Day of the Christian Martyr
Honoring those who have paid the ultimate price for their faith.
In my country and much of the western world, martyrdom and violent persecution is far removed from daily life, and it’s easy to stay ignorant of the suffering religious persecution causes. The truth is, Christians are being imprisoned, beaten, and martyred throughout the world today. To help remedy this ignorance, Todd Nettleton, who works at the nonprofit Voice of the Martyrs, announced the first international Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29, 2019. The purpose is to take a day to honor both past and modern Christian martyrs, reflect, and pray for the worldwide church.
The 2023 World Watch List estimates the number of those affected by Christian persecution to be over 360 million people, and that 5,621 Christians were killed for their faith in the last year (just over 15 every day). These are people like Abdiwelli Ahmed, whose story Voice of the Martyrs is highlighting this year.
Abdiwelli was a Somali who believed being a Muslim was “in his blood,” and lived among other pious Muslims. When Abdiwelli experienced Jesus, he began speaking about Christianity in spite of the known dangers. Beatings and banishment did not shake his faith or stop him from preaching the gospel. While speaking to another pastor in Kenya, Abdiwelli was shot and killed, leaving behind his wife and children. After his murder, his wife Helen boldly maintained that God would still be “triumphant” in their situation. Years later, she returned to Somali and discovered her words were true. Abdiwelli’s story and influence had spread, inspiring many Christians to stay strong and be bold in their faith.
On June 29th and every day, may we remember to pray for our fellow believers who are being persecuted at the hands of their own families, neighbors, and governments. I also give thanks for my country, family, and friends, and pray that those of us who are able to spread God’s Word and show His love freely do not take our positions for granted.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
