We look forward to the holidays at our house, but I know that for some, gathering with family and friends can truly be a source of stress.

Being the only Christian in a group of family or friends that indulges in things from which you have been set free can be very challenging. Trying to be a peacemaker in a family that bickers and fights can be emotionally and spiritually draining if you’re not prepared.

You prepare by filling up on the Bread of Life. Remember these words of Jesus . . .

• Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

• Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

But He didn’t stop there. He didn’t just say you would be blessed—He also gave us a responsibility . . .

• You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

• You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mt 5:10-16)

In these days before Thanksgiving, fill up on the presence of God. Making sure your spiritual battery is charged is far more important than making sure your phone battery is charged.

Read about the “great cloud of witnesses” from Hebrews 11, those heroes of the faith that have gone before us.

With that in mind, I also ask you pray for and remember our brothers and sisters all over the world who daily face persecution, unspeakable torture, false imprisonment, rape and even death simply because of their Christian faith.

In most countries where Christians face the worst persecution, they have no way to obtain a Bible unless one is smuggled to them. It is even harder for them to encourage themselves in their faith without access to God’s Word.

You can help Liberty Relief International provide Bibles and study materials to waiting believers in closed countries where Christianity is outlawed.

Our partners on the ground can network through safe channels to deliver the gift of God's Word to waiting believers. Even though they must keep Bibles hidden and read them in secret, these precious brothers and sisters eagerly desire a Bible of their own so they can hide God's Word in their hands.

Just $7 provides one Bible and discipleship materials for a waiting believer.

Your gift today will mean so much to our brothers and sisters who are desperate for a Bible. You can give a secure, tax-deductible online donation right now to give a gift that will truly light their world.

May God's richest blessings be yours,

Mathew D. Staver
Founder and Chairman