Solomon tells us that “a happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing” (Proverbs 17:22, AMP ). God undoubtedly has a sense of humor; we need only look at some of the animals He created (it’s hard not to smile at the sight of a hippo, a monkey, or a puppy). Or think of some of the married couples you know: don’t you think God was smiling at the wedding as He looked ahead to the interaction of the wildly different personalities that will be living together?
While the world focuses its attention on Abdul Rahman, Compass Direct reports that two more Afghan converts to Christianity are in jail, and a third has been hospitalized after being beaten for his faith.
Christian Freedom International (CFI), also reporting on Rahman’s release, indicates that while Rahman’s case has received international attention, it is by no means unusual. Jim Jacobson, CFI President, says,
The arrest and imprisonment of Mr. Rahman for converting to Christianity is a cause of major concern for all freedom-loving people, but it is the tip of the iceberg. His case is one of the few times in recent history the ‘mainstream media’ actually covered a story on Christian persecution. While we want Mr. Rahman to go free, there are thousands of other persecuted Christians in Islamic nations just like him. Becoming a Christian should not be considered a crime in Afghanistan or elsewhere.
If you would like to learn more about persecuted Christians and find opportunities for helping them, these are good sources:
Voice of the Martyrs
The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, interdenominational organization with a vision for aiding Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission, and educating the world about the ongoing persecution of Christians.
VOM offers a free weekly email report as well as a monthly magazine. They also provide information on how to write letters of encouragement to persecuted Christians and letters of action to government officials. Go to VOM
International Christian Concern
ICC is a coalition of concerned Christians who believe we can, and must, do something to demonstrate our love and support for persecutedChristians. We are a human rights organization for religious freedom and for assisting Christians who are victims of persecution and discrimination.
ICC offers a monthly newsletter as well as the opportunity to sign online petitions to offending governments. Go to ICC
Compass Direct
Compass Direct is a Christian news agency that reports exclusively on Christian persecution around the world.
They offer an RSS feed of their news stories. Go to Compass Direct
Christian Freedom International
CFI is an unparalleled organization that combines advocacy in Washington, DC, with humanitarian assistance for persecuted Christians on the front lines.
CFI offers a monthly newsletter as well as the opportunity to support persecuted Christians through the purchase of handmade goods. Go to CFI
Forum 18
Forum 18 is an instrument for promoting the implementation of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and concentrates on serious and obvious breaches of religious freedom, and particularly on situations where the lives and welfare of individual people or groups are being threatened and where the right to gather around one’s faith is being hindered.
Note that Forum 18 identifies all religious persecution, not just against Christians. They offer daily and weekly email reports as well as an RSS feed. Go to Forum 18
It takes little time to be involved in making a difference in the lives of persecuted Christians around the world.
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