Praise God for Christians in India and Turkey

This week I was privileged to hear from two Christians serving the Lord in the midst of persecution in Turkey and India. Their passion for Jesus Christ and the lost was contagious. While they were sharing, I asked myself how I would respond if placed in their situations. These precious leaders of the church in India and Turkey have endured persecution and remain steadfast in their faith. “I was raised and taught in a Muslim family. Even though I questioned the teachings of Islam, I had no other option. One day, I received a New Testament and started reading the Gospel of John. I soon realized that in the Middle East we had everything else, but the love of God. I discovered Jesus and after my conversion I went to my grandfather and told him I was now a Christian. Immediately, I lost everything,” the brother from Turkey said.

I believe it is important to remind ourselves about the sufferings of our brother and sisters around the world. The courage they show in the midst of rejection from their families, arrest and torture should move us to pray even more. “I would rather die than deny the son of God, the Living God,” the Turkish brother added. I challenge you to continually pray for the persecuted church around the world. After hearing what God is doing in Turkey and India, I urge you to pray God gives Christians courage to continue in their faith and boldness to share the gospel.