revival amidst persecution
L I V I N G I N T H E T E N S I O N
“PERSECUTION PUTS ME ON MY KNEES. PERSECUTION FORCES ME TO FAST. PERSECUTION FORCES ME TO GET CLOSER TO GOD.”
- UNDERGROUND CHURCH LEADER
It is estimated that a Christian dies for their faith every five minutes and that 200 million Christians are currently facing religious persecution. Why would a Christian live in such a place if they have an option to relocate? This is the tension we live in. We do not seek to escape, nor ask for prayer for our countries to have religious freedom. We know that persecution grows the church. And we know that in the midst of the darkness, our light shines bright.
We are extremely fortunate to be witnesses to some of the greatest miracles of all time—the sick are healed, the blind’s eyes are opened, the Man of White testifies to Muslims face-to-face—this is the greatest time to be alive. We count it a privilege to be His witnesses on the earth in this day.
LIFE IN THE UNDERGROUND
“WHAT WE DO IS AN EXECUTABLE CRIME IN THE COUNTRIES WHERE WE WORK.”
- UNDERGROUND CHURCH LEADER
For decades, millions of people have lived in the stranglehold of religious totalitarian regimes and their outcomes— war, corruption, economic ruin, and spiritual bankruptcy. Suicides are increasing every year. Unemployment has led to poverty, drugs, crime, and prostitution. Thus, many hearts in the unreached areas of the Middle East are uniquely ready for the Prince of Peace.
The majority of the region’s population is younger than 35 years of age. Technologically savvy and electronically connected to the world, young people feel powerless to change the circumstances that oppress their daily lives. Despite the fear of severe reprisals associated with dissent, men and women of all ages are crying out for freedom.
Freedom in Christ is the only solution for these nations. Regrettably, a mere 10% of foreign missionaries minister in these restricted and hostile regions of the Middle East. Yet, it is home to the majority of the world’s un-evangelized countries.
We worship in smaller settings as underground house churches and have a deep sense of family since our birth families have disowned us. Jesus gave His life for us. We love Him and want to be His obedient disciples.
“Yet for Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
We are being hunted in many regions of the Middle East. These are some of the most violent places on earth toward Christians. Religious zealots are all around us, seeking out “infidels” or "kuffar"—those who have turned to Jesus Christ. We persevere, nonetheless, even while threatened. On any given day, we could be taken from our friends and family and be imprisoned, beaten, raped or killed. We are surrounded by tens of millions of Muslims, devoted to Sharia Law, which mandates that those who turn away from Islam must be punished and killed. But God and your prayers and support sustain us. Learn more about how to get involved today.
”WE STRUGGLE WITH PERSECUTION EVERY DAY, BUT WE GLADLY ACCEPT IT.”
- UNDERGROUND CHURCH LEADER