On the one hand, the U.S. enjoys friendly trade with Saudi Arabia, though it’s not a significant part of the American economy.

Also, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently visited Saudi Arabia to strengthen national alliances in light of tensions with Iran. During his visit, Pompeo allegedly did not address the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

Muslims in a mosque in Saudi Arabia.
(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

On the other hand, the U.S. previously imposed sanctions on 17 Saudi officials for Khashoggi’s murder.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom also designated Saudi Arabia a “Country of Particular Concern” in its 2018 Report on International Religious Freedom — the 15th year in a row the kingdom has earned this notorious label. However, Pompeo waived the sanctions that should have accompanied Saudi Arabia’s CPC stamp.

Dr. David Curry, President and CEO of Open Doors USA, says designating Saudi Arabia as a CPC is a start, but not the end goal.

“I think they need to be harder on the religious rights issues in Saudi Arabia. I know they’ve been talking about it, but I think that conversation needs to be a lot more public and front-and-center because the freedom for women and the freedom for Christians and other religious minorities in Saudi Arabia is minimal — or non-existent in the sense of Christian faith.”

Saudi Arabia’s official religion is Islam. The Quran is the law of the land and the kingdom’s legal system is largely based on sharia law. There is no freedom of religion. Worshipping outside the Muslim faith or converting carries steep penalties.

According to Open Doors’ World Watch List, Saudi Arabia is the 15th worst persecutor of Christians in the world.

(Photo courtesy of Open Doors USA)

“The State Department gets briefed on the World Watch List; they know of it certainly. Ambassador Brownback is very familiar with it and others and Secretary Pompeo,” Curry says.

“There [are] 50 countries where there’s very significant persecution of Christians…. There [are] about 250 million Christians that live under severe persecution right now.”

Pray for Saudi Christians who are living their faith in secret. Ask the Lord to bless and comfort them as they walk in His truth. Pray for lonely believers in Saudi Arabia to connect with other believers and find spiritual encouragement.

Curry says you can also advocate for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia.

“We have to get really educated as Americans — but also particularly for Christians who are here in the West — about what’s happening to Christians around the world and wake up to it. Let our voice be heard, be thoughtful, prayerful, and [approach] our view of the world and these individual countries with a very sober mindset.”

(Photo courtesy of Heart4Iran)

But underneath the political relationship between the nations, there is another relationship being fostered—between the people of Iran and those in the West willing to look beyond the drama.

Heart4Iran is a ministry partnership of 85 organizations, focused on bringing the Western world’s attention to what is happening with God’s people in Iran. They utilize whatever platforms necessary to make sure Farsi-speaking believers can continue to learn about God and grow in their faith. This includes Iran and those who speak the Farsi language in Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Mohabat TV, for example, is a satellite television ministry that presents the Gospel and provides other scriptural resources via programming.

(Photo courtesy of Heart4Iran)

Edwin Keshish-Abnous of Heart4Iran says the partnership is basically “the Western face of what we do as a ministry, mainly as a production house, a Christian Satellite TV where we provide Christian programming and content … for Underground churches via social media, various ways on the internet, publication, things like that.”

The name makes it easy for Westerners to understand what the ministry is about—developing and acting upon a heart for the Church in Iran and those who don’t yet know Jesus.

Ministry challenges in Iran

There are a variety of challenges the ministry faces. Like other satellite and radio ministries, they have experienced interference with their signals.

“Basically all these Iranian satellite TVs, whether it’s Christian or political or anything that is not supported by the Iranian government, they tend to be jammed. And it’s because they don’t want this content, whatever it is, to be [sent] into the country.”

But there are ways to get around the signal jamming. Another form of censorship takes place over the internet. Iranians are banned from social media websites. However with a bit of effort, believers and others are still able to access Heart4Iran’s social media content.

(Photo courtesy Heart4Iran)

Another challenge the ministry faces is happening in the hearts of people. That is, the general attitude people in countries like the United States have towards Iranians. A study done by the BBC in 2013 shows that Iran is one of the most negatively viewed countries in the world. In the United States, 87% of poll participants held a negative view of Iran. But Keshish-Abnous says this feeling isn’t returned, despite the general belief that Iranians hate Americans, Christians, and Western society.

The government, which has a louder voice, may be extremely anti-Western, and there are political agenda’s in Western media that also skew the story.

“That doesn’t necessarily reflect what Iranians believe. As a matter of fact, if you’re a Westerner and you go to Iran, you’re well received. And even if you talk about Christianity, if you pass a Bible to some Iranians, they’re going to like it, they want to read it, they want to track with you and talk about your belief.”

In Keshish-Abnous’ past experience, sharing faith has not conjured up hostility, but genuine curiosity and discussion. “The persecution is not coming from people. Iranian people are not hostile [towards] Christianity.”

We know that being a Christian in Iran is dangerous, but the danger actually stems from the government and those who believe Iran should be a purely Islamic nation. Keshish-Abnous believes the government is afraid of losing power if its people convert from Islam.

Despite the pressure, the Church in Iran is growing at a faster rate than anywhere else in the world.

(Photo courtesy of Heart4Iran)

That’s why it’s important to be learning about what’s happening in Iran through un-biased and un-politically motivated media sources. When we learn the true heart of Iran, our own perspective will be transformed.

“That will change your heart and you’ll be willing to pray for them or even support a ministry that will put the resources and talents and everything into reaching Iranians.”

So, how can you be praying for Iran?

“If you’re a Christian and you have heard this [story], pray for Iranian ministers, Iranian organizations, Western ministries that are supporting this movement inside the country. Pray for them, for protection. Pray for the financial challenges they have. Pray for creativity so they will be able to deliver content much better and more effectively and richly and faithfully.”

Another concern we can be praying for is the strength of the Church.

(Photo courtesy of Heart4Iran)

“A lot of people are coming to Christ inside the country, so the Church grows very fast. But one of the concerns that the Iranian ministers have is how deep these churches are, how good of an understanding they have of the Bible. So pray for a way [for] us to disciple Iranians to grow into their faith and be self-sustained.”

To support Heart4Iran in other ways, and to learn more about what is happening in Iran, click here.

Otto Warmbier on trial in North Korea.

North Korea arrested Warmbier in January 2016 as he was leaving the country with a tourist group. They accused him of attempting to steal a propaganda poster and sentenced the 22-year-old to 15 years of hard labor.

North Korean authorities report that shortly following Warmbier’s sentencing, he slipped into a coma after he was given a sleeping pill for botulism, a kind of food poisoning. Doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center found no evidence of botulism, but they say he did have extensive brain damage possibly caused by oxygen deprivation.

What message does this send from North Korea to the rest of the world? Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs USA reflects, “I think it sends the message of a complete disrespect for the United States of America, a complete disrespect for even human decency and the rule of law, and it could bring about a chill in relations between our two countries. And again, saying it could bring about a chill, there already is very little communication, very little relationship there. It’s hard to know how the U.S. will respond.”

In a statement from Warmbier’s family, they share, “Unfortunately, the awful torturous mistreatment our son received at the hands of the North Koreans ensured that no other outcome was possible beyond the sad one we experienced today.”

(Photo courtesy of Christian Aid Mission)

Republican Sen. John McCain stated Warmbier’s death constituted “murder” at the hands of North Korea, and President Trump and other Washington lawmakers condemned the North Korean regime for its brutality.

Nettleton says, “I tend to agree with Senator John McCain who issued a statement saying the United States of America cannot and should not tolerate the murder of its citizens by hostile powers. It will be interesting to see how the Trump Administration and the State Department responds to this situation.”

If this is what happens to U.S. citizens in North Korean custody, Nettleton asks, what happens to North Korean citizens and Christians who simply disappear?

“It really shows the complete lack of respect for human life that the North Korean government has, and the fact that this would happen to an American, we can probably not even imagine the hardship and the suffering of North Koreans who are in those political prisoner camps [and] have been declared enemies of the North Korean government, enemies of the North Korean people. Their treatment is every bit as bad as Otto Warmbier’s and probably worse.”

(Map of North Korea courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

North Korea, a totalitarian communist nation, goes to great lengths to control anything they view as a threat to Communism or the state.

This also means Christians in North Korea are heavily targeted. “Some estimate [there are] 100,000 believers, some estimate more than that. Many of those are in those camps and they are suffering. But they have hope. We have the hope of eternity with Christ.”

Nettleton says Warmbier’s case reminds him of another detainee situation in North Korea. John Short, a 75-year-old Australian Christian, was arrested in North Korea in 2013 after leaving Gospel tracts near a Buddhist temple.

Nettleton says, “I had the chance to interview [Short] and I’ve been reminded of his experiences this week, and that interview is available on our VOM Radio podcast. So those who are wanting to know more about North Korea, I would just encourage them to look into that. Hearing John’s story, I think, has a lot of resonance this week as we pray for Otto’s family and as we hear about his death.”

Click here for part one of Short’s interview with Nettleton on VOM Radio, here for part two of Short’s interview, and here for the companion interview with Short’s wife, Karen Short.

As for praying for the Warmbier family, here is what Nettleton suggests: “I think as we talk about a response, my heart breaks for Otto’s family. I have a son who’s 23 and so this kind of hits very close to home to me, the fact that these people sent their son on a study abroad opportunity and he never came home whole, and so we want to pray for them that they will find comfort. I don’t know their spiritual situation, but certainly, I hope that they have the comfort of knowing Christ and of being followers of God.”

Please pray for the country of North Korea as well. “We pray for the people who are there, we pray for a government that is just and that honors human rights and honors the rule of law, not only for our Christian brothers and sisters there but for all North Koreans. All North Koreans deserve better opportunities and a better life than what they have under the Kim regime. So we pray that the Lord will bring that about somehow.”

President Aoun (right) prepares for Interview. (Image capture courtesy of SAT-7)

This past Easter, Lebanon’s President Aoun met with SAT-7, a Christian satellite ministry to the Middle East and North Africa, for a TV interview. He shared that without Christ’s resurrection, the Christian faith would mean nothing.

SAT-7’s President Terry Ascott says it is a remarkable thing that President Aoun holds to the Christian faith, not as a political move, but because it is his own faith. He explains that Lebanon has government representation from the Christian community, and from the Sunni and Shia Muslims groups.

“It was really good to hear him share some of his vision for the country and to, if you like, be a Christian voice among such a fragmented and diverse set of leaders across the Middle East at the present time. Being the only Christian president in the Arab world today is not insignificant,” he says.

A fragmented Middle East

But it’s not cut-and-dry, either. While his voice may be significant, it is perhaps not from his platform where the greatest witnessing takes place in the Middle East. For one, Ascott explains, as a politician, Aoun has a colorful past.

Additionally, he explains, “I would say that Lebanon hasn’t done a great job in being a witness in the Middle East over the past years, mostly because the Christians took up arms in the 1970s and the Christian militias were involved in some ugly incidents with Muslims.”

But on the other hand, since unity between countries has broken down so much, there isn’t a whole lot of unified religious tension against Lebanon or their president.

Living out the Word

What does seem to be making a true difference for the Gospel in the Middle East is the individual believers and how they respond to persecution.

Ascott recalls the events of 2013, during the overthrow of President Morsi in Egypt. He says the violence against Christians — including murder, destruction of churches, and businesses — wasn’t met with the same violence that would be expected.

“Instead, they went to their burnt out churches and they held worship services, and they painted on the blackened walls, ‘We love you. We forgive you.’ And this had a profound impact in a society where an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is very much the standard way of responding to slights like this.”

This attitude was repeated more recently with the church bombings in Egypt, which were not met with more violence, but with a renewed commitment to serve Christ no matter what.

In Lebanon, a similar mentality put to action is making an impact.

Ascott says, “Since the influx of refugees from Syria, many Christian churches have responded in a very loving and caring way and reached out to help the Syrians.”

Flag of Lebanon
(Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

If you don’t know the relationship between Syria and Lebanon, these actions might just seem like basic humanity. But when you do know their history, then you recognize these Christians are acting in forgiveness, not just grace.

“Syria has been quite involved in Lebanon and oppressive for Lebanon and carried out what can only be described as war crimes against the Lebanese.”

This oppression has created resent and hatred in the Lebanese people. And so for the Church to reach out in this way is an incredible witness. This acting out the Gospel by Christians in the Middle East comes at a critical time.

Many Muslim believers have left their faith. They cannot understand the violence that would compel two different factions of Islam to kill each other in the name of their shared god. They have been stripped of all hope.

But, Ascott says, “A Christian God of love, unconditional love, that encourages its believers to turn the other cheek, not to respond with violence — this has a unique appeal to millions of people at the moment in the Middle East.”

Unfortunately, the last several years of violence have displaced many Christians, meaning traditional forms of sharing the Gospel are not available.

“That’s where SAT-7’s role is going into these homes day-after-day, without restriction, and bringing a Christian message of hope has been key, especially at this time. And I say especially at this time because many people in these conflict zones have lost trust in God. They’ve lost faith in Islamic leaders. They’ve lost their faith.”

If you would like to help this ministry, start by signing up for their newsletter. Get informed, walk by them in prayer. And, consider supporting them financially. You can find all those links and more information about SAT-7 here.

(Photo courtesy of yeowatzup via Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/5rypDd)

Today, the upper half of the Korean peninsula celebrates the anniversary of the founding of their military. Alongside the celebration, the nation’s aggression towards the United States persists. As tensions rise between North Korea and the United States over the Asian country’s pursuit of nuclear arms, China is urging both countries to keep the peace.

We asked Patrick Klein of Vision Beyond Borders what his thoughts are on the tense triangle of political relations. He believes our response should be to enter into the situation with prayer — starting with the leader of North Korea.

“I think we really need to be praying that God would get a hold of this man’s heart and either that he’ll repent, or that God will remove him from his place of authority and bring in somebody that will be more open to the Gospel and open to working with the surrounding nations,” Klein says.

(Image courtesy of Vision Beyond Borders via Facebook)

As we’ve shared before, Christians in North Korea live out their faith in harrowing conditions. It’s a big concern for Vision Beyond Borders — a ministry that supports the persecuted Church. Klein explains that Kim Jong-un’s drive behind developing nuclear weapons is to leave behind an affirming legacy like his father and grandfather, Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-sung. Additionally, he would like to rid the Korean peninsula of any U.S. influence so the two countries could reunite and become a world superpower, Klein says.

But putting North Korea aside, what other benefits could there be in improved relations between the United States and China? An article from US News and World Report is optimistic that perhaps it would mean change for Christians in China.

Religion in China

The history of the Christian Church in China is long and complicated. Most people remember that until the last few decades, freedom of religion did not exist there. Things have improved since then.

(Photo courtesy of Vision Beyond Borders)

Klein says, “Economically, China has really changed and really improved a lot. There are a lot more opportunities for people. People are actually able to start owning their own businesses, and there’s a lot more money in the country.”

However, he says, the religious environment has not been as positive.

China Aid cites multiple infringements of religious freedom, including the arrest of several church leaders, pressure for the church to conform to socialist ideologies, and the demolition of both churches and crosses.

There is also the interesting dynamic of China’s registered churches and those that exist illegally in house churches. During a leadership conference last September, the president established new religious regulations and warned the Communist Party of foreign influence coming through religion. Members of the Communist Party are required to be atheists and other religions are viewed as a threat. The new regulations apply to a variety of aspects of religious life in China, but they make one thing very clear: the government does not want to give up any control.

Klein says if President Trump and President Xi can find common ground, he hopes the new administration will put pressure on China to relax their control over religions in China.

But, he says, “We also need to remember that China is an independent country. They want to do what they want to do.”

Not waiting for change

Klein says, whatever happens, he believes God will continue to grow the Church in China.

(Photo courtesy of Vision Beyond Borders)

“I think the way God is working in China — we could see a lot of Chinese Christians become missionaries who could help carry the Gospel. And they’re already doing it, they’re carrying it through the Islamic world, and I think just have a passion to help fulfill the Great Commission. So, if China really opens up, I think we can see more and more of that happening.”

And for Vision Beyond Borders, regardless of whether or not things open up for religions in China, they will continue doing what they are doing — that is to strengthen the Church here, and continue to bring Bibles in.

“The Bible says in the last days, perilous times will come and that we have to work while it’s still day, for night is coming when no man can work. So, we have to seize the opportunities we have now and let’s get the Gospel out, let’s help our Chinese brothers and sisters. Whether the U.S. has a good relationship with China or not, we still have to keep the focus on the Gospel,” he explains.

Please be praying for China, and especially for Christians who are living out their faith, and sharing it with others. Ask God to give them wisdom and protection. Pray for the workers who are helping to strengthen these believers while they can.

And, consider supporting groups like Vision Beyond Borders financially as they print, ship, and distribute Bibles all over the world. Click here to do so.

Klein says they also need people to go with them on trips to distribute these Bibles. You can find more information here.

And finally, he says we can make sure we’re being faithful witnesses wherever we are: “As Christians, we need to be about sharing the Gospel in our own lives with our friends and our neighbors and the people we work with, and if we have that focus and we have love for the Word of God, we’re going to have a passion to get God’s Word around the world.”

And on the heels of North Korea’s latest, the country is steeped in disaster with the inability to relieve the situation all on their own. Severe floods have invaded the northeast part of North Korea.

CNN says over 133 people have been killed so far, with hundreds more missing. Tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of lives have been affected. On top of immediate needs, there is the concern of subzero temps that next month will bring.

And so, despite the distaste for North Korea’s nuclear endeavors, ministries are sending in relief. It’s a picture of true compassion.

Alpha Relief is a ministry of Global Advance. David Shibley of Global Advance says, “There is the very serious flooding in parts of North Korea. This is against a backdrop of some of what most nations would consider very serious provocation — nuclear testing from North Korea.

“Alpha Relief has been able to bring relief and much needed supplies to people in general affected by the floods. We will of course continue to do that.”

Believers in North Korea

Alpha Relief has the opportunity to allocate relief aid through believers in North Korea with the help of intermediaries.

“It is North Koreans themselves who are helping. They are followers of Christ, ministering in His name in this very challenging situation for them,” Shibley says.

Christians in North Korea are constantly under the weight of persecution. Communism, the national push to recognize the leader as ‘god’, and the association of Christianity with the West, all make Christians a target.

Even so, they know the freedom of the Gospel, and desire for their neighbors and families to know it, too. So, in this hard situation, they’re finding an opportunity to minister.

“I always believe there are opportunities for the Gospel that surround these events of disaster. We are called as Christians to be interventionists, just as Jesus has intervened on our behalf,” Shibley says.

(Photo courtesy of Alpha Relief)

You can help intervene through their relief fund. Find that here.

And, disaster or no, there is plenty of reason to pray for North Korea.

Shibley suggests: “I think we need to be praying that the Lord will give both wisdom and courage to believers in North Korea. They have not been able to stamp out the Christian faith even after these many decades of communist rule.”