they claim suffer "interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ." This year the International Day of Prayer will last for three Sunday’s giving believers "three opportunities to join this global prayer focus," said one of the organizers, Open Doors UK and Ireland, in a statement monitored by BosNewsLfe Wednesday, October 25.
The 5 – 19 November event will include prayers for Labib Madanat, a Palestinian "choosing to stand for Christ in Gaza," said the Christian rights group.
In addition prayers will be said for Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun, three Indonesian women who Open Doors said, "have been imprisoned for teaching children about Jesus."
‘FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS’
The group stressed that these are "faithful Christians featured in Open Doors’ new DVD resource called ‘connect’" and that the International Day of Prayer provides "a good opportunity to make use of connect" to inform and inspire prayers.
It is "a wonderful opportunity this November, to unite with persecuted brothers and sisters like Rebekka, Eti and Ratna imprisoned and suffering for their faith around the world. As we pray and raise awareness in our Churches for them, we will be blessed in ways that will far outweigh anything we can give," added Eddie Lyle, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland.
Reverend Stephen J Gaukroger, Senior Pastor of Goldhill Baptist Church and an Open Doors’ supporter stressed that, “Persecution is the painful reality for many of our brothers and sisters – in Africa, Asia and Latin America – and it is vital that we support them through prayer."
The global prayer day are accompanied by websites www.opendoorsuk.org and www.idop.org. (With reports from the United Kingdom).
