Yesterday, during our worship service at Zion, the youth group presented a powerful reminder of the persecuted church. Some believers who truly take on the name of Jesus face the loss of much of what we hold dear in this life--family, home, safety, daily provision, even life itself. They do it because they have found something profoundly more valuable--a welcome by the Holy One who holds ultimate and eternal hope, peace, and life. Carrying and sharing this love and this power and being part of this inbreaking Kingdom that will continue to advance is worth the cost.
How can these believers perservere so courageously? They have experienced the mercy and power of God! We learned that in some countries, people stream to the Christians because they have healing power (Christ's power). What does that say for me? The more convinced I am of God's life and world transforming power, I will be more bold and courageous.

It is now Monday. We are back at work. Children are graduating. Summer plans are in the works. Projects around the home need our attention. Ministry activities and relationships continue onward. Will we forget our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world who need our support? What can we do?
Remember Marc's words yesterday. "We can pray." If you were present yesterday, you were "placed" in a particular country in which Christians face persecution. Pray for the followers of Christ in that country. Go the the Voice of the Martyrs website, http://www.persecution.com/.
Pray for one person or one situation that you find there. Find something simple and specific--someone you can be an advocate for on an ongoing basis.

Secondly, live a life in which faithfulness to Christ is your primary purpose. As Marc reminded us, this can be a source of encouragement to those suffering for their faith. Live this way even if a suffering believer in Vietnam never knows of your faithfulness. You are still standing in solidarity with him or her. Our challenge may not come from the hands of persecutors, but rather, our enemy is the enticement of the luxuries and comfort of our own culture. Remember the words of our closing song: "Anything I put before my God is an idol. Anything I want with all my heart is an idol. Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol. We must not worship something that's not even worth it. Clear the stage, make some space for the one who deserves it. (lyrics by King Ross)

Thank you youth group for this powerful reminder. Now that it's Monday, may we carry this advocacy and support onward.