This blog was submitted by ICC representative Shane Bazinet.
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
This may seem like a silly question, but it does make sense to ask such a question: if Jesus said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted,” why help the persecuted if they’re already blessed?
In August, I was listening to Way of the Master Radio, and during the news segment the reporter broke the story about the persecution in Orissa. It sounded quite serious to me.
Of course, I prayed about the situation, but after I said, “Amen,” I decided to find more information about the situation. I googled it and clicked on a link that brought me to International Christian Concern (ICC)’s website.
After I read about Orissa, I then read about ICC, and after learning about what they stood for, I immediately became interested in helping my brothers and sisters in Christ facing persecution.
Why did I want to help out?
First of all, I must say I am overly blessed living in Canada. I can own as many Bibles I want, go to church every Sunday, share my faith in public, hold Bible studies – all without facing hardly any persecution at all. I would like to share at least a bit of this blessing with a Christian in another country.
Secondly, I can’t think of anything more important to have than a Bible. This is God’s Word we’re talking about. It contains the Gospel message, introduces us to the Savior, teaches us how to live a Christian life, and so on. ICC sees Bible-smuggling as a huge priority, and I support it all the way.
Finally, I just want my brothers and sisters in Christ to be in good enough conditions to simply read their Bibles and fellowship with other believers. How can they do this if they’re constantly being harassed? We can help through prayer, signing petitions, writing to governments, et cetera – all of which ICC makes known.
As the song says, they will know we are Christians by our love. The persecuted will certainly receive quite a reward in heaven, but in the meantime, they’re suffering and they need our love and support.
One of the reasons Paul wrote to the Philippians was to thank them for sending him a contribution when he was in the Roman prison (Philippians 4:10-18). There is so much joy expressed throughout this letter.
When I read about Christians who have lost their families and their homes as a result of persecution, but they jump for joy when they’re given a Bible, I ask myself why I complain about anything when I have the Word of God.
No wonder the persecuted are so blessed. May we keep them in our prayers and seek to support them.
