Video: What are children of the persecuted church asking for this Christmas?

In these video clips, children of the persecuted church share their prayers for the future – and how they will be spending Christmas.

Around the world, millions of children face persecution and discrimination for their faith. That might mean they’re part of a Christian family being attacked or ostracised by the community – or it could be that their own family is persecuting them.

It’s heartbreaking to think of children facing this sort of pain. We instinctively want to protect people so young from harm and danger. Thankfully, we know that God cherishes children – and He is shining His light upon them. As Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)

In these compilations of video clips, captured by Open Doors partners, children from around the world share their prayer requests – and also how they are celebrating Christmas this year.

“I wish that we spend Christmas like last year: that we gather with the family, visit the church and pray and worship and sing to the Lord,” shares Sako (12) in Syria, “that we stay in peace, safety and joy.” Jessica (13) in Bolivia, meanwhile, prays: “May Jesus bring peace and love to His children, and may the whole family be united this Christmas.”

Angelica (4) agrees: “Christmas is a time for family, and to share food with the children.” In Sri Lanka, an 11-year-old believer says “Christmas is the day Jesus came to this world. He came to forgive our sins. Christmas is the most joyful time for us.”

As you watch the videos of our young brothers and sisters, please pray that they and their families will have peaceful, hopeful and joyful Christmases. You could even share these videos with your church or small group, making sure the children of the persecuted church are in our minds and our hearts as we celebrate the birth of Christ.