Sisters and brothers carrying sisters and brothers

In closed countries, men and women endure persecution differently. For men and boys, gender-specific persecution is focused, visible and severe. It targets men for their perceived strength as leaders and financial providers, marked by physical violence, imprisonment and economic harassment.

For women and girls, it’s complex, hidden and violent, targeting them for their perceived sexual and familial honour. It’s marked by sexual violence and forced marriage, as well as by insidious, invisible violence behind closed doors, often by those already known to them.

As Christians, we are all part of the Body of Christ – sisters and brothers supporting each other as one.

We see this with our 4Them fundraisers, who have taken up the challenge to use their talents and passions to support our persecuted family. A number of them took up the call to “Carry each other’s burdens…” – Galatians 6:2

A beautiful illustration

In early March, a group of five friends from Cape Town (pictured below) did 10 laps around the well-known Lion’s Head (5.3km/lap), each time for a closed country on the WWL Top 10. The team did a total of 53 km while praying for our sisters and brothers.

Lineo from Vredenburg (pictured below) also stepped up to the challenge in January, doing a solo run for Somalia. Leaving in the dark, alone, she ran for those who live out their faith in isolation in a country that’s number two on the WWL. With an even greater challenge in mind, she embarked on her first full marathon (42 km) in Langebaan, also in support of Christians in the Top 10 most persecuted countries.

A church in Laingsburg organised a cycle race and fun run, raising a generous R43 000 for our persecuted family, while a group of avid cyclists did the gruelling 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour for our Challenge1000 project.

There are many more of them who are taking up the challenge to use their talents and passions in support of our persecuted family.

Their willingness to use their time, talents and passion to support those parts of the Body of Christ who are suffering for the name of Christ, is a beautiful illustration of 1 Corinthians 12:26: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.”

This is the beauty of being part of the Body of Christ, where, as brothers and sisters, we each have a unique role to play.

Today we honour and celebrate the roles that the Lord has called us to as brothers and sisters in Christ…

Brothers in Christ

My Christian brothers, I’ve noticed that in our current social climate, men are often seen as the enemy, either labelled as apathetic or aggressive. You are not. In God’s eyes, you are equal, not to be humiliated or feared, with a unique God-given purpose.

I want to honour you today for taking up your role as servant-hearted leaders, shepherds, providers and protectors in your families and communities. We need Godly men like you to lead with conviction and stand up for the vulnerable. You may never know the restoration your example could bring to a woman who’s suffered at the hands of ungodly men.

Sisters in Christ

My sisters, God has uniquely positioned you to be nurturers, showing love and care to your families and communities in the way that only you can. It’s no wonder when Jesus speaks about longing to protect the people of Jerusalem, He uses the illustration of a mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings.

We honour you today, whether you’re married or single, whether your nurturing happens in a home, a hospital, a classroom, a boardroom, or a quiet conversation on an ordinary afternoon. You are carers. You are creators. You are listeners who make people feel truly heard. And the world is immeasurably richer because of the way you love it.

Do a challenge 4Them to raise awareness and funds.

By doing something you love, you can help ensure every persecuted woman is seen, valued and strengthened to reach her God-given potential.