So many Christians are today coming under severe persecution, including in the United States, that their cries cannot go unheard, with the Church in any way declaring the heart of Christ. While several large, well monied ministries exist which make the plight of the persecuted known, it is unfortunate that much of the money collected does not go to persecuted families, and many persecuted believers undergo a scrutiny which only adds additional persecution and affliction.
To some degree, affliction and suffering are an expected part of the Christian Experience. Our suffering Lord, suffering more than we will in this life, left us here as 'witnesses', the greek word for which is 'martyria'. The suffering or affliction of Christ is translated from the Greek word, "thlipsis", hence the title of this blog.
Most sites which make known the plight of persecuted Christians and others who are persecuted for their religion, are very selective in whom they will feature and in some cases, the persecuted must conform to 'their' form of Christian worship, practice and culture. I am beginning this blog to allow Christian people to publish stories and incidents of people worldwide who are suffering for their faith.
We know that as of this writing over the past few years, churches are burned down, buses overturned, persons maimed, blinded and otherwise assaulted, and that others are regularly being consigned to Mental Hospitals or 're-education' centers (in some countries), and prisons. While in the U.S. we say we value free speech, we cannot say that it is equally enforced, online or off, and the strong expression of Christian opinion is being 'sequestered', diminished and otherwise censored 'in the shadows', by making it difficult or impossible to carry out effective and bright defenses of the faith. Even in the U.S. assaults on Christians practicing their faith go often unnoticed, as standard 'tolerance' based organizations often refuse to get involved, considering it 'in-house' i.e. when the persecution occurs from another Christian or organization but has to do with a difference in the depth of faith or doctrine, or they are so innudated with groups they consider targeted that the plight of persecuted Christians is considered out of their venue.
Many Christians have turned to such organizations as HSLD, or a variety of Christian Civil liberties organizations such as Rutherford, or American Center for Law and Justice, but again, their dockets are often full, or they hear conflicting information, and suffering goes on with out recourse.
The opening of this blog is a request: that anyone may post a true and legitimate incident (if it is not about yourself, please make sure you have permission), with a short description and/or photos of what you know has occurred. Hopefully, this will encourage at the very least prayer which is the best resources, and occasionally may direct people to aid the persecuted and their families DIRECTLY, where they can be sure that any donations go to the source they expect. Please include:
1. The Name or Some reference to the person (with permission), photo if possible
2. The date of the incident
3. The location of the incident
4. Any knowledge of present condition or status
5. If possible an address where they may be reached by permission
6. Knowledge of any group who is helping also
7. Prayer requests
8. Needs of the family
While we will occasionally post regarding other faiths, the site is primarily for Christians who adhere to the basic doctrines of the Gospel, and are suffering due to Christian belief, practice, liturgy, worship, free speech or outward show of their faith. No money is asked of this service, but if one feels led to do so, please make certain of the source through the information provided, and make contacts directly. Many Blessings,
Elizabeth K. Best,
Director
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