"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body." Hebrews 13:3

This Sunday is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. This is likely to be a very new thing to many of you, as I find other pastoral friends who are unaware of it as well. If you are familiar with it, that is great and I hope, if not officially, you will take a moment this Sunday to join with the church around the world to pray for persecuted Christians. International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, or IDOP for short, officially started in 1996, but traces its roots back to the 80's (you can learn more at IDOP.org). It has now grown into a much larger effort, on the part of the global evangelical church, to raise awareness of what our brothers and sisters are facing and too engage in prayer for them and send them whatever aid possible.

This Sunday, we will pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. We will pray for the governments of the countries where persecution is allowed, and we will pray for the gospel-work happening in heavily persecuted areas. We will also look at a new way that The Village Church will be able to partner with the work happening in these countries. If you would like more information on the persecuted church and how you can actively engage in prayer for them, please contact me! I have several outlets of information that I can recommend to you. The persecuted church is a treasure to God, and an inspiration to us. We cannot bury our head in the sand of our freedom and ignore their plight. I hope you will join us for this very special Sunday of prayer and learning about what our brothers and sisters face around the world.

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)