There are 41 countries where Christian worship is restricted and another 25 that are hostile to believers, according to The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM).
More than 380 million believers around the world are considered persecuted. In South Korea, for example – a nation that is not even currently on any on VOM's watch lists – the new president, E.J. Mung, has indefinitely jailed religious leaders for their supposed "political activity."
So ahead of the upcoming International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), the Christian organization is encouraging churches to get involved in the global prayer movement.
"Hopefully every church is going to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters," says Todd Nettleton, VOM's vice president of message.
Aware that many churches plan out their services weeks in advance, Nettleton says he is "not so jazzed about which day you do it; I just want to make sure your church is praying for persecuted Christians."
His organization has several resources that can help, including a short feature film and prayer reminder bookmark brochures.
"We have prayer slides that will guide you sort of on an around-the-world prayer journey that you can use in your service," notes Nettleton.
He adds that congregants can dedicate personal prayer time for the persecuted Church as well.
"I remember being with Gracia Burnham, who was kidnapped in the Philippines, and she said one of the ways she reminds herself to pray is through the labels on her clothes," the ministry spokesman shares. "Made in Vietnam? Okay, I'm going to pray for Christians in Vietnam. Made in China? Great, I'm going to pray for Christians in China."
IDOP is traditionally held on the first Sunday in November, but the observance is flexible and recognized throughout the entire month.
