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Lent Prayer - Evangelists and Pastors

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Published: 00:01 GMT Standard Time - Sunday 27 March 2011

Lent Prayer - Evangelists and Pastors

Project(s): 00-478, 00-477, 00-316, 00-430

Country/Region: India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Korea, North, Nigeria, Indonesia, Iran, China, Lao, People's Democratic Republic, South and East Asia, Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Central Asia

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5)

This chapel is situated in a majority-Muslim area in where
evangelists supported by Barnabas are sharing their faith

In countries where Christians are despised and harassed, godly and wise leaders are key to growing and strengthening the Church so that their members can face the difficulties and dangers of daily life. Targeting leaders for persecution is an effective means of damaging a whole Christian community, and church leaders are often singled out for harassment, imprisonment, torture and sometimes even death.

Around the world, Christian leaders are sharing their faith in their own countries, where they do not face the language and cultural barriers experienced by foreign missionaries. Christian evangelists who are proclaiming the Gospel among people of other faiths face hardship, hostility and persecution. In many Muslim countries sharing one’s faith is forbidden under sharia (Islamic law). In several Indian states “anti-conversion laws” place many obstacles in the way of Christian evangelism, and a similar law is being proposed in Sri Lanka.

In 2010 a number of church leaders were killed for their faith. Among those were a pastor, gunned down outside his church in the North Caucasus region of Russia; three church leaders executed by government officials in North Korea; and a pastor and his wife kidnapped and murdered in Bauchi State, Nigeria. In October the leader of one Indonesian church was stabbed while on his way to lead a worship service and in Iran, China and Laos, a number of Christian leaders were arrested and detained during the year.

Barnabas Fund helps to support courageous pastors and evangelists who are serving Christ in areas where they face much resistance. Many have had little opportunity for training and are functioning with minimal resources. Some pastors in Africa do not even have Bibles. We also help them by funding training, and providing materials and resources for ministry.

Praise God for the courage and strength of the faithful Christian workers who keep serving the Lord even in dangerous situations. Many endure considerable hardship as well as persecution; ask the Lord to guide and protect them and provide them with the wisdom and tools to teach His people. Give thanks that Barnabas Fund is able to provide training courses and materials, and pray that these resources will help our new brothers and sisters to grow strong in Christ. Pray that the work of the church leaders will be fruitful for His Kingdom.
(Exodus 33:14-15)