Hebrews 13:3 –

“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them – those who are mistreated – since you yourselves are in the body also.” NKJV

A voice for the voiceless – 

Richard Wurmbrand did remember his fellow prisoners, bound and tortured.  He ignored the many threats to never speak against the communists.  He spoke before the United States Senate witnessing to the suffering of those who endured the hellish situations and their daunting faith.

With very little means, in October of 1967 he published the first issue of The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter (VOM).  This newsletter was dedicated to give a voice to the testimonies and trials facing our brothers and sisters in restricted nations across the globe.

Readers were appalled at the atrocities he described.  Those who looked beyond the sufferings and tortures saw a beauty in the hearts of men, women and children who refused to renounce Christ.  A living faith that enabled them to “kiss the bars” of their prison cells – stirring their hearts to rejoice in the fellowship of Christ’s suffering.

The “rite” of Christians is to be persecuted –

Persecution of Christians goes beyond a “human rights” issue or the guarantee of religious freedom by governments.

Jesus said, “A servant is not greater than his master.  If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you…  In this world you will have tribulation and you will be hated for My name’s sake.”**

But, with Christ, those who are called to be persecuted can “rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is their reward in heaven.  Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “**

Modern-day Holocaust , but the church continues to grow – 

Across the world today our fellow brothers and sisters are suffering unspeakable tortures and death for their unwavering faith.

The North Korean Leader, Kim Jon Un, demands Christians to give up their allegiance to Christ and swear loyalty only to him and his family.

He continues the legacy of his grandfather, Kim II Sung who said,

“Religious people should die to cure their habit.”

Persecution continues today in many countries – Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka and Sudan where millions suffer radical Islamic forces.  Thousands have been burned, crucified, drowned and executed by hanging.  Sudanese women have been raped and their children sold as concubines or slaves.  Yet, the believers in Sudan say,

“Even though our homes are burned and our churches are destroyed,
we are persuaded now more than ever to preach Christ to people.”

On the human level, there is so little capability to understand to live eternally with Christ and be willing to suffer and die for that belief.  But, Christ grants it as a “gift” for those He calls for this very purpose.

Even though we cannot physically hold or embrace them.  There are many ways to serve our family in Christ through VOM.

We can hold them in prayer for the true treasures wrought through the persecuted church by our fellow brothers and sisters who are willing to pay the price as they have to consider the costs for their faith.

Though they are poor by the world’s standards, they are rich, loyal and faithful unto death and will be given the crown of life.

Aroused and motivated by faith –

May our hearts weep, be aroused and motivated to respond by faith and reach out to our suffering brothers and sisters in prayer and resources .

Lord, please give our fellow believers strength to endure.  May they sing in their hearts, Give Me Jesus by Vince Gill (please listen) because He is there when we call out His name.

**John 15:20, John 16:33, Matthew 10:22, Matthew 5:12, Matthew 5:10  NKJV