Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors US, discusses the staggering challenges faced by 365 million persecuted Christians globally. He shares inspiring stories of unwavering faith, even in the face of violence and discrimination. Listeners learn about the harsh realities in countries like North Korea and India, where believers endure extreme threats. Brown emphasizes the critical role of prayer and awareness through initiatives like the World Watch List, urging the global church to support those suffering for their faith.
The podcast emphasizes the complex nature of Christian persecution, highlighting both physical violence and societal ostracization faced by believers worldwide.
It urges the importance of prayer as a vital response to persecution, fostering community support and alignment with God's will among Christians globally.
Deep dives
The Global Church and the Cost of Faith
A significant movement of faith is occurring in regions like South America, Africa, and Asia, where millions are turning to Christianity. However, for many new believers in these areas, the decision to follow Jesus comes at a considerable personal cost. This is exemplified by a recent incident in India, where 13 new converts were arrested for practicing their faith despite the legal restrictions against evangelism. Their resilience is shown in their request for prayers not only for their release but also for the strength to maintain joy amidst persecution and for the salvation of their persecutors.
Ryan Brown's Journey to Open Doors
Ryan Brown's diverse background is notable, transitioning from a stockbroker to the CEO of Open Doors U.S., an organization dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's providence in his life, as seemingly unrelated experiences converged to prepare him for his current role. His passion for the Church has been evident throughout his various career paths, and he shares that witnessing the faith and testimonies of persecuted believers has profoundly impacted his perspective on what it means to follow Christ. This journey of faith highlights how individuals from different backgrounds can be called to serve the Church in meaningful ways.
Understanding Persecution in a Global Context
Persecution faced by Christians is complex and manifests in various forms, classified as ‘smash’ or ‘squeeze’, which include both physical violence and societal discrimination. Organizations like Open Doors monitor these conditions, providing critical insights into the struggles of Christians in over 70 countries while emphasizing the nuances of each situation. For example, while North Korea is notorious for its harsh persecution via physical violence, nations like Somalia present challenges due to cultural pressures that ostracize converts. Understanding that persecution can vary greatly helps in recognizing the shared struggles and the need for solidarity within the body of Christ.
The Power of Prayer and Community Support
The episode highlights the transformative role of prayer in the context of persecution, urging believers to make it a first response rather than a last resort. It underscores that prayer not only connects the global Church but aligns believers' hearts with God's work, often providing comfort to those facing adversity. The discussions encourage listeners to actively participate in prayer and support for persecuted Christians, noting that faith is deeply intertwined with community and shared burdens. Ultimately, it's a call to not only be aware of the suffering of fellow Christians but to engage through prayer and advocacy, reinforcing the importance of collective support within the Church.
In this episode, Bill Hendricks and Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors US, discuss the persecution faced by 365 million Christians worldwide, highlighting the physical violence and societal discrimination they endure as well as their inspiring prayers for strength to remain faithful.