Gregg was stationed with the military in Iraq, far from the comforts of his Texas upbringing. Having lived a relatively sheltered life, his experiences with other cultures and faiths were limited. His church background mirrored this, as his community worshiped freely, often without considering the privilege of access to the Bible in multiple formats—print, phone apps, or even t-shirts adorned with verses. However, upon returning home, something unexpected happened. Gregg began to feel an intense ache—a deep, spiritual longing—for the people of Muslim backgrounds to encounter the Gospel. This ache grew into daily prayer for their salvation. In 2024, Iraq is ranked 16th on the World Watch List, an annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians endure the most severe persecution. This includes challenges such as Islamic oppression, land oppression, organized corruption and crime, and dictatorial paranoia.
As he sought God’s will, Gregg was called to do something bold. He started a church specifically for refugees from around the world. Through this ministry, he befriended an Iraqi family. As they explored conversations about faith, the Gospel became clearer to them. They decided to attend his church regularly. One day, while sharing tea in their home, the family shared remarkable news: they had been talking with a family member in Iraq, who had decided to follow Christ. Gregg was overwhelmed—his small steps of obedience had reached across borders, touching lives in one of the hardest places to be a Christian.
While most of us in the West may not plant refugee churches, we are all invited to open our eyes to the reality of the Global Church and to play our part in supporting our persecuted brothers and sisters. But how?
ACHE
Gregg’s story highlights something profound: God can grow our hearts to ache for the nations. Just as he moved from a place of comfort to one of compassion, so too can God transform any of us. Isaiah 53:3 describes Jesus as “a Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” We are invited to share in His grief for others, allowing our hearts to be burdened by the reality of persecution around the world. It is this ache that compels us to action.
PRAY
Paul offers us guidance in Romans 5:3-5, reminding us that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope—a hope that does not put us to shame because it is grounded in Christ. This hope underpins our prayers for the persecuted Church. When we pray, we trust that God hears and acts. We ask for His protection, provision, and comfort, knowing that He deeply cares for our suffering brothers and sisters. Our prayers are a vital, spiritual lifeline to those enduring persecution.
GIVE
One of the great privileges we enjoy as Christians in the West is easy access to Scripture. Yet, many believers around the world don’t have that luxury. Whether due to language barriers, poverty, illiteracy, or governmental restrictions, access to the Bible can be severely limited. God, however, has provided ways for His Word to reach even the most dangerous corners of the globe. Networks of Bible smugglers and digital missionaries work tirelessly to distribute Scripture in formats that persecuted Christians can safely use, such as audio and digital Bibles.
You can play a vital role by giving financially to support these efforts. Your gift helps ensure that persecuted Christians are grounded in God’s Word, sustaining their faith amidst trials. As Psalm 34:18-20 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” By giving, you become part of a divine rescue mission, bringing comfort and hope to believers in desperate need.
GO
Not everyone can travel to high-risk nations, but we don’t have to look far to see the nations represented among us. Just as Gregg noticed refugees living in his community, we can become aware of the international diversity in our neighborhoods. God’s call to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) isn’t restricted by geography—it’s a call to step out of our comfort zones, whether that means engaging with international students, refugee families, or immigrant communities in our own cities.
By building relationships with people from different cultures, we stand in solidarity with the persecuted Church and become part of God’s transformative work in the world. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Living with that mindset allows us to engage in the glorious battle for souls, standing shoulder to shoulder with those whose faith costs them everything.
PRAYER
God, You reign as the true ruler of all nations, yet You are also the suffering servant who invites me to join You in aching for others. Give me a heart that aches with hope, and help me to lift up my persecuted brothers and sisters in prayer. Move me to act—whether through giving to provide them with Your Word or by reaching out to the nations at my doorstep. Teach me to value Christ above all, and through this, to stand with the persecuted Church around the world. Amen
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