The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) is an affiliated ministry of The Free Methodist Church in Canada. Here is a release concerning the International Day of Prayer:
Canada joins its international partners for IDOP Sunday, and announces this year’s theme: “Hearing Their Cry”
This year IDOP Canada is excited to announce the uniting of its resources with the World Evangelical Alliance’s International IDOP group! It is a call for Christian believers in Canada to lift up a united global prayer on November 14 for those who, because of their faith in Jesus, fear for their safety and freedom. This year’s theme is Hearing Their Cry from Psalm 10:17: “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”
What is IDOP Canada?
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is an annual event that takes place in churches around the world. IDOP Canada is a partnership formed in 1997 to encourage churches in Canada to join in the day of prayer. The IDOP Canada partners work together to produce resources for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church for use by churches across Canada. The partners include The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) Religious Liberty Commission, Open Doors with Brother Andrew (Canada), The Voice of the Martyrs (Canada), Intercede International and International Christian Response.
Why should you have an international day of prayer for the persecuted church?
Today, more than 200 million Christians around the world face brutal opposition and persecution for simply naming Jesus as their Lord and choosing to serve Him. Their daily reality includes discrimination, intimidation, attacks, fines, imprisonment, unimaginable torture, and even death for their faith. While we here in the West may not identify with their hardships, we identify with their calling – and are called to pray on their behalf.
We will pray earnestly for God’s protection and for increased freedom in their home countries to express their faith without fear of persecution. On November 14, we will stand with those suffering and lift a united cry to God – while encouraging our brothers and sisters that the all-present God hears our cry – and He will answer.
The IDOP resource kit will help to organize an entire meeting, lead a small group, or highlight the needs of the persecuted church during a regular church service. Individuals, groups, or congregations can download the free resource kit and DVD video at www.idop.ca.
If unable to participate in IDOP Sunday on this date, congregations are encouraged to set aside time on a different date to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters.
