The Persecuted Church: Counting the Cost

Scriptures In Use has many trusted, indigenous partners laboring among not only unreached peoples but also, among persecuted believers and followers of Jesus. One such partner in an un-named country adjacent to Afghanistan is working among the myriads of Afghan refugees arriving daily in his border
region. He and his small but dedicated, “below the radar” team are working tirelessly to bring physical, emotional and spiritual aid to those fleeing the chaos and danger in Afghanistan. Among those who are fleeing are many brothers and sisters in Christ, who together with their families, have fled into a country and culture they did not previously know. They are in danger, not only suffering from their needs, in their new refugee camps but also from anti-Christian fundamentalists who would persecute them even in their refugee status. Our partner (we will call him Ali) and his on the ground team have opened multiple, underground safe houses for these fleeing persecuted Christians. These persecuted families now have secure places outside of the chaotic camps where they can be ministered to by Ali and his team. Pray for Ali and his team as well as other partners of ours who are bringing care, aid and God’s love to the Afghan refugees.

Amazing Faith and Courage for Jesus’ Sake

Another frequently afflicted and persecuted partner has started memorizing the apostle Paul’s messages to the church in Corinth. He shared this recently with a big smile and a strong voice:

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.”
(2 Corinthians 4:8-11 NIV)

What amazing faith and courage! He is expressing exactly what the apostle Paul, filled with the Spirit, shared over 2,000 years ago! Spending time with this dear brother in Christ is a true blessing and privilege.

Do You Know Where Your Charitable Gifts are Going?

Charitable giving is constantly sent as relief around the world, yet it is estimated that less than 1/100 of .1% (.0001%) of the world’s annual charitable giving goes to people groups around the world considered unreached and unengaged. This translates to less than $1 of every $10,000 of charitable giving going to those with little to no access to the gospel. That is discouraging and something that needs to change, starting with each one of us!

We are very thankful and grateful for the courage and strength of our SIU partners, especially as they stand firm through various forms of persecution. Even during the most challenging times, they have access to unreached and unengaged people groups and through the “Oral Arts” (story, drama, dance, song and poetry) can begin introducing them to the very God from which their strength comes. If you would like to find out more about how our SIU trainers and SIU partners collaborate to advance the Gospel, equipping and training people of oral cultures to reach and engage the unreached and unengaged in their own regions and beyond, please contact us at www.scripturesinuse.org.

Staying Connected

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