More than 200 million Christians around the world are persecuted today merely for confessing their love for Christ, a World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) press release has reported.

"Each year, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) gives Christians in free countries the opportunity to pray for and with those who suffer for their faith," the statement explains.

According to Johan Candelin, International Director for the World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission, participating in IDOP is among the most effective ways for Christians to show their support for their brothers and sisters.

"We must always remember that the least we can do is the most we can do: pray," said Candelin.

"God is the founder of the 'give it away movement;'" said Candelin. "Why not also give away this IDOP material to your friends and to your church? Welcome as you join the Jesus 'give it away movement' along with the millions of brothers and sisters around the world who join in praying on IDOP: the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church."

This year, the IDOP falls on 12 and 18 November 2006, Open Doors states. Free resources such as articles, prayer requests and global reports have been made available online at www.idop.org. The site can also be viewed on certain mobile phones by following the link, www.idop.org/mb.



[Source: WEA]