Perseution on the Rise
It seems like every day, I’m hearing more reports about persecution happening in the world. I recently left a country that is under significant duress. The week we were there, a crackdown occurred in one of their most famous towns – a town known for having one of their national symbols.
The pastors, alumni of Asian Access, had gathered together for a city-wide gathering of churches, only to be harassed by their local community. It seems that everyone is after them: government officials, religious authorities and even the neighbors. It’s sad to see and many lives are often at stake.
This type of situation is on the rise in many of the countries we work in. We see this type of harassment happening in more than half the countries we work in and so we could use your prayers. More importantly, they need your prayers!
That same week, after the session was complete, the faculty member who happened to be from their same country flew home only to be accosted by local authorities at his own center. They had ransacked his compound and when he arrived, they began questioning him: “Why are you traveling with a foreigner?” and “Where have you been?”
We live in an increasingly challenging world and the rise of nationalism, especially in its most religious forms, is exacerbating the situation.
Recent Stories
Here are a few recent stories to fuel your prayers:
Plus, you can listen to my interview with Voice of the Martyrs:
Leaders Prepared for Persecution
Listen to Joe's interview:
Empowering the Persecuted Church
Here is a new flyer we've developed to raise awareness of the need to empower leaders of the persecuted Church. The link to download this flyer is down below...
Please join me in praying for the Persecuted Church. And, pray that Asian Access can come alongside to help equip them to face the challenges they are facing.
May God be with them as the challenges increase!
Joe Handley, President
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@jwhandley
More Information
- Photos obtained via Pexels; logo courtesy Voice of the Martyrs.
- Download flyer, Empowering the Persecuted Church
2018 Empowering the Persecuted Church (1.6MB) - Published: December 2018. This 2-page report was produced to highlight the need to empower leaders of the persecuted Church.
A2 on YouTube 
