Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Current Affairs (05/31/12)
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TITLE: Live Courageously | Previous Challenge Entry
By darlene thompson
06/05/12 -
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Most of us have a limit knowledge regarding the persecution of Christians. Presently, one of the worst situations is in Somalia. Christians are being hunted down daily for things like reading the Bible and Christian literature. Many believers are imprisoned or killed. Somalia is second only to North Korea in Christian persecution.
Ninety percent of Somalia's population is Sunni Muslim. The most dangerous militant group in Somalia is al-Shahab. They control the southern and central part of Somalia. They have declared to rid Somalia of all Christians. When Christians are discovered by this group, they are beheaded. All the church buildings were destroyed during Somalia's civil war.
Believers are forced to meet in small groups. They are in desperate need of Bibles and other Christian literature. Although being hunted down, these believers are strong in their faith and willing to face death for the truth of the Gospel. Many have seen many of their family members tortured and killed.
Agencies such as the Voice of the Martyrs and Samaritan Purse provide Somalia believers with food, clothing, medicine, Bibles and other spiritual materials. The Voice of the Martyrs has safe houses for the persecuted converted Muslim believers.
As Christians we need to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ not only in Somalia and North Korea but all around the world. We can serve the persecuted church by supporting agencies and organizations through prayer, finances, and doing volunteer hours.
Today, more Christians have died for the faith than any time in history. We need to remember the words of Pastor Martin Niemoller, "First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me." May we have the courage to speak out for our persecuted brothers and sisters. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strenthened you; I will help you; I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness." May we live courageously!
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