Holding onto hope in the midst of persecution is a very difficult concept for us to grasp. Yet, God promises that those who hope in Him will renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles.Looking back on 2008 it would be easy to wonder, where is the hope? Where is the hope for persecuted Christians in China where the gloss and ceremony of the Olympics masked the lack of freedom? Where is the hope for Christians refused aid in Burma in the aftermath of a cyclone? Where is the hope for apostates fearing torture and discrimination for following Christ? In the midst of these heartbreaking situations, hope in and through an everlasting, loving God is the light breaking through the darkness. Hope is knowing that Christians around the world stand with you, their hearts crying out in prayer for you. Hope is knowing that God will have the ultimate victory. At CSW, we long to bring hope and freedom to the lives of the oppressed. As partners with us you too can bring hope and encouragement by joining us in prayer on the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted Church on 16 November. This year in our IDOP Toolkit we give thanks and praise to God for the areas where we saw buds of hope emerge. We rejoice with those set free from persecution. And, we turn our hearts and prayers to those situations where hope is so desperately needed. We believe that our prayers will make a difference and bring hope to the lives of many. Use the resources on this page to lead your Sunday service, housegroup meeting or for individual devotions.
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IDOP resources:> The hope of prayer booklet “I am convinced that it is through your prayers that I was able to survive all the trials I faced. Together we have overcome the evil one and victory has indeed been ours.”Helen Berhane, Eritrean Gospel Singer |
