“BLACKOUT” This Weekend

If you have attended an SLU event in recent years, you have seen and heard from the ministry of Open Doors. For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world's most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement and Christian Community Restoration. SLU is incredibly grateful to partner with Open Doors, and today we want to share with you one way you can partner with them this weekend to support the persecuted church.

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”

1 Peter 3:14-15

Do you ever wonder if what you say is worth listening to?

Every day we post comments, tweets, photos, videos, and more for the world to see, but so often we do it without thinking of the consequences. We feel safe to post whatever we want while hiding behind our computers and phones.

Would you think twice about what you post online if it warranted the death penalty?

A young woman named Fatima was in her mid-20’s when she decided to follow Jesus. She found herself unable to keep Him to herself and began blogging about Him. The only problem was she lived in Saudi Arabia. Fatima’s blog was discovered, and it cost Fatima her life.

Fatima understood the consequences of her faith being discovered – yet willingly posted her beliefs with boldness and purpose, counting the cost with each post.

This weekend, Open Doors Fortify will host the BLACKOUT campaign in honor of and in solidarity with Fatima and many others just like her. We invite you to join us by silencing your voice online for 48 hours on August 28-29! We are going dark:

• to shed light in the darkest of places

• to stand in solidarity with those who have been silenced

• to speak for those have been forbidden.

Today, you can download the official BLACKOUT Awareness Kit. Included are profile pictures and headers for both Facebook and Twitter, an Instagram profile picture, as well as eight (8) shareable photos for all three social media networks. This is a simple way to tell others about the persecuted church.

We hope you join us this weekend in the #fortifyBLACKOUT by silently standing #OneWithThem!

Reposted with permission from http://www.opendoorsusa.org/.