International (MNN) — When you look back at this year’s Christmas, what memories do you have? For many Christians around the world, it was a tense day.
Authorities in several countries reported stopping planned attacks on Christmas markets. Meanwhile, believers in persecuted countries stayed on high alert, taking extra precautions to remain safe during the holiday.
“We know that Christians are at extra risk at Christmas time,” says Todd Nettleton from The Voice of Martyrs USA. “And in recent years, we’ve seen attacks in Nigeria, in Iraq, in Egypt, in DRC. There were threats last year in one particular district of Bangladesh.”
This year in India, a children’s carol choir was attacked. In Indonesia’s West Java province, Muslims blocked Christians from celebrating Christmas. Attackers choose the Christmas season intentionally.
“Those who hate Christians and hate the gospel, Christmas is a great opportunity for them,” says Nettleton. He explains that during celebrations, many Christians gather together, making them a soft target.
Even so, believers try to take precautions. Sometimes they assign someone to watch outside in case danger appears.
“At the end of the day, they’re relying on the Lord to protect them,” says Nettleton.
In persecuted countries, Christians live with the knowledge that an attack can happen at any time. Pray for the persecuted church, and visit VOM’s website at persecution.com to learn more.
Header photo courtesy of VOM USA.
