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Some people make resolutions at the start of a new year. Maybe shedding pounds, going green or spending more time with their family.

Those are all superb resolutions.

But let me suggest making a pledge at the start of 2009 that will impact not only you, but millions of believers around the world: Support persecuted Christians who face threats, harassment, imprisonment and even death for their faith in Jesus Christ.

Here are just a few ways you can make a difference to the over 100 million persecuted believers:

Pray

Prayer is always the first request I receive from persecuted brothers and sisters. Our prayers are like long-range missiles…you can target persecuted believers and make a difference in their lives even if they reside in such far-away countries as North Korea, Nigeria, Iraq, Iran or Colombia. Open Doors has several prayer ministries such as Weekly Prayer Alerts sent via email, monthly Prayer Force Alert bulletins and a prayer hot line at 1-800-488-PRAY.

Here is one example of the importance of prayer. The following letter is from a rescued North Korean believer:

Dear brother in Christ,

Hello, my name is ***. My family and myself were banished to a labor camp.

We are now placed at a safe place with the help of other believers. God has protected our family. Our Christian brothers and sisters never stopped praying for us. They came to visit us and supported us spiritually and materially whenever we were feeling lonely.

I became a Christian through my mother’s teachings and since then, I have never stopped reading the Bible and praying. We are grateful for your prayer and help. We thank God for giving our family this great opportunity to live a free life. I promise in the future that I will dedicate myself to serve the Lord.”

Stay Informed

Keep informed about what is happening in restrictive countries around the world, especially in the context of religious freedom and basic human rights. Each year around Feb. 1 Open Doors releases the World Watch List. The World Watch List reveals the top 50 countries which are the worse persecutors of Christians. North Korea has topped the list for six years in a row. The World Watch List will help you advocate and pray intelligently for persecuted Christians. When you read, hear or watch news from around the globe, think about what impact it will have on suffering Christians. Also, read books written about the Persecuted Church; they will likely stimulate you into a deeper involvement.

Advocate

Use your voice and freedom to influence those with political power to bring about positive change for the voiceless. Speak up and seek justice in the face of injustice and remember those who are in prison for their faith.

Open Doors USA and other agencies which support persecuted Christians often sponsor programs to advocate for the persecuted. This advocacy often takes the form of writing to imprisoned Christian prisoners or perhaps fax or email campaigns to officials in countries where the prisoners are being held. Indonesia Pastor Rinaldy Damanik, who was released from prison after serving two years, said he received over 26,000 letters while imprisoned. The letters encouraged him and strengthened his faith. Open Doors currently is sponsoring an email campaign to support victims of recent violence in Orissa State in India.

Give Of Your Resources

Monetary gifts help organizations like Open Doors provide Bibles, literacy training, pastoral training, emergency relief items and much more. Also, volunteering on behalf of persecuted Christians is a great way to make an impact. Open Doors has a 2009 Gift Catalog online (www.OpenDoorsUSA.org) which lists current needs for persecuted Christians – like medical kits, training Christian leaders at Bethlehem Bible College and a printing press in a closed country.

Mobilize Others

Many believers in the West don’t have a clue that millions of Christians are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, there are more Christians being persecuted for their faith today than at any other time in history. You have the opportunity to tell others and to mobilize your church or small group into action.

Go To The Persecuted

Go to restrictive countries like China to visit suffering Christians…even if it is a stretch for you. Pray with them and encourage them in the faith. You will be a blessing to them and you in turn will be tremendously blessed. My travels to such countries as Colombia, China, Iraq and Pakistan have changed my life. Their faith in the face of intense persecution has humbled me but also challenged me to stand stronger in the gap with them.