Persecution

[kwikphilly]

2 hours ago, Estera said:

Thanks so much Kwik, yeah it’s a heavy calling, but all for His glory. I’m just a bondservant.

I agree, so many have no idea what our brothers and sisters are suffering.  I hope this isn’t an offensive thing to say, but sometimes it feels like believers in the West think they are somehow more valuable than those being persecuted and killed in other parts of the world.  Let me explain what I mean.  Many times when I have shared with others what’s going on, they don’t want to hear it, or respond with platitudes or even hostility.  I’ve heard too many people say things like “Jesus would never put me in a position where I’d get beaten… he isn’t a wife beater, He wouldn’t allow His bride to get beaten up… so I’m not worried about persecution coming to me.  He will remove me before I have to suffer.”   

Honestly, that kind or response is so devastating.  Because Jesus said if we follow Him we will be hated and persecuted… this is reality now for these believers… but somehow Western believers are exempt some how too special to suffer life threatening persecution?  I realize I’m generalizing and also that of course many of us do suffer hardships in the West.  But this level of persecution I think is hard for many of us to connect with.

These guys have been betrayed by friends and family.  Handed over to Taliban, beaten and tortured… fled from place to place, living every day in fear of being put to death.  Watched friends being beheaded and tortured.  One family has two teen daughters… if the family is found the parents will be killed, younger brother would be killed and the girls raped and forcibly married.  All because they believe in Jesus.  They can’t go outside, the walls have ears, raids frequently happen, which they live in dread of… they aren’t allowed to work, so they have no money for food, and there’s no way out.  There are too many stories to tell you.

 

Anyway I share these things because as you say it’s important for us to know about… and honestly, these guys are relying on prayer cover. He is their only protection …but they are also keenly aware that some will be required to lay down their lives.  It’s so painful day by day living like this though.  Thanks for your suggestion of the prayer requests place, that’s a great idea! 
 

sorry I wrote so much.  I’ll also try to share some of my testimony… He is faithful, and my life can bear witness to that. 

Blessings Beloved

No need to apologize,I'm sure what youve said here is nothing in comparison to the magnitude of these atrocities- you speak as much as you can- safely

No one here will take offense,I'm talking about us in the West- this is reality,I don't know who thinks we are more valuable than anyone else because surely God is no respectorr of persons- the rain falls on the just and the unjust as well. Those are just ignorant comments,I hope not from mouthes of Born Again Believers,many do claim they are Christina- in any event I pray for those who do not see beyond their own little self consumed world----- I pray they Receive Wisdom & Understanding God's Word

Many of us do suffer what we will but it is nothing like persecution,here in America we are free to speak,free to choose religion and free to openly proclaim the Name Above every name and we do it without even thinking about it,we even take those rights for granted and we are so very Blessed to live where we live

One day the entire world will be subject to persecution for Jesus Sake- I pray I stand on solid ground and never be ashamed of Jesus just as our Brothers & Sisters persevere if I'm alive when this happens......I know I can do ALL things in Christ,often easier said than done!

My heart breaks for the saints running,hiding,being tortured,going hungry,starving,trying to protect their babies....  In Jesus Name,give them Strength,keep them safe ,let your Will be fine- for the Good of your Children Lord & for your Glory

With love in Christ, Kwik

 

[R. Hartono]

18 hours ago, BibleStudent100 said:

Good morning Estera,

If one keeps God’s commandments as a Christian, it is impossible to escape persecution, for “all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” (2Ti 3:12) Your friends and fellow servants of God are indeed undergoing severe trials, but we in the "Free World" have our spiritual moments of anguish and persecutions as well (e.g. health decline, family members who have fallen away from the faith, financial difficulties and tests resulting from our fallen flesh, etc.) Yet true Christians are able to endure all manner of wicked persecution and still maintain a happy attitude free of malice and hatred of the persecutors. This is because we understand the issues involved—the source of the persecution and why it is permitted. Instead of being puzzled and worried over such experiences, we and our fellow Christians in Afghanistan rejoice to share with Christ in the test of loyalty under persecution:  "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified" (1 Peter 12:12-14).

 

Persecution knows no country. 

[Estera]

3 hours ago, Who me said:

 

Sorry but that is nonsence, writing down that you work with/for a missionary organisation does not imperil anyone.

The name you use here is not your real name, and I'm not asking for real names of Christians in muslim countries.

 

Barnabus has a magerzine that talks about the problems faced by Christians, it rarely uses real names, but manages to publicise there needs, as do organisations like sat7, and feba.

Respectfully, are you working on the front line involved in these dangerous circumstances?  There are many organizations that do not publicize their work on the internet, because there are very real security issues.  I know of situations where people have been put in danger by such publications.  Our policy is not to publicize stuff on the internet like that.

Brother will betray brother, even unto death.  Sorry,  but we know this only too well… 

 

 

 

[kwikphilly]

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Estera said:

Respectfully, are you working on the front line involved in these dangerous circumstances?  There are many organizations that do not publicize their work on the internet, because there are very real security issues.  I know of situations where people have been put in danger by such publications.  Our policy is not to publicize stuff on the internet like that.

Brother will betray brother, even unto death.  Sorry,  but we know this only too well… 

 

 

Dear Sister

My apologies for any negative feedback,I don't get it but I'm truly sorry- please know (& I'm sure I can speak for the majority)- we understand

[Space_Karen]

I feel very bad for christians in afghanistan and the middle east.

Their harsh reality is like Noah warning us of a great future flood.

In christians stranded in afghanistan - americans can see one potential future for ourselves and know we should be doing more to prepare.

 

[ayin jade]

I know some Iraqi Christians living now in the us. They greatly fear for their family still in iraq. 

I also know of a couple of missionaries over there from my previous church.

I understand the need to be careful online and the dangers faced there.

[R. Hartono]

10 hours ago, kwikphilly said:

 

 

 

Dear Sister

My apologies for any negative feedback,I don't get it but I'm truly sorry- please know (& I'm sure I can speak for the majority)- we understand

I live in the largest nation with Arab religion. 

Many unwise churches provoke unbelievers by uninvited street preaching like shotgun blast, which only destroys Christianity. Those churches are targetting moeslem conversion without Compassion Love and Sharing. Those churches never give Aids of medic, food and shelter or house repairs, they are just parroting verses and demanding abused tithe from people. Sad.

No wonder people don't like christians here. Howbeit they want to believe Jesus.

Listen to me if we don't appreciate religious tolerance christians shall be killed everywhere they go without Wisdom ! 

We cannot use our "libido" to convert people. What we need to give is Love at the first place instead of parroting verses uninvited. 

As said let your light shineth that people may see your good deeds and glorify God in heaven.

Edited October 6, 2022 by R. Hartono

[DPMartin]

On 10/5/2022 at 2:03 AM, Estera said:

Please forgive me if this is the wrong place to talk about it, but my heart is really in pieces.

Our King has had me working with persecuted believers in the Islamic world for 6 years now… lately specifically with some scattered ones in Afghanistan.  I know Jesus told us to expect persecution… and especially in these days leading up to His return.  Last year, when the US left the country, there were some who managed to escape, but there are believers hiding all over the place, living under the shadow of death daily.  I’m talking with them every day, but there is so little I can actually do to change the situation… and it’s a horrific situation.  I think most of the Western world is oblivious… and that hurts too because these are our brothers and sisters… and they are so alone.

im not sure even what I’m trying to say here, except perhaps to ask you to please pray? They are hanging on by a thread.  It’s like they are standing on the edge of the Red Sea with no way to cross, and Pharaoh and his armies are closing in on them.  
 

I don’t know if this forum is a place to ask for support, but I could really do with some extra strength. We need a miracle.

All you can do is what the Lord gives to do, keep you head down though, it will probably get worse. Unless there is a political advantage for western leadership or financial gain in it the west has no interest, so don’t miss place you expectations. Most Islam nations are starting to and have been buddying up to Russia. and even though Russia has laid off the churches in Russia, the leaders still hate religion altogether, unless it works with their agendas, they are USSR old schoolers.

[Estera]

On 10/6/2022 at 3:50 PM, kwikphilly said:

 

 

 

Dear Sister

My apologies for any negative feedback,I don't get it but I'm truly sorry- please know (& I'm sure I can speak for the majority)- we understand

Thanks dear sister.  I appreciate that.  I’m feeling a little uneasy about posting anything now tbh… 

 

[Estera]

On 10/6/2022 at 4:17 PM, Space_Karen said:

I feel very bad for christians in afghanistan and the middle east.

Their harsh reality is like Noah warning us of a great future flood.

In christians stranded in afghanistan - americans can see one potential future for ourselves and know we should be doing more to prepare.

 

Yes, it’s true… and actually I agree, persecution can appear on western doorsteps one day and these Christians a a good example to us of patient endurance and faithfulness under intense pressure.