Call to stand openly with persecuted brothers and sisters this Sunday
Christians in the UK and Ireland are being challenged to leave the comfort of their own buildings this Sunday (May 21) in a show of solidarity with the persecuted church.
Release International, which supports Christians facing persecution around the world, is encouraging churches to take part in the Great Outdoors Church Service. The aim is to stand with the many believers worldwide who are forced to hold their services in the open.
“Many Christians in places such as Nigeria, Indonesia and China have no other option but to worship in the open air, whatever the weather,” explained Release Chief Executive, Paul Robinson.
“These are Christians like us – except for one major difference; their churches have been bulldozed by the state or burnt down by militants. They have been barred from their buildings or refused permission to have a church of their own.
“We could so easily be in their shoes,” Paul pointed out. “So this Sunday, or any Sunday you choose, we can do just that.
“We can stand in solidarity with our persecuted brothers and sisters around the globe. Come rain or shine, they remain faithful. So let’s stand with them.”
This is the sixth year of the Great Outdoors Church Service.
Release’s Chief Executive stressed: “It’s different, it’s fun and those who have taken part in the past tell us it has been a helpful reminder to pray for the persecuted.
“This is a simple but powerful way to show our solidarity – and an opportunity to be a witness to our communities.”
Although May 21 is the designated day for the service, churches are free to choose any date that suits them to gather outside.
Through its international network of missions Release International serves persecuted Christians in more than 30 countries around the world. It supports pastors and Christian prisoners and their families, supplies Christian literature and Bibles and is working for justice.
A full resource pack, including stories and messages from persecuted Christians, prayers and sermon notes, is available online from lovekillshate.org, a website of Release International.