Jesus told his disciples, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you…” (Jn 15:20). Paul echoed this when he warned Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). These promises of suffering are words that many believers know all too well.

For most who claim Christ, they face continual suffering and trials similar to what the Apostle Paul described in 2 Cor 11:23-27 “…imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death…forty lashes…beaten with rods…stoned…shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.”

Whether or not we face these exact trials, we are called to be joined with those who are. Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember those who are in prison as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” The following resources are given to help you in remembering the persecuted church. Please, be informed as to what our brothers and sisters are facing in the world. Join with them in prayer and advocacy. Also, as you read and pray, ask God to prepare you for the day you may be called to suffer in the same way. May He be our strength and may He get the glory.

Recommended Websites:

www.persecution.org – International Christian Concern is an excellent resource for the most up-to-date news, information and ways to help the persecuted church.

www.persecution.com – The Voice of the Martyrs assists the church by educating believers how to help further the Gospel in areas where persecution is prevalent. They also offer news and opportunities to help. Their Restricted Nations Map is especially helpful. They also have a blog (www.persecutionblog.com) that is excellent.

www.christianpersecution.info – Christian Persecution Info is another reliable resource that provides the most recent news regarding who the church is being oppressed by those how oppose Christ and His Gospel.

www.secretchurch.org – A ministry of David Platt and Church at Brook Hills which seeks to make known the sufferings of Christians in underground churches throughout the world.

www.christianfreedom.org – Christian Freedom International is an advocacy group who seeks to aid the persecuted church by providing a voice for those who are suffering and opportunities for those who are willing to help.

www.releaseinternational.org – Release International seeks to show compassion to the church and serve those who are persecuted along with their families. Under the “download” section, there is a list of pastors who are currently being held as prisoners.

Recommended Books:

Fox’s Book of Martyrs – John Fox

Jesus Freaks: Vol. 1 & 2 – D.C. Talk

Five Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God – Noel Piper

Cox’s Book of Modern Saints and Martyrs – Catherine Butcher

Extreme Devotion – Voice of The Martyrs

Through Gates of Splendor – Elizabeth Elliott