With the terrible news of more than a hundred people killed in the Paris terrorist attacks on November 13th, the fate of thousands of Christian refugees from Syria and Iraq are further complicated. "It's understandable," news writer David Rupert explains in his commentary. "Lives are gone and families are changed forever. There is pain and anguish, and the natural reaction is to begin to look for those responsible. Every nation is reviewing how such a thing could happen -- and what they need to do to prevent an occurrence within their own borders."
While France has taken in nearly 20,000 Syrian refugees over the past two years alone, its borders immediately closed for the first time since WWII. David Rupert speculates that "out of self-preservation and response to public outcry, the doors in Europe will no doubt start closing." Then he makes mention of this present reality: "It's already happened in Slovakia and Poland."
On the other hand, some internationally known politicians are taking a stand in favour of accepting Christians as refugees. America's Hilary Clinton says that immigration should be allowed, especially for "those who are most vulnerable, a lot of the persecuted religious minorities, including Christians, and some who have been brutalized, like the Yazidi women." Governor Jeb Bush also believes in providing safe refuge for "every Christian Iraqi and every Christian Syrian" who might be at grave risk.
United Kingdom's Prime Minister David Cameron boldly expresses concern for the persecuted in his timely statement: "Every day in countries across the world, Christians are systematically discriminated against, exploited and even driven from their homes because of their faith. No believer should have to live in fear.... Now is not the time for silence. We must stand together and fight for a world where no one is persecuted because of what they believe."
As followers of Christ, we know that the most effective way to fight this spiritual battle is through the power of prayer. Please join us by posting a prayer on behalf of the numerous displaced Christians who are in need of God's guidance and provision during this extremely difficult time.
It's reassuring to know that our Sovereign God is fully aware of the plight presently being experienced by His long-suffering people, and that He is actively working on behalf of the persecuted through those who are compassionately responding to His promptings and directives. Pray that our world's international leaders will be granted the wisdom, insight and providential guidance to not only hinder further attacks from taking place, but also to serve as mediators for the many innocent victims of such inhumane acts of terrorism. In the midst of the resulting aftermath caused by these recent tragedies may there be a global spiritual awakening among all the peoples of the world -- one that will lead multitudes to the saving knowledge of the "Prince of Peace."
