Every Sunday, Christians in North America gather for worship (if you’re reading this, the chances are pretty good you’re one of them).  We sing.  We pray.  We give.  We listen to a message.  With rare exception, we do this without thinking someone would do harm to us.

Yet, around the world, it’s estimated that nearly 322 Christians die each month simply because they believe in Jesus.  That’s nearly 11 every day.  That means next Sunday, when you go home from church, it’s likely that someone in the world went to church and did not make it home.

Persecution is now truly global.  Christians are being persecuted all over Africa, the Middle East, in much of Asia, in several Pacific island nations, and in central and South America.

Most of us, before reading this post, did not know this.  We knew that persecution happened, but we did not know the extent.  The time has come to end our ignorance.

The writer of Hebrews tells us this in Hebrews 13:3, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” This is why “Church on Fire” is happening—because God has called us to remember and support those suffering in the fires of persecution.  

In November, churches all around North America (from sizes ranging from twelve to well over 1,000) will join together to both raise awareness of our suffering brothers and sisters around the world and to practically support those in harm’s way.  They will do this through a message series, small groups, viewing the film “Love Costs Everything,” prayer services, and financially supporting Central India Christian Mission’s persecution fund and/or another ministry of your choice serving the persecuted church.  

In the coming weeks, ICOM will post materials on their website for the “Church on Fire” series:  message outlines, small group material, graphics, music suggestions, and other items to participate in the series.  I want to encourage you to change what you’re doing in November and join together with the churches who are doing this series.  If you already have something planned, change it.  This is an opportunity for the church to unite, for Christians to be challenged, and most importantly for our persecuted family to be encouraged.

Let’s join together to let them know that they are not alone.

Because Jesus lives,

Aaron Saufley
Preaching Minister
Friends in Fellowship Christian Church, Winterville NC

For more information, you can join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChurchOnFireSeries/

 

To download all your Church on Fire materials click here:
Church on Fire materials