways to do so, but here’s three easy ways to strengthen your brothers in sisters in the upcoming year:
Learn
Learning about your persecuted family is the first step to supporting them! You’ve already begun this step by clicking on this blog post. This year, make a point of reading the World Watch List and finding out about where persecution is the hardest. Or encourage your church to access Open Doors Church Resources to collectively learn more about our brothers and sisters around the world!
Pray
This is the number one thing we encourage at Open Doors! Brother Andrew used to say that “Prayer goes where we cannot.” In places where religious freedom is restricted or following Jesus is illegal, our prayers can still strengthen the church. You can start today by downloading the Prayer Calendar. Every day you’ll find a new prayer request for your persecuted family, and you can make a point of praying for them throughout the whole year.
Act
Take a hands-on initiative to strengthen and support your persecuted brothers and sisters. You can send a letter or a post card to a believer and encourage them personally. Or why not look at these ways to hold your own fundraiser for the persecuted church and raise awareness among your community?
In 2022, make your resolution to stand with your brothers and sisters and support the persecuted church!
