In 2015, more than 7,000 Christians were killed specifically because of their faith. On the first Sunday in November, Open Doors USA is urging Christians and churches to remember those killed and pray for those in more than 60 countries around the world still facing persecution because of their faith.
Nov. 6 marks the annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Individuals and churches can participate in the day by accessing free, downloadable resources or purchasing a resource kit. Resources include:
- Church service guide
- Sermon outline
- Video files
- Social media tools
- Prayer Partner card templates
Resources may be downloaded and hard-copy materials requested at opendoorsusa.org/idop. Open Doors will also be hosting Facebook Live events leading up to Nov. 6, featuring interviews with a persecuted Christian from Central Asia along with other news, stories and special guests.
According to Open Doors President and CEO David Curry, the International Day of Prayer is an important reminder for Christians living in Western countries. “There are Christians sitting in jail because of their faith who do not have the same freedoms we do, like meeting with other Christians in public or reading the Bible,” said Curry. “Having a day specifically set aside to pray for the persecuted is an important encouragement to those who are suffering.”
