On Saturday, November 8, teens all over the world will participate in the Day of Global Youth Evangelism. What’s astounding is that, of the 84 nations signed up to participate, the one with the largest number of registrants is among the top ten most persecuted nations on Earth.
In this country, tens of thousands of Christians have been brutally slaughtered by Islamic extremists. Yet, despite the relentless violence in recent years, believers there remain bold as lions. This weekend, across this nation, thousands of teenagers will rise up to share and declare the Gospel of Jesus—publicly, passionately, and without fear.
My friend Stephen, who lives in that country, told me why these Christian young people are so bold. He said:
You must choose what you fear. We do not fear death. We fear God.
Wow. Just wow.
May every Christian be inspired by this next-level courage!
The four levels of persecution
There are four levels of persecution Christians experience:
- Level 1: Mockery
- Level 2: Marginalization
- Level 3: Mangling
- Level 4: Murder
In the United States, we may occasionally suffer from levels 1 or 2, but rarely 3 or 4. For many believers in restricted nations, all four levels are a daily possibility.
So if you’ve hesitated to share your faith because you fear being mocked or marginalized, it’s time to get over it!
Souls are at stake.
People are racing toward eternal separation from God, and we hold the message that can rescue them, from both the Hell they’re heading toward and the one they may already be enduring.
The honor of suffering for Christ
Being persecuted for the sake of Christ isn’t a curse—it’s an honor. Even if it’s a “lighter” form of persecution, it’s still a privilege to suffer for His name.
I think of the apostles in Acts 5:40-42:
They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Messiah.
The early church rejoiced in suffering. They rejoiced at the spread of the Gospel no matter the cost.
We also should rejoice when we suffer for the Cause of Christ: making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
A global movement with eternal impact
Let the example of the persecuted church ignite your faith. Fear God more than mockery, marginalization, or even death.
A simple way to start is by joining the Day of Global Youth Evangelism (DGYE.org). Alongside nearly a quarter of a million teenagers and leaders from around the world, you and your youth can take part in this Gospel-fueled revolution of love!
It’s happening Saturday, November 8—and it’s completely free. Just sign up, download the videos, watch them with some teens, and go evangelize.
And as you do, remember this: You’re not alone. You’ll be joining with believers across the world who are risking their lives for the Gospel.
Your persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ will be setting the pace and cheering you on.
Let’s do this!
