Christian Persecution
77Can You Feel It?
Christian persecution is all around us. You can experience it at home within the family, from unsaved relatives and friends, in your neighborhood, at your workplace, in the store, on the streets and just about anywhere you go. Even here on hubpages, you only need to step inside the Religious forum and place a comment on your faith in order for Satan’s fiery darts to start flying! This hub is not about the verbal abuse we as Christians receive through rude comments or obscenities. It is about the real Christian persecution that is going on this very moment around the world. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering more than you could possibly imagine just for loving the Lord and not being willing to deny Him. Before I share some of these true stories of Christian persecution, let me first share with you from God’s Holy Word.
Matthew 5:11,12 "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they prophets which were before you." (Jesus speaking)
Persecution has been taking place since Christ walked this earth some 2000 years ago. He knew his disciples and those to follow the faith would go through some terrible things. Yet He tells us to rejoice! Why? Because we will be greatly rewarded in Heaven for what we go through in sharing our faith and in defending our faith in Him. Our heavenly Father knows all, hears all and sees all that takes place in our lives.
2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (Paul speaking)
When we take up our cross and follow Jesus, we will suffer persecution. When we share our faith and defend our faith, the light that is within us shines. Unbelievers are compelled to strike out even to the point of death!
Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" (Jesus speaking)
We are told to pray for them, love them and do good to those who persecute us. Jesus died on the cross for them...for all of us. He desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. We need to pray for hearts to be changed!
1 Timothy 1:13 "Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." (Paul speaking of himself)
Reread this verse. Paul was once the enemy. He was a blasphemer and a persecutor of Christians! He goes on to say that he received mercy because what he did was done in ignorance because he did not believe. So it is with all who persecute Christians.
John 15:20 "Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘The servant is not greater than his Lord.’ If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;" (Jesus speaking)
We are certainly not greater than our Lord. Jesus was mocked, beaten and spat upon. He suffered terrible physical and emotional abuse. The Father turned from Him. He could not look upon His Son because His Son carried the sins of the whole world...my sins...your sins...all sins, on His beaten and bruised body. Jesus’ heart must have broke when the Father forsook Him. Are we, as His followers, to expect anything less? Aren’t we even afraid to share our faith because what we say might be rejected?
2 Corinthians 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (Paul speaking)
Like Paul, we too should expect to be persecuted. But Jesus said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Some of us may be cast down, but we cannot be destroyed for we are promised eternal life with the Lord.
Let me share with you a sampling of true stories of real Christian persecution that is going on today.
Children Beheaded!
Somalia: Christian's Sons Beheaded
Islamic extremists have beheaded two boys in Somalia because their Christian father, 55 year-old Musa Mohammed Yusuf, refused to give them information about an underground church leader, according to Compass Direct News.
The extremists from the group al shabaab killed 11 year-old Abdi Rahaman Musa Yusuf and 12 year-old Hussein Musa Yusuf, after abducting them in front of their mother. The terrorists are currently looking for Yusuf in Kenyan refugee camps.
Yusuf was a leader of an underground church in Yonday village, 19 miles from Kismayo, Somalia. On February 20, the extremists interrogated Yusuf about his relationship with Salat Mberwa, the Christian leader who discipled him in the faith and led an underground fellowship with 66 believers. When Yusuf told them he did not have any connection to him and knew nothing about him, they left and vowed to return the next day. Yusuf fled immediately and the next day the extremists killed his sons.
Yusuf’s wife and 7-year-old son have joined him in the refugee camp in Kenya where Mberwa and other believers are helping them. VOM encourages you to pray for Yusuf and his family as they have lost their sons. Pray God comforts them during this difficult time, and provides the family with other believers who can encourage them with scriptures and songs.
Defending Her Faith!
Pakistan: Christian woman arrested
Asia Bibi, a 37-year-old Pakistani woman from the village of Ittanwali, was arrested by police on Friday, June 19, and faces possible blasphemy charges. Asia is the wife of 50-year-old Ashiq Masih, and their family is one of only three Christian families in a village of more than 1,500 families.
Many of the local women work on the farm of Muslim landowner Muhammad Idrees, including Asia. During their work many of the Muslim women have pressured Asia to renounce Christianity and accept Islam. Over the past week the pressure has been especially strong.
On Friday, June 19, there was an intense discussion among the women about their faith, with the Muslim women telling Asia about Islam. Asia responded by telling them about her faith in Christ.
Asia told the Muslim women that Christ had died on the cross for our sins, then asked them what Mohammed had done for them, according to VOM sources. She told them Jesus is alive, but Mohammed is dead. “Our Christ is the true prophet of God,” she reportedly told them, “and yours is not true.”
Upon hearing this response the Muslim women became angry and began to beat Asia Bibi. Then some men came and took her and locked her in a room. They announced from mosque loudspeakers that she would be punished by having her face blackened and being paraded through the village on a donkey.
Local Christians informed the police, who took Asia into custody before the Muslims could carry out their plan. She is currently being held at the police station in Nankana city. Christians there urged the police not to file blasphemy charges, but police claimed that they must go forward due to pressure from local Muslim leaders.
The Voice of the Martyrs urges Christians around the world to pray for Asia Bibi and her family. Further, we call on the Pakistani government to insure that the rights of Christians like Asia are protected.
The Voice of the Martyrs’ sources are actively investigating the case, as well as providing support to local Christians. More information will be posted at www.persecution.com as it becomes available.
Orphans Attacked!
BREAKING NEWS: Burma Army Attacks Christian Orphanage; Many Flee
Friday, June 5, 2009 (11:28 am) By Worthy News Asia Service with Worthy News' Stefan J. Bos
RANGOON, BURMA (Worthy News) -- A Christian-run orphanage in Burma near the border with Thailand has been attacked by the Burmese army, amid a fresh crackdown on the predominantly Christian Karen people in the area, officials and children told BosNewsLife Friday, June 5.
At least 90 children, including 30 orphans and kids “ persecuted and traumatized by war” were trapped late Thursday, June 4, and were “forced to flee in the middle of the night,” said Jeff King, the president of International Christian Concern (ICC) which supervises the project.
He told Worthy News that the only way to safety was across the river into Thailand, however “Not all of the kids knew how to swim so we are on pins and needles waiting to hear what happened.” King added that initial reports suggested that “most survived”, but there was no immediate confirmation.
The ICC official said the attack came as a major setback as the “orphanage was a new project for us” in Burma, also known as Myanmar. The buildings, including the dorms, church, and a school, had just been finished in April, King explained.
MAJOR SUCCESS
“The project was such a success that another 60 kids, persecuted and traumatized by war but not orphans, had come to the orphanage for an education and relative safety, compared to living without defense in the jungle on the constant run from the army,” he added.
King said an ICC representative warned earlier that the Burmese army “might attack” as the fighting was getting increasingly close. “The Burmese army was going to make a final push this year to defeat the Karen people,” King added, citing local sources.
The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), an outgunned group which includes 'born-again' Karen Christians, has been fighting for autonomy and protection since British colonial rule ended after World War Two. Burma's unelected junta, a group of generals known as the State Peace and Development Council, views especially Christian Karens as a threat to its power base, rights investigators say.
Witnesses said the Burmese army attacked a camp for internally displaced people in Burma first this week, then went and crossed the river entering Thailand. “They then crossed the river again from the Thai side into the other camp, our kids were trapped and could not run deeper into Burma because there were landmines placed around the camp,” a witness said in a statement distributed by ICC.
CHILDREN HIDING
Hundreds of children and adults were apparently hiding on the Thai side of the border Friday, June 5. Another rights group, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) told BosNewsLife that at least 1,000 people have fled the latest Burmese offensive.
“This is an urgent situation which requires immediate international attention. Karen civilians have been suffering such attacks, as well as other gross violations of human rights amounting to crimes against humanity,” stressed CSW Advocacy Director Alexa Papadouris.
Among the children seeking shelter from the latest clashes were orphans who already experienced suffering, according to letters distributed by ICC. “My name is Kham Loo, I am 13 years old. I have been [at the ICC orphanage in Burma] for eleven months,” one letter said.
“My parents were killed in Burma. I am an only child. It was very dangerous for me to get here. I had to avoid the many landmines. I saw the Burmese soldiers come into my village and have witnessed many of my friends being murdered.” She said, “Many girls have been raped and then killed by Burmese soldiers. Other girls who were gang raped became crazy. The Burmese soldiers also took our harvest.”
PARENTS KILLED
Another child, Seng Mon, 11, wrote: “I have been here four months...It took me one day to travel here. My father died and my mother was taken away by the Burmese soldiers. I came here, because in Burma it is very dangerous [as] I have seen the Burmese soldiers raping girls. There are many landmines around our village in Burma [but] I feel safe here and I want to learn to speak English.”
It was not immediately clear where the orphans would be staying Friday, June 5, but Thailand has set up refugee camps and Christian groups also support Burmese orphans there. CSW said the latest tensions come as the trial continues of Burma’s democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi for allegedly violating terms of her house arrest.
Suu Kyi, her two companions under house arrest, and an American, John W. Yettaw, are being tried together on charges of violating the conditions of her restriction order, which bans visitors without official permission. The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Yettaw prompted the charges by swimming to Suu Kyi's property and sneaking into her home for reasons that remain unclear.
CSW said it has urged the United Nations Security Council to impose a universal arms embargo on Burma’s “military regime, and to establish a commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity.”
Papadouris said the group has also asked authorities in Thailand to provide shelter and protection to the Karen from Ler Per Her region, “and we urge members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), China and India to use their collective influence with the regime to call a halt to such offensives against civilians”.
Burma, is majority Buddhist, a close ally of China, and mainland Southeast Asia's biggest country. The Burmese military government has denied wrongdoing. It has said it remains concerned over "the loss of all human rights of innocent people in Iraq and Afghanistan," while claiming that the Burmese military was enforcing law and order so human rights and democracy could flourish at home.
Churches and Homes Burned!
BREAKING NEWS: Muslim Mobs Burn Churches, Homes In Pakistan; At Least 13 Injured
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 (1:23 pm) By Worthy News Asia ServiceLAHORE, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) -- At least 13 people, including women and children, were injured Wednesday, July 1, when local Muslims set on fire some 100 Christian homes and churches east of the Pakistani city of Lahore, Christian rights investigators said.
International Christian Concern (ICC) told Worthy News that its partners rushed to the scene in the city of Kasur South to help injured Christians trapped in the riots. ICC said the violence was sparked by "broadcasts from local mosques", although it was not immediately clear what was allegedly said.
The incident is similar to a February 1997 attack when thousands of Christian houses and churches were burned and hundreds of Christians were injured, ICC added.
"ICC partners received the news this morning and went immediately to the scene to help injured Christians transferred to Lahore, renting two mini vans for this purpose. So far 9 burned women and 4 children have been transferred to Lahore for further medical treatment," the group said in a statement.
ICC investigators said all of them were injured when Muslim mobs apparently threw acid on them. Local police reportedly arrived on the scene, but ICC said "the situation is out of control as thousands of Muslims have gathered for this purpose."
The group said it has urged its supporters around the world to contact their Pakistani embassies to ask them to protect the Christians in Kasur South.
Wednesday's reported violence came amid several reported anti-Christian incidents in Punjab province, to which the city belongs.
What can you do to help?
I've shared four news stories with you of recent Christian persecution. They were taken from Worthy News and Voice of the Martyrs websites. As Christians we need to begin by remembering our brothers and sisters in Christ in fervent daily prayer. Go to the VOM website and keep informed. They have a free monthly newsletter that you can sign up for. You can also get a free copy of the book entitled "Tortured For Christ". They have a kids site, a prison/prayer alert and a host of other things for you to participate in. You'll never look at your faith the same way again. Those of us who live here in the USA have been blessed thus far with our religious freedom. That freedom is slowly being eroded away.
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A very touching Hub. I admire those who were persecuted for Christ - it takes a lot of boldness. I will humbly admit, that I do not have that type of boldness.I'm not very bold. Its got to the point now that if I feel people are gonna throw arrows at me or jump on me and attack me because of Religion - I just keep quiet for peace sake. I just don't want the hassle. Is this a bad thing Born-again? However, if people are receptive, then I will talk a lot and bring out scriptures etc. Anyway, very interesting, thought provoking Hub.
A very touching Hub. I admire those who were persecuted for Christ - it takes a lot of boldness. I will humbly admit, that I do not have that type of boldness.I'm bold but not very bold. Its got to the point now that if I feel people are gonna throw arrows at me or jump on me and attack me because of Religion - I just keep quiet for peace sake. I just don't want the hassle. Is this a bad thing Born-again? However, if people are receptive, then I will talk a lot and bring out scriptures etc. Anyway, very interesting, thought provoking Hub.
You have well documented your case here. Christians are presecuted in huge numbers in the world. Thanks for bringing this forward.
Born Again, Love the hub you have done a good job of showing in detail the persecution of the Church comes in very different forms some verbal,some violent and allot of other types you have covered. Like you said even here but our Lord will always provide Amen! Good to know you with Love in Christ Jesus my Sister
great post. enduring persecution is the epitome of our witness. what we're saying is that the truth of the gospel is worth more than our lives and that we believe in a certain eternal life. thanks for bringing it up.
oh yes its even in our homes, i pray for the persecuted..thanks for this hub.
Hi BorneAgain05, Fantastic informative hub. I think I made a choice to have blinded eyes on the terrible persecution that goes on around the world. We must pray for the children, families and all believers. May God help them. Their treasures are in heaven and no one can steal the love of Christ from them.Soon believers will not shed tears. I want to hate those people that rape, behead, steal harvest and are evil but you are right they are LOST.
Lets us pray for their salvation. Christ says in the latter days everything that need to be shaken will be shaken and there will be an outpouring of the holy spirit. Praise the Lord. I know for me I have never felt more present with the Lord.The HS is pouring over. This scripture is more real to me then I have ever known in any memory of my life. I started Holy Spirit 'school' tonight, through the church.
Christ is building up believers by the hs to reach the lost. Amazing. You are Blessed. You bless others with your writing. I am grateful to 'know' you. In his name. One day we will meet. I am writing a hub about the awesome power of the HS. Glory to God. Keep your eyes open so you can visit me and read it. Hugs
thank you for bringing to light what our brothers and sisters are enduring. It absolutely humbles me to see the kind of sacrifice and faith in others who are under such persecution. Thank you for letting your light shine!!
I pray for all of those persecuted for the Christian Faith..I have seen and read many accounts similar to what you have posted here...These are horrible things and in addition to donating to these missions who are helping ease all of their pain and suffering, the best thing we are able to do is pray for them...This is not only happening in Burma and overseas, this is happening today in America as well that the Christian faith is persecuted...
I do not know if you read or heard about the Pastor who was murdered in her own church in I believe OK...It is senseless
Thank you for writing this hub....It will bring more awareness for all...God Bless You....
I'm very thankful our church is a huge mission's supporter. This is something we take for granted -- many missionaries are in very dangerous situations. Many people - as your hub pointed out are losing their lives simply because they ARE Christians. Thank you for giving their plight a voice. Good job!
Born Again,
This was wonderful! Persecution is real! When you truly stand boldy for the Lord. You will be maligned, your motives and intentions will to be discredited. Your sincere efforts will be blocked. Yes in your neighborhood and your workplace even by those who should know better! This can be interesting when you KNOW you have shared FAITHFULLY the WORD of GOD! They will even try to entrap you and place people in your path to undermine your efforts. Today You will be even blacklisted as a potential domestic terrorist. Know what is happening right here in AMerica! Just know God is watching and nothing gets by Him!
When you know the Love of God is deeply embedded in your heart. No need to worry> You realize that "they know not what they do."
One must stay focused, meditate onand appy His Word daily and cleave to the Lord! It is important to stand boldly and sometimes quietly They cannot take away or do any more than the Lord allows.
PRAISE GOD!
Thank you
Blessings
One must be prayerful
Many Blessings!
Thank you for sharing this hub on persecution. Now I know what are the important matters I should pray about.
Very well put together, very informative, keep it going to shed light on the horror that befalls many in Christ
I just want to thank all of you for your gracious comments. We're all in this together as brothers and sisters in Christ. We must pray for those that come under persecution and support them in every way possible. Be blessed!
Thank you for reminding us of the suffering for Christ in the world. We have become so complacent. God have mercy on us.
Christians are indeed being persecuted if they stand up for what is spiritually and morally right. Idiomatically speaking, the tables are sometimes turned upside down. Perhaps, we only have to stand firm and continue to hold on. I just want to share a bible verse in Philippians 4:13 "I have the strength to face all conditions through Christ who stengthens me."
I am glad that I've got the chance to read your hub.
Christians are indeed being persecuted if they stand up for what is spiritually and morally right. Idiomatically speaking, the tables are sometimes turned upside down. Perhaps, we only have to stand firm and continue to hold on. I just want to share a bible verse in Philippians 4:13 "I have the strength to face all conditions through Christ who stengthens me."
I am glad that I've got the chance to read your hub.
Wow! Those children are in my prayers, the nation and the Christian leaders working for the Orphanage. I know this is a delayed comment but we need to continually pray for the situation. Being persecuted for Christ is an honor!
Thanks for writing about this topic! I really pray and think about it myself always.
We are members of Voice of the Martirs and we write letters to prizoners in China, africa or other countries. But if this is enough? NO, once again your hub made it clear.
As a people, we come to be celebrated and not tolerated. When Elijah stood at the top of Mount Carmel and faced Ahab's prophet's and those of Jezebel, he was a "Majority of One." How far will we go for God? Truly?
Standing up to persecution in all its forms for Jesus' sake
is what God expects of us. Nobody said it would be easy. Nothing good ever is.
This is a difficult subject for many Christians as we face ostracization and becoming an outcast on many levels and even within our own church sometimes. When we remain silent in the face of persecution just to keep the peace, what are we really saying about our faith and love for Jesus considering the extent He went to for us. If he just had to
bear the uncomfortable feelings of glaring eyes and hushed comments, where would we be today?
Keep in mind Jesus could not do what He had to do without a Judas in the midst. Without a Peter to deny Him. The Last Supper included a menu of guilt for some.
An excellent Hub on a very difficult subject. Sometimes, the
most dangerous object in our household is the mirror.
Excellent hub! profoundly written with good insights.
Excellent hub! profoundly written with good insights.
Excellent hub! You must read "The Voice Of The Martyrs"? If you don't, you should. Subsciption is free. Keep up the good work, fighting for the cause of Christ!
Excellent hub,we must remember to pray for our brothers and sisters everywhere.I agree THe Voice of Martyrs is an excellent read.
Peace be With You
Excellent Hub and one which will reach many...well done
Blessings
Hello Beloved in Christ !
Keep prayers for persecuted Pakistani Christian and for any more information about this incident and if you want to help the persecuted family or give them any message reply me , it will encourgement for them.
Pastor Ameir Masih
email: mailtts@yahoo.com,
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: International Christian Concern
Sent: Fri, June 4, 2010 11:47:00 AM
Subject: ICC PR: Pakistani Muslim Mob Attacks Christian Family
International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941 • Washington DC 20006-1846 www.persecution.org / Email: icc@persecution.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Jonathan Racho,
Regional Manager for Africa and South Asia,
1-800-422-5441, jonathan@persecution.org
Pakistani Muslim Mob Attacks Christian Family
Attack Comes As a Result of a Thirteen-Year-Old Christian Refusing to Read the Qur'an
Washington, D.C. (June 4, 2010)– International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on May 28, twelve heavily armed Muslim men attacked a pastor and his family in Smundri, Pakistan. Pastor Mubarak Masih and his family were assaulted after Shaid Masih, the pastor’s 13-year-old nephew, refused to read verses from the Qur’an despite pressure from his teacher.
The Islamists beat the pastor’s head with sticks and rods; almost killed his brother when they shot him, grazing his head and causing a minor injury; and broke their mother’s left arm.
In a statement to ICC, the family said that Zufair Gujhar, Shaid’s teacher, is a fundamentalist Muslim who routinely forces Christian students to read the Qur’an and other Islamic books. He pressures his Christian students to accept Islam.
Pastor Mubarak, a pastor of the Church of God, said, “We will continue our mission work at any cost and no one can stop us.”
The family reported the incident to the police but they have not yet taken any action against the alleged perpetrators.
ICC’s Regional Manager for South Asia, Jonathan Racho, said, “The violent attack against Pastor Mubarak and his family as well as the beating of Shaid for refusing to read the Qur’an is another demonstration of the dire situation in which Christians find themselves in Pakistan. We are saddened by the utter disregard of the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.”
Please contact the embassy of Pakistan in your country and ask the Pakistani officials to bring Zufair Gujhar and the other 12 perpetrators of this attack to justice.
Pakistani Embassies:
USA: (202) 243-3254 (phone), (202) 686-1534 (Fax)
Canada: (613) 238-7881 (phone), (613) 238-7298 (Fax)
UK: 0870-005-6967 (phone)
# # #
You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.
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2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (Paul speaking)
"When we take up our cross and follow Jesus, we will suffer persecution. When we share our faith and defend our faith, the light that is within us shines. Unbelievers are compelled to strike out even to the point of death!"
This is very true. The world will hate true believers.
I think the persecution we experience is minor comparatively speaking to what others are experiencing around the world as your hub suggests. informative hub.
"When we are weak, He is strong." It's good to be aware what is happening in the world today. It was prophecy in the old testament all that you shared in the hub. So we can make others aware, but it can not be stopped unfortunately. (2 Timothy 3) Keep praying for salvation for those who want to know Christ. Every little effort on our part spiritually counts.
Yes--we will endure much persecution in coming days. Your hub certainly shows that it is happening already. I trust fully that God will give us the grace equal to the persecution as we endure. Bless you for writing this hub. I look forward to reading more of your work!
lovely. Yes we would be chastised for his names sake. But yea thou we walk through the valley of the shadow of death we shall not fear any evil (Psalm 23). Christians really have a hard time living in this world, that's why we need to press the battle to make it to heaven. Where we'd be blessed for all our earthly efforts. No more sickness or pains etc. Only peace forever more.
Thanks for your interesting hub.
I need to request prayer for my family and me. I have been facing severe persecution for years from my own family. I grew up with a church of christ mother and a heathen father who fought viciously for my mom to stop going to church. He finally won. My mom is very passive and works hard only to come home to my verbally abusive dad and brother who both claim to be saved but live like the devil. They are both addicted to prescription drugs and are constantly maligning my character and faith to my four sons. They undermine everything I stand for. I also don't believe my mom was ever saved. She and her family thinks I'm going to hell because I'm a Baptist now and my husband is a Baptist. I believe in being saved by grace thru faith in Jesus alone. They think I've lost my "religion" of works.
Last year God led me to clean house for mom one to two days a week to try to help her out and especially so I could lead them to Christ. I scrubbed floors, walls, ceilings, everything was covered in inches worth of filth and black tar because my brother chain smokes. My dad would come up behind me and laugh, calling me a poor little slave girl. Sometimes I would walk thru the door only to be ridiculed and made fun of for being a "preacher". However, I began to kindly ask dad if he would agree to a Bible study once a week. He surprisingly agreed. I was so excited, only to be let down time and time again. I would come and he'd be on the phone forever before even acknowledging my presence. Finally, I would put in a teaching DVD and he would fall asleep or he would start disputing and saying the Bible wasn't inspired by God--only written by men,etc. But I hung in there.
Every week I would bring handouts and creative gospel tracts. I thought I was making way, but my brother began to find ways to slander me and even accuse me of destroying things in the house. Wires would be cut and I'd get the blame for it because I had cleaned around them. This little story is only a drop in the bucket compared to all they have done over the years. I try not to take it personal anymore but its hard not to. Please pray that my speech will be seasoned with grace because last wk. I finally broke and told my 32 yr. old brother he needed to go to work and stop spending all of mom and dads money. I didn't cuss him or yell at him, but I did basically tell him that he has to make a choice between God and satan because I'm not going to believe his lies about being saved any longer. I also told them I didn't want my boys watching the filth they watch on tv there. I just kindly asked them to respect my wishes or I wasn't going to bring the boys back. They aren't willing to back down and are attacking me verbally more each time I go. It has truly turned into a spiritual battle. I am torn as to how I'm to handle my sons going there to be brainwashed against Christianity. I want them to see their family, they love them, I love them. But how can I continue to set back and take their slander. I read all the verses about loving our enemies, the worst ones being the members of our own family, but sometimes love has to be tough and I feel the need to stand up for the truth. But where do I draw the line with them getting to see my children? How can I go against my God-given conscience and let my children be turned against me and encouraged to watch trash? These are some of the issues I'm struggling with and desperately need prayer and Christian feedback. Persecution truly is happening daily for those who stand up for their faith. It hurts worse when its your own family.
I need to request prayer for my family and me. I have been facing severe persecution for years from my own family. I grew up with a church of christ mother and a heathen father who fought viciously for my mom to stop going to church. He finally won. My mom is very passive and works hard only to come home to my verbally abusive dad and brother who both claim to be saved but live like the devil. They are both addicted to prescription drugs and are constantly maligning my character and faith to my four sons. They undermine everything I stand for. I also don't believe my mom was ever saved. She and her family thinks I'm going to hell because I'm a Baptist now and my husband is a Baptist. I believe in being saved by grace thru faith in Jesus alone. They think I've lost my "religion" of works.
Last year God led me to clean house for mom one to two days a week to try to help her out and especially so I could lead them to Christ. I scrubbed floors, walls, ceilings, everything was covered in inches worth of filth and black tar because my brother chain smokes. My dad would come up behind me and laugh, calling me a poor little slave girl. Sometimes I would walk thru the door only to be ridiculed and made fun of for being a "preacher". However, I began to kindly ask dad if he would agree to a Bible study once a week. He surprisingly agreed. I was so excited, only to be let down time and time again. I would come and he'd be on the phone forever before even acknowledging my presence. Finally, I would put in a teaching DVD and he would fall asleep or he would start disputing and saying the Bible wasn't inspired by God--only written by men,etc. But I hung in there.
Every week I would bring handouts and creative gospel tracts. I thought I was making way, but my brother began to find ways to slander me and even accuse me of destroying things in the house. Wires would be cut and I'd get the blame for it because I had cleaned around them. This little story is only a drop in the bucket compared to all they have done over the years. I try not to take it personal anymore but its hard not to. Please pray that my speech will be seasoned with grace because last wk. I finally broke and told my 32 yr. old brother he needed to go to work and stop spending all of mom and dads money. I didn't cuss him or yell at him, but I did basically tell him that he has to make a choice between God and satan because I'm not going to believe his lies about being saved any longer. I also told them I didn't want my boys watching the filth they watch on tv there. I just kindly asked them to respect my wishes or I wasn't going to bring the boys back. They aren't willing to back down and are attacking me verbally more each time I go. It has truly turned into a spiritual battle. I am torn as to how I'm to handle my sons going there to be brainwashed against Christianity. I want them to see their family, they love them, I love them. But how can I continue to set back and take their slander. I read all the verses about loving our enemies, the worst ones being the members of our own family, but sometimes love has to be tough and I feel the need to stand up for the truth. But where do I draw the line with them getting to see my children? How can I go against my God-given conscience and let my children be turned against me and encouraged to watch trash? These are some of the issues I'm struggling with and desperately need prayer and Christian feedback. Persecution truly is happening daily for those who stand up for their faith. It hurts worse when its your own family.
This is so true! But God will not suffer his children more than they can bare! Thanks for sharing. God Bless
This is so true. But God will not let his children suffer more then they can bare! Thank you for sharing. God Bless
Hi. Born AGain 05. Thank you very much for your concern and putting it into your hub about the persecution faced by an orphanage in Burma. it is always a very encouraging to hear that people are praying.
I just pray let all the persecuted ones be strengthened in a midst of those severe trials and hardships.
Glad to know another VOM reader! It's such a blessing to know what is going on around the world - because the worldly news is not going to report the truths that are happening to our brothers and sisters. Their persecutions can give us strength and courage and humbleness of heart. May we never forget what our brothers and sisters go through, may we lift them up in prayer...
Dear Born again05,
Thanks for sharing this hub.I need to be a VOM reader and
continue to pray for our family in Christ.
Hi Born Again, Thanks for sharing. I have been persecuted in the forums while standing boldly on my faith. We should always rejoice when facing persecution. May God bless you abundantly.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for Christ sake...
i must be on the verge of a breakthrough of serving Christ through Ely's Cause or something because BOY!! is my family (all of them, even 2 of my 3 YOUNG grandchildren) smoking me for lack of a better term. yelling, cursing, threatening & God's truth i have done nothing! yes it is sooo difficult but i will NEVER stop! God is everything to me, bringing my sisters & brothers in Christ out of the darkness & into the light is what i live for. in my dying breath i will plant a seed, save a soul & proclaim God's precioous Holy name and all He has done for us. Look what Christ did for us, it seems the world would love to forget that, my children's afather has. no mater what - i will NEVEr TURN MY BACK ON cHRIST OR QUIIT SERVING hKM IN A BIG, BIG WAY! MY FAITH GROWS & SO DOES MY LOVE FOR aLMIGHTY gOD & hIS PRECIOUS sON! ALL OF gOD'S VERY BEST TO YOU ALL!! IN cHRIST! KATHY SO SORRY FOR THE TYPING ERRORS, I CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET BACK IN THERE TO CORRECT THEM. WHATEVER WE MAY ENDURE, NO MATER HOW CONSTANT OR VICIOUIS IT MAY BE, IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE TO WHAT cHRIST ENDURED FOR US!
I really appreciate this hub because I've read many articles regarding the christian life, but not many of them touch of persecution, and Jesus said his followers would be persecuted just as he was. Christians in the U.S. need to get prepared for physically persecution and prepared for death if need be to stand up for God. God would definitely bless our efforts for withstanding the persecution.
i looked up persecution within teh family by nonchristain family members & i found this sight. i have hd a very difficult childhood as have many but through that pain i have the wisdon to reach out to others in pain. i am SOLD OUT for Christ & ALL God needs & wants me to do & my family is brutally by word,action, & deed persecuting me. even thought its brutal i feel in my spirit that i must be a threat to satan & his kingdom in some way & that is GREAT! for some reason persecution within ones own family never occurrd to me. a couple of hojrs ago my daughter got angry over nothing & she was yeeling,& cursing at me for almot 45 minutes & her dad nor her brother tried to stop[ her, they usually join in. after she left i kept saying, "i didn't do anythig, i did't do anything...", then i thought of Christ & His suffering, the cruelty we inflicted on Him and then the ultimate cruelty, to be crucified on a cross for sins & degradation that He could never even considerig doing. to those of yoj who pray for God's children who are bing persecuted THANK YOU SO MUCH! through all the dificult times in my life, one of my favorite scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11 - The Lord says, "I know the plans i have for you',"plans to prosper you & NOT to harm you, plans to give you a future & a "HOPE"! God's very best to you all & those you love. in Christ! kathy
just amazing sis
I love reading about the persecuted church. They strengthen my faith. I love sharing my faith in the workplace, regardless of company rules. Who shall I obey, God or man?
Christian Persecution
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Pastor_Walt 2 years ago
A interesting, truthful and helpful hub. Thumbs up! If we are persecuted in some way - we are not doing anything!