FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Believers Across Canada Join in Prayer on November 7, 2021
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
WATERLOO, ON – September 28, 2021 — This November 7th, hundreds of thousands of believers from around the world will join together in prayer for Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is an annual movement that brings Christians and churches together in prayer for their brothers and sisters living where faith costs the most. This year, the need for prayer is even more urgent as we witness the challenges faced by Afghani Christians. These believers are among the more than 340 million Christians who daily face high levels of persecution and discrimination.
Inspired by Hebrews 12:28, this year’s IDOP theme is Unshakeable Faith and falls on November 7th, 2021. Canadians will be encouraged to pray for countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Cuba, and India, where simply practicing one’s faith can lead to beatings, loss of livelihood, arrest, or even death. The pandemic has only added to a reality where persecuted Christians are further isolated and cut off from support.
Open Doors Canada has developed resources to equip Canadians to pray for those facing a deep cost for following Jesus. Resources include country information cards with specific prayer points and church service materials. Download the International Day of Prayer kit here.
On the evening of November 7th, Open Doors Canada will be hosting a special online prayer event. Anyone can tune in at 7 pm ET/ 4 pm PT on Facebook and Youtube.
Executive Director Rev. Gary Stagg shares, “When we hear the stories of what’s happening in places like Afghanistan and hear the total number of Christians who face persecution for their faith, it can be overwhelming. The number one way we can stand with our brothers and sisters is through prayer! We hope Canadians from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland join others in more than 130 countries in remembering and interceding for our persecuted family.”
For more information about Open Doors Canada’s special online prayer event, click here.
Interviews with Open Doors Canada’s Executive Director, Rev. Gary Stagg are available. Contact Shannon Mischuk, shannon@grafmartin.com, or 519-342-3703 x 107.
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About Open Doors Canada
Open Doors Open Doors Canada is affiliated with Open Doors International, a global ministry that has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians in over 60 countries for over 60 years. ODI raised approximately US $70 million last year to provide 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 opendoorscanada.org.
About Rev. Gary Stagg
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