Update on Middle East Persecution

Earlier this week we received a report from one of our Middle East workers. He informed us that in one of the countries where he works, persecution is so concealed it is illegal to even discuss the topic. Consequently, many of those attacked for their Christian beliefs don’t even know what persecution is!  This contact acts as a voice for this suffering Christian community by revealing incidents of persecution.

On a few occasions, Christians have been targeted by Muslim radicals just for making repairs to their churches—one group was beaten just for fixing a fence! However, the suffering of our brothers and sisters has yielded great rewards. An Imam (Islamic leader) recently came to Christ. I can’t share specific details about his conversion, but pray the Imam can win many more Muslims to Christ.

In his report, our friend quoted Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law.” (NAS) He reminded us that living without vision was like riding an out-of-control horse. Vision is not just an idea, a dream or a hope. Instead, it is the ability to see God’s perfect design for each of our lives.

This man has selflessly worked to fulfill the vision God has given him for seeing Muslims in the Middle East come to know Christ personally. Pray he can continue to have strength as he actively pursues the Lord’s will. Also pray government officials in the Middle East will find the perfect love offered to all men by Jesus Christ. Finally, pray our brothers and sisters will be encouraged even as they suffer for their faith.