Convert, Flee or Be Killed | ||||
| In the summer of 2014, militants from the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) advanced across Syria and northern Iraq. As they entered each village, they marked Christians’ homes and businesses with the Arabic letter “N,” or ن, for “Nazarene.” This symbol served to both identify and threaten Christians, who then had a difficult decision to make: convert to Islam, leave the area or be killed. More than 100,000 Christians were forced to flee in stifling heat. Most escaped with only the clothes on their backs. Many died on the road or were taken by ISIS.
Ten years later, the city of Mosul has been liberated from ISIS. But the Islamic extremism that powered its cause still threatens Christians today all over the world. But our Christian brothers and sisters are not cowering in fear in the face of this aggression. Instead, they are working to advance the gospel, even among their persecutors! We invite you to stand with these bold Christians facing Islamic extremists. Your gifts provide help to those who have been persecuted, tools and training for those reaching persecutors for Christ, and Bibles to strengthen the church and share with others as well. When you give this month to help Christians facing Islamic extremists, VOM will send you a copy of I Am N: Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremism. In this book, you’ll read the stories and meet the families of believers who boldly follow Christ in the face of Islamic extremism. These stories will deepen your faith in God, who gives us the courage to shine brightly even in places where darkness seems to dominate. | ||||
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Since Jesus calls Christians to make disciples of all nations, in this blog we'll consider how we might better share the gospel to the world around us.
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