Faith
Faithful Fellowship Lifts Persecuted Christians
Faith Facts
- Imprisoned Indian pastors found hope and strength through fellowship while enduring persecution.
- Todd Nettleton, Vice President of Voice of the Martyrs, highlighted the power of prayer and unity for suffering believers worldwide.
- India remains a top country for Christian persecution, with extremist pressure and anti-conversion laws threatening believers.
The Lord provided encouragement to an Indian pastor imprisoned for his faith by sending another pastor to the same prison, illustrating the power of Christian fellowship amid harsh trials. As Christians around the world marked the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, stories emerged of God’s miraculous provision and answered prayers.
Todd Nettleton urged believers to empathize deeply with the persecuted, drawing from Hebrews 13:3 and encouraging prayer and advocacy for those who suffer for the Gospel.
“The important thing is to put ourselves in their place.”
“If I were in prison, I’d want to know people were praying for me and looking out for my family.”
During travels in South Asia, Nettleton witnessed steadfast faith among those threatened for following Christ, from India to Nepal and beyond. For a pastor discouraged by months of imprisonment, fellowship with another Christian bolstered his faith and reminded him of God’s sovereignty.
“The new arrival told him, ‘You’ve got to hang on. God’s going to work this out.’ It gave him the strength to continue faithfully suffering in prison.”
Miraculous healings and answered prayers have convinced many in India of Jesus’ unique power, making them resolute despite pressure from their communities and threats to their safety.
“You can burn my house down or beat me up, but I saw that Jesus was powerful, and He answered prayer.”
Nettleton emphasized the vital role of fellowship and prayer, especially as more than 380 million Christians worldwide endure severe persecution. He encouraged churches and families to unite in prayer and lift up their persecuted brothers and sisters, trusting that God hears and responds.
“Thousands of churches and thousands of Christians are going to be praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters on this Sunday. And that’s such an amazing thing.”
This is a profound reminder that unity, prayer, and faith in Christ can withstand even the harshest opposition. Let us remain devoted to prayer for those who suffer and hold fast to the bonds that unite believers worldwide.