Faith
Churches Urged to Embrace Persecuted Women
Faith Facts
- Christian women in South Asia and Africa face targeted religious persecution and abandonment by their communities.
- Many churches struggle to accept survivors back, compounding trauma and isolation for victims.
- Faith leaders call for compassion, restoration, and active support for those returning from persecution.
The vulnerability of women and girls in regions hostile to Christianity was front and center at the World Evangelical Alliance’s 14th General Assembly. Panelists revealed that many survivors face rejection not only from society, but heartbreakingly from their own church communities.
Irene Kibagendi, executive director of the Pan African Christian Women Alliance, noted that Christian girls in Nigeria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are frequently kidnapped and forced to abandon their faith. Upon return, these women often find themselves unwelcome in their churches and families.
“They’re rejected by their families. Their husbands cannot accept them back. The Church cannot accept them back,” Kibagendi explained, emphasizing the urgent need for a more compassionate response.
Emma van der Deijl, CEO of Gender and Religious Freedom, reflected on the spiritual harm inflicted, stating, “It’s as if the Church thinks that the blood of Christ isn’t strong enough to cleanse these women or to keep the Church pure.” She encouraged believers to restore and receive persecuted members with love rather than allowing the enemy to divide the body of Christ.
Sarah Cunningham of Open Doors US discussed the lasting psychological effects that survivors endure, such as PTSD and ongoing fear, and highlighted the stigma that victims often carry in silence.
Despite these challenges, a number of churches are beginning to offer hospitality and grace to those who have suffered for their faith, placing blame on perpetrators and supporting victims on their path to healing and reintegration.
The Rev. Martha Das and others pointed to ongoing cultural obstacles that hinder support in minority-Christian regions, where churches often desire tidiness over messy realities of trauma and pain.
Kibagendi insists Christians have a responsibility to welcome back and restore those hurt by persecution, leaving judgment aside and modeling Christ’s sacrificial love. Support and care groups within churches can provide hope and renew the dignity of women and girls impacted by violence.
At the assembly, over 850 Evangelicals considered how the global Church can more faithfully live out the Gospel, including through the adoption of the Seoul Declaration—a roadmap for theological integrity and unity in addressing pressing global issues.
Faith Facts
- A missionary journey to France highlighted the faith and endurance required during unexpected challenges.
- Christian communities in France are reviving old monasteries and convents for ministry and education.
- Personal stories of perseverance underscored the importance of prayer, fellowship, and God’s provision.
Before dawn in Chartres, France, weary travelers navigated the medieval city’s sidewalk detours while seeking their rideshare to the airport. Street repairs and roadblocks made the journey difficult, but the sense of partnership and prayer offered encouragement.
“Hello, I am your driver,” the driver assured in a message, confirming arrival before a tense wait ended with successful pickup.
A friend’s suggestion led to this journey, focusing on churches restoring abandoned monasteries and spreading Christian outreach across France. Each visit testified to the persistence and hope within God’s family, despite language barriers and physical setbacks.
Acts of kindness from locals helped the travelers overcome obstacles, reminding them of how God provides through others. Personal challenges, such as illness and injury, were met with gratitude and faith that God opens doors and sustains His children during trials.
This trip showcased believers in France dedicating renewed spaces for ministry and learning. Even amidst the exhaustion of travel, the reassurance of God’s guidance brought comfort and strength.
“Please stay put,” the traveler requested, trusting language and intentions would be understood in a foreign land.
In every challenge, faith, prayer, and Christian fellowship reminded these travelers—and readers—how God works through perseverance and trust.
Read more about Christian journeys in France at Christian Chronicle.
Faith Facts
- Over 550 Christian leaders and parliamentarians gathered for the 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast in Brussels.
- The event emphasized prayer, fellowship, and unity, with each attendee praying the Lord’s Prayer in their native language.
- The European Evangelical Alliance facilitated sessions on Christian advocacy and biblical integrity, encouraging a courageous evangelical voice.
Christian parliamentarians and leaders from across Europe assembled in Brussels for the significant 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast, focusing on prayer, fellowship, and collaboration firmly rooted in biblical values. The event’s humble cafeteria setting brought believers together to seek God’s guidance for Europe amid today’s challenges.
“It was a wonderful experience to worship and pray with 550 Members of the European Parliament, Christian politicians from many other countries, and Christian leaders at the European Parliament Prayer Breakfast,” Janet Epp Buckingham shared.
The European Evangelical Alliance welcomed leaders from many countries, emphasizing unity in Christ and intentional networking for greater impact. Strategic discussions and prayer reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening Christian witness and encouraging action for the common good.
The Prayer Breakfast continues the vision of Europe’s founding Christian leaders, prioritizing relationships and sacrificial love modeled after Christ’s teachings. Let us remain steadfast, praying for leaders to act with courage and biblical conviction as they serve Europe in these pivotal times.
Faith Facts
- YouVersion named Isaiah 41:10 as its most engaged verse for the fourth time in six years.
- Global Bible Month in November drove record-breaking Bible engagement on the app.
- YouVersion’s Bible App family surpassed one billion installs, offering Scripture in more than 2,300 languages.
God’s Word is reaching hearts worldwide as millions turn to Scripture for comfort and guidance, especially amid anxious times. Isaiah 41:10’s enduring message of divine strength and presence continues to reassure believers across the globe.
“I think this verse keeps rising to the top because it addresses one of our deepest needs, the assurance that we’re not alone.”
Bobby Gruenewald, Founder and CEO of YouVersion.
YouVersion’s historic November marked the highest Bible engagement yet, with over 19 million people opening the app on a single day and a 19% increase in daily use compared to the previous year. The 30-Day Bible Challenge inspired enduring habits of daily reading, reflecting a growing hunger for spiritual truth.
On January 1, more than 3 million individuals subscribed to year-long Bible reading plans, while Holy Week sparked a surge in prayer creation and scripture sharing. Unusual patterns of increased weekly engagement from late August through November highlight a global movement of spiritual awakening.
“We’re witnessing a global movement.”
Bobby Gruenewald.
“People are hungry for what’s real and true… These numbers represent millions of changed lives.”
Bible engagement soared in every region, with remarkable rises in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North America. Top search topics on the app included “love,” “anxiety,” and “peace.”
Each second this year, believers completed Bible Plan days and interacted with verse features in ways that reflect a thriving global Christian community. Anchored in faith, YouVersion continues to equip families to read God’s Word daily, promoting biblical values and unity across cultures.
Stay rooted in Scripture and help spread God’s truth by sharing this resource with your community.
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