How long...?

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Our pastor shared with us that the estimated number of Christians who lose their lives each year is 171,000 around the world. Research indicates that this number has been constant for each of the last 15 years (roughly 2.5 million total)!

The prayers being offered up today, according to the Voice of the Martyrs website, is not for the cessation of persecution, but rather, that those facing it will remain faithful.

"9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, a how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been" (Revelation 6:9-11).

May we be faithful to our Lord and to pray for our persecuted family members around the world. "Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!"

Grace & Peace,

J