On Sunday, November 3, Christ followers around the world will recognize the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) – a global prayer movement for Christians who boldly witness for Christ at any cost in nations where Christianity is not welcomed.
Over the years, the IDOP has served as a platform to highlight the stories of persecuted Christians and mobilize the global Church to respond to their plight. Moreover, in so doing, the IDOP has also been a source of solidarity and encouragement to persecuted Christians by reminding them that they are part of a larger, global family of believers.
Each day, millions of Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith. From Pakistan to Kazakhstan, Nigeria to North Korea, Christians routinely face discrimination, harassment, violence, and even death for their faith in Jesus.
“When our VOM staff members ask persecuted Christians how we can help them, the first thing they say is ‘Pray for us!” says Todd Nettleton, host of VOM Radio. “IDOP is a direct response to their #1 request. I hope every church and every Christian will take time to pray for our persecuted family members on November 3.”
In advance of the IDOP, The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), a nonprofit organization serving persecuted Christians since 1967, has released a short film telling a true-life story about the challenges of following Christ inside North Korea, one of the world’s most restricted nations.
Filmed on the Korean peninsula, Sang-chul: North Korea shares the dramatic story of Pastor Han, assassinated by North Korean agents in China because of his effective gospel work among North Koreans. The story is told through the eyes of one of Han’s disciples, Sang-chul, a man who has followed in his mentor’s footsteps by continuing to share the Gospel with North Koreans despite the danger. The seven-minute film will encourage and equip believers and their church to pray for Christians risking their lives and freedom for Christ.
Sang-chul: North Korea is available for free download (or to request as a free DVD) at www.persecution.com/idop, along with additional free resources for individuals and churches, such as presentation slides and church bulletin inserts.
IDOP resources are also available for purchase, including a cloth prayer banner featuring a map of the countries where Christians are persecuted, a special issue of VOM’s magazine, and prayer reminder bookmarks/brochures.
To view, download, and/or purchase the resources, click here.
