Not Abandoned: Remembering persecuted Christians

Amid rising levels of strife and tension around the world, Christians today are suffering increasing persecution beyond what we can imagine. Their churches, homes, families and very lives are daily at risk because of their belief in Jesus — but still they are not abandoned by their Lord. 

As members of the body of Christ, we are one with these persecuted believers; and when we pray for them, we become part of their journey, their comfort, and what gives them hope to remain unshaken.

“More than 340 million Christians experience high levels of persecution for their faith. That’s one in eight Christians globally.” ~ Open Doors Canada

International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for the Persecuted Church is a day set aside by Christians around the globe to collectively pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer because of their faith. Each year, Intercede International and five other Canadian Christian ministries (Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, International Christian Response and Take Heart) collaborate to produce and share free, helpful resources to encourage the body of Christ to engage in active prayer for those experiencing persecution. These are available to download from www.IDOP.ca. This year’s theme is Not Abandoned (referencing 2 Cor. 4:9).

November 6 & 13: Mark the dates and join in this prayer initiative to uphold our persecuted family in Christ. 

Use the easy-to-access provision of resources, which also includes a step-by-step guide for church leaders. If November 6 or 13 doesn’t work for your schedule, then choose another date in November. The important thing is to pray for the persecuted.

Around the world, Christians in more than 130 countries stand in prayer with our persecuted sisters and brothers through the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church every year. 

2022 Countries of Focus: Afghanistan and Nigeria

Each year the IDOP Canada team thoughtfully chooses Countries of Focus based on recent on-the-ground reports of rampant and rising persecution against Christians. Included in the resource kit are details about each nation, as well as country-specific prayer points. 

Are you ready to make an incredible difference in the lives of persecuted followers of Jesus? Don’t miss the opportunity to gather for this meaningful and memorable global event, uniting together with many others around the globe in prayer for and with our suffering sisters and brothers in Christ.

This free resource kit is designed to help churches incorporate the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church into a church service or small group gathering. The contents include: a professional, easy-to-access and engaging video; a bulletin insert and event poster; country profiles on India, Algeria and Cuba; sermon themes and Scriptures; children’s materials; suggested worship songs/hymns; creative ideas for group sessions. 

For more information or additional resources, visit www.IDOP.ca. 

In an unsteady world, let’s stand with our Christian family and together remain unshaken.