What will this Christmas be like for the children of Persecuted Families?
If you’ve been reading the recent edition of the Open Doors magazine, you will have noticed that the focus this month is on the children of persecuted families.
Two stories in particular caught my attention; the first is a boy called Robin from Bangladesh where recent political upheaval has emboldened Islamic extremists and put Christian families at particular risk.
Robin’s mother was born and raised a Muslim but converted to Christ after she borrowed a friend’s bible and, having read, “Ask and you shall receive” (Matthew 7:7), experienced the Lord answering her prayers in a way that convinced her of the truth of the gospel. Her husband also converted shortly afterwards. Converts from Islam are especially vulnerable to persecution from Islamic extremists and Robin’s mother, Moly, was no exception. In spite of this pressure, Moly remained firm in her faith, but sadly Robin’s dad was persuaded to reconvert to Islam and divorced her soon afterwards.
As a result, Robin himself suffered rejection and bullying at school where other children were discouraged from having anything to do with him. The extremists even burned down the church where the family worshipped along with bibles and other books and there is little chance that the police will take any action.
Christmas is one of the few times when Christians in Bangladesh can join together and celebrate without the pressures that daily life brings. Please pray for Robin and Moly and others like them this Christmas that they will be kept safe from further attacks and will be able to enjoy this special season.
Another boy who has recently suffered trauma is Godwin from Nigeria. Godwin’s father was killed by Fulani militants when they entered his village in a violent attack. Although he managed to escape along with his mother and other siblings, Godwin was deeply traumatised by this bereavement and initially refused to accept that his father had died. He also was further affected when an uncle who took the family in became abusive towards them.
Recently he has been receiving counselling from Open Doors partners to help him come to terms with his loss. He has even been able to find it in his heart to forgive the people who murdered his father. However, Godwin and many others like him need our prayers, especially at this time of year to receive the Lord’s comfort and healing from the traumas they have faced.
You can read more on these and other items in the latest edition of the Open Doors Magazine and Prayer Guide at the back of church. You can also join the Open Doors Prayer Group which usually meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10am at ACC. More information is available from Hugh Shepheard-Walwyn on 07785 250169
– Hugh Shepheard-Walwyn