A Magnolia's Heart Beats

Persecution

I began my day this morning with prayer and Bible reading in my home. On the way to work I listened to Christian radio. I worked on two devotions with Bible-based themes to post later. I emailed with friends who share my faith and Christ was discussed. I visited blog after blog where God is clearly glorified. Throughout the day I paused in prayer. Off and on I read in public The Power of Simple Prayer by Joyce Meyer. I have a Bible in plain site on a table in my office at work. On the way home I talked with Steve about a prayer need.

Oh, the freedoms I took for granted today! Earlier this evening I was headed to McAlister's and happened to catch the news on AFR.

In a little country of about 5 million people, 3,000 people are imprisoned for their Christian faith. Two people lost their lives as a result of torture and complications of illness. This just breaks my heart! I was so moved at the thought of people being willing to die for their faith, just like those written about in the Bible, that I had to pause and pray.

I prayed for the their strength and comfort and that God would bring to their minds Bible verses and hymns to help them in their hour of need. I prayed that they would know that their deaths were not in vain and that the very people torturing them would be brought to Christ. I prayed that they would not feel death's blow but would be ushered quickly into the Presence of the Almighty God. I prayed that He would protect them and keep more from being found out until more could be brought to a saving knowledge of God. Ya'll, my heart just broke! It's not like torture stories are new to me. I feel that Holy Spirit is saying, "Laurie Ann, put the news out. People are dying for Me. Ask your friends to pray for them, particularly the ones in this country called Eritrea. And, are you willing?"

I am. I enjoy the freedom I have right now and pray it is never taken from me, but I would give my life before I would ever deny Christ.

Please read the article below and pray as you are so moved.

Imprisoned believers die in Eritrea

Allie Martin - OneNewsNow - 1/23/2009 5:40:00 AM

Two more Christians have died for their faith while imprisoned in Eritrea.

This month, two Christians died while being held in government-run prisons. Reports say one of the believers died as a result of ongoing physical torture and complications from an illness. Jerry Dykstra with Open Doors USA says there are approximately 3,000 Christians being held in Eritrea simply because of their faith in Christ. "It just seems unfathomable that this little country of about five million people located between Sudan and Ethiopia on the Red Sea, really targets Christians," he contends. "And they've been on our World Watch List with Open Doors, and they're also on the 'Countries of Particular Concern' list issued by the U.S. government." In 2002, Eritrea's government began a systematic crackdown on Christian activities, churches, and ministries.

source: www.onenewsnow.com

In obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit,

Love,