I recently returned from the annual EHC International leadership conference where I heard our brothers and sisters from around the world report on EHC’s ministry in their region and on God’s amazing work among them.
Despite turbulent times, and sometimes extremely high-risk situations, courageous Christians are presenting the message of God’s redemptive love in a context of hate and anger.
EHC is presently active in 165 nations. Many of these appear on Open Doors’ World Watch List. These are the nations where it is most dangerous to follow Christ. In spite of the high risks, ministry continues with astounding testimonies of God’s saving grace. (Learn about the World Watch List inside this issue).
I would like to be specific about the work in those difficult nations, however we must respect the security needs of our brothers and sisters who creatively carry out the mission that Jesus gave us.
As I consider the perseverance of our brothers and sisters who face great challenges, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s admonition to the Christians in Corinth: “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
These words were written by a converted persecutor of the church who now proclaimed the gospel in the face of fierce government and religious opposition.
History has clearly shown that their labour in the name of Jesus was not in vain, and still bears fruit today.
Everywhere the seed of hope and salvation is sown, there is a response. Stirrings of hope begin, and a harvest is reaped. Such is the case in a nation where persecution against Christians is ranked as extreme. Over the past 5 years, workers in this extremely high-risk nation have received over one million responses from people that belonged to a major non-Christian religion. In this nation, deciding to follow Christ often has the most severe consequences.
In other high-risk nations where even some Christians say, “you can’t do this kind of evangelism here”, the work continues with great care and wisdom, and many are responding the gospel.
Paul who once persecuted Christians found himself in a Roman prison for his faith and service to Christ. He wrote about how to pray for persecuted Christians: “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:19-20)
The prayer requests that I so often receive from our brothers and sisters in high-risk nations echo Paul’s own plea for prayer. It’s humbling to hear such expressions of courage and faith in the midst of so much opposition. They made a commitment and are living it out faithfully with complete reliance on the Lord. Let’s pray for them often, but especially on Sunday November 3rd when millions of Christians around the world will lift our suffering brothers and sisters to the Lord in united intercession.
Let’s also pray that a desire to reach the millions in our nation who do not know the Lord will rise in the hearts of God’s people here. Let’s ask him to awaken the church to this urgent need. Canadians must receive a clear presentation of God’s love for them and of his gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
As you ponder the content of this issue and the plight of persecuted Christians, remember that their most pressing request is that we pray for them.
May God protect his servants, draw those who are lost to himself and make a way for the gospel everywhere in the world.