Being thankful for the things we never think about (but should)

Today I was thinking about all the stupid things we Christians complain about that are NOT important or even worthy to mention. Just the other day, I listened to someone grumbling about setting up the chairs and tables every weekend for the church potluck in their church basement (this church is paid for), when things like this are happening elsewhere...

A group of 48 Christians were forced from their homes in Katin village, Saravan province, Laos in January by approximately 100 officials and villagers. The believers, who had gathered for Sunday worship, were expelled from their church at gunpoint and brought to an open field. Officials then confiscated personal belongings from 11 Christians' homes. Six of the homes were later destroyed.

Be thankful you have a church.

Another person told me that the preacher at their new church was pretty good, and taught the Bible, but the worship team was awful and needed a good guitar player. Meanwhile, things like this are happening elsewhere...

A Christian in Kazakhstan, Zhanna-Tereza Raudovich, has been fined for hosting a worship service for local women and children in her home. Kazakh police raided Zhanna-Tereza's home...on January 17. Three days later, she was fined for "leadership or participation in the activity of an unregistered social or religious organization." Authorities have warned her that she will face criminal charges if she does not pay the fine, which amounts to approximately 100 times the minimum monthly wage in the country. There is concern over how Zhanna-Tereza will pay the fine, as she has six children and is currently unemployed.

Be thankful you are free to worship.

And last month I had to blow the dust off my study Bible that had been sitting on a pile of books for a few weeks. It's so much easier to read on the computer. I take all these things for granted, and think they will always be there. Meanwhile, things like this are happening elsewhere...

On February 4, approximately 60 Moroccan authorities raided the home of a Christian...where a Bible study was being held for believers from around the country. Authorities seized Bibles, books, two laptops, a digital camera and one cell phone. They also detained 18 of the believers, including five small children, for 14 hours and interrogated them. The visiting Christians were then released and sent back to their homes. One of the detained, a U.S. citizen, was deported immediately after interrogation. A report by the Interior Ministry claimed that the raid took place "following information on the organization of a secret meeting to initiate people into Christianity, which would shake Muslims' faith and undermine the Kingdom's religious values."

Be thankful that Bibles, and Bible studies, are not illegal in your country.

*These things and more can be found here:

The Voice of the Martyrs
Persecution and Prayer Alert
www.persecution.net

Be thankful. And pray for the persecuted church around the world.