The Truth About Christian Persecution in the Middle East

The Middle East has long been deemed the “cradle of Christianity.” The apostles began to be Jesus’s witnesses in Jerusalem before moving out further and further in the ancient world with the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Today, Christianity has all but disappeared from Middle Eastern countries as it has become increasingly more dangerous to be a Christian in that region.

In fact, the rise of persecution of Christians in the Middle East is unprecedented. Thousands of men, women and children are being slaughtered for their faith in Jesus. Hundreds of churches have been burned to the ground. Christian communities that date back to the time of Christ have been decimated. It’s important that we pray for our persecuted brethren: “that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored…” and that they “may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3).

In contrast, in Israel, Christians live without fear and are able to worship freely in the land where Jesus walked.

ACTION STEP

Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in the Middle East. Pray their faith does not fail and for their protection and provision.

CUFI on Campus’s #RaiseYourVoice campaign is designed to enable students to raise awareness among Christian students and campus leaders about this crucial issue. Share one of the social media graphics from this dynamic campaign with your friends: RAISE YOUR VOICE.

To learn more, read CUFI’s Primer: “Persecution of Christians in the Middle East: The Decline of a Community.”