EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is revised from its earlier release.
BIRMINGHAM, England (ABP) – Latvian Baptists often encounter “difficulties” from their countrymen working to halt their efforts to spread the gospel, according to Yanis Smits, bishop of the Latvian Baptist Union
Smits' story was the norm from a panel discussion during a Baptist World Centenary Congress seminar July 28, where Baptist leaders around the globe shared stories of suffering for their faith.
Believers reported incidents of violence in the Middle East, church burnings in South Asia and refugee Christians being deported from Western Europe only to face persecution in their home countries.
The causes of the violence varied, as each leader shared his or her pain during the session, which was primarily closed to the media. Panel participants discussed persecution on background rules, which prohibits journalists from identifying speakers and locations unless permission is granted.
Persecuted Christians worldwide need the support of other believers, Smits said. He urged churches to pray regularly for those who suffer because of their faith. God will support them through their trials, Smits said.
Meeting and getting to know persecuted believers through organizations like the Baptist World Alliance can encourage congregations to reach out through prayer, Smits said. Baptists on the opposite side of the world can know the needs of others through e-mail and mail. Prayer petitions can be specific. People are more likely to pray for people they care about.
For certain regions such as Latvia, publicizing the issues may be helpful, Smits added. Media can expose the injustices that are happening. Letters to government agencies may accelerate change in a region, he added.
“Those countries are afraid of publicity because that shines light,” Smits said. “Light is a blow to darkness.”
In other locations, however, Christians should share such information carefully, the bishop noted. Public exposure to specific problems could make believers targets of violence. Believers were advised to respect the wishes of local Baptist leaders about revealing such information and consult BWA officials when further guidance is needed.