“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” – Revelation 6:9
In 2013, there were some 2,100 Christians killed for faith-related reasons across the globe. In 2015, that number rose to at least 7,100, according to a recent report from an advocacy group.
“The persecution of Christians is getting worse – in every region in which we work – and it’s getting worse fast,” said Lisa Pearce, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland. “Many countries have dropped down the list, not because persecution there is decreasing, but simply because others are getting worse faster. And it wasn’t good three years ago.”
Pearce continued: “There is always hope, and yet we are in unmarked territory – the pace and scale of persecution of Christians is unprecedented and growing fast. We should not expect that to change unless we are part of changing the situation.”
She found hope in areas where Christian churches grow despite persecution. In countries like Syria, Christian communities care for their Muslim neighbors. In places like Mandera, Kenya, Muslims opposed anti-Christian attackers, saying, “You kill all of us or none of us.”
Many Christians throughout history have suffered and died for their faith in Christ. Today in prayer, give thanks to those faithful Christians who have died for the faith. Pray for those who today are facing persecution in the world.
“You can kill us, but you cannot hurt us.” – Justin Martyr
God’s Word: “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 10:22
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