At What cost?

Refugees viewing Christian media from a '“HopeBox.”

As tides change in the international world of politics, laws that do not favor Christian worldviews emerge. It is not as hard to imagine persecution in our times as perhaps it once was.

However, the people who view IMM programs on satellite or internet outlets in dark and closed parts of Africa, North Africa, the Middle East or Indonesia can teach us much about the cost of following Christ. Taking up your cross to follow the savior who gave everything for us, develops new meaning when baptism or public confession of faith in Jesus will change everything forever.

Rachid, a Moroccan, called one of the channels we work with - from a large US city. He told them he had been watching on the internet and just wanted to talk to someone about the difficulties he was experiencing with fundamentalist Muslims from his home country and others who were living near him. They had confiscated his passport and threatened to harm him if he did not turn back to Islam. He asked for prayer.

In recent waves of immigrants in Europe, people who are displaced have a window of opportunity when they are unsettled in which they may encounter Christ more easily. We listened to the account of a young man who had found Christ in a European country but he was still living in a ghetto with other Muslims. When he told his family back home that he had accepted Christ, they called some people in Europe to kill him for apostasy. An attempt was made on his life but the young man survived. Later on the national news, he said, “This happened to me because I am a Christian.”

What a privilege to stand with our brothers and sisters who experience persecution as they accept Christ. What an amazing thing that we have not had to live with this kind of religious persecution. IMM partners with people to tell the good news–even to places where it is not welcome and the ground is dry and thirsty.

God’s Word for Today:

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” James 5:7

Pray with us:

  • Pray for protection for those bold enough to share their faith and those who are willing to be seen in media as believers.

  • Pray for wisdom for IMM in choices for projects and people.

  • Pray for whom you may be able to stand with so they will not feel alone.

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