World News

Southern Baptist Church observes day of prayer for the Persecuted Church

On average, eight Christians died every day for their faith in 2019. That equals more than 2,920 people killed for the cause of Christ last year, according to the 2020 annual report from Open Doors’ World Watch List. In addition, 9,488 churches or Christian buildings were attacked, and 3,711 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned.

 

In recognition of the persecution faced by Christians around the world, the Southern Baptist Convention last year designated the first Sunday of June as a Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. In 2020, the day of prayer is set for Sunday the 7th of June.

International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood affirmed the necessity of intercessory prayer on behalf of Christians suffering for their faith.

“Prayer is our greatest resource in the Great Commission, and it is also the greatest act of compassion we could perform for our brothers and sisters around the globe who are enduring persecution,” Chitwood said.

“We ask God to give them courage and hope,” Chitwood added. “We know that their temporary suffering will be rewarded in eternity and pray that it will result in many being saved from among the nations.”

Throughout its 175-year history, Southern Baptists have maintained an uninterrupted witness among the nations, despite famine, war and civil unrest. This commitment has not come without sacrifice, Chitwood concluded.

Approximately 60 missionaries and children have died due to violent circumstances while serving with the International Mission Board since the organisation’s founding in 1845. The causes include accidents such as drowning, automobile and aircraft crashes, and ships lost at sea. They also include deaths as a result of war and criminal or terrorist acts. In some cases, the missionaries were explicitly targeted because of their faith or missionary service.

Source: mbcpathway.com

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