Faces of the Persecuted Church

About two months ago, as my mom was going into the nursing home to see my grandparents, she met a woman walking down the street. Within the following weeks this woman, named Elizabeth, and her daughter,  Dayam, became part of our family.

Elizabeth and Dayam live right around the corner from the nursing home and began visiting my grandparents everyday. They were there in the final weeks of my grandfather's life, and they gave a lot of support to my mom and grandma during this hard time. They spent Christmas with my family, and Dayam knew my grandpa as her grandpa. They continue to visit my grandma every day.

Elizabeth and Dayam have become an important and special part of our lives, and because of this I would like to share a bit of their story with you, and ask that as a church we can come together to help this family.

About six months ago Elizabeth and Dayam moved to Colorado from Pakistan. Elizabeth and Dayam are Christians who faced persecution in their own home, and because of this were given temporary asylum in the U.S. Elizabeth has one son who was killed in Pakistan, and also left behind a husband and another son who will hopefully join them here soon.

Because the asylum they were given is temporary, it will expire on February 11, 2013. At this time, if the application process for permancy is not completed, Elizabeth and Dayam will have to return to Pakistan.

Elizabeth has been working at a restaraunt where, because of her legal status, has been taken advantage of and is only earning $4/hour. She has also been picking up extra jobs cooking and cleaning as she can, but the legal costs for her and Dayam to stay in the U.S. are around $4,000.

This is far beyond what Elizabeth has been able to save, and far beyond what my family can give. We have had some church members step forward to help with this cost, but we still have a lot more to raise in just a short time.  I ask that as a church we model the early church talked about in Acts. I ask that those of us who can, give, so that the needs of our church family are met.

We talk a lot about the persecuted church, and I hope that you would consider taking this opportunity to help our persecuted sister and her daughter.

We have set up a paypal account in honor of Elizabeth and Dayam. At this time donations made are not tax deductible, but I ask that you would consider helping this family make a home in the United States.

Donations can be made here:
Elizabeth and Dayam Legal Fund

Cracking Open Steel Doors

Many of you who have been around here for awhile know that I really have a heart for the persecuted church. From researching more about the persecuted church, I have learned that the number one country where it is the hardest to be a Christian, and the hardest to share the gospel, is North Korea.

Even apart from religion, North Koreans are a very controlled, manipulated, and stifled people. God broke my heart for this country last year when I attended a Voice of the Martyrs conference and was able to hear more inside information about what goes on inside the country's borders. If you would like to read some basic information about North Korea, its religion, leadership, and the persecution of Christians, I wrote a post about it here.

Having said all this, I write this to say that today it was announced that Kim Jong-il died on Saturday from a heart attack.

Kim Jong-il has been the leader of North Korea since his father passed away in 1994, and continued in the example of his father's strong hand over the people. You can read more about his death here.

I wanted to share this with you all, because this is a big deal. Kim Jong-il chose his third son, Kim Jong-un, to be his successor. His son has been raised with the same ideals as his father, and his father before him. But with the change of leadership, I ask that we, as the church, pray. Pray for this new leader's heart. That it will be softened for his people, and that it would be opened to new ideas, and ultimately the love of Christ.

So many dictators and communist leaders have been removed and/or died recently, and in a way I feel like the doors of hope and opportunity are being cracked open. We can't physically go and break down the heavy steel doors of corruption and oppression in these places, but we can join the battle spiritually.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-13

So, my friends, let's pray.

Sharing is Caring

On Saturday I spent the day with Dulce, one of the girls I mentor.

I went to the bank, then went to her house and picked her up. We stopped by to say hi to a couple other kids. We went to Sonic and had sodas. We went to the $3 theater and watched the new Chronicles of Narnia. We went and got a pizza. We came to my house to hang out.

Then she told me my shirt was on inside out.

So, because sharing is caring, I thought I'd pass onto you some share worthy things.

*Come Together Trading Company is a Christian based company which sells fair trade items from around the world. They have beautiful, handmade, and unique items  that would make the perfect gifts. Here are a few of my favorite items.

Global Mamas Headband- made in Ghana



Guatemalan Scarves- made in Guatemala

Pakko Tote Bag- made in India

*Compassion International is raising money to help send one of their children to the special olympics. Compassion Can represented Emilda's story so well. Please take time to read it! You will be blessed.

*For those of you who followed my series on The Persecuted Church, and especally the story of North Korea, Inside North Korea is an eye-opening documentary released by National Geographic. None of the information in the documentary was necessarily new to me, but seeing pictures and videos of the people behind the stories really shook me. It is hard to watch at points, but this documentary brings light to darkness that Satan would love to remain hidden.

*Conspiracy of Hope is raising money to support IJM and My Refuge House. Click here to help bring healing and restoration for the victims of sex trafficking.

I hope you will take time to check these things out!

God Bless,

A Picture of Humility

If you do a quick internet search of the words "Christian," "Muslim," and "Egypt," you will find story upon story of persecution, specifically that of Christians. Google will suggest words such as "clash" or "tension" to assist your search.

This knowledge only makes the following photograph more beautiful:

Christians creating a protective barrier around praying Muslims in Egypt

The situation in Egypt right now is rough, to say the least. People have become desperate for change, and are willing to sacrifice to make that change a reality.

You could say that this picture portrays unity and hope for the country. But to me it reveals the humility of Christ, and how we, as Christians, are to be an example of that humility.

Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.

Romans 12:14

Conclusion: Why the Persecuted Church?

In my intro post to this series about the persecuted church, I made the statement that this is the most important thing I have ever written about.

I wanted to elaborate on that statement, and let you know why.

If you have read this blog for any amount of time, you know that my heart aches for the poor, the sick, and the enslaved. But I want to say that I believe praying for the persecuted church is the most important thing I have written about for three reasons:

*Our brothers and sisters in restricted nations are, often times, the poor, the sick, and enslaved. And they are so because of their faith.

*Our persecuted family loves their enemies. The serve and minister to those who beat, imprison, and starve them. They offer kindness in exchange to brutality. And sometimes, as a result, God is revealed through them, and the persecuters are saved. We saw this with Mujahd. Someone risked their life to distribute scripture. From the one scripture that he read, Mujahd was saved and in turn has led many to Christ. A man who could have been used for many evil things is being used for God's glory. Mujahd is just one man, one example, of how God can take a heart determined to bring death, and mold it and make it into a vessel of life.

*The persecuted church is also the hands of feet of Christ for the poor, the sick, and the enslaved. They live in countries and with people that we have little or no access to. They reach people who are in the most hopeless situations in life and are hungry for Christ, because they are among them. They risk their lives to share the gospel with the lost. And even with those who persecute them.

Stories are told that in concentration camps, those who are known to be Christians are being seperated from the group. This is because they carry an undeniable joy, and the other prisoners recognize that. The Christians will sacrifice everthing they have- food, water, blankets- and go completely without for the other prisoners. And Christians will volunteer for the worst jobs, so the other prisoners will be spared. As you can imagine, their witness among the other prisoners (and sometimes even the guards) is great. Not because of their words, but because of their actions. So, in order to hinder their faith from spreading, they are seperated from the group. And, even then, they create ways to love others.

When members of the persecuted church are beaten, starved, thrown into prison, and forced into slavery, they do not ask that the persecution stops. They pray that they may have courage and boldness in Christ. They pray that they may share Jesus with clarity in the midst of their suffering. And they ask that we, as their family, join them in prayer

By doing so we encourage them and empower them to continue on in the strength of Christ. And through our prayers we take part in fighting the battle against the darkness of poverty, enslavement, and sickness. Although they offer in kindness every material gift they posess to those in need, it is usually not enough to end the physical suffering. But what they offer eternally is just that...eternal. Through them we take part in multitudes joining the family of Christ.

So, as I end this series on the persecuted church, I pray that you continue on with them in your hearts and on your mind. Through their stories we have seen the power of prayer, so I ask that you would continue to do so on their behalf.

The Persecuted Church: International Day of Prayer

This week I have shared just a few of the countless stories of men and women of faith facing persecution, continuing to praise God and share the gospel at the risk of their lives, and counting it joy to do so.

I only touched on a few of the many restricted nations.

My hope is that this week your heart has been stirred to act on behalf of our church family around the world. I also hope that you have seen through these stories that the Holy Spirit is active and moving in the world today.

Voice of the Martyrs is a an organization committed to speaking up for the persecuted church. Their mission statement is as follows:

Serving the persecuted church through practical and spiritual assistance while leading Christians in the free world into fellowship with them.

I would encourage you to check out their website to learn more about these countries, how to pray, and how to help.

As this week comes to an end, I would like to share with you one way you can be a voice for the persecuted church today.

This Sunday, November 14th, is the National Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. I would challenge you to contact your pastor and request that a few moments be set aside during your church service to join with our family near and far in prayer for the persecuted church. Resources for the IDOP can be found here.

And here is how we are asked to pray (taken from the VOM website):

Our persecuted family is not asking us to pray that the persecution will stop. They’re asking us to pray they will remain faithful to Christ in spite of the persecution and pressure they face.

I will leave you with these words from Hebrews chapter 13 verse 3:

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

The Persecuted Church: North Korea

Through the Voice of the Martyrs conference I learned so many heart breaking things about North Korea.

I was so intrigued and perplexed by the speaker that I was afraid that if I stopped to take notes, that I would miss something.

Every word he said was important.

I learned that North Korea is the only country in the world that was founded with the intent to corrupt christianity.

I encourage you to research the country's history, because I, as I mentioned, did not take the focus off the speaker long enough to worry about recording the names and dates, and there are many details I have forgotten.

I do know that the religion of North Korea is called Juche, and the leader of North Korea is the god of the country. The nation has also been taught to believe that his father (the previous leader) was the creator of the world and their race. The father, the son, and the wife/mother, make up the trinity of this religion. The religon was created to parallel christianity in so many ways, that often times when one hears about Christ, they wonder why Christianity is trying to copy them.

Services are held to worship the leader, much like our church services. Hymns praising his name are sung. And there is absolutely no room to refuse.

I also learned that North Korea is the hardest country in the world to not only be a Christian, but to hear the gospel.

In 1977 the government announced to the world that the country had been completely rid of all Christians. The world either denied or ignored the fact that this meant the mass annihilation of human beings.

Apparently, somehow a few, or maybe just one or two Christians survived. And from these seeds planted among the thorns, the faith has not only managed to survive, but to multiply. Although mulitplying is a seemingly impossible task, it is being done.

Every home in North Korea is responsible not only for themselves, but for two homes on either side of them. If suspicious activity is happening two doors down, and you fail to report it to the government, your punishment is equally severe as those committing the "crime." Suspicious activity includes the gathering of people, any more than two, which makes communication difficult.

Currently the strategic ways the gospel is being taken to North Korea are through balloon drops, ministering to North Koreans who temporarily enter China on work visas, and through sneaky communication to family members by those who have escaped.

Often times you can tell those who have just escaped from North Korea because they are a foot shorter than a healthy sized Korean due to malnutrition, and because they are often times green.

Unless a family is in the elite group who has no offenses against the government in any of their family line, they do not recieve food rations. Therefore they live off of plants and tree bark, giving them a greenish complexion.

An estimated 1/3 of all Christians in North Korea live in concentration camps. These camps differ from those of the Nazi regime. Those in the camps live where they work. There are no beds/buildings for them to sleep in at night. There are no food rations. There is working, then sleeping in the same area, and waking to do it all again until death. Many concentration camps are mines. Once a person goes in, they often will not leave the mine again. That is where they sleep and work until they die.

Other than concentration camps, those who are caught with any suspicion of Christianity are subject to all kinds of testing. Frankensteinian medicine, which I mentioned before, as well testing chemical weapons. Christians are used as guinea pigs to see just how much chemical can make a person absolutely crazy or disformed without completely killing them.

The torture of Christians in North Korea is absolutely among the worst in the world. Because of the strict government control, the small number of Christians there (believed to possibly be as many as 100,000) are flashing targets. But although they experience great suffering because of their faith, the church continues on, and people continue to be saved.

The story of North Korea is not a very happy one, but it is not without a glimmer of hope. It is a story we need to hear. As Christians we need to be armed with knowledge to fight against the battle the persecuted church is facing. We must remember that these suffering people, they are our family. We share the blood of Christ.

Please join me in praying for North Korea.

The Persecuted Church: Israel

One day Pastor Steven was running a bit late to work. On this particular day he chose to wear his American style basketball pants. The ones with snaps up each side.

As he was running out of his door in a hurry his pants caught on the doorknob. Before he knew what happened he was standing on his front porch, with his neighbors looking on, and his pants around his ankles.

He quickly snapped up his pants, laughed, and moved on. He ran to catch his bus, but got there just as the doors were closing.

Instead of showing a bit of grace and letting him on, the bus driver smiled and waved through the closed doors and kept going.

Thirty seconds later the pastor heard a loud blast, and dropped to his knees when he saw that his bus, that he was suppose to be on, had been victimized by terrorist bombs.

He knew many people who died that day, having traveled with them on that bus everyday.

But it was on that day that Pastor Steven realized that God had a plan, purpose and future for him. God protected him that day, because God was not done with him yet.

Pastor Steven was born and raised in Jerusalem. His church is there, and his church is currently undergoing heavy persecution.

He explained to us that how, after each service, a few brave men will volunteer to leave out the front doors of the church in order to distract the persecutors waiting outside. As these men run out the front, stones rain down on them from the people who have been waiting outside for their victims.

Meanwhile, people are being rushed out the back and loaded into vans. And still, with continual persecution, the church grows. Once, when Pastor Steven asked one of the men why he continued to come to church at the height of danger, he replied that even in persecution, he felt safer at church than anywhere else.

Pastor Steven also shared with us the story of a girl named Leena.

Pastor Steven had seen Leena several times standing in the back of the church while he preached from the front. Each Sunday he attempted to talk to this girl, but each Sunday he would watch as she snuck out the back just before the service was over.

Finally, on a Sunday that a guest was invited to preach, Pastor Steven caught the girl before she snuck out.

Leena told Pastor Steven she didn't know why she was there, just that each Sunday as she walked by she felt something pulling her in. At that point Pastor Steven shared with her about the love of the Savior who was pursuing her. She accepted Christ that day.

A couple weeks later Pastor Steven entered his office to find Leena's parents sitting there, asking what he had been teaching their daughter.

They were amazed at the change they saw in Leena. Leena's parents saw her transform from withdrawn and suicidal to joyful and radiant. Because of the change they saw in Leena, her parents also accepted Christ into their hearts.

None of this came without consequence for Pastor Steven. Angered family members beat him, but he continued on in his ministry even stronger.

One week, as Pastor Steven's church was holding Vacation Bible School, Leena asked if Pastor Steven could stop by her neighborhood to pick up some of the kids she knew. When Pastor Steven arrived, there was Leena, surrounded by 22 kids, ready to learn about the Bible.

That week nine of those kids became Christians.

Because of Leena's excitement for Christ, 11 people had already been saved through her testimony.

Sadly, parents and relatives of those children who accepted Christ at VBS were not excited, but angered.

At 4am one morning, during one of Pastor Steven's visits to the United States, he recieved a call from his father.

Leena was found, shot to death. Killed for her faith.

Pastor Steven wept himself back to sleep.

In his sleep Leena came to him in a dream. She told Pastor Steven to tell everyone that is was okay, that is was all worth it.

As Pastor Steven continues to preach the gospel in Israel, persecution continues.

Just 2 days ago a church down the street from his own was bombed.

As we met with Pastor Steven here, in the United States, Christians in Jerusalem gathered to full capacity in the ruins of the destroyed church. As Christians in Israel prayed for the church, we joined them.

Although separated by distance, we are united by a great God.

Today, as you enjoy the freedoms we have been granted, I ask that you too would take time out of your busy schedule to unite with your persecuted brothers and sisters through prayer.

The Persecuted Church: Pakistan

This story is less about a country and the persecution of Christians there and more about a Believer and the miraculous ways that God provides.

Mujahd grew up in Pakistan in a solid Muslim family. He was a respected member of the military, and his ultimate goal in life was death through martyrdom; death through jihad while taking the lives of Christians.

That is until the day he got his hands on a piece of literature. He read the words:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

As he read he was overwhelmed by the message of peace and love. It was so different than the Koran that he grew up with. He was shocked to find out that this literature he was reading was, in fact, part of the Bible. (Matthew 11:28-30)

As Mujahd was transformed into a man of faith, he faced much persecution. In one incident he was being walked to a furnace to die, and before the men threw him in they told him his crime. They charged him with believing and preaching a harmful treacherous lie. Mujahd replied by asking if they had ever actually read the Bible. When they said no, he claimed that they could not charge him with such a thing if they do not actually know what the Bible says. Mujahd handed them his, and told them to read it. He told them that when they were finished they could come and find him if they still thought he was guilty. Amazingly the men did not follow through in killing Mujahd, but instead let him go peacefully.

Mujhad was able to attend seminary in South Africa. He returned home to Pakistan, but would occassionlly travel back to South Africa to share his testimony.

On a trip to South Africa in 1997, with his wife and two children, someone who heard Mujahd speak reported to Pakistan that he was, in fact, traveling to preach the gospel. The government of Pakistan made an agreement with that of South Africa that as soon as Mujahd's visa expired, he would be sent straight back to Pakistan.

With only 15 days left until they would be forced back to their home land, and with no money, Mujahd and his family prayed for a miracle. They knew that if they returned to Pakistan, that the punishment, without question, would be death.

Mujahd and his wife went to every place that they thought may possibly help them. They tried to get their visas extended. They went to the U.S. embassy seeking visas to the United States, but were told that they must apply for such a visa from their home country. They sought the help of the U.N. Each time they were turned away, left with no hope.

They returned to the place they were staying, and followed an urging to fast and pray. Like the fast in the book of Esther, they prayed and went without food or drink for three days and nights.

Mujahd had heard stories of Christians who carried Bibles with them across borders into closed nations, the eyes of the soldiers being blinded.

Mujahd prayed that the eyes of the embassy would be blinded. He prayed that they would not be able to see that their passports came from Pakistan. He prayed that they would not see the orders that he return directly to Pakistan.

The day after their fast Mujahd and his wife returned to the U.S. Embassy, and with no other explanation, the eyes of the embassy were blinded. Their visas were approved, and could be picked up in a matter of days. They were recieved with no further questions, and no hinderances.

Now that they had their visas, Mujahd and his family still had one problem. He had no money. How was he to get a family of four from South Africa to the U.S?

At this point they only had nine days left, at which point they would be deported back to Pakistan if they could not afford the plane tickets to their safety.

Again, they fasted. Three days and three nights. If they were not on a plane to the United States by June 23rd, they would be on plane headed to Pakistan to face their death.

The day after they ended their fast, a man showed up at their front door. He had, in hand, four plane tickets to the United States. They were dated for June 22, at 6pm.

As he was preparing to leave for the United States, Mujahd was told that when he went through customs, he would have to provide information such as where he was staying, what kind of work he would be doing there, and who would be sponsoring him while in the country. Mujahd did not have answers to any of these questions, but they went, with one more step of faith.

They boarded the plane and left South Africa with no time to spare. When they landed in the U.S. they moved to stand in the shortest line at customs. Moments later Mujahd felt the the urge to move to the longest line, so the family did so.

When they reached the front of the line, the woman asked Mujahd what he would be doing in the U.S. The Holy Spirit told Mujahd to shut his mouth: God would provide the words. After 15 seconds of silence, when Mujahd thought it was over, the woman asked him, "Are you coming here to be a missionary?"

With a big smile, Mujahd confidently answered "Yes."

And a missionary he has been.

Mujahd lives in the United States, where he encourages Christians with his testimony, educates people about the persecuted church, and continually shares his faith.

I hope his story reminds you of what a mighty and miraculous God we serve.

The Persecuted Church: The Middle East

Many of the speakers at the VOM conference I attended had to use much precaution to ensure they were not further endangering the lives of those in "underground" churches, as well as their own.

This story is short, and so far sweet. It is a little lighter than yesterday's post, but I hope you will be inspired by it just the same.

The name of the man in this story is unspecified, as is the middle eastern country where he lives:

A team of Christians (including Darcie who shared this story) were visiting this middle eastern country to encourage the persecuted church.

The team was in a cafe, and through a turn of events began a conversation with a man there. At first he was acting a bit unusual and uncomfortable, and one of the team members felt moved to ask if he was a believer.

There, in that cafe, in a blessed moment of courage, this man verbally- for the first time- proclaimed to be a follower of Christ Jesus.

With many people in the cafe hearing his proclamation, the man ran home. The team assumed that he ran to hide, as now his life was at immediate risk.

The next day the team searched for this man to see if they could find out what came of him. To their surprise, they met with him, unharmed.

When they asked him what he did when he ran home, he told them he made a salad.

They stood confused. Knowing he had just revealed a secret that could easily be punished with life in prison or death, he did not run and hide, he did not run home and weep and pray and plead. He ran home and made a salad.

But it is what he did next that makes this story and inspiration.

Now feeling quite courageous, the man made a salad, went next door, and invited his neighbor to join him.

Then with clarity and grace, he shared his faith.

That night the man prayed that he could live one more day. He prayed that he could make one more salad. He prayed that he could live one more day so he could share the Good News with one more friend.

And that is what he did. And as far as we know, he continues to pray that prayer each night.

So, to you I leave you with this challenge:

Go make a salad.

The Persecuted Church: An Overview

*Warning- This post contains content that is brutally violent.

In countries across the world, simple actions of faith- from reading the Bible to humming the tune of a Christian song- can mean beatings, years in prison, or even death for a Christian.

These countries, which can be found from South America to Eastern Europe, from Africa and the Middle East to Asia, these countries where Christians risk their freedom and their lives to share the name of Christ, there we find the persecuted church.

If you listen to a member of the persecuted church speak, you will most likely discover that they find it an honor to suffer for the name of Christ. In the face of suffering, they count themselves blessed.

Among the persecuted church, there is no such thing as casual Christianity. Claiming to be a Christian, or even uttering the name of Christ, means being willing to sacrifice everything to share the gospel.

When I say everything, you may imagine homes being destroyed, churches being burned, imprisonment, and maybe even death. These things are hard enough to fathom on their own. But there is more to everything.

Now, take into account men being forced to watch their wives be brutally beaten and raped over and over again.

Pregnant women being cut open in front of crowds as a warning to what will happen if a Christian creates life.

Take into account your son being burried alive because you preach the gospel.

Consider not the death, but the days, weeks, months, and years of torture that often precede death: Being forced to live life standing in a narrow way surrounded by nails. The slightest weakening of the muscles resulting in skin being pierced repeatedly, until it is raw and torn; Being skinned alive; Or, by accepting Christ, volunteering yourself for Frankensteinian medicine. Your legs and arms being cut off, only to have your arms replace your legs and your legs to be placed into your shoulder sockets. Just as a means of experiment and entertainment.

Consider even, a Christin being served a hot meal, and after finishing being informed that they were just served their brother or sister in Christ, or even their own child.

These things are reality, and they are happening today- right now- to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

But the amazing part...the miraculous part...is that in these countries, among the persecuted church, droves of people are being saved. And just like Paul, they find it an honor to be persecuted for the name of Christ.

In these countries the Holy Spirit is moving in real and undeniable ways.

It has been calculated through testimony and in-country sources, that in the Middle East 70% of Muslims who are converting to Christianity- risking their lives to claim the name of Christ- are doing so through dreams and visions.

Just as Stephen before he was martyred, men and women (many never before hearing of Christ) are seeing the heavens open up, and they are having real encounters with Jesus.

A woman named Darcie spoke about some of her experiences going into these closed countries and encouraging the persecuted church. She opened by giving a few moments for us to ask ourselves if these churches are growing because of the persecution, and if we, in America, are seeing a lack of genuine growth because of our lack of physical persecution. Her response was this:

Persecution is not the good thing that causes the church to multiply. Freedom is not the bad thing that hinders the church from multiplying. It is our response to persecution and our response to freedom that causes growth.

You see, in the United States, our perception of blessing has been skewed over time. In our comfortable churches we see blessing as a roof over our heads, never going hungry, a job, a car, having our needs met.

The difference between us and the persecuted church- the multiplying church- is that they find their definition of blessing straight from the Word they are dying for.

I will leave you with a passage, that if you have been a believer for any significant amount of time, you have probably read repeatedly. In fact, I would guess that many of you may have it memorized.

I ask that as you read this scripture, taking into account the information you have just read, that you would write these words on your heart. Wrap your mind around what they really mean. And carry them with you.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:3-12

No Turning Back

On June 12, 2008, a woman in Zimbabwe died as a result of political violence.

She was not the first, and she was not the last, but for some reason her death, on that day, changed my perspective.

At the time I was on a prayer campaign for Zimbabwe, trying to to enlist people to cover Zimbabwe in 24 hour a day prayer for three days; the day before, the day of, and the day following the run-off election.

I am not bringing this up now to do lesson on Zimbabwe's politics.

I am bringing it up because on that day I felt like I had to do something to let someone know what was going on in this country half way around the world.

I had emailed my prayer contacts about the escalating violence and the death of this woman, but I got no response.

I felt like no one cared, and that the world continued on without as much as blinking an eye at the atrocities taking place.

I had to get my feelings out there, so on June 12, 2008, I started this blog. My first post was about this woman who died. Her name was Dadirai.

I am saying this now because today I remembered why I started blogging.

I wanted to be a voice.

I didn't know if any one would ever read what I would write, but I left that in the hands of God. I thought maybe, if there is someone out there who He wants to recieve this information, He will lead them here. And I thought maybe, if even by accident, someone stumbled upon this blog, they would read something that moved them. And, even if it was by accident, I thought maybe someone would care.

This brings me to today. I have used my blog to tell many stories over the last couple of years. Some of them light-hearted, and some more serious. Some fun and some meaningful. All this to say:

I believe that what God has placed on my heart to share with you this next week will be more important than anything I have ever written.

I do not write those words lightly.

I planned on sitting down this afternoon to write a light-hearted post, because I realize so much has been serious lately.

But this morning I went to a conference. A Voice of the Martyrs conference.

And right now I am so overwhelmed by what my brothers and sisters are facing across the world, that it would be empty for me to write about anything else.

Today I stood in a room with members of the persecuted church from across the world. We sang together, with no instruments, no trained worship leaders, just our voices and our hearts surrendered. The words to 'I Have Decided to Follow Jesus' never had more meaning than today, when I sang them in a room with men and women who had sacrificed everything for their decision to follow Jesus.

Even through beatings, fires, churches blown up, homes destroyed, friends and family martyred, attempts on their lives, they sang "No turning back," and I saw what it meant:

NO TURNING BACK.

In the following days I will be posting stories of real people that are happening in real time.

I must warn that some will be intense. Some information will be more than you ever wanted to know. But I ask that you read them.

I will do my best to be a voice for Christians facing persecution around the world. I ask that you would honor them by reading their stories. I ask that you would honor them by allowing their voices to be heard.

And to all my friends who have stumbled upon this blog and stuck around, I want to say thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for listening. And thank you for caring.

Persecution

Over the weekend 8 Christians were martyred in Pakistan. Six were burned alive, and two were shot. Simply for proclaiming the name of Christ.

Here in America, where our idea of persecution is being rejected or mocked at worst, we not only take for granted our freedom to call ourselves Christians, but we often hide behind the label. Somewhere along the way what it means to be a follower of Christ has been watered down to living in comfortable homes and driving comfortable cars and sitting in a comfortable pew on Sundays. We forget to be grateful for clean water, food, shelter, education, freedom of religion, and ultimately the grace that has undeservably been lavished on us. We forget about our brothers and sisters in Christ that are living out their faith, and ultimately dying for their faith.

In a time where more Christians are being martyred than ever before, I ask that you would remember what it really means to be a follower of Christ, and remember those who are suffering for His name. In our comfort it has become too easy to block out the outside world. When we do this we are disabling the body of Christ. We each have an important responsibility in the body, and as we all know the body works best when the parts work together. As a country with so many resources, we have the capability to be a mobilizing force, but instead it seems as though we have become paralyzing.

I ask that you take the time to examine your own life and question what you are contributing to the body of Christ. And while your at it, pray for our brothers and sisters who are acting as the hands and feet.