“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem,” reports Luke in Acts 8:1.
This persecution – beginning with the martyrdom of Stephen – was the hate-filled, anger-driven response to seeing more and more people turn to the Lord Jesus Christ (see Acts 6:7).
The same is happening in Bangladesh right now.
Your sister “Anika” has suffered abuse and violence for leaving Islam to follow Christ
“Churches are multiplying,” says a Barnabas Aid project partner in Bangladesh. “The Gospel is spreading faster than ever.
“This growth has caused deep concern among fundamentalist Muslims who see this movement as a threat.”
Just a few weeks ago – praise the Lord – 97 people were baptised upon profession of faith.
And on that day, a great persecution broke out.
Be a part of the effort of supporting these new followers of Christ
“Anika”, a convert from Islam, was beaten by extremists from several local mosques. Her house was broken into, and her Bible burned in front of her. She was dismissed from her job. Her daughter was sexually assaulted and can no longer attend school.
Anika’s is just one story.
“For those who have left Islam and embraced faith in Christ, the persecution becomes almost indescribable,” continues our partner. “They endure constant humiliation, exclusion, insulting words and even violent attacks.
“It has become almost impossible for these persecuted believers to support their families. They have lost their jobs and, being in hiding, they cannot seek new ones.”
Could you donate to support those left without the means to support themselves? Will you pray for the Lord’s provision, both spiritual and physical, for His persecuted people?
How you can pray
Lord God and Heavenly Father, we cry out to You on behalf of Your persecuted people in Bangladesh. Please protect them from those who oppose them with such dreadful violence. Please meet their needs for food, medical care and other necessities, as well as their need for spiritual encouragement and strength – we ask it in our Saviour’s Name.
How you can give
£9 ($11; €10) is the average cost of a doctor’s visit as well as medicines and medical supplies
£49 ($59; €54) could pay for a food parcel that will sustain a persecuted family for one month
£115 ($138; €126) could provide a month’s supply of hygiene items for each of the 19 families affected by this wave of persecution