Majed El Shafie wishes OFWI's supporters a merry Christmas, happy Hanukah, and happy new year, while reflecting on 2019.
Christmas & Attacks: Pray For a Celebration that Ends Persecution
By Majed El Shafie, President & Founder, OFWI.org
Christmas time is upon us. Celebrating the birth of Christ and the Christmas season is a special time of year. It also serves as a humbling reminder of unmet needs in many parts of the world.
As a convert to Christianity, I was persecuted in my native Egypt for my faith. Tortured and physically broken, it was the strength drawn from my faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ that allowed me to survive. For seven days, they shaved my head, hung me upside down, and crucified me. They released dogs to attack, yet instead, they miraculously refused the order to attack.
So at Christmas, I remember my own journey, and I am continually inspired by God’s hand in our world. The inspiration is strongest at Christmas as we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Without Him, I very well may not be alive today. It is a reminder to not celebrate Christ once a year, but everyday as we walk this earth with his guidance.
While many will gather to celebrate with family and friends this Christmas, this time of year also is a stark reminder of why One Free World International’s work is necessary. Sadly, in many parts of the world, Christmas is the season of persecution of the church. Rarely a year goes by that Christmas does not see attacks on churches as worshippers gather to celebrate. Attacks on innocent Christians peacefully gathering to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Through the power of prayer and your support, we stand strong against anti-Semitism and are able to help those forgotten in the world. Since the production of Freedom Fighter, we have been able to rescue hundreds of Yazidi girls and women from sexual slavery. We have gone to Afghanistan to support our Troops, while providing relief aid to locals.
There is much work we can do to support them. Churches in the US, UK, Canada and other affluent areas of the world can start with the power of prayer and raising awareness. Churches can set up dedicated programs to support Ministries and organizations that are on the front lines of protecting the persecuted church and for freedom of religion.
Through prayer and educating others on the harsh realities persecuted Christians face, we can come together to make the better world we envision closer to being. For our enemies can try to kill believers, but they cannot kill the belief of our hearts. They can try to kill a dreamer, but they cannot kill the dream.