Yesterday, in churches all across the world, people took part in their church services to remember the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We've asked our fans on our The Voice of the Martyrs Facebook page how their church responded to this very important day of prayer for our brothers and sisters in bonds. Here are a few responses:
Molly S. shared, "We showed the video of Padina's story and got the word out about VOM!"
Roxanna Q. shared, "Although I was unable to attend, our church held a prayer vigil beginning at 3 pm and ending at 8pm with worship."
Marty W. went on to say, "We had a video presentation showing the nations that are the worst persecuter, then I told our congregation how I not only pray for the persecuted but also for the persecuter and how the Lord showed me in Phil. 1:12-14 where Paul's imprisonment had actually served to advance the spreading of the Gospel. We were united in prayer and then I passed out "One with them" bracelets. But the best past came at our evening prayer gathering. Two ladies had a vision of N. Korea, we prayed, actually we did spiritual warfare against the enemy. Then Pastor read Psalm 2 - to think that God laughs & scoffs at the nations that constpire against the Lord? The presence of the Lord was truly sweet. We are one with them, we are a small Church in Denton Tx. but we have the power of the Holy Spirit and will continue to be "One with the persecuted"."
Henry S. also shared, "St Herman of Alaska Orthodox Chapel, West Bend, WI includes intercessions for Christians persecuted for the Faith and for New-Martyrs for Christ in one of the litanies at every Liturgy--throughout the year. In observance of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, we changed the vestment/altar frontal color to dark red (also our Advent colour), and posted the VOM prayer flyer."
Sadly, however, there were also numerous comments on the VOM Facebook page where readers shared that their churches did not participate in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Here are a few of those comments.
Kelsey E. said, "Sadly, they don't. ): Pray that this changes."
Pam R. said, "Sadly, it was not mentioned."
Richard B. wrote, "I shared at my church but sadly the majority didn't care."
And Steven K. said, "My local church doesn't seem to see past it's own nose :("
On behalf of the ministry of the persecuted church, we want to thank all of you for taking time each day to remember our family in Christ who has the priviledge of suffering for Christ. Thanks to all of you who did participate in the IDOP and thank you to those of you who shared with your church who didn't participate. We are thankful that you remembered and had the burden to share. Let's keep praying for those among us who are not yet aware of the great suffering of our family in Christ, and that even next year some of those churches and pastors who did not observe the IDOP, will in the days and years ahead.