More than 50,000 congregations – including many in San Diego County – participated in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Nov. 16, bringing a close to a 52-day “season of prayer” for the persecuted church which began Sept. 28.
Begun in 1996, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) has quickly made an impact, drawing support from the Southern Baptist Convention, Roman Catholic Church, United Methodists, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Assemblies of God, Evangelical Free Church, and many others. Articles on the observance appeared in Reader’s Digest, Guideposts, Christianity Today, and other magazines, as well as in influential newspapers, including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times.
But while the day of prayer is over, the persecution of Christians around the world because of their religious beliefs continues. It is estimated that some 200 million Christians who live in 60 countries around the world live under persecution.
Terry Madison, president of Open Doors With Brother Andrew, thanked the millions of Christians who participated in the Nov. 16 event, and challenged believers in America to keep praying daily for those that are persecuted for their faith.
“Praying once a year for those who suffer for their Christian faith every day isn’t going to do it,” said Madison. “The Bible speaks of ‘praying without ceasing.’ Persecution of believers doesn’t take place only on November 16; it is a constant reality for an estimated 200 million Christians worldwide. Every morning, our brothers and sisters in faith have to decide to follow Jesus all over again, regardless of cost.”
Madison, who has traveled widely around the world to meet with and report on the Christians in the suffering church, added, “Would to God that every morning when American Christians arise, they too would decide to follow Jesus in some equally significant way. With all our liberty, the challenge is not to life and limb. It is to discipline and faithfulness. On behalf of the Suffering Church worldwide, I challenge American Christians to discipline themselves to pray daily for those who suffer.”
– E.P. News
