Christians around the world will observe the Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29, which church tradition holds was the day that the Apostle Paul was beheaded in Rome. In advance of the commemoration, The Voice of the Martyrs released strategic prayer resources and a video highlighting Christians martyred by ISIS in northern Iraq and Syria.
“This year, instead of focusing on one person, The Voice of the Martyrs is focusing on an entire group: Christians who lost their lives in Northern Iraq and Syria as members of the self-proclaimed Islamic State swept across that region 10 years ago this month,” said Todd Nettleton, the organization’s vice president and spokesperson.
In 2014, ISIS members went door-to-door, marking the homes of Christian families with the symbol “ ن”, the Arabic letter “N,” for Nasara, a term used by Muslims to mean “followers of Jesus of Nazareth.” Christian families were given an ultimatum — convert to Islam, pay an exorbitant protection tax, flee for their lives or die. Refusing to deny Christ, some Christians stayed and were killed for their faith. More than 100,000 fled and left everything behind.
Christians around the world showed solidarity and support by displaying the “ ن” symbol, identifying that they, too, were followers of Jesus. The mark meant for subjugation, exile or even death became a worldwide symbol of hope and courage.
“The goal of Day of the Christian Martyr is to help Christians remember and honor the sacrifice of those who gave their very lives for the cause of Christ and to be inspired by their example to sacrifice whatever we need to in order to see Christ’s kingdom advance in our neighborhoods, our cities and ultimately around the world,” Nettleton said.
The Voice of the Martyrs has developed a free digital resource kit to inspire churches, small groups, classes and families witness boldly for Christ. It can be downloaded at www.voiceofthemartyrs.org/martyr.
Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, The Voice of the Martyrs is a nonprofit, interdenominational missions organization serving persecuted Christians in the world’s most difficult and dangerous places.
Get involved with these resources:
The Voice of the Martyrs is offering the following downloadable, digital resources to equip your family and friends to advance the gospel:
- Inspiring videos
- Questions for reflection and discussion
- Church bulletin insert
- Guided prayer slides
- Shareable social media graphics
- Sermon outline
Visit their website HERE to request information.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice