A look at some religious freedom issues
During November, churches observe the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Interestingly, today (Tuesday) President Barack Obama’s schedule includes meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao, whose country persecutes Christians. Hopefully the president will address human rights abuses while there.
China showcased Beijing Souwang Church for Olympic visitors.
Afterward the 500 member house church was evicted. With their place of worship closed, the members met in the snow in a park.
Would we attend church in a snowy park?
That meeting, too, was closed down.
Many churches across China have been destroyed. For years, China’s Christian leaders and worshipers have been arrested, beaten, imprisoned and killed, simply because they believe in Jesus Christ.
Sure, China permits registered churches, like the Three Self Church, to meet.
Why don’t all churches register?
Registered churches often have leadership appointed by the atheistic government, restrictions regarding which parts of the Bible can be taught, and age limits for those attending.
China’s not the only country where being a Christian is “bad for your health.”
Often in countries with leaders adhering to a faith other than Christianity, Christians become targets for persecution. In 50 countries, Christians are persecuted solely because of their belief in Jesus Christ.
Four other populous countries likely to persecute Christians are India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
According to “Open Doors,” the “Top 10” most difficult places to live your Christian faith are North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Maldives, Yemen, Laos, Eritrea and Uzbekistan.
Last week, a friend in Sri Lanka reported a church three miles from his home was destroyed. Earlier he sent video of another church being attacked. A few months ago he requested prayer for a Christian family whose wife and daughters were violated while the husband/father was at work. Each attack was because of hostility towards Christians.
Would our students live their Christian faith if anti-Christian teachers lowered their grades or they were denied college? If adults had pay deducted or lost jobs because we attended church, would we be there on Sundays? What if we knew sword-wielding individuals might disrupt our services? Those are realities for some Christians.
My husband volunteers for Voice of the Martyr (VOM), an organization that keeps us informed about challenges Christians face around the world. You can get updates online or subscribe to magazines like VOM, Open Doors and Gospel for Asia. Did you know a letter to a prisoner or country leader can help get a release or a more just hearing?
Persecuted Christians don’t whine. They ask fellow believers to pray they remain faithful, that persecutors become Christians, and they request more Bibles.
Prayers and Bibles change lives in ways policies cannot.
Even so, let’s hope our leaders remember persecution is happening every day.
Marge Warder is a general assignment reporter. E-mail her at news@redoakexpress.com.