What do these countries have in common? Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan and North Korea. They are in the top ten nations where it is most dangerous to live if you are a Christian.
These are countries where Christians are persecuted and martyred for their faith. Of course the list goes on and includes places like, Egypt, India and Nigeria.
And did you know more Christians are now persecuted for their faith than any at other time in human history?
This kind of information our media and politicians won’t normally tell us. It’s not politically correct to admit to such global persecution of those who claim to be Christian.
What can we do
Well we can do something about it. We can pray. Also we can get involved by supporting groups who represent persecuted people. And we can put pressure on our governments to give priority to persecuted Christian refugees, and to take a stand for human rights.
An example of the persecution of Christians and a difference we can make is seen in the case in Pakistan of Asia Bibi. She was accused of blasphemy by some neighbours, which she denied. She was sentenced to death. She was recently acquitted by Pakistan’s High Court after nine years in prison.
People who backed her have been assassinated. As a result, the British Foreign Secretary has just ordered an independent review of the global persecution of Christians.
She is now free to start a new life.
By prayer, support of those who stand behind persecuted Christians and placing pressure on our governments with respect to this area of human rights we can make a difference.
Rev Dr Ross Clifford AM is the Principal of Morling College (NSW Baptist) and author of numerous books many of which focus on Christian Apologetics. He is a Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance, President of the Asian Baptist Association, an acclaimed international preacher and speaker, a columnist in many Christian publications, winner of many national and international awards and for many years the Sunday evening Sydney Radio 2CH host. Ross is married to Bev, father and grand father.