Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Hebrews 13:3
MEET
Meet Twen. Twen is from Eritrea and has spent the past 15 years in prison. Her ‘crime’ was to take part in an evening prayer meeting. She has never been tried or sentenced and has no idea how long she will be detained.
During her imprisonment she has faced beatings and torture and was even kept in a metal shipping container. But Twen has also used her time in prison to serve others. She has taken punishment in their place, washed their wounds and carried them when they couldn’t walk. She has had opportunities to escape but each time has returned to serve her fellow prisoners. Her one prayer request is that God would be glorified in Eritrea.
THINK
Imagine you are Twen’s fellow prisoner – her cell mate. Imagine the cold at night and the heat during the day. Imagine the aches and pains. Imagine being separated from your family. How would you feel? How would you pray? How would you want others to pray for you?
WALK
For many prisoners of faith the days are long and hard. They have little opportunity for distraction or exercise and many spend hours pacing their cell or prison courtyard. As you live through your own experience of lockdown and confinement this is one tangible way in which you can identify with them. Which room do you spend most time in? Imagine that is Twen’s cell. Slowly walk round the room 15 times – once for ever year of her imprisonment. As you walk remember Twen and pray for her.
GIVE
You can give a donation if you feel led to at www.persecutionsa.org/donate