Release International
DRAMATIC REPORTS FROM NORTH KOREA AND NIGERIA FOCUS PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH |
| Sep 19 2006 |
A powerful new video resource has been produced to help Christians pray for the persecuted church. Millions of Christians worldwide will be joining in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church in November.
To help focus their prayers and aid discussion Release International has produced a DVD containing moving video reports and testimony from persecuted Christians in North Korea and Nigeria.
The first highlights the plight of Christian refugees fleeing famine and persecution in North Korea along the so-called underground railroad.
The second report from Nigeria features amazing stories of courage and forgiveness from Christians suffering intense persecution. It goes on to address vexed questions - such as how can Christians forgive those who are determined to kill them.
Flight from North Korea describes the predicament of Christians whose entire families face imprisonment and even death for their faith.
Those who evade the border guards with their shoot-to-kill policy face appalling hardship and exploitation in China. One woman describes how she was captured by traffickers and repeatedly bought and sold as a slave.
Yet many are becoming Christians in China and some return to North Korea to share their faith, despite the risk of death and imprisonment.
Peter, a refugee, says: 'I believe God's plan to call me to China is to train me and send me back. Even though I may be put into prison and killed, I will go.'
When Persecution Comes reports from Nigeria, where militant mobs have burnt down churches and killed Christians in their homes. This interactive report invites viewers to join Nigerian Christians in the struggle to answers tough questions like: Could you forgive those who tried to kill you - even though they might try again? And Should Christians ever defend themselves against their attackers?
Rev Augustine Aifuobhokan, whose family was threatened with death and whose church was burnt down says: 'I pray that God will forgive them, that they may come to profess the faith they sought to destroy.'
When Persecution Comes includes inspirational accounts of forgiveness and God's power to overcome even intense suffering. It is ideal as a discussion raiser for church home groups.
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is on November 19. Release International's DVD package Prayer Works! includes scripts and a PowerPoint presentation to easily create a structured prayer time.
The DVD resource is available for a suggested donation of £10. It can be ordered from the Release International website www.releaseinternational.org/idop, or by calling 01689 823491.
The hardship faced by Christians in Nigeria is the main feature in the latest edition of Witness magazine (attached) by Release International, which serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries.
RI continues to support Nigerian Christians, rebuilding their lives through re-roofing houses, educating children, and providing specialist health treatment and trauma debriefing. Release International has also provided emergency support for North Korean refugees, to help give them safe passage to another country and to help care for their families. RI has also helped take two North Korean orphans to safety.
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