Persecution/Martyrdom is documented as far back as Genesis 4:8 when Cain kills his brother Abel.  Jesus clearly saw Abel’s death as an act of martyrdom (Matthew 23:35), as does the Apostle John (1 John 3:12 – 13).  Since the death and resurrection of Christ 2000 years ago, millions of Christians have become martyrs. 

International Statistics show :

• that an estimated 150 000 Christians are martyred every year.
• More than 200 million Christians are restricted from living out their Christianity.
• Christians in more than 65 countries suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Jesus Christ with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. 

Beatings, physical torture, confinement, isolation, rape, severe punishment, imprisonment, slavery, discrimination in education and employment, and even death are just a few examples of the persecution they experience on a daily basis. 

But at the same time, the message of forgiveness, faith, and boldness is spread far and wide: As the brother of a Coptic Christian slain by ISIS said:  “Christians have been martyred and have learned to handle everything that comes our way. This only makes us stronger in our faith because the Bible told us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us.” 

As Polycarp, the Christian Bishop of Smyrna was led into the arena to be killed, he was heard to pray: “Lord God, Father of our blessed Saviour, I thank Thee that I have been deemed worthy to receive the crown of martyrdom and that I may die for Thee and Thy cause.”

These days we are hearing reports and witnessing great violence and terror against Christians in the Middle East, Africa and Asia at the hands of extremely militant religious groups.  Millions of people have been forced into being refugees with little or no hope.

Our hearts are saddened by the stories we hear, and many of us ask:

 “What can we possibly do for our Brothers and Sisters?” 

And the answer always remains the same: