On Nov. 3, millions of Christians worldwide will unite to join the global body of Christ for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted, praying for the hundreds of millions of Christians around the globe who face religious persecution.
Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, says, “Christians are facing severe persecution around the world. From the genocide in Nigeria to China’s Maoist crackdown to North Korea’s concentration camps, Christian persecution is on the rise worldwide.”
Persecution is driven by several factors: Marxism, radical Islam and cultural bigotry. Persecution exists all over the world, but Christians living in Nigeria, North Korea, China, India and Iran face some of the highest levels.
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— Nigeria: one of the deadliest places for Christians over the last 20 years. Up to 100,000 Christians have been murdered there, and millions of Christian farmers have had their land stolen. Nigeria is home to a slow-moving genocide of Christians coming from a stealth jihad.
— North Korea: Ranked as the most dangerous country for Christians for several decades, North Korea continues to imprison, torture and execute Christians. Christians must worship in secret, as being caught with a Bible or attending prayer meetings can lead to immediate execution or life in labor camps.
— China: China has seen an increase in the persecution of Christians, particularly with the closure of thousands of house churches. The Chinese government continues to restrict religious freedom, often citing national security concerns and using surveillance and harassment to control Christian worship.
— India: The rising violence against Christians is alarming but comes from India’s prime minister and his political party. In several states across India, radical Hindu groups target Christians and even erupt into massive anti-Christian attacks.
— Iran: For decades, Christians in Iran have faced severe government oppression. The Islamic government has raped, tortured and murdered its way through the Christian body. But reports from the country show that the Christian church is thriving, with some experts calling it the fastest-growing Christian community in the world.
The main thing persecuted Christians ask for is prayer, and ICC helps equip the church to answer their cries.
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Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
