Worldwide, one in seven believers in Jesus face persecution. That’s 365 million people according to mission agency Open Doors, who compile an annual “world watch” list. Top of the list of persecutors are N Korea, Somalia and Libya. However, Nigeria is 6th and Pakistan 7th, ahead of Afghanistan and Iran.
This weekend is our annual Global Focus Weekend when we spotlight God’s heart for the world and his plan to mobilise his people to reach the nations. This year, along with Eddie Lyle, President of Open Doors UK and Ireland, we will be hearing from and praying for the persecuted church. I encourage you to explore Open Doors’ “World Watch List” and the various country profiles it contains.
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/
This Saturday evening from 7pm at the Point we are running a fun night with a purpose. Using “escape rooms” you will learn the puzzles and problems faced by our brothers and sisters as they seek to follow Jesus in hostile societies. We will also interview a couple of people who are seeking to serve Jesus in the complexity that political and religious intolerance creates.
Sunday morning, Eddie will be our keynote speaker bringing us fresh insight into the challenges faced by the global church. We will have an opportunity to give to our Global Mission Fund which helps support our mission partners through the year. Sunday evening at 6:30pm will be a “World Watch” prayer gathering focusing on prayer for the persecuted church.
We would love to see you at any or all of these events.
QPBC supports a number of Mission partners.
- Brian and Alison Parker – Brian helps small businesses across the world get started, enabling people to break out of poverty. Alison supports agencies with advice and counsel on safeguarding and caring for families.
- Darryl and Kathie Turner are based in Nigeria training people in language translation skills with Wycliffe Bible Translators.
- Julyan and Lenna Lidstone are involved in leadership with Operation Mobilisation and cross-cultural outreach in Glasgow.
- Gillian Hyeon works in outreach amongst the Jewish community.
- Roger and Michelle Hartley work amongst a tribal community on the Indian subcontinent.
- Emma Thompson is a paediatrician working in Blantyre, Malawi, along with her husband, Ian, who runs a guitar-making project.
- Andy and Catherine Kennedy mobilise mission amongst children and families through YWAM, King’s Kids.
- Patience Marshall helps lead a YWAM base in Switzerland.
We partner with international projects and are currently connected with:
- LSESD (Through BMS World Mission) is a Baptist network in Lebanon working with refugees and in special needs education
- International Justice Mission, tackling issues of modern slavery.
- FAST working to change the lives of Roma families in Brasov County, Romania
Iain