FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact – Paola Theaker
519-342-3703 x 102
The Courage it Takes to be a Christian
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is November 5, 2023
WATERLOO, Ont., October 23, 2023 — Following Jesus comes at a high cost for many Christians. Today, over 360 million believers worldwide face high levels of persecution and discrimination because of their faith in Jesus. In a global prayer event on November 5, 2023, Christians will come together to pray that their brothers and sisters in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, will have the courage to rise above.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is an annual movement that brings individuals and churches together in prayer for Christians living where faith costs the most, like Nicaragua, India, and Nigeria. In Nicaragua, the government uses intimidation, harassment, and retribution to try and silence the church’s voice while the church speaks out about the government’s injustice and human rights violations. In India, anticonversion laws are used to harass and intimidate Christians. This often leads to discrimination at work, job loss, being excluded from society, and some face physical assault. In Nigeria, persecution is the most violent in the world. Christians live under the constant threat of attack from different extremist groups; They are often specifically targeted because of their faith.
“Now more than ever, believers in Nigeria need to know that they are not alone. We’re seeing militant Fulani, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISLAM) carry out unprovoked attacks on Christian communities – including killing and kidnapping believers for ransom,” said Jabez Musa, a legal practitioner from Nigeria’s Plateau State.
On the evening of November 5, 2023, Open Doors Canada will host a special online event where Canadians across the country will join together in prayer. The stream will be available on Open Doors Canada’s YouTube channel at 7 p.m. EST.
This year’s IDOP theme is Courage to Rise Above, inspired by Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
“Our persecuted brothers and sisters are being remembered and interceded for by Canadians everywhere from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. On IDOP Sunday, we can lift the needs of the persecuted Church. While they may be isolated, they are not alone,” said Rev. Gary Stagg, Executive Director of Open Doors Canada.
Open Doors Canada has developed free resources to equip Canadians and churches as they pray for those risking it all to follow Jesus. Resources include videos, posters, children’s activities, song lists, country profiles, and bulletin inserts. Download the International Day of Prayer kit here.
For more information about Open Doors Canada’s special online prayer event, click here.
Interviews with Jabez Musa are available.Contact Paola Theaker, at paola@grafmartin.com or (519) 342-3703.
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About Open Doors Canada
Open Doors Canada is affiliated with Open Doors International, a global ministry that has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians in more than 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 https://www.opendoorscanada.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.
About Jabez Musa
Jabez is a legal practitioner from Nigeria’s Plateau State. In addition to holding a master’s degree in law, he has gained extensive experience in journalism and broadcasting, including teaching in these areas. Jabez is a proponent of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). As a practicing Christian and devoted Nigerian citizen, he stands against religiously motivated violence and advocates on behalf of victims of such violence.