Why is the Giant Sleeping??

Linking up with Theology is a Verb:

The persecution of Christians is nothing new, it has been going on since the time of the first apostles. However, if you have not realized the escalation of persecution in recent times, you must begin educating yourself on the mass assault on fellow believers. It is tempting to think, that is in x, y, or z country. They are at risk because of a, b, or c. The reality is an attack on the Church is an attack on all of us. What is happening to Christians in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and other areas is a threat to all of us no matter where we live. Should we allow the giant to continue to sleep?

There is great power in a body if believers, when two or more are gathered in His Name, Jesus the LORD is present. As these lovers of Christ that include the elderly, children, mothers, fathers, the infirmed and especially the clergy are slaughtered and tortured, their cries are rising to God. But where are the voices of those who stand with them?

 

Please read the articles I have attached below about this wide sweeping persecution, then fast and pray for an end to the hatred and destruction.

What this broadcast from CBN

View this map of persecution so you can see how widespread it is and the level of threat in each region. Iraq is currently the 4th most dangerous country for Christians in the world.

Read this newsfeed on the latest attacks and statistics in Iraq, it also features a map to who you where attacks have been perpetrated.

Read this article to see how this recent wave of persecution mirrors the driving out of the Jewish population in Iraq a half century ago.  The campaign was so successful that only about 10 Jews remain in Iraq today.

Lastly, this article explores the attempts to raise awareness to this plight.

After you are finished reading and learning, please pray. August 10th has been designated as a day of prayer and fasting for the persecution of Christians in the Middle East.  Please join in this day of prayer. There is also a petition to add prayer for the persecuted to the Mass and a call for Friday Adoration, abstinence from meat, and alms giving. Below is a prayer drafted for this crisis, it is to prayed and then followed by the St Michael prayer.  Thank you.

Almighty, ever-living God,

Your incarnate Son taught us that those who suffer for your name are blessed.

Give love for their neighbor to all people of goodwill.

Inspire rulers and governments to work tirelessly for peace, justice and freedom for all.

Give us a spirit of solidarity and of service for those who suffer and who are poor, that we may bring to them that love your Son made manifest by his suffering and death on the cross.

Help us to recognize the face of the Evil One in our day and give us the strength and means to confront his many works.

Amen. (source)

Dear LORD in Heaven, please bless our persecuted brethren and give them strength and peace. Convert the hearts of our enemies, that the faithful may be able to live, work, and worship in peace.

Update and addition:  http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-frances-issues-urgent-appeal-for-iraqi-christians/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter