Remember...You Also Are in the Body

Last Sunday, Steve and I had the privilege of hearing a presentation by Darcie Gill from The Voice of the Martyrs. Incredible. Her job is to travel overseas to minister to persecuted Christians, encouraging them that they're not alone, helping to meet their needs and gathering their stories--and then to travel in the U.S., making sure American Christians know what our brothers and sisters are going through in restricted/hostile nations and challenging us in our comfortable lives.

I don't have any brilliant words to share about it, just that the shocking stories I heard were challenging, convicting and inspiring. Darcie spoke of meeting even young teens who have stood firm in their faith when faced with impossible circumstances--suffering you and I can't imagine, all because they choose the name of Christ. How can we look the other way and ignore what they endure? How can we fail to hold them up in prayer?

If you aren't familiar with Voice of the Martyrs, go check out their website. It's an amazing ministry which works to serve these faithful Christians and help them to persevere through their trials. There are all kinds of ways you can get involved, from prayer, to writing letters to prisoners, to sending Bibles overseas, to packing Action Packs. Their monthly newsletter is free and is a great resource. You can also find regular prayer requests, stories and challenges at PersecutionBlog.com.

VOM's ministry verse is Hebrews 13:3: "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." It's not a suggestion--it's a command. We must remember. The ESV translation clarifies another nuance:

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

We must remember and care for them because we are part of the same Body--and when one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it! As I challenge myself to care more, to take more action, I'm challenging all of you. Stand with the suffering members of the Body of Christ.