Thought for the Week - 20th November 2022

 

Dear Friends, 

Today sees the beginning of the Men’s World Cup in Qatar, and as you will be aware, it has not been without controversy. The charity Open Doors, which seeks to support and highlight the plight of persecuted Christians around the world, states that of the 32 nations taking part seven of the competing countries are on the World Watch List, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Tunisia, Mexico, Cameroon and the host nation Qatar. Open Doors has produced a prayer diary for the event, Tackle Persecution at the 2022 World Cup which you can find on the Open Doors website. It tells the story of Apo from Syria, a child affected by persecution. ‘In 2013, when he was just a year old, Apo’s father was kidnapped for his faith. He has not been seen since. For three years, Apo was unable to speak, and even when he could, anxiety remained. Thanks to a Centre of Hope, which is funded by Open Doors supporters like you, he and his mother, Jina, are being provided with practical and spiritual support. It’s where Apo – now ten years old – plays football with his friends. Such is the enjoyment it brings him, that Jina beams with joy as she watches him play. At school, Apo’s favourite part is playing sports’. As the tournament begins is a beloved pastime of so many and that millions will tune in to watch the games. But perhaps as we watch we might want to pray for those nations which deny freedom and basic human rights to Christians because of their faith in Jesus Christ, asking God to strengthen and encourage those believers.    

Grace and peace,

Neil

  Prayer for the Persecuted

Almighty God, we pray for all Christians at risk of persecution that you will guard them from harm, strengthen them in faith, and empower them to grow in the love of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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