HOW PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS VIEW EASTER

Over the past few years, Easter has become a dangerous time for my Christians around the world. For members of the persecuted church Easter is a time to celebrate, but also a time to be vigilant. It is a time when the church becomes much more visible – and therefore more vulnerable to attack. Over the past decade, hundred of Christians have lost their lives, and thousands more injured in Easter attacks Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia and Nigeria.

So, how do our persecuted family view Easter, the time we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection? Here’s three quotes from Christians around the world on what Easter means to them:

Algeria


“I remember what the death of Jesus brought me. I remember the cross, the bloodshed, His broken body. But it is also about freedom. If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed.”
An Algerian believer

The majority of Christians in Algeria are converts from Islam. These believers are at risk of persecution from their family and from the wider community. They face harassment, beatings, threats, and imprisonment, as well as pressure to adhere to Islamic customs. Churches are under pressure from government, with several being closed in recent years.

Iraq


“We could close our churches to protect ourselves… Or we can hold all the celebrations and maybe we will receive some bombs or attacks. We try to stay here and love like Jesus Christ. We try to give this meaning of Christianity: that love and life are better than death and killing.”
A church leader from Mosul, Iraq

In Iraq, Islamic extremist groups, continue to influence a society that is healing from conflict. Christians are pressured to conform to the Islamic way of life and are often faced with physical abuse or the threat of kidnapping.

Jerusalem

“We remember that God showed His love for us by sending his Son to die for our sins. He brought down the walls between us and Himself. He made our relationship with Him complete. By being raised from the dead, Jesus conquered death. He reassures us that we don’t have to fear death anymore.”
A believer in East Jerusalem