Right now, a crisis is unfolding… Christians in sub-Saharan Africa are being persecuted on a scale never seen before. Islamist extremists have unleashed unprecedented violence on Christians in places like Nigeria, Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of Congo – and it’s driving people from their homes. An estimated 16.2 million Christians have been displaced and devastated. People are homeless, hopeless and hungry.

And yet the world is silent.

Who will speak up? Who will cry out to the Lord for our persecuted family in Africa? Not just a quick “Please help them, Lord” when an email pops up and is forgotten in a matter of minutes. Not just “I feel for them, but I have things to do right now.” But a real heartfelt cry for our family in crisis – a family that is our own.

Lord, forgive us for our indifference.

Lord, forgive us for our ignorance.

Lord, forgive us for our dry eyes.

How should we pray for the most persecuted? How do we hold up our family in Africa?

This year, Open Doors celebrates its 70th anniversary. Founder Brother Andrew was a young man when he first visited Eastern Europe in 1955. Until his passing in 2022, he continued to meet with persecuted Christians to encourage and challenge them. He taught some beautiful lessons about prayer that we should take to heart when interceding for Africa and her precious people.

1. “Prayer changes us” – Cry tears of repentance

“What does prayer do?” Andrew asked. “We often say: ‘Prayer changes things.’ But prayer doesn’t change anything at first. Except yourself. ‘Something happens through prayer.’ Of course, God answers prayers, but first of all, we are commanded to pray so that we ourselves are changed.”

He believed that was the most urgent thing because we want to be offered but not get involved; we want to be commanded but not change; we want the benefits but not the cost. Prayer gives us a new heart.

2. “Don’t pray for me’’ – Cry tears of compassion

Andrew knew that prayer means having compassion for others. He once spoke about how the Lord touched him while reading Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane. “I was so moved by the scene of Jesus. In a short while, He would be arrested, tortured and put to death. Jesus goes aside to pray, then He returns and sees His disciples sleeping. He wakes Peter and says: “Can’t you watch with me for an hour?”

Can we not keep watch for an hour with our persecuted family in their dark night?

Let us not be caught sleeping. We must be faithful. To the extent that we are faithful, they are strengthened in their faith.

Can we truly pray with tears of compassion?

We are called to weep with those who weep and to bear each other’s burdens (Romans 12:15, Galatians 6:2). May our hearts break for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Africa and may our prayers be fervent.

3. “Believe your own prayer” – Cry tears of joy and faith

Our words are hollow if we don’t mean what we pray.

Brother Andrew often explained, “I literally believe that every door is open to go in and proclaim Christ, as long as you are willing to go and are not worried about coming back.”

This means that when you pray, you must believe your own prayer. Have faith in God, that He can do what you asked Him to do, and much more. Andrew said: “Too many Christians pray with their hands closed, not really expecting anything in answer to their prayers.”

How can these lessons help us pray for Africa?

• We shouldn’t pray for our Christian family in Africa but with them. We should pray for what they pray for. And the most important thing they pray for is that their faith is stronger than the persecution.
• We should pray that God gives us a heart for the hurting – when they are persecuted, we are persecuted.
• We should pray in faith, knowing that God hears and answers our prayers. He can change the situation for the better, even if the world tells us differently. (See how the power of prayer and partnership is making an impact in Pastor Soré’s community)

Will you pray with and support your persecuted family during their night of persecution?

Will you help provide relief for the sub-Saharan African Church and her people?

Every R410 could give emergency shelter to a Christian driven from their home.

Every R680 can sustain a displaced believer with food, clothing and medical care.

Every R1 470 could give a month of education to a displaced child, to give them a future.

“I keep praying to God for providence. And that He should not forget us here. We will worship God because He has preserved our lives. I appeal to all Christians around the world to pray for peace so that we can return to our own homes.”

– Abraham, a displaced believer in Nigeria

Let’s rally in prayer, petition and practical aid for our brothers and sisters in sub-Saharan Africa.

*Any excess funds will be used to strengthen persecuted Christians where urgent help is needed.