Events
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
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- Category: Events
- Published: Tuesday, 24 October 2023 16:16
Today, over 360 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution and discrimination because of their faith in Jesus. On Sunday, November 5th, 2023 -- International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church -- Open Doors Canada will host a special online event where Canadians across the country will join together in prayer. Join the global prayer event at 7:00pm EST HERE.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is an annual movement that brings individuals and churches together in prayer for Christians living where faith costs the most, like Nicaragua, India, and Nigeria. In Nicaragua, the government uses intimidation, harassment, and retribution to try and silence the church's voice while the church speaks out about the government’s injustice and human rights violations. In India, anticonversion laws are used to harass and intimidate Christians. This often leads to discrimination at work, job loss, being excluded from society, and some face physical assault. In Nigeria, persecution is the most violent in the world. Christians live under the constant threat of attack from different extremist groups; They are often specifically targeted because of their faith.
Now more than ever, believers in Nigeria need to know that they are not alone. We’re seeing militant Fulani, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISLAM) carry out unprovoked attacks on Christian communities - including killing and kidnapping believers for ransom,” said Jabez Musa, a legal practitioner from Nigeria’s Plateau State.
This year’s IDOP theme is Courage to Rise Above, inspired by Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
“Our persecuted brothers and sisters are being remembered and interceded for by Canadians everywhere from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. On IDOP Sunday, we can lift the needs of the persecuted Church. While they may be isolated, they are not alone,” said Rev. Gary Stagg, Executive Director of Open Doors Canada.
Open Doors Canada has developed free resources to equip Canadians and churches as they pray for those risking it all to follow Jesus. Resources include videos, posters, children’s activities, song lists, country profiles, and bulletin inserts. Download the International Day of Prayer kit here.
