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With Persecution Levels Increasing, One With Them: A Day for Christian Captives
WATERLOO – May 19, 2022 – On June 26th, believers across Canada will join in prayer for Christians held captive for their faith. One With Them: A Day for Christian Captives is Open Doors Canada’s second annual national day of prayer focused on Christian captives.
Right now, Christian captives are sitting in deplorable prisons or labour camps, are being forced into marriage, or are being abducted. These captives’ families agonize over their loved ones’ condition and pray for their safe return. The numbers are startling:
- Last year alone, 6,175 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned because of their faith (Open Doors 2022 World Watch List).
- There was a 124% increase over the last year in Christians who were abducted because of their faith.
- 5,898 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons. These numbers are growing each year.
Lucina’s story is one of many. Abducted and forced to marry, Lucina was repeatedly raped in a false marriage. Months went by while she was held against her will and unable to escape. Thankfully, Lucina was rescued. Her traumatic ordeal was a punishment for her faith in Christ.
Sadly, Lucina’s experience is part of a trend – the Open Doors 2022 Gender Specific Religious Persecution Report shows that in many parts of the world, sexual violence and forced marriage continue to be used as tools to shame Christian women and girls, to punish female converts and to restrict the growth of the church.
“The number one request we receive from persecuted Christians is prayer. Believers who live in these dark places are instrumental in keeping the light of the Gospel shining so others can experience the love of Christ. It is critical for captives and their family members to know they are never alone.” (Rev. Gary Stagg, Executive Director of Open Doors Canada).
During the month of June, Open Doors Canada will be sharing stories, prayer requests and hosting a special One with Them online event – all focused on educating our family of faith about the plight of Christian captives. On June 26th, believers will stand united in prayer for our brothers and sisters who share our faith, but not our freedom.
Any individual and church wanting to join the movement can access tools from Open Doors Canada, including sermon outlines, prayer resources, graphics and more. Click here to download church resources.
For more information about A Day for Christian Captives, click here.
To take the prayer pledge, click here.
Interviews with Executive Director of Open Doors Canada, Rev. Gary Stagg, are available.
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About Open Doors Canada
Open Doors Canada is affiliated with Open Doors International, a global ministry which has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians in over 70 countries for over 65 years. Open Doors provides practical support to persecuted Christians such as food, medicines, trauma care, legal assistance, safe houses and schools, as well as spiritual support through Christian literature, training and resources. For more information visit www.opendoorsca.org.
About Rev. Gary Stagg
For more than thirty years, Gary has been involved in full-time ministry with an emphasis on the revitalization of Christian communities and the establishment of systems for assimilation and discipleship. Gary studied education and theology and has used that training to structure his passion for helping people stand firm in their faith and embrace a missional lifestyle.
Rev. Andrew Croft
Andrew is the Communications and Relationship Manager at Open Doors Canada. He is passionate about strengthening our persecuted family and learning from their example. Andrew is married to Kate, and they have three beautiful girls. They live in Mississauga.