Christian Youth Kick Off Global 'Shockwave'

By Michelle A. Vu, Christian Post Reporter Friday, February 29, 2008

Thousands of young Christians worldwide are uniting in a 72-hour prayer chain aimed at defeating the spirit of persecution beginning Friday in New Zealand.

The seventh annual "Shockwave," Feb. 29 - Mar. 2, will lift up prayers in more than 45 countries, including Australia, the Netherlands, India, Malaysia, France, Germany, Botswana, Japan, South Africa, Tanzania, Brazil, the United States and the United Kingdom.

"Prayer is the most effective weapon God has given us in standing in the gap for the over 200 million persecuted Christians around the world," Shockwave organizers say.

The global prayer event is a youth initiative of Open Doors, an international Christian organization which supports the persecuted church.

Open Doors strengthens persecuted believers by distributing Bible and Christian literature, providing leadership training and assistance, developing Christian community, and through prayer and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers.

"Open Doors' vision is of a world in which every Christian who is persecuted is prayed for and supported by Christians who are free to worship," said Jane Huckaby, vice president of program services for Open Doors USA.

"Shockwave gives young people – from junior high to college-age youth – an opportunity to rise as one force in praying for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ," she said. "I encourage you, your friends or your church group to join in this exciting, powerful event."

The prayer event will take place in Shockwave chat rooms, prayer meetings, churches, homes and other locations. Shockwave gatherings can also be organized as an all-night event, an evening or even a prayer breakfast.

An estimated 200 million Christians worldwide suffer from persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ, with another 200 to 400 million facing discrimination and alienation, according to Open Doors.

Participating Christians are urged to pray specifically for Christians living in countries where extreme persecution is reported.

Top 20 worst Christian persecutors:

1. North Korea
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Iran
4. Maldives
5. Bhutan
6. Yemen
7. Afghanistan
8. Laos
9. Uzbekistan
10. China
11. Eritrea
12. Somalia
13. Turkmenistan
14. Comoros
15. Pakistan
16. Qatar
17. Vietnam
18. Chechnya
19. Egypt
20. Zanzibar Islands