Thank you for joining us at Standing Strong Live 2021!

Thank you so much for joining us at Standing Strong Live this weekend! It was both encouraging and challenging to hear from our persecuted brothers and sisters, and we hope that you were ‘mutually encouraged by each other’s faith’ (Romans 1:12). If you missed out – or simply want to refresh your memory of the evening – here is a summary of the highlights, along with a link to a recording of the event.

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for this year’s Standing Strong Live! It was an incredible evening of worship, prayer, inspiration and challenge, as we heard from our persecuted church family across the Middle East and India.

One attendee said, “It was lovely to hear from and see some of the people we have prayed for previously. Their stand for the Lord and work in His strength was inspiring and challenging.”

If you weren’t able to watch on the night, don’t worry! You can catch up here in your own time. 

Middle East: Taher and Donya

You may remember reading about and praying for Taher* earlier this year. After being arrested and interrogated for his faith, he – along with Donya* and their two children  – had to flee their country. Emma took us through an interview with them, which you can watch below. It’s incredible to see just how much they love Jesus after everything they’ve been through – and your prayers have been such a support to them during this time.

“I can say that, in every hardship and suffering, the Lord Jesus is next to us and He won’t forsake us,” Donya said. 

Iraq: Father Araam

Sam spoke to Father Araam, who runs a Centre of Hope in Iraq as part of his church. He stuck it out in Iraq all through the conflict there, and was among the first to return to his home after so-called Islamic State were ousted. He and his church are a sign of God’s presence in their community, and he feels called to encourage weary hearts amidst the rebuilding and restoration of homes and lives, despite the ongoing threat of persecution which is still very prevalent. 

But he is not discouraged, thanks to you! “Already we are in your prayers!” he said during his interview. “Already you are trying to help us. And you did! The reality we have is like the hands of God working through you. So I didn’t feel alone – never!”

India: Sister Reena

Sister Reena* serves persecuted Christians in India, and on Saturday she shared with Henrietta, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, how God is doing miraculous things through His church there, despite increasing persecution. 

“God’s work is happening,” she said, “and nothing can stop the work of God.”

Save the date for Standing Strong Live 2022!

Standing Strong Live will be back next year – in person! Join us on Saturday 24 September 2022 in Birmingham for a day of live worship, prayer and more stories from our persecuted church family.

*Name changed for security reasons