Remember Them! Christians Threatened, Terrorized in Egypt, Syria
While President Obama ‘condemns the violence in Egypt’, his Administration continues to send billions of taxpayer dollars to help pay for it. The law is very clear when a coup d’état takes place, foreign aid must stop, regardless of the circumstances. With more than 500 dead and thousands more injured this week alone, chaos only continues to grow in Egypt. So Mr. President, stop skirting the issue, follow the law, and cancel all foreign aid to Egypt.
President Obama could have easily used the coup as a face-saving event to withdraw his financial support of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt yet he refuses to do so. With elected officials returning to their home districts for summer recess, now is an opportune time to make our voices heard on American-funded attacks upon Christians in Egypt and Syria.
2) Support Christian ministries on the ground in areas of high persecution. In a recent article entitled, “Syrian Refugees ‘Hungry for Message of Jesus;’ Christians Urged to Help”, the Christian Post reported on World Compassion’s relief efforts in Syria. Executive Director for Terry Law Ministries, Eric English, explained, “It was just amazing because the Bibles went faster than the food did. They were very hungry for the message of Jesus Christ.” English continued, “The tragedy of the Syrian war has created a vast opportunity for the Gospel to be ministered in the Middle East. On a social level, we have a responsibility to respond to the crisis as Christians, and to help people who are in need.”Ministries on the ground in these areas have a tremendous opportunity to share the Gospel and provide relief but they need the support of Christians around the globe.
3) Educate yourself, your family, and your church about the plight of persecuted Christians around the world. The Voice of the Martyrs is a great place to begin your education. I encourage you to sign up for their monthly newsletter and ask to receive a free copy of the book, Tortured for Christ. VOM also has resources for children such as their website: http://www.kidsofcourage.com/. The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is the first Sunday in November. VOM states, “In September, VOM will offer several resources to help facilitate your IDOP event, including a short, inspirational video, brochures and prayer cards.” Now is a perfect time to prepare.
Christian persecution is running rampant in the Middle East. We owe it to our brothers and sisters in Christ to remember them as if we, too, were experiencing their torment.
Jeff is a Prison Chaplain in the “city of lost souls” and is the co-creator of Evangelicals for Liberty. Jeff holds a ThM from Dallas Seminary…
