Children Inspire Hope in the Face of Persecution
Years ago in India, SOM CEO David Witt interviewed a high-caste, Hindu-background family. For their persecution for leaving Hinduism and preaching Christ, fundamentalist Hindus broke into their house and began to beat the father. The mother fell on the father to protect him. Then, the two young daughters followed suit and fell upon their parents to protect them.
Together, they were beaten as a family. The two young girls told David how they prayed for their persecutors during the beating. They said they did not hold any bitterness toward the perpetrators. “These Hindus do not know the love of Jesus like we do. We have forgiven them.”
May we learn to love our enemies as children do.
Around the world, in restricted and unreached regions, the Lord is raising up a young generation of followers of Christ. They face trials for being a witness of Jesus and His Word. Yet many of them have fierce tenacity of faithfulness that inspires us all. These young Christians serve as a reminder of the power of childlike faith and how God works in the hearts of His children, even in the darkest corners of the world.
Children’s Faith Around the World
- A five-year-old in South America belongs to a tribal persecuted family. She reminds her classmates to pray when they want to fly the kites their teacher lovingly gifted to them. Suddenly, the breeze swells, and the children play gleefully with their kites. Her teacher is encouraged by the little girl’s faith.
- A child in India isn’t alone in having a parent imprisoned for following Christ. She could be persecuted or beaten if she stands for Christ. But she says, “My father has been exalted to a high place of witness for Christ.”
- From Northwest Africa, in a persecuted region, we receive a video of an eleven-year-old girl teaching Muslim-background believers of all ages how to lead an oral inductive Bible study (we call DDM).
- A young boy in Northwest Africa has Christian parents because he shared the Gospel with them after hearing it at a soccer club outreach. He told them, “Christians are holy because of how much they love people through all the sacrifices they make for others.”
- A tribal young teen in Mexico was killed for her convictions of faith. She had just begun walking in God’s way alongside her family.
- A fourteen-year-old Hindu-background believer in Bangladesh has experienced so much loss. His father left the family, and his mother gave him over to an orphanage. The boy was persecuted by his family for becoming a Christian. He needs prayers to know his heavenly Father with much confidence and joy.
What Can You Do?
- Teach your children, grandchildren, and Sunday school kids about persecution and martyrdom.
- Tell the stories of children around the world.
- Pray for children and families who face tremendous challenges for their faith.
- Serve as an ambassador for the Gospel and for the Persecuted Church.
- Give of your resources to support persecuted Christians in their efforts to share the Gospel.
Family Resources
To encourage connection and compassion and teach about martyrdom, we have a downloadable resource packet with coloring sheets you can print and use with your children and grandchildren, share with your Sunday school, or use as a Global Ambassador. The packet also includes a template for writing letters to children around the world that you can send to SOM to take along on visits overseas.
Your monthly and regular giving is the lifeblood for global impact to children and people of all ages. A little bit goes a long way. We invite you to join us in meeting the greatest current needs, serving leaders who risk much for Jesus, by making an impact for the Persecuted Church.
