Have you ever wondered what you would say if someone told you Bibles are banned and Christianity is forbidden?  Would you stand firm in your faith?  This may seem unrealistic for us living in the western world but Christians worldwide are being marginalised, driven from their homes and their jobs, imprisoned, tortured and exiled into poverty.  With some even murdered just because they chose to follow Jesus, there has never been a more important time to show support for the persecuted Christians worldwide.

During Summer Madness 09 I visited a stand called Open Doors, an organisation who work amongst the persecuted church.  At first I knew nothing about Open Doors and was unaware of the many problems facing our brothers and sisters worldwide but was attracted to the green shoe laces they were giving out with the logo “Walk with Them”.  Walk with whom I thought?  The team on the stand were great and shared some heart breaking stories and challenges facing Christians worldwide;  they informed me of the secret church.  My heart was filled with compassion and sorrow for these people yet also inspiration, the strength displayed by the persecuted church was powerful.  God was truly at work both for persecuted Christians and also in my heart.  I thought of the many times I would complain and moan if it was cold in church or if the chairs were hard and realised that I have freedom to attend church and Christian events without the fear of trouble.  Yet these people were constantly facing persecution for the very same activity I and others do, persecuted for worshipping the Lord.  I ultimatelly felt the need to give thanks for the freedom.

As I read the stories and the faith displayed I received an overwhelming sense of hope and encouragement.  With all these emotions running high I wanted to do something for these people and thought I could pray for them, or I could go without topping my mobile phone up, or give the downloads a miss for a while or what about all those clothes and comfort items I treat myself to.  If I cut back the money it could then go to the persecuted church.  Yet all these things didnt settle the over riding compassion in my heart, I truly wanted to help and felt God calling me into a deeper role.  I signed up to receive information and a lady contacted me explaining the work of Open Doors.

When the opportunity arose to promote the youth section of Open Doors, Underground I felt this was my opportunity and I was excited.  Not only do I get the chance to share the gospel with others but also spread the news about our brothers and sisters who risk their lives to worship the Lord.  What a faith and encouragement for us in the western world!

We have a small enthusiastic team travelling to various youth organisations/clubs, schools and young people gatherings spreading the word of the persecuted church, encouraging young people and informing them of the many problems these people face and how they can help.

Every day I remind myself of the problems others are facing in their walk with Jesus;  it’s an encouragement to pray for these people.  I learnt there are many ways to help others in need, prayer, writing letters of encouragement, missionary teams and donations.  The list is endless.  The Bible reminds us we are one church and for many of these Chrisitians we are the only family they have, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”  1 Corinthians 12 v 26.  Now is the time, Walk with them? 

Please pray for the persecuted church.  If you would like more information please contact Lorraine at Open Doors Ireland (90751080).

Written by Kim Bell from the GEMS CORE team