The following piece was first written for the August 16, 2026 pew sheet at St Augustine’s Anglican Church. I share it here again in the hope that it may continue to encourage and bless.
This Sunday we focus our attention on our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer persecution because of their faith. We are pleased to welcome Pedro Gonçalves, the South Australian Coordinator for Barnabas Aid, who will share with us about the ministry of Barnabas Aid and bring God's Word to us on the hope that gives strength and encouragement to believers, even in the midst of suffering. For many Christians around the world, following Jesus comes at a great cost. Persecution can come from neighbours, communities, colleagues, friends and even members of one's own family. In other places, Christians face hostility and repression from governments and authorities. Their suffering can take many forms: verbal abuse and threats, physical violence, discrimination, imprisonment, confiscation of homes and property, forced displacement and, in some places, detention in labour camps. Some believers pay the ultimate price for their faith and lose their lives because they confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Yet what is so remarkable and challenging about persecuted Christians is their steadfast faith. Despite threats, hardship and uncertainty, many continue to worship, pray, serve others and bear witness to Christ. Their faithfulness reminds us that following Jesus is not merely a matter of convenience or comfort. Christ is worthy of our allegiance whatever the cost. Their example also points us to the source of their strength: the hope we have in Christ. Christian hope is not wishful thinking or optimism that circumstances will improve. It is the confident assurance that Jesus Christ has died and risen again, that he is with his people in their suffering, and that he will ultimately bring them into the fulness of his kingdom. As Jesus says, 'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world' (John 16:33). For those of us who live with considerable freedom to worship, the suffering Church has much to teach us. May we not take our freedom for granted, but pray for persecuted Christians, support them in practical ways, and ask God to give us the same courage and faithfulness.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, strengthen your Church throughout the world, especially those who suffer persecution for the name of Christ. Give them courage, comfort and hope, and help us to stand with them in prayer and love. Keep us faithful in bearing witness to the gospel, trusting in Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Above image: Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges, SA. Reproduced from APT, 'The Wonders of Wilpena Pound.'
