“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:10
In the prison where I minister to inmates, there is a special unit for those with emotional or social challenges often associated with PTSD or trauma of some kind. Jerod, a member of our church congregation within the prison, is one of those. 

He loves to pray. Specifically, he loves to pray for Christians experiencing persecution. One day Jerod showed me a map he received from Voice of the Martyrs. It displays countries where persecution is intense. Highlighting countries such as North Korea, China, and Cuba, the map prompts us to remember our brothers and sisters who suffer for Christ. Using the map as a springboard, Jerod reminded me and others in the prison chapel to pray for fellow believers in these countries. 

Does it surprise you that someone in prison cares about people located thousands of miles beyond the barbed-wire fences? Are you shocked that an incarcerated person could exhibit compassion for his fellow man? What about you? Be reminded today by a prisoner to pray for persecuted Christians worldwide. 



Scripture Focus

Matthew 5:1-12

Insight

Pray today for persecuted believers. They may be distant geographically, but they are not far from our compassionate hearts.

Bible In A Year

  • Leviticus 7-8
  • Psalm 49
  • Luke 13

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