Watchdog group urges Christians to help persecuted believers, calls for prayer
One of the challenges in supporting persecuted Christians abroad is the lack of awareness among many in the West regarding the suffering endured by their fellow believers, according to the leader of a prominent advocacy group.
Global Christian Relief (GCR) is an organization committed to aiding persecuted Christians through practical support and spreading the Gospel to those in need. The group operates in five regions globally, including Central and East Asia, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
GCR’s mission also includes encouraging Christians to stand in solidarity with their oppressed brethren, ensuring they are not ignorant of the struggles others face.
“There’s been an increase in the persecution and oppression of Christians over the past 15 years,” GCR President and CEO David Curry told The Christian Post. “We need to wake up to this reality and take action.”
Last Sunday, GCR hosted a livestream in honor of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a day of remembrance for Christians worldwide who face violence and discrimination because of their faith.
The event featured a kit with short stories of individuals who have overcome severe challenges, such as a survivor of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria and an advocate for the underground church in North Korea. It also highlighted the testimonies of persecuted Christians whose hardships are less well-known, like a woman from Nepal who faced discrimination after converting from Hinduism.
While the persecution of Christians in Nigeria—considered one of the most dangerous places in the world for believers—is widely recognized, Curry pointed out that countries like Nepal often go unnoticed.
One reason for this, he suggested, is that reports from Nigeria tend to involve more violent attacks, which draw more attention. However, even though the violence in Nepal may not be as severe, Christians in the South Asian country still face serious persecution.
“We don’t want to see anyone harmed, but it’s important to start by asking, ‘Do you know what’s happening to your brothers and sisters around the world?’” Curry said.
He emphasized that in Nepal, even simple acts like reading Scripture, attending church, or peacefully practicing one’s faith are not guaranteed freedoms.
Though Nepal is no longer officially a Hindu state, Christians there still face threats of violence from their families or eviction from their homes due to their beliefs. The government also oppresses them through anti-conversion laws and the closure of churches.
Additionally, many people in Nepal are illiterate, making it hard for Christian believers to read the Bible. GCR has worked with local partners to distribute audio Bibles in native languages. Last month, GCR reported that it had delivered around 40,000 audio Bibles to Christians in Nepal.
Curry stressed that prayer is a vital way for Christians in the West to support their persecuted brothers and sisters.
“We need to recognize that this is a spiritual battle,” he said. “Prayer is essential. It’s a matter of life and death. We need to understand that this isn’t just about politics, which is why we begin with prayer and then move to advocacy.”
Curry believes that as people see the impact of their voices, they will be inspired to talk to their representatives, encourage churches to pray about these issues, and push Western governments—such as those in the U.S., U.K., and France—to speak out on behalf of persecuted Christians.