As most of you know, at Open Doors this last month we've been plugging BLACKOUT. After BLACKOUT was over, we were really encouraged to hear from a girl named Angelica, who decided not to talk, text or use technology for a weekend to raise money and awareness for those who are persecuted because of their faith.
Read her interview below or go to http://www.myheartbleeds.com.au to read her story and many more.
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What is BLACKOUT? //
BLACKOUT is a cause aimed at raising awareness for the persecuted church; to be silent so you can give a voice to those who don't have one. By giving up talking, social media, email or texting for 48 hours, you can be a part of the change and help spread the word about our persecuted brothers and sisters who need our help and our constant prayer.
Why did you do it? //
I did it because Jesus tells us to. In Matthew 25 Jesus says that, "for what you do for the least of these you also do for me." As a Christian I felt I should act on my faith and by taking part in BLACKOUT it was one step into doing that.
Was it hard? What did you BLACKOUT from? //
It was difficult mentally and quite draining. I did no talking, no technology and no texting, so my brain was working hard to keep my mouth shut and my fingers away from my phone. The first day was the real challenge (I did talk twice) but by the second I felt much more at ease, eventually learning to relax. Prayer helped immensely, I think it was what pulled me through.
How did you tell people about it? //
At church I showed the Open Doors video of Fatima, how her faith was so strong that she was wiling to die for Christ. It was a very confronting clip that struck many on how we take for granted our freedom to talk about God, but how most still remain silent. So through the video and talking about the cause, I found so many people willing to donate, most giving more than anything I ever expected. It shows that anyone can deliver Gods message and make a change, even a 16 year old teenager.
What did it teach you about the persecuted church? //
How resilient they are. Their faith in God is built so firmly on His foundations that they wont fall or stumble. They face daily threats of imprisonment and death for their faith but just live each day for God, knowing that His eternal promise is their prize. We can learn so much from these people.
What did you learn about God during the weekend? //
I learnt that God is unfailing. Even when we need help with the smallest of things He still hears us and gives us the strength to make it through, nothing is insignificant for Him.
Why should we support the persecuted church? //
By supporting the persecuted church you are giving these people yet another reason to praise God. The bible says to build up one another. By taking part, raising money and prayer, you are responding to a call that God has set for His people. You are a part of Gods greater plan, much greater than we can ever fathom.
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Go to myheartbleeds.com.au to find out more.
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