In terms of lives lost, families separated, people imprisoned, and churches shut down, the 21st century has been the worst period of persecution against Christians in recorded history.
The period from June 29th through the weekend is set aside as “Day of the Christian Martyr” to inspire and encourage Christians to remember modern-day martyrs for Christ and to pray for persecuted Christians. Christians around the world pray for persecuted Christians and especially for the families of those who have paid the ultimate price for Christ and the gospel. As we honor the legacy of those who have sacrificed their lives for the advancement of the gospel, we share this video, utilizing resources from “The Voice of the Martyrs” (https://www.persecution.com/):
Here is a short story from The Voice of the Martyrs’ monthly magazine, from September, 2021. The story makes a great statement about where to look (still, today) for “all the answers,” and reminds how blessed we are here, in this country, for the freedoms we enjoy. Freedoms that, frankly, just don’t exist in so much of the world today:
Tala came to faith in Christ last year, but she was afraid to tell her family. In Iran, where it is illegal to leave Islam, Christian converts often face charges of “acting against national security” as well as potential imprisonment.
But recently, Tala came upon a surprising sight: her brother reading a Bible and her sister working on a crossword puzzle in a Christian magazine. Christian workers had secretly delivered the Bible and Christian magazine to the home of Tala’s family, and her siblings were interested in the materials.
“My sister was asking questions on how to solve the crossword,” Tala said. “When I asked them how they are answering the crossword puzzle questions, they pointed to the Bible and said, ‘This book has the answers to all the questions.’”
Encouraged by their interest, Tala asked workers at a Christian ministry for advice on how to start talking to her family. “Pray for them to find Jesus and that God will use you for that,” they told her.
The Iranian government seeks to silence any witness for Christ, but Voice of the Martyrs continues to support strategies such as Bible distributions and sharing the gospel through various media outlets. Through these efforts, Christian workers are able to connect with many Iranians, such as Tala’s siblings, who might otherwise never hear the gospel.
“Keep praying for all families inside Iran who are looking for answers about real love and a relationship with God.”
To find out more, and to subscribe to their monthly magazine, visit The Voice of the Martyrs website @ https://www.persecution.com/.
VOM Mission: “Serving persecuted Christians through practical and spiritual assistance and leading other members of the body of Christ into fellowship with them.”
This year, the witness, testimony, and example of Rocio Pino will be honored.
“Knowing the risks, she and her husband chose to live and share the Gospel in a dangerous area …”
We share this year’s “Day of the Christian Martyr” video so that we may be inspired by those who came before us. We ask that we pray for all of our Christian Brothers and Sisters serving Christ faithfully in places where they experience a daily threat of public humiliation, opposition, and violence.
The first request these courageous men and women ask is for us to pray that they will love their enemies and remain faithful to God’s call to be a witness for Christ to those who hate them.
And, let’s pray for our own commitment to Christ, that we may be a bold and faithful witness no matter the opposition we face.
Maybe it’s because I was in South America a couple of years ago, and saw just a glimpse of what it is like “over there;” maybe it’s because Rocio was murdered on my birthday; maybe it was knowing that this happened in front of her husband and children. Maybe it’s a combination of all this, but I just can’t get Rocio’s story out of my mind.
Maybe … I never should. I hope I never do.
“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body” (Hebrews 13:3).
I think about how I take so much for granted … think about what I had to worry about today … And, then, I think of Rocio’s family. And, so many other families that aren’t blessed to live in the United States.
Let us always … as we survey what is happening “over here” … not forget what has been happening for so long, and continues to happen to our Brothers and Sisters, “over there” …
We combined resources supplied by The Voice of the Martyrs (https://www.persecution.com/) to present this video:
This year, Pastor Jean-Paul Sankagui will be honored. Pastor Sankagui “knew the danger … He knew that his safety was at risk … and, yet he also knew the call of God … He decided, in his heart, that answering that call was worth any risk.”
We share this year’s “Day of the Christian Martyr” video so that we may be inspired by those who came before us. We ask that we all pray for pastors and church leaders serving in places where they experience a daily threat of public humiliation, opposition, and violence. They ask us to pray that they will love their enemies and remain faithful to God’s call to be a witness for Christ to those who hate them.
As always, let’s all pray for our own commitment to Christ, that we may be a bold and faithful witness no matter the opposition we face.
“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body” (Hebrews 13:3).
Let us also … as we survey what is happening “over here” … not forget what has been happening for so long, and continues to happen to our Brothers and Sisters, “over there” …
Recently, I “attended” the first Voice of the Martyrs Virtual Conference, which was amazing. The first speaker was Joni Eareckson Tada, who shared her story (it had been 50 years since her accident), and how this had coincided with the 50th anniversary of the release of Richard Wurmbrand’s book, “Tortured for Christ.”
I was searching for the video of her address when I came across this message, from Ken and Joni Tada, taped at their home in California.
So … I’d like to share this with you … a message for now … and, really, encouragement for “always.”
We continue to be blessed to support the life’s work and ministry of Joni and Ken Tada … and Friends. The way they love Jesus, and each other, is a great witness and inspiration to us all. For now, and for always.
The 2019 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is Sunday, November 3rd.
Here is this year’s slide presentation from the event’s sponsor, Voice of the Martyrs. We’ve added music to the presentation, and hope you will join us in praying … every day … for the safety and protection of our Christian Brothers and Sisters around the world who are suffering for their faith … every day.
Saturday, June 29, 2019 has been designated as “Day of the Christian Martyr,” to honor the legacy of those who have sacrificed their lives for the advancement of the Gospel. June 29th is believed by church historians to be the day that the Apostle Paul was executed, on the Appian Way, in Rome. This year, Christians around the world will take time on Saturday and throughout the weekend to honor believers, like Paul, who sacrificed their lives for the gospel message and the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom.
This year, Werner, Rodé and Jean-Pierre Groenewald’s names will be inscribed onto the Martyrs Memorial in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, at the worldwide headquarters of “Voice of the Martyrs.” In 2014, Werner, Jean-Pierre and Rodé Groenewald were killed when Taliban fighters attacked their home.
In 2003, Werner and his wife, Hannelie Groenewald, left their comfortable life in South Africa, when God called them to Afghanistan. Along with their two children, Rodé and Jean-Pierre, they served the Afghan people; Hannelie as a doctor, and Werner in discipleship and leadership development.
It wasn’t a popular decision. Some in their own families argued that God would never call them to take their children to such a war-torn and dangerous place. But, they accepted God’s calling. In addition to being a wife and mother, Hannelie became known as a teacher, doctor, and cook in a country not known for welcoming foreigners-especially women.
It was November 29, 2014: At about 3:30 in the afternoon, three Islamists broke into their apartment and shot to death Werner, Jean-Pierre and Rodé. After a two-hour standoff with police, one of the attackers detonated a bomb inside the building, killing himself and others, while the other two attackers were killed in an ensuing skirmish.
Hannelie’s life was spared because she wasn’t there: She had been called to the site of a U.N. meeting to provide medical care in case of an attack … which was anticipated … but, no one knew where the attack would take place …
We’d like to share these links with you, in addition to Hannelie’s own testimony via this video from Voice of the Martyrs:
First, here’s a link where you can read the full story of the Groenewalds. In addition, you can view this video, and, also, there will be a link to enable you to hear the MARTYRS MEMORIAL INDUCTION CEREMONY, beginning at 9 a.m. CDT on Saturday, via Facebook Live, or you will be able to hear the recording of the ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Here’s the link: MARTYRS MEMORIAL INDUCTION CEREMONY
Another link I’d like to share: This is a direct link to VOM Radio (Voice of the Martyrs weekly radio program), where you can hear Hannelie Groenewald sharing the heartbreak of losing her family, and her testimony of the goodness of God to sustain her through her grief: VOM Radio
Now, we share the video. We are honored to support the efforts of Voice of the Martyrs:
This was the original story I was going to share, until I discovered the “My Story”video, which we shared first.
In 1982, Joni Eareckson Tada began recording the inspirational “Joni and Friends” radio program, to provide encouragement, biblical insights, and disability awareness. This is a four-minute broadcast, hosted by Joni Eareckson Tada, which airs Monday-Friday.
Quoting from her website, “Her contagious joy and unwavering faith provide hope for those who find themselves faced with life’s crippling blows.”
Over 35 Years. Over 9,000 radio messages. Heard on over 1500 radios stations across the United States, and in 36 countries around the world.
Broadcasting to people who need “a hope found only in Jesus.”
Joni also hosts a shortened radio program called Diamonds in the Dust. This 1-minute program offers nuggets of encouragement to listeners worldwide. In 2011, “Diamonds in the Dust” won “Short Form Radio Program of the Year” from National Religious Broadcasters.
Joni and Friends is a ministry dedicated to extending the hope and love of Jesus Christ to people affected by disability around the world.
2019 marks the 40th year, having begun in 1979, that the ministry of “Joni and Friends” has addressed “the needs of families affected by disability.”
For years, we’ve been honored to include, as one of the “Ministries We Support,” the work and ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada.
Everything that “they are about” begins with “ministry.” On their website, Joni and Friends, under “What we Do,” it is simply this: “We share the hope of the Gospel and give practical help to people impacted by disability worldwide.”
In 1982, Joni began recording the inspirational “Joni and Friends” radio program, to provide encouragement, biblical insights, and disability awareness.
Later, Joni began a 1-minute radio program called “Diamonds in the Dust,” to offer encouragement to listeners worldwide. In 2011, “Diamonds in the Dust” won “Short Form Radio Program of the Year” from National Religious Broadcasters.
In 1994, Wheels for the World is founded to share the Gospel and provide mobility to people affected by disability in developing countries. The first wheelchair was provided in Ghana, West Africa.
Ministries include both “Family Retreats” and “International Family Retreats,” which provide a haven for special needs families. Here, families are cared for, encouraged, and rejuvenated in a Christ-centered, fully accessible camp environment.
Another ministry is “Cause 4 Life,” which works to equip “students to become leaders in disability ministry to transform lives through the Gospel, impact their churches and communities for Christ, and advocate for justice, freedom, and equality for people affected by disability.”
In 2007, “The Christian Institute on Disability” was founded to “provide higher education and training on disability-related issues from a biblical perspective.”
As an “old radio guy,” my original intention was to celebrate the “Joni and Friends” Radio Program, which just reached the 35-Year Milestone. However … I was blessed to find this video, which we now share, in which Joni, herself, narrates the story of her life and ministry, in a video entitled “My Story-It’s Personal.”
In her own words, after the horrific accident, how, since she couldn’t physically end her life, how she cried out, “God, if I can’t die, then show me how to live.”
How she learned that “God permits what He hates, to accomplish that which He loves.”
You’ll never look at Luke, Chapter 14, the same.
I have been honored that my writing, it has been written, has the ability “to reach the deepest of human emotions, in a way which can’t be described, only felt.” This is exactly the way the voice of Joni Eareckson Tada affects me. The love, the humility, the genuineness and sincerity in her voice, just … just … reaches me. In a way I can’t explain.
I’m not ashamed to admit that when I watch this video, when I hear her voice, my soul is touched in a way I can’t explain … as it was, for me, the first time I picked up a Gospel Tract, so many years ago, which featured a picture of a young girl, an artist, paintbrush in mouth, and I read her story. Maybe it’s because, when I first read that Gospel Tract, it wasn’t long after I had, due to injury, thought I would never walk correctly again; even years before that, how I had been pulled out of a car wreck which should have left me paralyzed, at best … Maybe it’s because I recognize the Spirit which resides in her … Just reading these words I’ve just written … I feel that same Spirit … Alive …
God has just revealed to me that there is something else in her voice … which I now realize is such a large part of the “I can’t explain” part … What I hear in her voice is: Joy. Real joy. Which can’t be explained … only felt.
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