Steadfast in the Storm: Believers’ Faith Shines Amidst Global Persecution
The global assault on religious freedom, particularly against our Christian brethren, was brought into stark relief at a recent U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) hearing. Stories of unwavering faith in the face of immense suffering remind us of our urgent call to stand in solidarity.
- Who: Courageous Christian leaders and survivors, including Nigerian minister Rebecca Dali and Grace Jin Drexel (daughter of detained Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri from China), presented powerful testimonies before the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
- Where: The hearing convened in Washington D.C., bringing to light the harsh realities faced by believers in nations like Nigeria, China, Vietnam, Eritrea, and others where Christ-followers face severe oppression simply for their faith.
- What happened: Witnesses detailed severe persecution, with Sister Dali specifically advocating for peaceful, intelligence-led strategies over military force in Nigeria, highlighting the devastating, unintended harm to innocent civilians. The hearing also underscored the Chinese Communist Party’s intensifying campaign to control and suppress Christian worship, demanding “Sinicization” which often means replacing crosses with portraits of Xi Jinping and hymns with party songs.
As followers of Christ, we are called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). The suffering of our brothers and sisters overseas is not just a distant news story; it is an assault on the body of Christ itself. Their unwavering faith, even in the face of imprisonment, violence, and death, serves as a powerful testament to the truth of the Gospel and a challenge to our own walk. We must stand with them in prayer, advocacy, and a shared commitment to religious liberty, understanding that their struggle for freedom of conscience is a fight for the fundamental human dignity God has bestowed upon all. Let us not grow complacent, but rather be moved to act on behalf of those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
Prayer Point: Please lift up Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and the 17 other church leaders still unjustly detained in China. Pray for their protection, perseverance, and swift release, and for comfort and strength for their families and congregations enduring this persecution.
This story was analyzed for Christ P2P. You can read the original reporting here: https://julieroys.com/bombs-will-not-deter-christian-persecution-in-nigeria-survivor-tells-uscirf/
