You will have noticed it.
Our culture is changing. At one time, Christianity was treated with a measure of respect. Perhaps though, when you came to faith being a follower of Christ was seen as something comical.
Today, the Gospel is often met with overt hostility – something to be feared and opposed.
Yet despite this, the challenges faced by believers in Western countries remain minimal when compared to those of your brothers and sisters in many other parts of the world.
In many Middle Eastern contexts, converts from Islam can meet only in secret, if they are able to meet at all [Image credit: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels]
Christians who leave the majority religion – often a religion integral to their cultural, ethnic, national and family identity – risk their safety, their livelihoods and even their lives to follow Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
In regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, converts from Islam must live as secret believers.
They meet with other Christians (if they’re able to meet at all) with the utmost discretion. They keep their Bibles hidden and cannot pray openly. They must weigh the consequences every time they share the Good News about Jesus with a friend, relative or neighbour.
This is where you come in.
Barnabas Aid is working with a Christian ministry in this region to provide a discipleship programme for Muslim-background believers in one Middle Eastern country. Believers will receive discipleship training, spiritual support and guidance, and Bibles (including study Bibles) that in this country are otherwise extremely hard to find.
In this country, says our project partner, your brothers and sisters face “government oppression, social rejection, family pressure, threats, and, in some cases, imprisonment”.
They add, “Many believers live in isolation with little access to a safe Christian community or to sound Biblical teaching needed for their spiritual growth. Many carry significant responsibilities as ‘house church’ leaders, yet lack opportunities for training, encouragement and pastoral support.”
Can you donate today to support this work of strengthening secret believers in the midst of severe hostility? Will you commit to praying for those called to bear these burdens for the sake of Christ?
Images for illustrative purposes only. Featured image credit: Patavatsizsadrazam/Pexels
How you can pray
Lord God and Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing so many across the Middle East and North Africa to know You. As so many endure isolation, loneliness and discouragement, as they live each day knowing that their very lives are at risk, please encourage them to know that they are not alone, but that the Saviour is with them through the Holy Spirit. Please bless this work of discipleship, that it will in turn be a blessing to our brothers and sisters in Christ, in whose Name we pray.
How you can give
£8 ($10; €9) could pay for a study Bible for a Muslim-background believer in a Middle Eastern country
£50 ($60; €55) could pay for 20 Bibles for Christian converts
£95 ($115; €105) could cover the cost of food provided for believers travelling in great secrecy and danger to discipleship training events
Project fund: 00-1188 (Middle East and North Africa)