I Prayed have prayed
God we ask You to end this atrocity and attack on Christianity all around the world. Protect those who are in harm's way, and protect the freedom to practice Christian faith without fear.
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“Close to . . . genocide.”

That’s how an alarming study recently commissioned and released by the British government described the current state of Christian persecution around the globe.

The final report, compiled by the Bishop of Truro the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen states that violence and oppression against Christians is increasing rapidly, and becoming more deadly.

“Evidence shows not only the geographic spread of anti-Christian persecution, but also its increasing severity. In some regions, the level and nature of persecution is arguably coming close to meeting the international definition of genocide, according to that adopted by the UN.”

The report states Christians make up “by far the most widely persecuted religion” among the one-third of the world’s population suffering some religious persecution.

Persecution on grounds of religious faith is a global phenomenon that is growing in scale and intensity. Reports including that of the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on ‘Freedom of Religion and Belief’ (FoRB) suggest that religious persecution is on the rise, and it is an “ever-growing threat” to societies around the world.

Though it is impossible to know the exact numbers of people persecuted for their faith, based on reports from different NGOs, it is estimated that one third of the world’s population suffers from religious persecution in some form, with Christians being the most persecuted group.

It’s chilling. According to the report, an estimated 80% of persecuted believers around the world are Christians….

Read and Sign the Petition to Protect Christians and Recognize and End the Genocide

As we explained to the U.N.:

Increasingly, we see attacks being carried out against Christians in countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, and now Sri Lanka. ISIS is on the run from Iraq and Syria, but the escaping fighters take with them their ideology and commitment to the destruction of Christians.

ISIS and its affiliates are spreading around the globe, promoting terror and perpetrating religiously based attacks . . . . It is estimated that since May of 2011 Boko Haram has killed more than 37,500 people, displaced 2.4 million, and created 228,000 refugees.

Boko Haram has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, and utilises its tactics of mass killings and kidnappings to instill fear and intimidate. They target Christians and anyone else whom they see as a threat to the establishment of an Islamic State.

Boko Haram’s atrocities have no limit. Horrific examples of its cruelty include: executing 59 boys in their sleep and burning down their school, utilizing mob violence to target Christians, and using fake preachers to massacre innocent worshipers.

These and countless other acts of terror and senseless sectarian violence provide an example of the gruesome and dehumanising atrocities targeting Christians and others who are vulnerable.

The ACLJ is fighting for endangered and dying Christians all around the world. We’ve stood before the U.N. multiple times demanding protection for Christian victims of the ISIS genocide in Syria and Iraq. We’ve also urged swift global action for Nigeria’s Christians living under the threat of murder or abduction by Islamic militias like Boko Haram and the Fulani Herdsmen….

As this British report indicates, the situation for Christians around the world has become dire. Innocent Christian men, women, and children are in grave danger. Some will not survive this year.

We will continue to fight to defend them. But we need the international community to hold countries committing or allowing this persecution accountable and uphold Christians’ fundamental right to live and worship freely without threat of retribution or violence. If world leaders don’t come together on behalf of endangered Christians, the outlook appears beyond grim – it’s unthinkable.

(Excerpt from ACLJ article by CeCe Hall.)

 

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Helenmary
September 11, 2019

I would like to ask special prayer for my brother, Ted Topper, his wife, Suzette, colleagues Justin and Sarah Kropf. My brother has been serving in Togo, and now Burkina Faso for over 30 years. The northern part of Burkina has been effectively taken over by radical terrorists, who are now setting up their own government. Ted told me last week that they heard gunshots in the military compound in the middle of the night, in Ougadougou, the capital city where they live. This is sobering–indicating in-fighting among the remaining weakened Burkina military. Burkina is part of French Africa, and we know the French have virtually been taken over in Europe, with predictable results in their colonies–

This situation has greatly escalated in just the last few months, and they just returned to Burkina for about 2 years, after a 6 month medical furlough. Air France jets no longer linger in Burkina overnight–they re-fuel and leave immediately. Ted said they are not getting much information anymore via media. He had not heard of the massacre of missionaries and Christians in nearby Cameroon, where they have friends who have also served for many years. Fulani herders carried out those attacks, having been armed and encouraged by separatists, though the Muslims are much in the minority. There are Fulani in Burkina as well.

They purchased land 10 years ago (unheard of usually in such countries), but Burkina was special–honest. They have developed the property into a clinic, living quarters and school–and after 10 years, electricity has finally been provided (West Africa time-line). But it is in the “red zone” and is dangerous to now inhabit. They currently rent their schoolroom, and Ted and Suzette and Justin and Sarah rent homes in different areas of the city. They have taught MANY in their Bible School–and are now producing television worship and teaching programs (in French, of course.) One of the most EXCITING developments is an animated program they are producing, “Chukondi.” This targets children, with an original orangoutang, “Chukondi” interacting w/ an actress, and presenting David C. Cook animated Bible Stories. This program has the potential of reaching 32 MILLION people in North and West Africa, and some parts of Europe as well. They have completed 6 episodes, but need to complete 13 to sell in CONTRACT to television stations for broadcast. The enemy is NOT happy! But we are very excited, though of course, concerned for the safety of ALL–and the continued PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL. Praying for release of the Bible Translation of Andrew Fung, in the Cameroons–and that NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST THESE SHALL PROSPER.

My brother had successful hernia surgery while home, but is struggling now w/ vascular insufficiency, and ulcers inside left ankle and on left leg–he struck his leg on a podium, just since returning to Burkina (early July) and it doesn’t want to heal.

Forgive the length of this–but so appreciate PRAYERS for these FAITHFUL, JOYFUL servants. This is a difficult area of service. Our State Dept won’t have people there more than two consecutive years, due to temps near 130 degrees in hot season–Harmatan dust at other times. They are four hours from Timbucktu, “by strong vehicle.” Thanking ALL who will pray!

Vicki
September 6, 2019

Lord, as Christians living in the most prosperous nation in the world, may we be willing to give charitably and generously to those that are on the frontlines of protecting our Brothers and Sisters around the globe. Lord Your Word reminds us they hated You and we will be hated for our faith in You. Its obvious that it is spreading, the hatred, the persecution. We praise You for raising up organizations to fight against it in the public square, for judgement comes to those unwilling to stand for righteousness. Father, I pray for an abundance of resources, talent and wisdom to those willing to fight these battles, to listen to the heart wrenching details in these atrocities and to build cases in courts that do not believe in Your natural law. Lord i pray that anyone with the means that You have provided would be willing to share in support of the work that needs to be done to walk along each and every believer, may they know they are known by You and have Your peace and Your joy upon them while they walk through the fire, that they may know You walk with them.
In Jesus name I pray and ask these things to be made true according to Your will. Amen

    William B.Ogilvie II
    September 7, 2019

    Amen, amen, & amen! Please hear our united prayers of agreement Dear Lord God for our suffering brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Please pour out over Your church a new burden of concern fleshed out in Spirit inspired prayer and practical support for the defense and relief of Your suffering children. Bless your church with the heart and the practical means ($ etc.) to join you vigorously in this war against the common Adversary of all mankind, the devil himself! Thank you for your victory already given through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord! (Colossians 2: 8-15)
    In Jesus name we pray, AMEN

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