Persecution Blog

Suffering Is Not A New Truth

Editor's note: This post originally appeared on the blog of Eternal Perspective Ministries with Randy Alcorn. It was written by Tami Yeager ahead of this year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP).

“Suffering is not a new truth, it is an old truth.” — Sarah Liu imprisoned and tortured for her Christian witness.

This coming Sunday the 6^th day of November, 2016 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Christians from around the globe will set aside time to honor, remember, and pray for our persecuted family. I am grateful for the privilege of standing shoulder to shoulder with those of whom the world is not worthy. I pray that this day is the beginning of a deeper fellowship with our persecuted family.

I rarely approach IDOP without remembering my introduction to those who suffer for their faith.  I was reading for the first time a Voice of The Martyrs newsletter. The stories were disturbing and intriguing. I found myself face to face with a reality I couldn’t reconcile. The suffering and pain was too difficult to fit into the sterile package I had stuffed my understanding of God into.

The journey I began by reading the true life stories of persecuted Christians would eventually land me at a VOM regional conference in Bartlesville, OK. It was there that a more disturbing truth came to life. That first evening I listened as a man from Pakistan described the road of suffering Pakistani Christians walk. He told of the torture and eventual murder of a young boy—someone's son, brother, and friend. This child died at the hands of his torturers—his crime? He was a Christian. For the first time in my life I contemplated the possibility that God would not always intervene--that perhaps suffering was part of His plan.

Being shaken by the very thought of suffering of this kind, I went back to my hotel room and had a heart-to-heart talk with my God. You see, it was up until that time that I had cried “send me!” Now I was asking Him to not honor my requests.  The weight I felt upon my heart was great. Standing securely in my “mirage” of comfort, safety, and control, I laid out “my” plan for my life. He graciously listened to me try to tell Him what to do.

Day two of the conference began with me feeling assured—certainly my one–on-one talk with God had sealed the deal. I had effectively canceled out all those “send me” prayers! It was then that a young man from the Middle East began to share about his work, which includes traveling great distances into hostile territories controlled by Islamic extremists. These were places where Christians die for their faith. Pictures were displayed on a screen behind him of people receiving the Bibles he delivered. Their expressions of curiosity and delight captivated me. As he spoke, he seemed puzzled by those who ask why he goes to such dangerous places. His response was simply, “Since when has the gospel been safe?”

I felt as if I were alone with the Lord in that room. I knew He was speaking directly to me. I recalled the list of demands I called “a prayer” the night before, and heard Him say, “I did not create you that way.” I’m so glad He didn’t “create me that way.”

Since then I’ve learned that God’s love trumps suffering. Those who walk the road of suffering for Jesus Christ—never really walk alone. Their substance for the journey? An intimacy with God reserved for those He counts worthy.

“So, instead of continuing to focus on preventing suffering—which we simply won’t be very successful at anyway—perhaps we should begin entering the suffering, participating insofar as we are able—entering the mystery and looking around for God. In other words, we need to quit feeling sorry for people who suffer and instead look up to them, learn from them and if they will let us—join them in protest and prayer.” — Eugene H. Peterson, Introduction to Job, The Message Bible 

There’s a beauty in martyrdom that one can only see through spiritual eyes. Perhaps this is why Hannelie Groenwald can say God prepared her before the Taliban attacked, killing her husband and two children. She and her family had left the comforts of home to serve God in Afghanistan. They knew the risks and refused to deny the call of God. Her family gave it all for Jesus in Afghanistan. You can listen to her story at https://secure.persecution.com/radio. Pray for Hannelie and others who are living martyrs.   

“We die only once. We might as well die for Christ.” – Werner Groenwald

The church in America can join with the body of Christ around the world to pray and remember the persecuted church on November 6^th. To learn more please visit www.persecution.com/idop.

And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand (Revelation 8:4).

“It was not easy for me to say that I forgive the killers.” Semse said later at the memorial service. “To be honest, my heart is broken and my life feels shattered. I really loved Necati. He was the love of my life, my closest friend. But there is no one I love more than Jesus. Only because of this, I can bear it.” — Semse Aydin from Faithful Until Death.

Tami Yeager was first introduced to the ministry of VOM through a newsletter she was handed in 2003. As she began to read the stories shared within those pages she was confronted with a reality that did not fit into the package she had unknowingly wrapped her knowledge of God in. As she began to learn of the suffering of Christians around the world a desire grew to serve them.

A Song We Sing With Our Lives

I recently returned from an iCommit conference hosted in the state of Washington. While there I heard a young man named Gilbert Hovsepain share his testimony. Gilbert is one of the sons of Rev. Haik Hovsepian, who was martyred in 1994 in Iran. The documentary A Cry From Iran , tells the story of Rev. Haik and his family.

Gilbert began his testimony that morning by making a statement about the “song we sing with our lives.” Since that day I have rolled those words over many times in my mind. It has led me to ponder, — what song is my life singing?

I believe we greatly error when we listen to the stories of our brothers and sisters who have suffered for Christ from afar. When we filter their living testimonies through the lenses of "us" and "them." For the follower of Jesus Christ, it has never been us and them. It is us and Him. The genuine lives of our persecuted family draw us closer to the cross — in a reformed unity. Together we are one voice in harmony with  the heart of God.

There is a beauty in martyrdom that can only be viewed through spiritual eyes. Victorious shouts that reverberate throughout the heavens. A crowd of witnesses cheering the martyrs on to the finish line. A homecoming celebration for those who have overcome. My heart is filled with joy as I imagine those who spent their time on earth as persecutors, now won to Christ by a the songs of love. Once on opposite sides — now family.

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 5:7 NLT

The entry fee to join the voices of those who suffer is simple, yet costly — we must enter into the fellowship of their suffering. The Message Bible’s introduction to the book of Job describes this fellowship eloquently.

“So, instead of continuing to focus on preventing suffering — which we simply won’t be very successful at anyway — perhaps we should begin entering the suffering, participating insofar as we are able — entering the mystery and looking around for God. In other words, we need to quit feeling sorry for people who suffer and instead look up to them, learn from them and if they will let us — join them in protest and prayer.” – Eugene H. Peterson

One way to enter the fellowship of suffering is to join the chorus of those who will remember our persecuted family in prayer on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted church . This coming Sunday voices from all over the globe will share in remembering and praying for our persecuted family.

One of those we can remember to pray for is Farshid Fathi of Iran. Farshid was arrested in December of 2010 and remains in prison till this day. You can read more about Farshid’s story and portions of letters he has written from prison at Prisoner Alert. Farshid’s witness was the inspiration for the song titled A Letter From Prison, written and preformed by his friend Gilbert Hosvepian.

 

May our hearts never be satisfied with being on the sidelines. May we be a chorus of surrender alongside of our persecuted family. May our lives be melodies of living sacrifice. May we be a song of love for both those who suffer and those who persecute.      

They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Revelation 6:10 ESV

Tami Yeager was first introduced to the ministry of VOM through a newsletter she was handed in 2003. As she began to read the stories shared within those pages she was confronted with a reality that did not fit into the package she had unknowingly wrapped her knowledge of God in. As she began to learn of the suffering of Christians around the world a desire grew to serve them. Today she serves as volunteer Community Coordinator in the VOM Voice ministry. This post originally appeared on her personal blog.

You Can Be a Voice for Persecuted Believers

The Voice of the Martyrs' vision is to bring every believer in the United States into fellowship with our persecuted family. But we can't achieve this vision alone. We invite you to join in sharing stories of our persecuted brothers and sisters by becoming a VOM Voice.

The Be-A-Voice Network will now be known as Social Voice, one of four new tracks of volunteer groups. You may have noticed this name change on the Be-A-Voice website. We are now offering the following four options, which provide greater flexibility in choosing your level of involvement.

SOCIAL VOICE - If your time is limited, consider serving as a Social Voice. As a Social Voice, you can pray, write or use social media to share about your persecuted family with others in your sphere of influence.

CAMPUS VOICE - If you are a college student and you would like to tell others about persecution against Christians around the world, consider being a Campus Voice. As a Campus Voice, you will take a stand with persecuted Christians by being a voice for them on your college campus and challenging other students to get involved in helping them.

CHURCH VOICE - If you would like to keep your church informed about and involved with your persecuted family, consider being a Church Voice. As a Church Voice, you will provide materials and facilitate events for prayer or hands-on projects. VOM will provide you with the training you need to become an official representative of The Voice of the Martyrs in your home church.

COMMUNITY VOICE (formerly known as the Voice Volunteer Network) - As a Community Voice, you will speak on behalf of your persecuted family and have the opportunity to see lives changed through their powerful testimonies. VOM will provide you with the training you need to become an official speaker for The Voice of the Martyrs in your community.

Would you pray about whether or not God is calling you to serve our persecuted family by being a voice for them, and what level of involvement He is asking of you? For more information on these opportunities, visit www.vomvoice.com.

Remembering "Coach" Burton Swartz

If you’ve ever come to volunteer at VOM, it’s possible that you stayed in one of the Burton Swartz guesthouse apartments. But you may not know who Burton Swartz is.

Ten years ago today, Burton went to heaven. He was on his way to work at the VOM office when he was involved in a car accident involving a teen-aged driver. Nine years ago today, the Burton Swartz Memorial Guest House was dedicated. Inside each of the six apartments in that building is a plaque telling the story of the man whose name is on the building.

Today, as we remember Burton, we share the words on those plaques:

 

“When you were with Burton, it was like you were with Jesus.”

Burton Swartz (at left in photo) moved to Bartlesville in 1999 in order to work for The Voice of the Martyrs. When his son asked him if VOM was hiring, Burton said, “I don’t know. But if they just want me to volunteer to make coffee and sweep the floors, I’ll do it.”

That was Burton. If it needs to be done, I’ll do it. I don’t care who knows about it or who gets the credit. I’ll do it.

Burton’s work at VOM began in Reader Services, answering phone calls, letters and emails from our readers. Out of his ministry and communication with them grew BASIC Fellowship, a ministry for those who want to do more than just read the newsletter, they want to do something for our Brothers And Sisters In Chains. Burton became “Coach Burton,” working with Christians all across the U.S. to help them be effective ministers to the persecuted church. Burton’s final post at VOM was serving as Director of Voice Ministries, helping VOM tell the stories of our persecuted brothers and sisters in churches across the U.S.

Two qualities that helped make Burton a great coach and a great coworker were his encouraging spirit and his never-ending ideas. Burton was a Barnabas, a “son of encouragement.” He always saw the best in people; he always had a compliment or a kind word. Burton also never ran out of ideas. He was always thinking of ways that VOM could reach more people, and ways VOM could help those people reach others and ultimately bless the persecuted church.

Burton’s missionary career didn’t begin at VOM. He served the Church of the Nazarene as a high school principal in Belize, Central America. He and his wife, Evangeline, served 19 years with World Gospel Mission, working in three of the mission’s U.S. offices. Burton and Evangeline also spent a year teaching English in Dalian, China. The quote that begins this article was made by a VOM board member, but it expresses the sentiments of many who knew and worked with Burton.

Burton was killed in an automobile accident on his way to work at VOM on February 24, 2005. His home-going celebration service was held on March 2, his 68^th birthday.

Burton was survived by Evangeline; son Stephen and his wife Sylvia and their children Daniel, Michael, Joel and Julia; son Stewart and his wife Darlene and their son, Brandon Burton; and numerous other relatives.

This guest house was dedicated on Februry 24, 2006 to Burton’s memory and to those, like him, who simply want to serve the persecuted church.

The Shadows of Persecution

As I recently watched and listened to the news of the attack and subsequent slaying of those in the office of French magazine Charlie Hebdo, I found my thoughts immediately drawn to a comparable, yet very different story.  Both stories share the similarity of bloodshed at the hands of adherents to radical Islam. Each story is painfully tragic. I wondered if any of those slain in France had met their attackers before that fateful day. I thought of the life and deaths of Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel and Tilmann Geske, who were murdered in their office at Zirve Publishing in Malatya, Turkey on April 18, 2007.

Nacati and Semse Aydin

Those who were responsible for the murders of Necati, Ugur, and Tilman weren’t all strangers to these men or their families. To the contrary, one of the murderers had sought Necati out earlier, pretending to be interested in his Christian faith. As described in the book Faithful Until Death, written by Wolfgang Haede, Necati was suspicious of this young man from the beginning. He and his wife Semse discussed this, and concluded that in spite of the young man’s motives, a meeting would still offer an opportunity to share the message of Jesus with him. Later Semse would refer to those who were responsible for the murders of her husband, Ugur, and Tilman as “their Judas.”

Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel, and Tilmann Geske didn’t have their lives taken from them, they gave them away, not unlike the Jesus they’d hoped to introduce to the five men who betrayed and murdered them that morning. Instead they were ushered into the heaven where they’ve now joined those robed in white, as they await the full number of their fellow servants.

11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.- Revelations 6:11

Following the killings in France I wondered how this news would affect those who live boldly in the shadows of persecution. Women like Semse Aydin and Susanne Geske. Both of them  suffered great losses yet each found it in their  hearts to publically forgive those responsible for the deaths of those they love. Would the images and commentaries being shared on virtually every media outlet bring vivid memories to the forefront of their minds? Would pain that lay gently beneath the surface be visible to them once again? More importantly, I wondered if those who live in the shadows of persecution like Semse and Susanne know they are not forgotten? Do they know they are not alone, that we remember them and are praying for them? While it’s true that God is faithful to those with broken hearts, it is equally true that a broken heart hurts. I am convinced that those who’ve lost

Susanne Geske and Semse Aydin

their loved ones because of their faithful testimony are also those of whom the world is not worthy. When we remember, encourage, and pray for those who suffer for their Christian faith, let us not forget the living witnesses amongst us.

“It was not easy for me to say that I forgive the killers.” Semse said later at the memorial service. “To be honest, my heart is broken and my life feels shattered. I really loved Necati. He was the love of my life, my closest friend. But there is no one I love more than Jesus. Only because of this, I can bear it.” – Semse Aydin from Faithful Until Death.

Editor's note: Semse Aydin has spoken at several VOM Regional Conferences, and will be speaking at more this year. Watch www.VOMMeetings.com for regional conferences near you and those where Semse will speak.

Tami Yeager was first introduced to the ministry of VOM through a newsletter she was handed in 2003. As she began to read the stories shared within those pages she was confronted with a reality that did not fit into the package she had unknowingly wrapped her knowledge of God in. As she began to learn of the suffering of Christians around the world a desire grew to serve them. Today she serves as volunteer Community Coordinator in the Be A Voice ministry of VOM.

I Am My Brother's Keeper

A trip to the Middle East is not needed to learn that untold numbers of people are suffering in these ancient lands. Multiple media outlets are sharing unimaginable stories riddled with pain and affliction. Followers of Jesus Christ, once known as the 'sect of the Nazarene,' are being relentlessly pursued by radical Islamic factions. They are being kidnapped, tortured, raped, and forced to flee their homes and the birthplace of Christianity. A genocidal fire fueled by fierce evil is scorching the Middle East, and leaving in its wake death and destruction.

From the comforts of my home I watch and listen to numerous reports being shared with the world today. At the same time, I have the option of stepping away from the stories when I find my senses overwhelmed by the suffering depicted. I have the ability to turn off my computer, or avoid a particular website. I can turn off television, radio, or step away from written material. I have the ' freedom' to choose the frequency, and volume, in which I will allow the pain of others to touch me. This is not so for Christians in places like Iraq, Libya, Syria, or Egypt – this luxury is not an option. Rather the raw pain and anguish of persecution is being vividly lived out in their lives daily.

Perhaps this is what a Middle Eastern brother meant recently when he said to me “I think freedom in your country, and freedom in my country, mean two different things."

As troubling as I find the atrocities being committed against followers of Jesus Christ today – I find the silence from what is termed the 'free' world more disheartening. The shedding of innocent blood dates as far back as the first book of the Bible. In the book of Genesis, chapter 4, we are told of the slaying of Abel at the hands of his brother Cain. Only the blood of Abel could not be silent. The cries of his blood traveled from the ground to the ears of God. Not unlike the days of Cain and Abel, the blood of innocent men, women, and children continue to cry out to God. Even now, the martyr’s blood is heard crying from the deserts of Egypt, the mountains of Iraq, the streets of Libya, and the desolate places of Syria. It echoes off of prison walls, underground meetings, and public squares. Sometimes heard as the voice of one, other times it is heard in harmony with the voices of many.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?”  And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. Genesis 4:9 - 10 

Today the martyrs blood continues to cry and a remnant of God’s people acknowledge they are their brother’s keeper. 

I recently met a young Middle Eastern girl whose simple devotion to Jesus spoke volumes to me. It was not long after meeting her that I sensed a beautiful story lay beneath her gentle brown eyes. I recognized the aroma of Christ she wore—it was the same scent I have seen on those who have suffered greatly for their faith. It is a fragrance that carries with it a high price, yet cannot be bought. A Nazarene King paid the price with HIs own blood long ago. It is now freely given in exchange for sacrifice and surrender.

I later learned that she had been nearly beaten to death at the hands of her fellow students in primary school. This young Christian girl was found drawing a picture of a church building during a break from her studies. This sight outraged her Muslim classmates who began to beat her mercilessly—without interference from the teachers in her school. Her mother tells the story of being called to the hospital to find her daughter close to death. I could hear the tangible pain in her voice as she described this time in their lives. I wish I could say this was an isolated case of persecution for this family. But, it is not. They, like many Middle Eastern families, are well acquainted with the price one pays for being of the 'Sect of the Nazarene.'

This attack did not harden the hearts of this family. To the contrary, today they passionately reach out to their Muslim neighbors with love and respect. Whether it is standing to offer their seats to other Muslim women who enter the train, or taking the hand of a frightened Muslim mother with her baby in her arms, needing assistance down a long flight of stairs. This love is lived out when she routinely travels long distances to serve Muslim people in need. Out of their hardships they have been given hearts that have a capacity to love even greater.

Yes, we are our brother's keeper. Being our brother's keeper means giving voice to their stories. It is standing in solidarity with our persecuted family. It is praying for them - and with them. It is following their example, and learning from them. It is assisting them with both spiritual and practical assistance. It is standing, arm-in-arm, as we embrace the cross of Jesus Christ together.

One way we can stand with our suffering family is on the International Day of Prayer for The Persecuted Church. November 2nd is this day where believers from all over the world will join in pray for those who suffer for their faith.

Find additional information at - http://www.persecution.com/idop.

“They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’” Revelations 6:10

Tami Yeager was first introduced to VOM through a newsletter she was handed in 2003. As she began to read the stories shared within those pages she was confronted with a reality that did not fit into the package she had unknowingly wrapped her knowledge of God in. As she began to learn of the suffering of Christians around the world a desire grew to serve them. Today she serves as volunteer Community Coordinator in the Be A Voice ministry of VOM.

Growing Up with VOM

The following account comes from VOM’s Be-a-Voice Network member, Jessi S. For information about how you can be a part of the Be-a-Voice Network, visit http://www.be-a-voice.net.

I first learned about Voice of the Martyrs when I was at a homeschool conference at the end of my 4^th grade year, nine years ago. They were passing out newsletters and information about the persecuted Christians around the world. My mom and I picked up several past issues of Kids of Courage and The Voice of the Martyrs. I read every issue as soon as I got home. 

Then I signed up to receive the newsletter every month. When I would get each issue in the mail, I would highlight each persecuted Christian’s name and write their name in a prayer journal as a way to remind myself to pray for them. I then started explaining about the persecuted church to my church.

When I first started, many people did not think that they needed to pray for people outside of the United States, and some even doubted that there was persecution going on. A few people were very discouraging about it. Thankfully, through much prayer, God not only showed my church, but He also showed me just how desperately we needed to continue to pray and support our brothers and sisters who were suffering.

I then started teaching from the Bold Believers in Chiapas [available from the Downloads section of www.kidsofcourage.com] book for my Sunday school class. We had 5 children ages 5-12, learning and studying about persecuted Christians. One of the children’s favorite activities was when we taped off the size of a typical prison cell. I then had the children get in the area to see how small it was and then we tried it with adults. They were amazed!  They thought it was small for one person. I then explained that there would be at least 2 or 3 adults in each cell. 

I have been a Be A Voice member since July of 2009. God has worked in my life and blessed me tremendously. I have a greater appreciation for Jesus Christ as I see the persecution these Christians face and how it doesn’t compare to what Jesus did for me. I am blessed to live in a country where we don’t face persecution to the point of death. Teaching young children, hearing them share the stories with their parents, and knowing that they also have a heart for the persecuted church has blessed me. 

I thought that my prayers would be helping them and they do, but at the same time praying for the persecuted church has strengthened my walk with Christ. Now that I am in my sophomore year of college, I am seeing just how blessed I am and so thankful that I can worship Christ freely. I do not fear that I will die while worshipping my Lord and Savior!

VOM’s Kids of Courage resources help parents and educators teach children ages 5 to 13 about persecuted Christians around the world, and provide opportunities for children to serve and pray for them.

Prayer Bulletin: Senegal Arrests

We have a new Be-A-Voice-Network Prayer Bulletin available for you to download and share with your friends today.  Since I am in an area using internet that won't let me access certain websites at the moment, including the Be-A-Voice-Network website, I can only share with you the first sentence of our new bulletin. Sorry about that.

On Nov. 6, two Brazilian missionaries to Senegal were arrested and imprisoned in Dakar. Jose Dilson Alves da Silva has worked in Senegal for 22 years...

Please click here to download the full bulletin.

IRAN: Christians Face Court Hearings and More Arrests

The following is from our latest Be-A-Voice-Network prayer alert. You can read the full alert by clicking here.

On Oct. 15, five believers from Muslim backgrounds faced legal proceedings on charges of anti-state activity and participation in Christian activities. The five Christians, who were detained eight months ago following a raid on a house church in Shiraz, were informed at the hearing that they must return to court for a second hearing next month, possibly on Nov. 14. Four of the five were offered release from jail on substantial bail, which relatives and friends are trying to pay. The group␣s leader, however, was not offered bail.

On Oct. 12, seven more Christians with Muslim backgrounds were arrested in Shiraz during a raid on a prayer meeting. At last report, they remain under detention. Two additional members of the group were arrested on Oct. 18 after being summoned by authorities.

Source: Middle East Concern

New Prayer Bulletin: Persecution Increasing

For many years, several remote villages in northern Sierra Leone have been controlled by militant Muslims, and no churches have existed. But recent evangelistic efforts have resulted in the conversion of a number of Muslims to the Christian faith. Village leaders, angered by the growth of Christianity, have threatened to harm evangelists if they don't stay out of their villages.

In one village, more than 300 people have converted to Christianity, including the village chieftain. Muslims in the village thought it was disgraceful that the chieftain had turned his back on the holy prophet Muhammad, so they elected their own leader. The village is now divided, and tensions are increasing. Some Muslims have begun to attack Christians as they walk to their farms.

In another village, Muslims attacked a Christian gathering. The evangelist had to flee for his life, and the welfare of the remaining Christians is unknown.

Source: VOM contacts, Be A Voice Network