Harassment. Discrimination. Inequity. Persecution.

Loving Jesus and being committed to Him comes with a cost for believers in dozens of nations around the world.

God’s Word isn’t silent on the subject either:

• 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

• “When trouble or persecution comes,” begins Mark 4:17. Not IF, but WHEN.

• In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Christ Himself was persecuted—certainly a great comfort to believers who live in hostile countries and face threats and violence daily, because He feels their pain.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,” Matthew 5:10 says, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This promise, and many others throughout Scripture, offers persecuted Christians hope.

And, through your fervent prayers and generous giving, so do you.

You give hope to believers in Nigeria who suffer greatly at the hands of Fulani militants.

You give encouragement to displaced Christians in Iraq who fear for their lives under the Islamic State's growing presence. "Christians still face a lot of pressure from the Muslim majority," a spokesman from one of our partners said. "As one church leader in Iraq stated it, they feel like their society is 'vomiting them out.'"

You shine light in the darkness for brothers and sisters in nations like India and Laos who are being harassed and driven from their villages and towns because of their faith. Many end up homeless, jobless and penniless.

Please reach out to them today.

Your online donation to Liberty Relief International right now will enable our partners on the ground to respond with humanitarian aid and spiritual support.

Through your generosity, you will provide:

1. Emergency food, water, shelter and safety to believers in need of immediate assistance amid unrest and violence.
2. Trauma counseling, literacy and job training, and assistance in rebuilding churches and homes that have been attacked or destroyed thanks to our Christ-centered partners on the front lines.
3. Bibles, discipleship training and materials and more for new Christ-followers.

You and I have a God-given opportunity to make an eternal impact today. I do hope you'll take advantage of it.

Because the kingdom of heaven belongs to "those who are persecuted because of righteousness," please act on their behalf, in Jesus' name. I know the Lord will bless you for it!

In Christ,

Mat Staver