Each year thousands of you pray individually and with your churches, to mark the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). It is a fantastic opportunity to build awareness of Christian persecution around the world, and inspire people to pray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IDOP 2020 will be celebrated on Sunday 15 November in the UK, and 1 November in other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our theme this year is The Real Lockdown. We\u2019ve all missed gathering with our churches to worship during lockdown. But, as hard as that\u2019s been, it has helped us appreciate the religious freedom we enjoy. What a challenge to think that countless people around the world have never known that same freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In India, many can\u2019t gather to pray in their homes, for fear of attack. In China, even Christians who join online services risk arrest. This is the Real Lockdown \u2013 and it\u2019s not a temporary one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who will you remember this IDOP?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘I\u2019m praying for Pastor Wang Yi of Early Rain Church, China, serving nine years in prison. Even though he knew he was likely to be arrested, he kept speaking out for freedom for the Church.\u2019<\/i>Lisa, USA, CSW Global<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Almost 10 years ago, in my first ever IDOP experience at a local church, I prayed for Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani in Iran. It began a life-changing journey that led me to work and pray for Iranian refugees until this very day! His story inspires me because despite enduring prison, when he was released he kept on campaigning against religious oppression.\u2019<\/i>Ed, Malaysia, CSW Global<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018I\u2019m remembering Angelina in Hidalgo State, Mexico. She refused to renounce her faith and as a result the local authorities cut off her water supply. In the midst of COVID-19 she\u2019s really counting the cost.\u2019<\/i> Pablo, Mexico<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How you can take part<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join us on 15 November for a special online prayer event, in collaboration with the Evangelical Alliance, Open Doors and Release International \u2013 find details at csw.org.uk\/events<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n