I have been challenged by this question afresh in response to Open Door's "Secret Children - 49 Days of Prayer" initiative. Their introduction says...
"Who knows how many there are? We estimate 30 million, maybe more. And they come from all over the world: North Korea, Algeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, Colombia... Their parents face terrible choices: between staying faithful to Jesus or protecting their children; between raising their children as Christians or keeping them physically safe."
The individual stories of the suffering these children face is heart-breaking although rays of hope are also clearly displayed.
So maybe think about signing up to the prayer updates and committing yourself to pray for these children and their families. Further, if you would like to take action on behalf of Christians persecuted overseas, click here.
The first five days have included prayer for the following:
Day One
"Pray for the 'wandering swallows' of North Korea: street children, deserted by desperate parents, or orphaned by the famine. Jong- Cheol (11) escaped to China where he became a Christian - but was caught and returned. Guards interrogated him about his faith. He didn't survive." For more of his story, click here.
Day Two
"When Muslim extremists threatened to blow up Leah's home in Baghdad, her family fled for safety. Though almost everything had to be left behind, she insisted on taking her Bible. But the nightmares went with her. Pray for her as she receives counselling, learns a new language, and makes new friends." For more of her story, click here.
Day Three
"Being a Christian in Pakistan often means poverty, abuse, discrimination, vulnerability. Rika is too young to be selling colouring books on the streets, carrying her baby brother. It's dangerous. Pray for her new church, supported by Open Doors, which meets in a field, and aims to help such families." For more on this, click here.
Day Four
"When Xiao Ming was eight, his dad was imprisoned in China for being a church leader. Eight years later they were reunited - but were strangers. Open Doors has worked with them to help rebuild their relationship. Pray for children who cannot see their mums or dads because they're in prison for their faith." For more on Xiao Ming's story, click here.
Day Five
"Growing up as a Christian in a mainly Muslim country can be confusing – and challenging. At home you're free to love Jesus, but at school you have to keep it quiet. You can lose your friends. Amir's life is like that. Seeing his dad being arrested didn't help, either. Pray for his peace of mind and a sense of self-esteem." For more on Amir's story and to hear the story of a lady called Sarah, click here.
