10 Minutes, 2 Things

I'm not sure what first prompted it, but for about a year now there has been something on my heart that simultaneously grieves, angers and motivates me: The persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world.

How can one not be grieved when you see a picture of a 4-year old girl missing an arm due to a machete attack on her village targeted toward Christians?

How can I not be angry that this isn't front-page news? That most Western Christians have NO clue what is going on? I know I didn't until about a year ago. I had some vague idea that in some places things were not good for Christians. I had NO idea.

And how, after learning even a portion of what goes on, can I not be motivated to do something?

Like I said, this has really been on my heart for about a year now. But within the last few weeks I feel like the Lord has really been bringing it to the forefront of my attention.

Just within the last two weeks He has:

- Put a book in my hands regarding Christian martyrs and persecution both past and present

- Brought a family into our circle that is in ministry for Iranian Christians, including the persecuted in Iran (Iran is not exactly a Christian-friendly place to live, you know)

- Literally brought to my door another ministry that serves persecuted Christians around the world

I think I'm sensing a theme here . . .

I hope to be writing more about this soon, but in the meantime can I encourage you to do two things? They won't take more than a few minutes each. Promise. But the effect could be life-changing for you and/or someone across the planet.

1) Check out one of these websites. They are easy to navigate and just a quick glance on any of them will give you just a taste of what is going on around the world. Seriously - just take 5 minutes and look at:

www.persecution.com (The Voice of the Martyrs - this organization serves persecuted Christians and their families around the world)

www.persecution.org (International Christian Concern - I don't know much about this organization. They are out of D.C. so I don't know political ties, etc. but they have an excellent summary of situations around the world)

www.elam.com (Elam Ministries - serving Iranian Christians both here, in Iran, and I believe out of England as well)


2) After checking out one of the websites, PRAY. Please, oh, please pray for your Christian brothers and sisters. Pray for their countries, their governments, their protection and safety, their families and their faith. Lift them up before our Father. Just spare a few minutes and PRAY.

Ten minutes (at most) to do two things that could have a big impact:

Read. Pray.

Okie dokie?

Go.