Voice of the Martyrs Conference inspires prayer and commitment

Many Americans have been in shock following the murder of a young man for engaging in public discourse about religious beliefs and related social concerns, in a nation where free speech is a Constitutional right. For many people worldwide, though, the risk of punishment or death is a daily reality if they share their Christian faith with others or worship publicly. 

This writer was privileged to meet some of these people and stand side by side with them in prayer at the “From the Field” National Conference, hosted by The Voice of the Martyrs in Oklahoma last weekend. It was also a pleasure to encounter some fellow southwest Missourians and northwest Arkansans there, sharing our gratitude for freedoms we often take for granted while pledging support and prayer for those who do not have them. 

The conference content is not online, and exact names and locations cannot be used for the safety of speakers and frontline workers, but here are just a sample of the inspirational moments: 

• One speaker had been kind to a woman in her home country who fell down on a public street. As some bystanders screamed for the woman to be punished because the fall displaced her mandatory head and face covering, the Christian woman stepped forward to see if she was injured and assist her to her feet. A few minutes later, another woman tapped the Christian woman on the shoulder and asked softly, “Are you a Christian? I had a dream in which a Man in shining white clothes told me I would meet a Christian who could tell me more about Him, and I would know her by her kindness to a stranger.” 

• A video was shown of a room full of people worshiping, but there was barely any sound; we wondered if the media technician was having difficulty. The speaker then explained that because Christians must keep their worship quiet to avoid being reported, they worship through dance, hand motions and waving flags and banners, beautifully embroidered or painted to express worship through creativity. 

• “Susanna” and her husband pastored a Christian group in a country where Islam is written into the constitutional definition of citizenship. Eight years ago, her husband disappeared while doing errands, and no trace of him or his car has ever been identified. When Susanna went to the police, instead of receiving assistance, she herself was detained for interrogation about his activities; but she did not give up the ministry. The small house church has grown to thousands of believers from their people group. She and the children, now young adults, shared at the conference how God has helped them process their trauma. New evidence has surfaced that may prove police compliance in the abduction and bring helpful closure, but Susanna says that regardless of the outcome, “We go forward. The judge may or may not rule in our favor, but when I stand before the One who is the Righteous Judge of all, I want to be found faithful.” 

Several regional VOM field leaders shared ways in which Christians in the U.S. can pray and support these courageous believers. Their most frequent request is for prayer, followed by the need for Bibles and resources, which The Voice of the Martyrs works to find ways to provide. VOM also provides financial assistance to families of martyrs. 

Those leaders also assured attendees that believers in those restricted nations are praying for us, that we do not become complacent! One speaker shared that the CCP’s war against Christianity started with demolishing crosses atop churches, then outlawing Bibles, and finally open persecution of church leaders. He warned American Christians to be grateful for our freedom and work to protect it, and to share our faith while we can. 

This article barely scratches the surface of the courage of Christians around the world. Learn more and join in praying for them, by visiting www.vomusa.org, where you can also find resources for participation in the November 2 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.