The greatest story ever told is undoubtedly that of Christ's wondrous passion, death and resurrection. As we celebrate our risen Lord once again this Easter, let’s pause to reflect on the good news stories he's brought about in our work. May these stories of God's victory – these 'resurrection' stories – fill us afresh with thanksgiving and praise for him to whom all glory is due.
Sunday 4 April
As you celebrate Christ's resurrection today, thank God for all who've been set free. They include: Pastors Ramón Rigal and Adya Expósito Leyva, the parents of Ruth and Joel Rigal in Cuba; twin sisters Hassana and Husaina, and brothers Benjamin and Elijah, in Nigeria; 64 Christians released from arbitrary detention in Eritrea; and Vietnamese pastor A Dao.
Monday 5 April
Maira Shahbaz, a 14-year-old Christian girl from Pakistan, who was abducted last April, managed to escape from her kidnapper and was reunited with her family in September. However, she and her family have been receiving death threats. Pray that no harm will overtake her and her family.
Tuesday 6 April
Last June, the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPGFoRB), a cross-party group of parliamentarians, published a report entitled ‘Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide?’. Since then there's been greater international focus on the crisis of violence in central states. Thank God for the report and the much-needed increased attention. Pray that it would pave the way for breakthrough.
Wednesday 7 April
Praise God that the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea was renewed last July. Although it is currently a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Eritrea has done very little to improve its own human rights record and this independent mechanism for monitoring the country remains essential.
Thursday 8 April
Thank God for the various NGOs that have collaborated to raise awareness of the grave human rights situation for the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China. Between one and three million have been held in political 're-education camps' because of their ethnicity and faith.
Friday 9 April
You have spoken up for Professor Tarfa in Nigeria who had been imprisoned on false charges; for refugees in Burma made more vulnerable by the pandemic; and for the Uyghurs held in China's 're-education camps'. Thank God for all our supporters, without whom our advocacy wouldn’t be possible.
Saturday 10 April
Lord Jesus, thank you for all the resurrection moments you've made possible this year. Help us to hold firm to these stories of victory, and may they provide a constant source of encouragement for us as we continue praying for and working towards a world where everyone is free to believe. Amen.