US movement aims to save Christianity in the Middle East
Christians across America wear orange to show support for ISIS victims
The world was shocked and heartbroken as we saw Christian refugees being thrown overboard from a rubber boat last month, because they were praying to Jesus and “would not pray to Allah” as the boat began to deflate.
Sadly, this follows an all too familiar path for Christians who are facing brutal violence and persecution for their faith. Every five minutes a Christian is killed around the world simply because they are a Christian. That is over 100,000 innocent lives lost every year. Additionally, thousands are beaten, displaced, imprisoned and tortured every day. In Iraq alone, CBS News' "60 Minutes" reported that, “more that 125,000 Christians -- men, women and children -- have been forced from their homes and livelihood over the last 10 months” by Islamic State.
It is clear that nations, world leaders and all people of goodwill can no longer be silent when it comes to the persecution of Christians. The global community must “link arms” together and boldly act and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.
The situation is even worse for Christian girls and women who are routinely sexually assaulted, raped and driven into forced marriages or sold as human slaves. Across the globe, we are watching in real time a faith-based genocide that we have not witnessed in years.
Many are asking questions such as, “What can I do to make a difference?” Or, “Can anything be done to stop this barbarism?”
The answer to those questions is a powerful YES and can be found in that horrible moment when Christians were being thrown overboard. In the midst of that unspeakable act of violence, something amazing and redemptive occurred. CNN reported that lives were saved "because they [passengers] strongly opposed the drowning attempt and formed a human chain."
In other words, other people on the boat said we can no longer be indifferent or apathetic and we will link arms to make sure no more lives are lost. What a powerful witness and example for all of us.
It is clear that nations, world leaders and all people of goodwill can no longer be silent when it comes to the persecution of Christians. The global community must “link arms” together and boldly act and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.
That is what the #orangejumpsuit campaign is about. The goal of Church on the Hill is to draw worldwide attention to violence against Christians and challenge our decision makers to engage. We are following the teachings of the Bible in Hebrews 13:3 where it says, “Remember those in prison as if you were in prison with them, and those who are being mistreated as though you were suffering along with them.”
Thank God, we are starting to see some results as more nations, leaders, the media and humanitarian organizations are beginning to address these tragic acts of violence against Christians. However, there is so much more that needs to be done and we cannot let our silence and lack of involvement lead to more suffering and pain.
It is clear that nations, world leaders and all people of goodwill can no longer be silent when it comes to the persecution of Christians. The global community must “link arms” together and boldly act and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.
Nobel Peace Prize winner and Holocaust Survivor, Elie Wiesel, says it best when he spoke about similar violence a generation ago: “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Please join with us!
Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week.