International (MNN) — Around the world, Christians are silenced, imprisoned, and killed for their faith. One in seven Christians live under high levels of persecution, according to a report by International Christian Concern. That is 380 million people. 

The Christian Post says that Christian persecution remains one of the most pervasive, underreported human rights crises in the modern world. 

Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs, USA (VOM) has a much different perspective. 

Image courtesy of VOM

“I had underlined that [Christian Post statement], not from the standpoint of what it says, but just because of how different it is from how VOM views it,” Nettleton says.

“From a political perspective, yes, it is a human rights crisis. But from the standpoint of we as Christian believers, this is exactly what Jesus said was gonna happen.”

Nettleton says that we cannot expect persecution to end when the Bible promises Christians they will face hatred and opposition. If you talk to Christians living in nations hostile to the Gospel, they are not surprised by the persecution they face. 

“This is something that God works in the midst of. The places where the church is growing are often the places where persecution is most intense,” Nettleton says. He cites Iran, China, and Afghanistan as examples.

Nettleton says that religious freedom matters, but the body of Christ’s first response to persecution should be walking alongside the family of God in prayer, not politics. Advocating for government change cannot be the end for Christians.

“The first priority I think should be spiritual action, and that starts with prayer,” Nettleton says. 

The Voice of the Martyrs focuses on providing physical and spiritual support to people affected by persecution. 

A changed perspective

Image courtesy of VOM

Nettleton tells the story of Bob Fu, a student leader during the Tiananmen Square demonstrations and the current president of ChinaAid. Fu had once been imprisoned for his faith in China, and Nettleton asked him how his prayer life changed after seeing how God can work through Christians in prison. 

“And he said, ‘Well, before I went to prison, when one of my fellow Christians was arrested, I would pray, “Lord, get them out of prison as soon as possible,”’” Nettleton recounts.

“And he said, ‘After I was in prison, I would pray, “Lord, empower them to do your will for as long as it’s your will for them to be in prison, and then bring them safely out of prison.”’”

Nettleton says there is value in taking steps like reaching out to local leaders to let them know international religious freedom is important to you and your vote. But above all, be fervent in prayer for the persecuted church around the world. 

As we pray for brothers and sisters we may never meet on this side of heaven, we can find assurance in the fact that one day every nation, tribe, and tongue will bow before Jesus.

 

Header image courtesy of The Voice of the Martyrs, USA