‘I can never stop preaching the gospel!’ says Sultan* from Ethiopia.
This is despite the fact that when Sultan became a Christian, his father attacked him with a knife. Some time later he was surrounded by an angry mob who beat him and burned all his possessions.
But Sultan has devoted his life to sharing the good news. He is truly a beacon of gospel light.
Sunday, November 1 marks this year’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). This year Voice of Persecuted Christians’ theme is Light in the Darkest Places. Will you and your church join us in remembering and praying for those who continue to shine the light of Jesus Christ in the darkest places?
We have produced a short video (about seven minutes) in which Sultan shares more of his story. Nearer the time you will be able to download this, or access it online, in order to show it in your church.
We are also producing other resources that you will be able to download and use to help you mark IDOP this year with your church. These include prayer points, a Bible talk outline and PowerPoint materials, and a children’s activity sheet.
Paul Robinson, CEO of Voice of Persecuted Christians, said, ‘We want Christians in the UK to be praying for their persecuted brothers and sisters throughout the year. But, as an annual event on the calendar, IDOP gives us a really helpful reminder each year of the importance of praying in an informed and specific way. We have some great resources to help churches do this.’
Watch out for more details about these. But, for now, Voice of Persecuted Christians encourages you to get the date in your diary – and to ask your church’s leaders to include IDOP in their programme for the autumn.
*Name changed for security reasons
